Parmatma Bhakti Prakash - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parmatma Bhakti Prakash" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Parmatma Bhakti Prakash (Radiance of Devotion to the Supreme Soul) Author: Khumchand Ratanchand Joraji Publisher: Khumchand Ratanchand Joraji, Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032190/1

Overview:

"Parmatma Bhakti Prakash" is a devotional compilation of Jain prayers, hymns (stavan), praises (stuti), songs (sajhay), and verses (chhand). The book is a rich repository of spiritual literature aimed at fostering devotion to the Supreme Soul, the Jinasena Bhagavant. It serves as a guide for Jains in their religious practices, offering a wide range of devotional songs and prayers that can be recited or sung.

Key Themes and Content:

Devotion to the Supreme Soul (Parmatma): The central theme is the cultivation of deep devotion (bhakti) towards the Tirthankaras and other enlightened souls (Parmatma). The book emphasizes the importance of remembering and contemplating their virtues and teachings as a path to spiritual liberation.
The Namokar Mahamantra: The text highlights the significance of the Namokar Mahamantra, breaking down its structure, including the number of letters, syllables, and pauses (sampada). It references its profound importance as described in the Mahanishith Sutra, suggesting that deep remembrance of the mantra can lead one away from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
The Path to Liberation: The book presents two primary paths for souls who have attained the teachings of the Jinas: devotion to Jina (Jan Bhakti) and friendship towards all beings (Jeev Maitri). It emphasizes that following these paths leads to the realization of the soul's true nature.
Compilation of Devotional Literature: "Parmatma Bhakti Prakash" is primarily a collection of various forms of Jain devotional literature, including:
- Prarthana (Prayers): Both Gujarati and Sanskrit prayers are included, offering supplications and expressions of devotion.
- Chaitvavandan (Temple Salutations): These are verses specifically designed for venerating the idols and temples of the Jinas.
- Stavan (Hymns): A vast collection of hymns dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras, as well as to the Siddha Parmatma, general Jinas, and specific sacred sites like Shatrunjaya. These hymns often recount the life stories, virtues, and miraculous powers of the Tirthankaras.
- Sajhay (Songs/Dohas): These are devotional songs and couplets that are easy to remember and sing, making spiritual learning accessible.
- Various Stutis and Verses: The book contains numerous praises and verses covering a wide spectrum of Jain philosophy and practice.
Focus on the 24 Tirthankaras: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the individual praise and veneration of each of the 24 Tirthankaras, detailing their lives, symbols, lifespans, and physical characteristics. This allows devotees to connect with specific Tirthankaras and their unique qualities.
Sacred Sites and Practices: The text includes devotional pieces related to important Jain pilgrimage sites, such as Shatrunjaya (Palitana). It also touches upon various practices like fasting (tapas), reciting mantras (like the Namokar mantra), and performing rituals.
Biographical Information: The book provides a biographical sketch of the author's spiritual lineage, particularly mentioning the life journey of their revered Gurudev (Kanti bhai, later Muni Shri Kasturvijayji M.). This personal touch highlights the deep spiritual foundation of the publication. The author's father, Seth Shri Ratanchand Joraji, and mother, Hastuben Ratanchand Joraji, are also respectfully remembered.
Inclusivity of Knowledge: Beyond devotional songs, the book includes appended sections covering various aspects of Jainism:
- Mantra Japa and Rituals: Details on reciting mantras, performing rituals like Poushadh, and other devotional practices.
- Ethical Conduct: Sections on the twenty-one virtues of a layperson (Shravak), the fifty sayings of Muhapatti (mouth cloth), and discussions on the five great vows (Mahavrat) and twelve vows (Dvadashvrat).
- Cosmology and Cosmology: References to the eternal Jain temples (Shashwat Jina Chaitya), the seventy-two Indras, and the significance of various numerical concepts in Jainism.
- Understanding of Time and Practices: Explanations of different periods (yugas), fasting rituals (like Pachami Tapa, Asthami Tapa, Ekadashi Tapa, Paryushan), and the benefits of specific practices.
Compilation and Dissemination: The book's publication is presented as a desire by Khumchandbhai to make this collection of devotional literature accessible to fellow Jains, aiding them on their spiritual path. The effort involved in gathering ancient stanzas and publishing them is acknowledged, with specific mention of Pandit Shri Vasantbhai Mafatlal Doshi and Muni Shri Kalyanachandra Vijayji for their contributions.

Purpose and Value:

"Parmatma Bhakti Prakash" is intended to be a practical guide for Jains to deepen their devotion, understand Jain principles, and engage in meaningful spiritual practices. It serves as a source of inspiration and a tool for daily spiritual enrichment, preserving and disseminating important Jain devotional heritage. The sheer volume and variety of prayers and hymns make it a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to connect with the Jinas and the Jain path.

In essence, the book is a spiritual journey through the devotional landscape of Jainism, offering solace, inspiration, and a path towards understanding and embodying the teachings of the Tirthankaras.