Parmatma Prakash Evam Bruhad Swayambhu Stotra - Book Summary

This document is the book "Parmatma Prakash evam Bruhad Swayambhu Stotra," published by the Digambar Jain Samaj, Kukadwali (Rajasthan). It contains two significant Jain texts: "Parmatma Prakash" by Yogindudev and "Bruhad Swayambhu Stotra" by Samantbhadracharya. The book also includes introductory remarks and blessings from Acharya Shri 108 Shri Vivek Sagarji Maharaj, and it is edited by Pandit Vidyakumar Sethi and Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri.

Here'x a comprehensive summary of the document, covering its main components and purpose:

1. Front Matter and Fair Use Declaration:

The initial pages include a "Fair Use Declaration" by "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC) from www.sanskritdocuments.org. This declaration states that the book is sourced from another online repository and provided for individual educational or research use under Fair Use guidelines. It emphasizes that the book is believed to be in the public domain and its dissemination was intended by the original repository. The TFIC team applauds and supports such works and aims to make valuable books accessible, especially those in Indian languages or no longer easily accessible online. They stress that their intent is to aid digitization projects and not to undermine them. They also note that while they believe the books are in the public domain in their jurisdiction, users must verify the legality of access and use in their own jurisdiction.

2. Publisher and Publication Details:

Publisher: Shri Digambar Jain Samaj, Kukadwali (Rajasthan).
First Edition: 1000 copies.
Value: For self-study and contemplation.
Publication Year: Kukadwali, V.S. 2036 (corresponding to 1979 AD).
Inspiration: The publication was made possible by the completion of the 11th Chaturmas of Param Pujya Shri 108 Shri Muni raj Vivek Sagarji Maharaj with his Sangha in Kukadwali. The book is published with funds provided by the Digambar Jain Samaj, Kukadwali, as a memorial to this event.
Printers: Bakliwal Printing Press, Madanganj-Kishangarh, and Shri Boor Press, Maniharon ka Rasta, Jaipur.

3. Foreword and Blessings (from Muni Shri Vivek Sagarji Maharaj):

Muni Shri Vivek Sagarji Maharaj offers his blessings and expresses his gratitude for the publication.
He highlights the profound nature of "Parmatma Prakash" by Yogindudev, praising its deep spiritual content and the beauty of its Sanskrit commentary.
He mentions that he is inspired to publish a "Laghu Parmatma Prakash" (a shorter version) for those who cannot afford the original or find the Sanskrit commentary difficult.
He also notes the rarity of the Hindi translation of the Sanskrit commentary on "Brihad Swayambhu Stotra" by Acharya Samantbhadracharya, which is rich in devotion and philosophical content. He wishes for the combined publication to benefit students and seekers of knowledge.
He expresses gratitude to the generous donors from Kukadwali and congratulates Pandit Vidyakumar Sethi and Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri for their diligent work in researching and editing the texts.
He encourages readers to study and contemplate the book rather than just keeping it for show, and to place copies in temples or libraries for wider accessibility.

4. Introduction to Kukadwali's Religious Establishments:

This section, written by Shri Kundanmalji Ajmera (Secretary, Shri Digambar Jain Shantinath Pathshala), provides a brief overview of Kukadwali.
It highlights the auspiciousness of Muni Shri Vivek Sagarji Maharaj's 11th Varshayog (monsoon retreat) in their small town.
It details the presence of three Digambar Jain temples, a Jain Bhavan (guesthouse), a large Pathshala building, and their various community facilities.
It provides demographic information about the Digambar Jain community in the village, noting the number of houses and population.
It also briefly describes the three Jain temples: Shri Neminath Jinmandir (approx. 300 years old), Shri Shantinath Jinmandir (foundation laid in 1967 V.S.), and Shri Parshwanath Chaityalaya.

5. Introduction to "Parmatma Prakash" (by Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri):

Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri introduces "Parmatma Prakash" (Paramappaprakas) as a highly respected text for both householders (Sagar) and ascetics (Anagar).
He identifies the author, Joindudev (Yogindra Dev), as a great spiritualist and ascetic who was indifferent to fame and worship.
He places Yogindudev's time in the 6th century AD.
The book's primary purpose, according to the introduction, was to instill dispassion (Vairagya) and spiritual interest in Prabhakar Bhatta, a disciple of Yogindudev, who was suffering from the sorrows of the four states of existence (four gatis).
The text is described as beneficial for all who seek self-welfare and are religious, as it is free from sectarianism.
Structure of Parmatma Prakash: The introduction breaks down the "Parmatma Prakash" into three main sections (Mahadhikar):
- First Mahadhikar (126 Dohas): Begins with mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) in seven dohās, followed by disciple Prabhakar Bhatta's plea for enlightenment on the nature of the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). It then discusses the three types of souls (trividh atma), the manifest (sakal) and unmanifest (vikal) Paramatma, the self's proportion to the body, refutation of other philosophical views, the harm from false beliefs, and a detailed analysis of right faith (samyak), knowledge (gyan), conduct (charitra), soul (shuddhatma), and pure thoughts (shuddha parinam).
- Second Mahadhikar (116 Dohas): Focuses on the nature of liberation (mukti), its fruits, and the state of equanimity (nivikalp dasha). It also explains the definite (nishchay) and conventional (vyavahar) paths to liberation, the non-dual essence of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and the impartial state of souls (samabhav). It further illuminates the concept of 'upayog' (consciousness) and the state of pure consciousness (shuddhopayog), culminating in a discourse on ultimate samadhi.
- Third Mahadhikar (107 Dohas): Continues the discourse, offering profound insights and guidance from Yogindudev's teachings, including the impact of devotion and the path to spiritual realization.

6. Introduction to "Bruhad Swayambhu Stotra" (by Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri):

Dr. Yatindrakumar Jain Shastri introduces "Brihad Swayambhu Stotra" (Great Self-Created Hymn) by Acharya Samantbhadra.
He describes it as a spiritual scripture that dispels the cycle of birth and death and clarifies the nature of reality.
He emphasizes its devotion-filled content and its unique philosophical depth, drawing from principles of anekanta (non-absolutism).
The Stotra is praised for its ability to uplift the mind from worldly concerns towards the contemplation of the soul.
He notes that the Stotra discusses the path to liberation, distinguishing between the ultimate (nishchay) and conventional (vyavahar) truths and refuting one-sided views.
It also includes devotional praise of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, which cools and purifies the mind, similar to moonlight.
The Stotra's teachings are presented as a way to understand and follow the path of Jain dharma, encouraging its study for spiritual progress.

7. Overall Purpose and Theme: The book serves as a compilation of two foundational Jain texts focused on spiritual elevation and self-realization.

Parmatma Prakash offers a detailed philosophical and experiential guide to understanding the nature of the soul, the path to liberation, and the attainment of the Supreme Being (Paramatma) through pure consciousness and meditation.
Bruhad Swayambhu Stotra provides a devotional and philosophical framework for approaching the divine, emphasizing the refutation of one-sided views and the cultivation of spiritual equanimity. The publication, inspired by Muni Shri Vivek Sagarji Maharaj's spiritual endeavors, aims to make these profound texts accessible for study and contemplation, contributing to the spread of Jain spiritual wisdom.

In essence, the document is a valuable resource for Jains and Indologists interested in the core philosophical and devotional aspects of Jainism, particularly the path to spiritual liberation as elucidated by ancient Acharyas.