Mukmati Mimansa Part 02

This comprehensive summary of "Mookmati Mimansa Part 02" is based on the provided Hindi text, focusing on the reviews and discussions within the book.

Book Title: Mukmati Mimansa Part 02 Author(s): Prabhakar Machve, Rammurti Tripathi Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Overall Purpose:

"Mookmati Mimansa Part 02" is a collection of diverse critical essays on the Mahakavya (epic poem) "Mookmati." The primary aim of these essays is to elucidate the core themes and message of "Mookmati" for the readers. The authors explore the work from various angles, including religion, philosophy, spirituality, and poetry. The original creator of "Mookmati" intended it to reveal fundamental Jain principles. The collection highlights how the poem elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary and transforms worldly attachment into detachment. Its purpose is to address societal ills in academic, political, religious, and philosophical spheres, guiding the era towards a yogic path from materialism, and preserving the ideals of the Vitarag Shraman culture.

Key Themes and Aspects Discussed by Critics:

• Multi-dimensional Analysis: Critics examine "Mookmati" from religious, philosophical, spiritual, and poetic perspectives to clarify its content.
• Jain Principles: The work is seen as an effort to unveil fundamental Jain principles.
• Transformation: It's noted for its ability to transform ordinary beings into the extraordinary and worldly attachment into detachment.
• Societal and Ethical Imperatives: The "Mookmati" aims to eradicate negative influences in social, academic, political, and religious spheres, fostering positive societal values and promoting a shift from materialism (bhog) towards spirituality (yog), thereby preserving the Vitarag Shraman culture.
• In-depth Exploration: Critics have elaborated on, nurtured, and enriched the author's ideas through their intellectual insights.
• Focus on the Work: The reviews are not just reader-centric but primarily focus on the author's work, allowing readers to engage with the explicit and implicit meanings.
• Philosophical Depth and Contemporary Relevance: The essays reveal the eternal, upward-centric, sattvic tendencies of life, profound philosophical aspects, and also address contemporary issues.
• Critique of Modern Avarice: Both the author and the critics critically examine contemporary trends driven by greed for wealth, fame, ego, and destructive tendencies like terrorism.
• Debate on Mahakavya Status: Many scholars have delved into whether "Mookmati" qualifies as a Prabandha Kavya (narrative poetry) or Mahakavya (epic poem), engaging in detailed pro-and-con analysis.
• Artistic Elements: The discussion extends to the artistic aspects of "Mookmati," including the hero/heroine, their nature, the interplay of emotions and sentiments (bhava-rasa), the complexity of the plot, the integration of contextual narratives, and the author's mastery of language and rhetorical devices.
• Author's Eloquence and Linguistic Prowess: The collection highlights the author's rhetorical skill, use of figurative language, and exceptional command over the language.
• Reader Engagement: The compilation aims to facilitate a dialogue between the author and the reader, fulfilling its intended purpose comprehensively.
• Identification of "Mookmati" as a "Shastrakavya": Some scholars argue that "Mookmati" is a "Shastrakavya" (a literary work that blends scriptural knowledge with poetic elements) rather than purely a Mahakavya.
• Inclusion of Author's Conversation: Volume II notably includes a conversation between the editors and Acharya Vidyasagar himself, discussing various aspects of "Mookmati," from inspiration to the creative process and its philosophical underpinnings.
• Academic Reception: The introduction highlights that "Mookmati" has been the subject of extensive academic research, with numerous D.Litt., Ph.D., M.Phil., M.Ed., and M.A. theses being written on it across various universities in India.
• Editorial Efforts: The collection is a result of a significant editorial undertaking, with Dr. Prabhakar Machve initially leading the effort, and Acharya Rammurti Tripathi completing the task due to Dr. Machve's untimely demise.
• Purpose of Bharatiya Jnanpith: The publisher, Bharatiya Jnanpith, emphasizes its role in bringing significant literary and intellectual works to a wider audience, fostering inter-lingual and inter-cultural dialogue.

Summary of the Conversation with Acharya Vidyasagar (as described in the introduction and presented in page 11 onwards):

The conversation provides deep insights into the genesis and philosophy behind "Mookmati."

