Muni Meru Rachit Nav Gitikao - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Muni Meru Rachit Nav Gitikao" authored by Upadhyay Bhuvanachandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Muni Meru Rachit Nav Gitikao (Nine Songs Composed by Muni Meru) Author: Upadhyay Bhuvanachandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Context: This work, compiled by Upadhyay Bhuvanachandravijay, presents nine songs (gitikas) composed by Muni Meru. The compiler states that these songs were found on a miscellaneous manuscript from the knowledge repository of the Mandal-Parshvachandra Gachh Jain Sangha. Muni Meru was a disciple of Kamalasanayama Upadhyay.

Linguistic and Stylistic Analysis (as per Page 1): The songs are described as "भाववाही" (emotionally resonant) and are set to classical ragas. The language used in the songs is particularly noteworthy and draws attention:

Marathi Influence: Words like "संगतू" (sangatu) and "गमिले" (gamile) suggest a connection to Marathi.
Bengali Influence: Words such as "दुइ" (du'i), "करिवो" (karivo), and "जाइवो" (jaivo) indicate Bengali influence.
Maru-Gurjar Language: Terms like "इम" (im), "इणि" (iṇi), and "एह" (eh) are characteristic of the Maru-Gurjar language (an ancient form of Gujarati and Rajasthani).
Apabhramsha Usage: An Apabhramsha usage like "जिणह" (jiṇah) is also present.
Pure Sanskrit: The use of pure Sanskrit words like "वदति" (vadati) is also observed.
Urdu-Arabic Influence: Even an Urdu-Arabic word like "नेकु" (neku - meaning "a little" or "some") is found.

The compiler speculates that this linguistic diversity might be because Muni Meru was a monk who traveled to various regions, or it could indicate that such a language was spoken in a particular area. Experts are invited to shed light on this aspect.

Specific Song Mentions and Potential Interpretations (as per Page 1):

"पहिरि दाखिणु चीर" (Ge. 4): The phrase "दक्षिणी चीर" (Dakshini Cheer) might refer to a southern garment or style of dress. If so, it establishes a direct link with Marathi.
"मुनागरू" in Gita 8: The word "मुनागरू" in Gita 8 requires further investigation.

Information about Composers: Direct information about Muni Meru is scarce. However, the compositions of his guru, Kamalasanayama Upadhyay, are recorded.

Hope for the Audience: The compiler hopes that these compositions, which serve as samples of ancient Bengali or Marathi forms, will be enjoyable and interesting for language enthusiasts.

Summary of the Nine Songs (based on Pages 2-4):

The following is a brief overview of the individual songs, often mentioning the raga and the theme:

Song 1 (Raga: Gaud Shri Raga):
- Theme: Transience of the world, attachment to worldly pleasures, and the importance of spiritual knowledge. It contrasts the illusion of beauty with the reality of impermanence.
- Key Message: Encourages remembering the teachings of the guru and the ultimate truth, moving beyond superficial attractions.
Song 2 (Raga: Dhanashrayi Raga) - Song of Female Renunciation:
- Theme: Renunciation of worldly desires and attachments, particularly for women. It uses the analogy of worldly life being like a deceptive, attractive fruit with an unpleasant interior.
- Key Message: Advises against being swayed by fleeting beauty and passions, urging devotion to the Jincharan (feet of the Jina) and the path of liberation. It highlights the teachings of Kamalasanayama Upadhyay and Muni Meru.
Song 3 (Raga: Shri Raga) - Adinath Gita:
- Theme: Devotion to Lord Adinath (Yugadi Dev), the first Tirthankara.
- Key Message: Expresses fervent devotion to Adinath, finding joy in his name and presence.
Song 4 (Raga: Shri Raga) - Jiravali Parshvanath Gita:
- Theme: Admiration for the adornment and beauty of Parshvanath. It also contrasts worldly adornment with spiritual engagement.
- Key Message: Describes the captivating appearance and demeanor of Parshvanath, and the joy derived from seeing him. The line "आजु काइ करिवो, सखी रे जिणह भुवनि जाइवो" (What should be done today, friend, let's go to the halls of Jina) indicates a call to spiritual engagement.
Song 5 (Raga: Nat) - Parshvanath Gita:
- Theme: Deep devotion and attachment to Parshvanath, possibly indicating a personal spiritual connection.
- Key Message: Expresses an overwhelming feeling of being captivated and drawn to Parshvanath, mentioning the company of Muni Meru.
Song 6 (Raga: Kedara) - Neminath Gita:
- Theme: The folly of worldly attachments, symbolized by the story of Neminath and Rajimati. It warns against being ensnared by superficial colors (attachments).
- Key Message: Advises against indulging in transient pleasures and encourages focusing on devotion to Neminath and the unwavering love of Rajimati.
Song 7 (Raga: Dhanashrayi) - Ajit Jineshwar Gita:
- Theme: Contemplation on the self and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, leading to immense joy.
- Key Message: Highlights the importance of discerning right from wrong and seeking the feet of Ajit Jin. It also mentions the joy derived from the presence of Devi Vijayananda and the insights of Muni Meru.
Song 8 (Raga: Purvi Malhar) - Banarasi Parshvanath Gita:
- Theme: A personal reflection on one's shortcomings and the desire to please the Jina.
- Key Message: Expresses a feeling of inadequacy in one's own qualities but a strong desire to please Lord Parshvanath, referencing Banaras. The phrase "मुनागरू" (munagaru) is present, noted as needing further investigation.
Song 9 (Raga: Kumod Varadi) - Jinchandra Suri Gita:
- Theme: Contemplation on the soul (Atma) and the wisdom of not being deluded by Maya (illusion). It celebrates the attainment of joy through spiritual stability.
- Key Message: It mentions seeing Jinchandra Suri, emphasizing the importance of contemplating the true nature of the soul and finding lasting happiness.

Concluding Remark: The book concludes by stating that these songs were composed by Muni Meru, the humble disciple of Upadhyay Shri Kamalasanayama. The final word is "भद्रं" (Bhadraṁ), meaning auspiciousness.