Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1977

The "Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1977" published by the Rajasthan Jain Sabha, Jaipur, edited by Bhanvarlal Polyaka, is a commemorative volume celebrating the 2575th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The publication is a testament to the Jain community's efforts to disseminate the teachings of Mahavira and propagate Jain philosophy, history, art, and literature.

The Smarika is divided into four sections:

Section I: Philosophical and Teachings of Mahavira This section features articles on various aspects of Mahavira's life and philosophy, including:

• Devotional Hymns: "Veer Stavanum" by Dr. Pannalal Sahityacharya.
• Biographical Glimpses: "Bhagwan Mahavir: Jeevan Jhalak" (Glimpses of Mahavira's Life) by Shri Nandkishore Jain, detailing his birth, childhood, and renunciation.
• Core Jain Principles: Articles exploring Ahimsa (non-violence) as Mahavira's central message, the concepts of equality, anekanta (non-absolutism), self-autonomy, and freedom from passions.
• Cosmology and Salvation: "Bhautik Jagat aur Moksha" (The Material World and Salvation) by Kumari Preeti Jain, discussing the Jain perspective on the universe and the soul's journey to liberation.
• Jain and Buddhist Practices: "Jain Bauddh Sadhana Paddhati" (Jain and Buddhist Practices) by Shri Udaychandra Prabhakar, comparing the spiritual paths of both traditions.
• The Five Great Vows: Detailed discussions on Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• The Pancha Kalyanaks: "Pancha Kalyanakaon ka Swaroop aur Bh. Mahavir" (The Nature of Pancha Kalyanaks and Lord Mahavir) by Shri Aditya Prachandiya, explaining the five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life, specifically focusing on Mahavira.
• Philosophical Concepts: Explanations of Karma Siddhanta (theory of karma), Saptabhangi (the sevenfold logic), and the concept of the Tirthankara.
• Comparative Religion: "Jain Dharma aur Vaidik Dharma" (Jain Dharma and Vedic Dharma) by Prof. Shri Rangan Suridev, analyzing the relationship and differences between Jainism and Vedic traditions.
• Ethical Principles: Articles on truth and falsehood, the utility of transactional logic (Vyavahar Nay), and the importance of pure intentions.
• Mahavira's Vision: "Mahavir ki Prajatantrik Drishti" (Mahavira's Democratic Vision) by Dr. Nizamuddin, highlighting Mahavira's emphasis on equality and non-violence as foundational for a democratic society.
• Jain Philosophy: "Jain Darshan ki Ek Divya Drishti" (A Divine Perspective of Jain Philosophy) by Dr. Narendr Bhavnat, discussing the metaphysical aspects of Jainism.
• Discourse on Logic: "Saptabhangi, Prateekatmak aur Trimulyatmak Tarkashastra ke Sandarbh mein" (Saptabhangi, Symbolic and Tri-valued Logic in the Context of Logic) by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, analyzing the Jain concept of Syadvada in relation to modern logic.
• The Meaning of Life and Mahavira: "Manav Jivan aur Bh. Mahavir" (Human Life and Lord Mahavir) by Mahant Parvatpuri Goswami, reflecting on Mahavira's teachings in the context of human existence.
• Critique of Nihilism: "Shunyavaad Sameeksha" (Critique of Nihilism) by Dr. Rameshchandra Jain, examining the Buddhist concept of Shunyavada from a Jain perspective.
• The Importance of Upright Conduct: "Kashth Nahin Kapas Bano" (Be Cotton, Not Wood) by Shri Mangal Jain 'Premi', advocating for gentleness and virtue.
• The Nature of a Tirthankara: "Tirthankar Kaun Hai?" (Who is a Tirthankara?) by Shri Vyohar Rajendra Singh, explaining the qualities and significance of a Tirthankara.
• Jainism and Karma: "Jain Dharma aur Karm Siddhanta" (Jain Dharma and Karma Theory) by Pujya Ayikaratna Shri Gyanmati Mataji, discussing the concept of karma and the path to liberation.
• Mahavira's Message: "Yugon Yugon Tak Amar Rahega Mahavir Sandesh Tumhara" (Mahavira's Message Will Remain Immortal for Ages) by Pt. Anupchandra Nyaytirtha, a poem on the timelessness of Mahavira's teachings.
• Mahavira's Teachings: A collection of Mahavira's sayings, "Mahavir Uvaach" (Mahavira Speaks).

