Prachin Jain Hindi Sahitya Me Sant Stuti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Jain Hindi Sahitya me Sant Stuti" by Vijayshreeji Sadhvi, focusing on the key themes and examples presented:

The book, "Prachin Jain Hindi Sahitya me Sant Stuti" (Worship of Saints in Ancient Jain Hindi Literature) by Jain Sadhvi Vijayshree 'Arya', explores the significant and revered place of saints (Sants) in Indian culture, with a particular focus on their depiction and glorification within ancient Jain Hindi literature.

The Supreme Importance of Saints in Indian Culture: The text emphasizes that saints hold a supreme position in Indian culture, considered successors to the divine. They are esteemed far above kings, not just respected but worshipped. The Indian populace has always not only revered but also emulated the life of saints. Saints live for the welfare of the world, their hearts encompassing the entire universe. They are described as being naturally inclined towards the welfare of others, like rivers and trees that provide for all. Saints are compared to living, walking kalpavrikshas (wish-fulfilling trees) of the spiritual realm, bestowing eternal spiritual prosperity, unlike their worldly counterparts that fulfill temporary desires. Great figures like Krishna and Guru Arjan Dev are cited, highlighting the saint as the foremost deity, the soul of the universe, and a living embodiment of religion. Kabir Das further liberates the concept of a saint from societal boundaries of caste, creed, time, and place, emphasizing their innate contentment and detachment.

Saint Worship in Jain Agam Literature: The Jain scriptures extensively detail the life, conduct, and daily routines of saints (monks). Texts like the Bhagavati Sutra and Avasyaka Sutra elevate the status of saints to the level of Parmeshthi (supreme beings), alongside Arhants and Siddhas, making them worthy of salutation and refuge. The Uttaradhyayan Sutra praises the tapasya, renunciation, endurance of hardships (parishaha), difficult celibacy, and equanimity of saints. Saints are described as being always cheerful, never succumbing to anger even when faced with adversity. They are likened to sandalwood, which, when cut, still emits fragrance. Saints maintain equanimity in all circumstances – profit or loss, pleasure or pain, good or bad fortune, praise or criticism. Their very sight purifies the mind, leading to the shedding of moha (attachment) and ultimately liberation. The text cites examples of Emperor Shrenik of Rajgriha and King Nami of Mithila being deeply impressed and influenced by the radiance and wisdom of saints, leading them to spiritual paths. The Nandi Sutra includes verses by Acharya Devardhigani Kshamasramana praising revered monks. Furthermore, the text highlights that the knowledge of manahparyavagyan (mind-reading knowledge) is exclusively attainable by monks, underscoring their unique spiritual capacity. Appointment, Churni, and Bhashya literature also speaks of the merit of bowing to saints, leading to freedom from countless births and even the acquisition of Tirthankar Gothra.

Saint Worship in Jain Hindi Literature: The book then delves into specific examples of saint worship in ancient Jain Hindi literature:

Yogiraj Anandghanji: A renowned saint-poet of the 17th century, Anandghanji is celebrated for his devotional songs. He viewed equanimity as the essence of true conduct. His verses emphasize treating honor and dishonor, gold and stone, admirers and critics, and jewels and pebbles with the same indifference. He viewed those who live by samata (equanimity) as boats guiding one across the ocean of existence.
Kavivar Banarasidasji: A contemporary of Tulsidas, Banarasidasji's autobiographical work "Ardhakathanak" and his "Samaysar Natak" are highly significant. His Savaiya Ekateesa describes the ideal saint as one who views worldly gains as calamities, adheres to the five great vows (mahavrat), is detached from sensory pleasures, and meticulously follows the twenty-eight fundamental virtues of a monk.
Kavi Bhudaradasji: Bhudaradasji composed two guru-stutis (praise of the guru). He emphasizes the guru's role in breaking the chains of karma and curing the disease of delusion, akin to a royal physician. A true guru, he writes, not only guides oneself to liberation but also helps others cross the ocean of existence. He considers it an honor to have such gurus residing in his heart.
Kavi Sundardasji: In his 'Shooratan Ang', Sundardasji describes the valiant saint as one who has conquered kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), and moha (attachment). Such a saint has killed the army of the senses, defeated the commander of the arrogant mind, eradicated envy and malice, and slain the serpent of desire and thirst, finding steadfast peace in their true self.
Upadhyay Samaysundarji: A prolific poet of the 17th century, Samaysundarji is known for his vast collection of songs. His works include Sadhu Geet Chhatteeshi, Sadhu Gitani, and Vairagya Geet. His Sadhu Guna Geet beautifully portrays a true saint as selfless, possessive of nothing, adhering to the five vows, and dedicated to the path of righteousness. His verses capture the essence of the Jain Agam-described story of Dharmaruchi Anagar, highlighting his compassion for even the smallest creatures.
Acharya Shri Jaymalji M.: In 1807 V.S., Acharya Jaymalji composed the "Sadhu Vandana," comprising 111 verses, which has become an integral part of daily worship for Jain devotees. The work is praised for its simplicity, devotional depth, and conciseness. It includes praise for past, present, and future Tirthankaras, as well as a comprehensive tribute to the virtues of monks.
Acharya Shri Asakaranji M.: Similarly, Acharya Asakaranji's "Sadhu Vandana" holds a prominent place in Jain devotional literature. Written in 1838 V.S., it is popular for its simple, understandable language that conveys profound devotion. The text describes saints as selfless helpers, like ships guiding beings across the ocean of existence, offering shelter and liberation without asking for anything in return. It also highlights the diverse virtues of monks, such as renunciation, knowledge, self-control, asceticism, and service.
Kavi Shri Harajsaraiji: In 1864 V.S., Mahakavi Harajsaraiji composed the "Sadhu Gunamala" in 125 verses. This work eloquently describes the virtues of monks, their commitment to non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, and control over the senses. The text showcases the poet's profound knowledge and deep reverence for saints. The book also provides examples of unique poetic devices used by Harajsaraiji, including a doha where the initial letters of each word correspond to the twelve vowels.
Puja Pad Shri Tilok Rishi Ji Maharaj: A notable saint of his time, Tilok Rishi Ji Maharaj, born in 1604 V.S. and passing away at 36, is credited with writing approximately 65,000 poetic verses in 10 years. His "Sadhu Chhand" also delineates the virtues of saints. The text further mentions other saints like Shri Ratanchand Ji M. and Shri Sahajanand Ji M., and Jain luminaries like Jain Diwakar Shri Chauthmal Ji M. and Shri Khubchand Ji M., whose extensive contributions to Jain literature, including stutis and stotras, necessitate further dedicated study.
Shrimad Rajchandraji: The spiritual seeker Shrimad Rajchandraji composed many verses on the importance of the Sadguru, highlighting how the inner and outer conduct of a saint can end worldly suffering. He emphasizes the detachment of monks from moha, mamata (possessiveness), and mithyatva (false beliefs).

Conclusion: The book, through its comprehensive analysis of ancient Jain Hindi literature, demonstrates the profound reverence and adoration accorded to saints. It highlights how their lives, virtues, and teachings have been consistently celebrated and emulated, serving as a guiding light for spiritual seekers throughout generations. The author, Mahasathi Vijayashree 'Arya', is recognized as a learned and talented Jain Sadhvi, whose work is expected to further enrich the Jain literary world.