• Inspiration for "Mookmati": Acharya Vidyasagar discusses the inspiration for the title and theme, stemming from the concept of "Satta" (existence) as the Supreme Being, which is omnipresent and underlies all existence, as mentioned in the "Panchastikaya" scripture.
• Satta as "Dravya": He elaborates on "Satta" as "Dravya" (substance), which forms the basis of "Guna" (qualities) and "Paryaya" (modes). "Satta" exists in both animate (Jiva) and inanimate (Ajiva) forms.
• Metamorphosis/Transformation: The Acharya explains the journey from the "Mridmaya" (earthly) to the "Chinamaya" (spiritual) through "rupantaran" (transformation), likening it to the potential within clay to become a pot, or an unformed soul to become a perfected being with divine guidance.
• Hierarchy and Social Ills: The conversation touches upon the concept of "ucch neecha" (high and low), attributing it to human perception rather than inherent qualities. He critiques societal biases and the pursuit of material possessions (kanchan), linking the "kanchan ka ghada" (golden pot) to the potential for causing "aatank" (terrorism or fear), possibly hinting at contemporary issues like exploitation and the denial of existence.
• Addressing Terrorism: Acharya Vidyasagar links terrorism to exploitation, disrespect, and the denial of one's existence, emphasizing the need to address the root causes.
• Reservations and Development: He advocates for equal opportunities for development but cautions against the misuse of support through reservations, suggesting it can create hindrances and devalue intrinsic worth.
• Democracy and Meritocracy: The discussion delves into Bernard Shaw's quote "Democracy is Mediocrity," questioning whether democracy inherently leads to a lowering of standards or an elevation of the less capable. The Acharya emphasizes the need for evaluating individuals based on merit, intelligence, and capabilities, rather than solely by numbers.
• Literacy and Values: He points out that literacy alone is insufficient; true progress lies in the development of positive values, as mere literacy without virtue can lead to "Rakshasa" (demonic) tendencies.
• Dictatorship and Restraint: The conversation touches upon dictatorships (Hitler, Stalin, Saddam) and the importance of "Sanyam" (restraint), referencing the ancient Rishis' "Da-Da-Da" (Dana-Dayaa-Daman - charity, compassion, restraint).
• Education and Discipline: He questions whether current education instills discipline and restraint, noting a decline in character and a growing lack of restraint in society. He proposes simplifying the path to inculcate discipline widely.
• Pathways to Perfection: He draws an analogy between currency (rupee and paisa) to illustrate that while perfection (rupee) requires completeness, even a fraction (paisa) holds value and can contribute to the whole. This implies a gradual, cumulative approach to spiritual progress.
• "Mookmati" and Free Verse: Acharya Vidyasagar explains his choice of free verse ("mukt chhand") for "Mookmati," highlighting its flexibility in expressing "sutratmakta" (aphoristic quality) and avoiding the artificiality of rhyming couplets.
• Influences and Inspiration: He mentions studying works of Jain Acharyas like Acharya Jainsagarji and drawing inspiration from Sanskrit and Prakrit literature.
• The Four Sections of "Mookmati": He explains that the initial draft was continuous, and the division into four sections with titles was for reader convenience, not to break the flow of thought.
• Symbolism of Panch Tattvas (Five Elements): He elaborates on the symbolic use of elements like earth (mitti), water, fire (sunlight/agni), air, and space, emphasizing their role in representing the unformed soul and the transformation process through divine guidance.
• Creator and Creation: The Acharya discusses the concept of the Creator and Creation, drawing parallels with the potter (Kumbhar) and the pot, and emphasizing the inherent potential within the material (clay/soul) and the necessity of external guidance (potter/guru). He critiques the idea of a creator who makes a flawed creation, suggesting that creation is an interaction of inherent potentials.
• The Nature of Time: He views "Yug" as the "Vartaman" (present), not bound by past or future, but a continuous flow where the present is the ever-advancing state.
• Knowledge and Action: He stresses the importance of aligning desire, knowledge, and action, and the need for the "head, heart, and hand" to work in harmony.
• The Poet's Role and "Swaantah-Sukhaya": He believes a poet must be in tune with the era and that true poetry comes from inner experience, though its dissemination is for the benefit of others.
• The Journey from Word to Transcendent: The entire conversation revolves around this journey, exploring how "Mookmati" guides the reader from the tangible to the intangible, the word to the wordless experience.
• Science and Spirituality: He acknowledges the scientific exploration of the atom but cautions against its misuse, emphasizing "Yog" (union) over "Prayog" (experimentation) when dealing with fundamental forces.
• Poetry as Communication: He views poetry not just as self-expression but as communication, a dialogue between the soul and the transcendent, and ultimately, a path to understanding the unmanifest.
• Zen Buddhism and Silence: The conversation touches upon similarities with Zen Buddhist practices of finding meaning in silence and observation, leading to a state beyond words.
• Sublimation of Desire: He highlights the Jain concept of overcoming desire and the pursuit of the "Shantam Ras" (tranquil sentiment) as the ultimate goal.
• The Essence of "Mookmati": The poem represents a journey from silence ("mook") to a state of profound realization, symbolized by "mati" (intellect or understanding).

Structure of "Mookmati Mimansa Part 02":

The book is presented in three volumes, with Volume II containing the critical essays. It includes the introductory "Udbhavana" by the publisher, a pivotal conversation with Acharya Vidyasagar, and critical essays by approximately 300 scholars from across India. The table of contents lists numerous articles covering various aspects of "Mookmati," from its philosophical underpinnings and artistic merit to its societal relevance and its place within Indian poetic traditions. It also includes appendices with biographical information on Acharya Vidyasagar and references for further research.

Critical Reception:

The collection demonstrates that "Mookmati" has been widely recognized as a significant contribution to modern Indian literature, particularly within Hindi poetry. Critics acknowledge its profound philosophical depth, spiritual insights, and its exploration of timeless human values alongside contemporary issues. The compilation itself is a testament to the significant impact "Mookmati" has had on intellectual and literary circles.