Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti," based on the provided text and catalog link:

Book Title: Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti Author: Raj Buddhiraja (as the reviewer) Original Author: Voppana Kavi (mentioned as the author of the original work) Translator/Publisher Context: Acharya Ratna 108 Shri Deshbhushanji Vidyalankar (credited with making it accessible and translating it) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/212062/1

Summary:

"Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti" is presented as a valuable contribution to Kannada Jain literature, now made accessible to a wider audience through the translation and efforts of Acharya Ratna 108 Shri Deshbhushanji Vidyalankar. This short devotional text, comprising 28 verses, is described as being rich in spiritual depth and beauty, reflecting the author's own disciplined spiritual practice and austerity.

The core of the text, as reviewed by Dr. Raj Buddhiraja, delves into the profound aspects of spirituality, the nature of the soul (Jiva), the Supreme Being (Brahma), and the cycle of the world (Samsara). The original author, Voppana Kavi, is commended for sharing the invaluable achievements gained through spiritual discipline, which were attained by understanding worldly prosperity as insignificant.

The stuti begins with Bhed-Vigyan, the science of discrimination, which is central to its teachings. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the self (Atma) and the non-self (Anatma), truth and falsehood, darkness and light, mortality and immortality, and the soul and the body. This discerning vision is presented as the ultimate cause of liberation (Moksha).

The text explores the soul's journey, highlighting that it undergoes the pain of birth and death through 8.4 million life forms (Yonis) solely to gain knowledge in the human form. Until the soul realizes its true "self," it remains trapped in external beauty and material wealth, leading to endless suffering. It is suggested that the soul becomes lost in the cycles of Maya (illusion), both worldly (Vidya Maya) and spiritual ignorance (Avidya Maya). The author repeatedly guides the reader back to this forgotten "self," posing fundamental questions like "Who am I?", "Where have I come from?", and "Why have I come?"

Liberation requires breaking free from bonds. Just as birth and death are binding for the soul, so are good and bad karma. Therefore, the text advocates for performing all actions with a Nishkam Bhava (desireless intent).

The concept of good fortune (Saubhagya) is also discussed, emphasizing that it is the foundation for one's future and afterlife. True fortune lies in being able to "drink the nectar of immortality" and digest it. Living a disciplined life, by controlling the senses and the mind, allows one to practice austerity (Tapa), which leads to eternal happiness.

Following the discussion on the soul, the text elaborates on Brahma, describing it as the beginningless, all-powerful creator and destroyer, whose divine play is immeasurable. Brahma's knowledge can be attained through worship, vows, and fasting. These devotional practices, in turn, lead to liberation. The text states that one cannot engage in worship and meditation without the grace of Brahma, who is considered the primal Guru. Brahma's compassion liberates the soul from the bonds of lifespan, enjoyment, and karma. With Brahma's grace, the soul's fetters loosen, darkness dispels, and the light of knowledge dawns. This divine grace helps overcome the ignorance that leads to mistaking the body for the soul, as the body ultimately turns to ash. The text asserts that without understanding Brahma's existence, humanity cannot escape worldly suffering.

After this philosophical discourse on the soul and Brahma, the text turns to the captivating and alluring Samsara. This is the realm where the soul wanders, experiencing various joys, sorrows, health, and ailments from birth to death. After enjoying worldly pleasures, the soul leaves its body and enters an unknown realm, which ascetics and wise individuals dedicate their lives to understanding. The text prompts contemplation on how, when, and why the soul transitions from one state to another, or how a child transforms into youth and old age – mysteries that are unknown to anyone.

To comprehend these mysteries of the soul and the world, the author provides essential directives for humanity. These include giving donations to deserving recipients (Satpatra) and adhering to vows and disciplines (Vrat-Niyam-Nishtha). The importance of a deserving recipient for charity is likened to the necessity of a clean vessel for pure milk. Continuous adherence to vows and disciplines leads to the realization of spiritual truths within this very world. These disciplines act as restraints, helping the individual realize the impermanent nature of the body, wealth, and youth.

The book concludes with the author's wishes for auspiciousness, well-being, truth, immortality, and happiness. The review concludes by affirming that the "Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti" is an invaluable text that accurately defines the true nature of the soul, Brahma, and the world. The author's profound sentiments deeply affect the reader, sometimes striking a chord and at other times touching the heart. The power of these emotions allows them to manifest spontaneously through language, which the author wields with a rich vocabulary, effortlessly shaping and scattering words. In conclusion, the text is recognized for enriching Hindi literature.