Pahud Doha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pahud Doha" by Muni Ramsingh, based on the provided information:

Title: Pahud Doha (पाहुडदोहा) Author: Muni Ramsingh (मुनि रामसिंह) Editor/Translator: Dr. Devendrakumar Shastri (डॉ. देवेन्द्रकुमार शास्त्री) Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanpith (भारतीय ज्ञानपीठ) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090321/1

Overview:

"Pahud Doha" is a significant mystical poetic work from the 9th century, written in the Apabhramsha language. It is considered one of the oldest expressions of devotional sentiment within the Jain spiritual tradition. The work is deeply rooted in the lineage of prominent Jain acharyas like Kundakunda, Pujyapada, Amitagati, and Yuginudev.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is a collection of 220 dohas (couplets) that offer a profound exploration of spiritual truths and the path to self-realization within Jainism. Its central theme revolves around the nature of the soul (Atman) and the attainment of self-realization (Atmanubhuti).

• Mystical and Devotional Poetry: "Pahud Doha" is characterized by its rich mystical and devotional tone. Muni Ramsingh eloquently expresses the poet's inner spiritual experiences, aiming to guide the reader towards the ultimate goal of liberation.
• Critique of Ritualism and Externalism: The text strongly advocates for the supremacy of inner spiritual experience over external rituals and outward show. Muni Ramsingh criticizes religious hypocrisy, idol worship of deities without genuine spiritual attainment (like Dharanendra, Padmavati, Chakreshwari, Yakshas), and meaningless ceremonialism. The verses emphasize that true reverence is due to the Vitaraagi (passionless) beings—the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Nirgrantha monks—who embody genuine detachment and self-control.
• The Soul as the Divine: A core message is that the soul itself is the divine, the ultimate reality. The text stresses the importance of recognizing the soul's true nature as pure consciousness, devoid of any external substances or qualities. The ultimate goal is to realize this inherent divinity within oneself.
• Emphasis on Inner Purity and Self-Control: The dohas highlight the significance of Samyama (restraint) and Shuddha Bhava (pure mental states) as the means to achieve reverence and spiritual progress. External actions without inner purity are deemed futile.
• The Meaning of "Pahud": The term "Pahud" has multiple interpretations, including "revealed through verses," "established by Tirthankaras," or "gift/offering." In this context, it refers to teachings established by the Tirthankaras and revealed through clear verses. The title "Pahud Doha" signifies a collection of dohas that reveal these profound spiritual truths.
• Influence on Later Literature: The work's mystical and rebellious undertones, particularly its critique of ritualism, are seen as influential on the Nirguna (formless devotion) poetry that later emerged in Hindi literature.
• Metaphorical Language: The poetry employs rich metaphors and symbols, such as the soul as a beloved, the highest reality as a pure, passionless being, and the body as a temple.
• The Concept of Samarasa (Equanimity/Oneness): The text frequently refers to the state of samarasa, a state of blissful equanimity achieved when the mind dissolves into the soul, mirroring the union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul. This state is presented as the ultimate goal and the essence of true Samadhi (meditative absorption).
• Spiritual Guidance: Through its 220 dohas, the text provides practical guidance on the spiritual path, emphasizing introspection, self-awareness, and the realization of the soul's inherent bliss and purity.

Contribution of Dr. Devendrakumar Shastri:

The edition and translation by Dr. Devendrakumar Shastri are highly valued. His scholarly commentary and interpretation of Muni Ramsingh's verses are considered invaluable for students and scholars of Jain literature and philosophy.

Historical Significance:

"Pahud Doha" is a powerful 9th-century composition that resonates with the spiritual currents of the time, influencing subsequent devotional and mystical poetry in India. Its emphasis on inner experience and its critique of empty ritualism connect it to a broader movement of spiritual reform and expression.

In essence, "Pahud Doha" is a timeless spiritual masterpiece that continues to offer profound insights into the Jain path of self-realization, emphasizing the inherent divinity of the soul and the transformative power of inner purity and devotion.