Prachin Stavanavli 05 Sumtinath - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Stavanavli 05 Sumtinath," by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar:

Overall Purpose and Theme:

This book is a collection of ancient hymns (stavan) dedicated to the fifth Tirthankar, Lord Sumatinath. The overarching theme is devotional worship and the pursuit of spiritual liberation through devotion (bhakti) to the Tirthankar. The compilation aims to bring the reader closer to the divine and, consequently, to self-realization and liberation (moksha).

Key Content and Structure:

The book begins with introductory and inspirational sections before delving into the individual hymns.

Page 2: Namaskar Mahamantra Mahima (Glory of the Namaskar Mahamantra): This page extols the virtues and significance of the fundamental Jain mantra, "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aiyariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva-Saho." It highlights its power, its presence in ancient scriptures (Chaud Purva), and its ability to grant various spiritual and material benefits. It emphasizes reciting it in all circumstances – happiness, sorrow, life, and death.
Page 3: Publication Details: This page provides the contact information for obtaining the book and states that it contains 1000 copies, with the value being "faith and devotion."
Page 4: Introduction (Prastavik): This section explains the purpose of the collection. It states that by embracing devotion to the divine, one can overcome worldly attachments and achieve the divine state. The compiler has included virtually all available ancient hymns dedicated to each Tirthankar in separate small booklets. The aim is for readers to experience a glimpse of the joy the composers found in devotion, which can help awaken spiritual strength and bring one closer to liberation. It also mentions the spiritual lineage of the compiler's guru.
Page 5: About Devotion (Prabhubhakti): This page discusses the essence of true devotion. It suggests that the lack of joy in daily worship stems from a superficial understanding of the divine. Realizing the true nature of the Tirthankar leads to a profound and uplifting devotional experience that can bring liberation. It contrasts the futility of shedding tears for worldly desires with the immense value of even a few tears shed in devotion.
Page 6-8: Index (Anukramanika): These pages list the hymns included in the book, along with the names of their respective composers. This extensive index covers a wide range of devotional compositions.
Page 9-14: Ritual Procedures (Chaityavandan Vidhi): These pages provide detailed instructions for performing Jain rituals like Chaityavandan (worship of Jina images). This includes:
- Ichchhami Khamasaman sutra: A formula for seeking forgiveness.
- Iriyavahiyam sutra: A ritual for repenting for unintentional harm to living beings while moving.
- Tassa Uttari sutra: A continuation of the purification ritual.
- Annath sutra: A verse for kāyotsarga (meditation/self-detachment), outlining the sixteen agaras (conditions for proper posture).
- Logassa sutra: A hymn of praise for the 24 Tirthankars, which is a central part of Chaityavandan.
- Jinkinchi sutra: A verse acknowledging all Jina images in the three worlds.
- Namutthune sutra: A hymn detailing the qualities and epithets of the Tirthankars.
- Javanti Cheiyai sutra: A verse bowing to all Jina images in the three worlds.
- Javanta Kevi Sahu sutra: A verse bowing to all monks and nuns in the three sacred regions of Bharat, Airavat, and Mahavideh.
- Namo Ariya Siddha... sutra: A formal salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi (five supreme beings).
- Jai Viyaray sutra: A prayer expressing devotion and seeking protection.
- Sarva Mangal Mangalyam...: A concluding verse often recited in Jain tradition.
- Arihant Cheiyaiyan sutra: A specific kāyotsarga for worshipping Jina images.
- The instructions also mention performing kāyotsarga for one Navkar mantra if Logassa is not known.
Page 15-67: The Stavan Collection: The bulk of the book consists of individual hymns composed by various learned monks and scholars. Each hymn is dedicated to Lord Sumatinath and often includes details about his life, lineage, and virtues. The hymns are presented in traditional Gujarati poetic forms and meters, with the composer's name attributed to each. Some notable composers and the themes of their hymns include:
- Shri Virvijayji: Hymns focusing on Sumatinath's birth in Ayodhya, his lineage, and his spiritual achievements.
- Shri Padm Vijayji: Hymns praising Sumatinath's auspicious nature, his city, and his divine qualities.
- Shri Gyanvimalji: Hymns detailing Sumatinath's lifespan, birth, initiation, and attainment of omniscience and liberation.
- Shri Anandghanji: A philosophical hymn on the nature of the soul (Atma) and its three states (Bahir-atma, Antar-atma, Param-atma) in relation to devotion.
- Upa. Shri Yashovijayji: Hymns expressing deep love and devotion, using metaphors of overflowing affection.
- Shri Bhan Vijayji: Hymns expressing gratitude and joy upon seeing Lord Sumatinath's image.