Section II: Art, Culture, and Literature This section explores the rich contributions of Jain scholars and artists to various cultural and literary fields:

• Jain Contribution to Tamil Literature: "Tamil Bharti ko Jain Manishiyon ka Yogdaan" (Contribution of Jain Scholars to Tamil Literature) by Shri Ramakant Jain, highlighting the significant influence of Jain monks on Tamil literary traditions.
• Jain Architecture in Jaisalmer: "Jaisalmer ka Jain Shilp" (Jain Sculpture of Jaisalmer) by Shri Kundan Lal Jain, detailing the exquisite Jain architectural heritage in Jaisalmer, including descriptions of temples and inscriptions.
• Sita in Jain Ram Literature: "Prachin Jain Ram Sahitya mein Sita" (Sita in Ancient Jain Ram Literature) by Dr. Laxminarayan Dubey, analyzing the portrayal of Sita in various Jain retellings of the Ramayana.
• Literary Works: "Shvet Shri" (White Splendor) and "Ye Jeevan Ek Rain ka Sapna" (This Life is a Dream of the Night) are prose poems.
• Poetry: "Panch Muktak" (Five Quatrains) by Pt. Premchand Diwakar, and "Mangal Geet" (Auspicious Song) by Dr. Barkul 'Dhawal'.
• Authorship Debate: "Rayanasaar ke Rachayita Kaun?" (Who is the Author of Rayanasaar?) by Pt. Banshidharji Shastri, critically examining the authorship of the "Rayanasaar."
• Folk Traditions: "Prakrit Sahitya mein Shri Devi ki Lok Parampara" (The Folk Tradition of Shri Devi in Prakrit Literature) by Shri Ramesh Jain, tracing the evolution of the deity Shri Devi in Prakrit literature and folk traditions.
• Cultural Heritage: "Shram Sadhana aur Shraman Sanskṛiti" (Ascetic Practice and Shraman Culture) by Dr. Kripashankar Vyas, discussing the ancient origins and practices of Shraman culture.
• Inscriptions and Epigraphy: "Bh. Mahavir: Murtilekhon va Shilalekhon mein" (Lord Mahavira in Inscriptions and Epigraphs) by Dr. Shobhnath Pathak, presenting insights from historical inscriptions and sculptures related to Mahavira.
• Historical Chronology: "Kharvel ki Tithi" (The Date of Kharvel) by Shri Neeraj and Dr. Kanhaiyalal Agarwal, a scholarly attempt to establish the chronological placement of King Kharvel.
• Buddhism and Jainism: "Bh. Mahavir aur Buddh ki Paramparayon mein Jan Bhashaon ka Vikas" (Development of Folk Languages in the Traditions of Lord Mahavir and Buddha) by Dr. Premsuman Jain, exploring the linguistic impact of these traditions.
• Artistic Representations: "Ek Vichitra Jin-Bimb" (A Unique Jin Idol) by Shri Shailendra Kumar Rastogi, describing a peculiar Jain idol.
• Contribution to Arts: "Jain Dharm ka Bharatiya Kala aur Sanskriti ko Yogdaan" (Contribution of Jain Dharma to Indian Art and Culture) by Shri Sudarshan Jain, highlighting the pervasive influence of Jainism on Indian arts.

Section III: Miscellaneous This section includes a variety of pieces:

• Drama: "Vishwas ki Raksha" (Protection of Faith) by Shrimati Rupvati Kiran.
• Narrative: "Usaki Kahani: Na Maran Na Moksha" (Her Story: Neither Death nor Salvation) by Shri Suresh Saral.
• Poetry: "Nar Narayan Bana Todkar Karmon ki Zanjeer" (Man Becomes God by Breaking the Chains of Karma) by Shri Kalyan Kumar Jain 'Shashi'.
• Illustrative Tales: "Drishtant ki Ladai, Ladai ka Drishtant" (The Fight of Example, The Example of Fight) by Shri Neeraj Jain.
• Points to Ponder: "Vichar Bindu" (Points of Thought) by Pt. Premchand Diwakar.
• Timeliness: "Samay ki Mang" (The Demand of Time) by Dr. Jaykishanprasad Khandelwal, emphasizing the importance of timeliness.
• A Question: "Ek Prashna" (A Question) by Shri Gulabchand Vaidya.
• Milestones: "Nirvan Shatak Varsh ki Mahaan Uplabdhi" (Great Achievement of the Nirvana Centenary Year) by Shri Pratapchand Jain.
• Mahavira's Teachings: "Mahavir ke Updeshon ki..." (Mahavira's Teachings...) by Shri Hazarilal Jain 'Kaka'.
• Literary Criticism: "Nav Sahitya: Kasauti Par" (New Literature: On the Touchstone) by Chaturth Khand.

Section IV: English Section This section features articles in English, providing a global perspective on Jainism:

• Tri-Ratna in Jain Philosophy: An in-depth explanation of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct by Dr. Prem Chand Jain.
• Jainism and Linguistic Analysis: An exploration of Jain philosophical concepts through the lens of language by Dr. Harendra Prasad Verma.
• India of Mahavira's Time: A historical overview of the socio-political and economic landscape during Mahavira's era by Dr. S. M. Pahadiya.
• Pre-Mediaeval Jaina Novels: A study of early Jaina fictional literature by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Jain.

The "Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1977" is a comprehensive collection that offers a rich tapestry of Jain thought, history, art, and literature, aiming to educate and inspire its readers. The Smarika highlights the Rajasthan Jain Sabha's commitment to promoting Jain heritage and the teachings of Lord Mahavira.