Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1964 - Book Summary

The Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1964, published by the Rajasthan Jain Sabha Jaipur and edited by Pandit Chainsukhdas Nyayatirth, is a commemorative volume celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The smarika, or souvenir, is a collection of essays, messages, and information related to Jainism, Lord Mahavira, and Jain culture.

Here's a summary of its key aspects based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Tone: The smarika is intended to commemorate Mahavira Jayanti and to disseminate knowledge about Jain teachings and history. The tone is respectful and celebratory, aiming to enlighten both Jain followers and the general public about the significance of Lord Mahavira and his philosophy. The publication also serves as a platform to highlight the efforts of the Rajasthan Jain Sabha in promoting Jainism and cultural heritage.

Key Sections and Content:

Messages and Greetings: Several pages feature messages from prominent figures, including the Vice-President of India (Dr. Zakir Hussain), Governors of various states (like H. V. Pataskar of Madhya Pradesh and Governor of West Bengal), Union Ministers (Ram Subhag Singh, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of India), Chief Ministers (Mohanlal Sukhadia of Rajasthan), and other dignitaries. These messages express appreciation for the publication and extend good wishes for the success of Mahavira Jayanti celebrations and the smarika itself. They often emphasize the relevance of Mahavira's teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence), peaceful coexistence ("Live and let live"), and compassion in the modern world.
Editorial and Introductory Sections:
- Prakashakīya (Publisher's Note): The publisher, Ratanlal Chhabra, mentions that this is the third issue of the Mahavira Jayanti Smarika. He expresses gratitude for the warm reception of previous issues and acknowledges the financial constraints faced by the Sabha, which limit the smarika's grandeur. He appeals for greater support from the Jain community and advertisers.
- Sampadakīya Vaktavya (Editor's Note): The editor, Pandit Chainsukhdas Nyayatirth, expresses pleasure in presenting the 1964 smarika, noting the positive reception of the 1962 and 1963 issues by readers and the press. He highlights the limited resources as the primary reason for any shortcomings but emphasizes the continued effort to spread Mahavira's teachings and Jain literature. He calls for a planned effort for the propagation of Jain literature, which he considers a national treasure beneficial to all humanity.
Table of Contents (Anukramanika): The smarika features a comprehensive table of contents listing numerous articles covering a wide range of topics related to Jainism:
- Lord Mahavira: Stavan (Praise), his principles, teachings, divine life, and philosophy (e.g., "Bhagavan Mahavira ek Siddhanta the" - Lord Mahavira was a principle).
- Jain Philosophy and Concepts: Ahimsa (non-violence) in various contexts (e.g., "Mahavir ka Anaikanitik Ahimsa-Darshan" - Mahavira's Anaikantika Ahimsa philosophy, "Yuddha aur Ahimsa Ideology" - War and Ahimsa Ideology, "Ahimsa ka Vyapak Chintan aur Achar" - Broad contemplation and practice of Ahimsa, "Ahimsa ka Vyavaharikta" - Practicability of Ahimsa), Anaikantavada (non-absolutism), Kriyavada (theory of action), Atmatva (selfhood), Karmasiddhanta (theory of karma), philosophical concepts like the ascending-descending world ("Jain Darshan aur Vigyan ke Alok mein Aroha-Avaroha-sheel Vishwa" - Jain philosophy and the ascending-descending world in the light of science), consciousness ("Bharatiya Darshano mein Chetana-Astitva" - Consciousness in Indian philosophies).
- Jain History and Antiquity: The antiquity of Jainism ("Jain Dharma ki Prachinta" - Antiquity of Jainism), Jainism's contribution to Indian culture ("Bharatiya Sanskṛti ko Jain Sanskṛti ka Yogdan" - Contribution of Jain culture to Indian culture), Jainism in ancient Egypt ("Sramanic Foundations of Ancient Egypt"), Jainism in modern times ("Jainism in Modern Times"), Jain inscriptions ("Jain Abhilekhon ka Aitihasik Mahatva" - Historical importance of Jain inscriptions), ancient Jain sites (e.g., "The Ancient Town of Rajorgarh"), Jain temples (e.g., "Bai:ath Sthit Mughal Kalin Jain-Mandir" - Mughal period Jain temple at Bai:rath).
- Jain Literature and Language: Contribution of Jain litterateurs to Indian languages ("Bharatiya Bhashao ko Jain Sahityakaron ki Den" - Contribution of Jain litterateurs to Indian languages), Jain prose literature in Dhundhari ("Dhundhari Jain Gadya Sahitya"), Jain poetry ("Jain Kavitri Jadavji ki Kavya-Sadhana" - Poetic Sadhana of Jain poetess Jadavji, "Jain Kavi Naval aur unki Bhakti" - Jain poet Naval and his devotion), Jain message poetry ("Sandesh Kavya Parampara mein Jain Kaviyon ka Yogdan" - Contribution of Jain poets in the tradition of message poetry).
- Jain Ethics and Way of Life: Non-possession ("Aparigraha aur Samajvad" - Non-possession and Socialism), moral virtues ("Naitik Sadgun" - Moral virtues), cultural significance of Samvatsari festival ("Samvatsari Parva ka Sanskritik Mahatva" - Cultural significance of Samvatsari festival).
- Specific Figures and Concepts: Lord Mahavira and Goshala ("Mahavir aur Goshala"), Vedas and Tirthankaras ("Vedon mein Tirthankaron ki Stuti" - Praise of Tirthankaras in Vedas), Mahayandiṇ Muni.
- Other: Sramanic foundations, Yoga, and Jainism ("Sramana Tradition and Vedic Literature", "The Eight-fold Path of Yoga and Jainism").
Articles by Scholars: The smarika features contributions from numerous scholars, researchers, and religious figures, indicating a breadth of expertise and a desire to present multifaceted perspectives on Jainism. Notable contributors include Pt. Chainsukhdas Nyayatirth, Dr. Chhabilnath Tripathi, Dr. Jyotiprasad Jain, Muni Shri Buddh Malji, Dr. Vasudev Singh, Dr. Satyaprakash, Lothar Wendel, Dr. G. C. Pande, and many others, signifying both Indian and some international scholarship.
Illustrations: The smarika includes visual elements like pictures of Jain temples and inscriptions, contributing to the historical and cultural context.
Rajasthan Jain Sabha Activities: A significant portion of the latter part of the smarika details the activities of the Rajasthan Jain Sabha. This includes information on events like Paryushan Parva, Samvatsari Parva, Mahavir Nirvana Utsav, Mahavir Jayanti celebrations (including women's conferences, processions, and public assemblies), and the publication of the smarika itself. It also mentions the running of a reading room (Vachanalaya), special lectures, and attempts to address issues faced by Jain employees in government offices. The financial situation of the Sabha and the details of its executive committee are also provided.

In essence, the Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1964 is a rich and informative compilation that reflects the deep reverence for Lord Mahavira, the philosophical depth of Jainism, its historical contributions, and the active role of the Rajasthan Jain Sabha in promoting this ancient tradition. It aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jainism among its readers.