- Shri Anandvardhanji: Hymns emphasizing the importance of holding Sumatinath in one's heart and maintaining unwavering devotion.
- Shri Kirtivimalji: Hymns highlighting the virtue of Samkit (right faith) and its connection to devotion to Sumatinath.
- Shri Shantivijayji: Hymns focusing on the beauty of Sumatinath's form and the necessity of devotion for liberation.
- Pujya A. Shri Gyanvimalsuri M.: Hymns on realizing the formless divine through devotion.
- Pujya Shri Bhavvijayji M.: Hymns describing Sumatinath's birth, lineage, and the bliss of devotion.
- Pujya Shri Vinayvijayji M.: Hymns describing Sumatinath as the husband of renunciation and the shower of dharma.
- Shri Harakchandji M.ji: Hymns describing the auspiciousness of seeing Sumatinath's face.
- Shri Nayvijayji M.: Hymns on the importance of cultivating good thoughts and devotion.
- Shri Rishabsagarji M.: Hymns expressing supplication and seeking divine grace.
- Shri Udayratnaji M.: Hymns on the auspiciousness of devotion and pleasing the divine.
- Shri Jinvijayji M.: Hymns on listening to prayers and maintaining devotion.
- Shri Hansratnji M.: Hymns describing the joy of meeting Sumatinath and the unwavering devotion.
- Shri Mohanvijayji M.: Hymns on forming a deep bond of love with Sumatinath.
- Shri Ramvijayji M.: Hymns praising Sumatinath's auspicious form and the joy derived from his presence.
- Shri Kantivijayji M.: Hymns urging the soul to abandon worldly desires and focus on devotion.
- Shri Nyaysagarji M.: Hymns on the growth of devotion through worship and the benefits of virtuous company.
- Shri Padm Vijayji M.: Hymns detailing Sumatinath's life events and the merits of devotion.
- Shri Vijaylakshmisuri M.: Philosophical hymns comparing the divine's qualities to the soul's state.
- Shri Kirtivimalji M.: Hymns on serving Sumatinath and receiving his grace.
- Shri Danvimalji M.: Hymns on the beauty of Sumatinath's form and the significance of seeing him.
- Shri Vineetvijayji M.: Hymns describing Sumatinath's abode and his divine attributes.
- Shri Amrutvijayji M.: Hymns on the divine as the source of life, knowledge, and solace.
- Shri Pramodsagarji M.: Hymns detailing Sumatinath's birth, lineage, and the joy of devotion.
- Shri Bhanchandramji M.: Hymns on Sumatinath's beauty and the elimination of desires.
- Shri Khushalmuni M.: Hymns on the auspiciousness of Sumatinath's name and devotion.
- Shri Chaturvijayji M.: Hymns expressing ardent devotion and seeking liberation from suffering.
- Shri Devchandji M.: Philosophical hymns on the purity and self-realization of the divine.
- Shri Jeevanvijayji M.: Hymns on attaining merit through devotion and the divine's generosity.
- Shri Danvijayji M.: Hymns on unwavering devotion and the pursuit of liberation.
- Shri Meghvijayji M.: Hymns on devotion to Sumatinath, comparing it to a chakwa bird's devotion to the sun.
- Shri Kesharvimalji M.: Hymns on Sumatinath's captivating form and the desire for his presence.
- Shri Kanakvijayji M.: Hymns praising Sumatinath's beauty and the importance of devotion.
- Shri Ruchirvimalji M.: Hymns on the auspiciousness of Sumatinath and the attainment of spiritual understanding.
- Shri Bhavprabhsuri M.: Hymns on devotion to Sumatinath, highlighting his lineage and the joy it brings.
- Shri Ratanvijayji M.: Hymns on serving Sumatinath, the giver of happiness, and his divine attributes.
- Shri Manikmuni M.: Hymns on serving Sumatinath and his beautiful form.
- Shri Deepvijayji M.: Hymns on Sumatinath's compassionate nature and his devotion to those who seek refuge.
- Shri Dharmakirtiganim.: Hymns mentioning Sumatinath's birth details and his divine qualities.
- Shri Swarupchandji M.: Hymns on the power of devotion and the grace of Sumatinath.
- Shri Gyanvimalsuriji M.: Hymns on Sumatinath as a giver of auspiciousness and the remover of suffering.
- Shri Gunvilasji M.: Hymns on the divine's greatness and the experience of spiritual bliss.
- Shri Jagjivanji M.: Hymns on Sumatinath as the giver of auspiciousness and the dispeller of worldly sorrow.
- Shri Jinhershji M.: Hymns on freeing oneself from the cycle of birth and death through devotion.
- Shri Yashovijayji M.: Philosophical hymns contrasting Sumatinath with other deities and emphasizing the purity of devotion.
- Shri Padm Vijayji (Thoy): A concluding hymn.
- Shri Virvijayji (Thoy): Another concluding hymn.
Page 67: Spiritual Advice: This page contains a quote from Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj, emphasizing the importance of gratitude towards the Tirthankars for spiritual progress and the profound union experienced in devotion.
Page 68: Life Highlights of Lord Sumatinath: This page provides biographical details of Lord Sumatinath, including his parents, birth details, lifespan, physical attributes, initiation, and liberation.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavli 05 Sumtinath" is a devotional treasury, offering readers a pathway to connect with Lord Sumatinath through ancient hymns and ritualistic practices, ultimately guiding them towards spiritual fulfillment and liberation.