Ratan Guru Ras

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ratan Guru Ras," based on the provided information:

Book Title: Ratan Guru Ras Author: Rasila Kadia Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229628/1

Textual Description (Page 1):

• Manuscript Details: The text is part of a collection, with this specific manuscript being the second copy.
  • Size: 11.5 cm x 25.7 cm.
  • Lines per page: 15.
  • Characters per line: 39.
  • Condition: Medium.
  • Beginning: Starts with "Bhale Meendu" (likely a greeting or auspicious beginning).
  • Verse Endings: Verse endings have small marks and spaces left for red ink to indicate corrections or emphasis.
  • Marginals: Vertical lines in red ink are drawn on both sides for margins.
  • Coloring: Ochre color is applied where verse and stanza numbers are written.
• Authorship and Provenance:
  • The author's name is not mentioned at the end of the manuscript.
  • A colophon (Pushpika) identifies Munishri Hetkushalgani as the scribe.
  • The manuscript was written for Hemvijayji to read.
  • It was written in Dhoraji.
  • The year of creation is not specified but is estimated to be from the 19th century Vikram era.
• Additional Notes: The Gujarati script at the end mentions "Aa par[tanaḥ parātarakḥ mā Harachandji che" and the writing below it has been erased.

Linguistic Peculiarities (Page 1):

• "Guru" is sometimes written as "Garu."
• The letter "jh" is used in place of "j" in words like "muj" (me) and "tuj" (you).
• There is minimal use of the anuswar (nasal dot), as seen in words like "hu" (I), "sudara," "sudari," "vinavu," "sabhaltā," "tu," "me," and "jagatr" (for jagat - world). The use of "jagatr" is particularly noteworthy.

Narrative Content (Page 2):

• Storyline: The "Ras" (narrative poem) depicts the decision of Ratanasi to take diksha (initiation into asceticism). He goes to call his wife, Shri Bai, to inform her of his decision. The dialogue between them is described as very eloquent and well-presented.
• Shri Bai's Response: Shri Bai is as intellectually sharp as Ratanasi. Ultimately, like Nemrajul, Shri Bai also takes diksha. Both embrace a pure and immaculate life of asceticism.
• Ratanasi's Identity: The "Ras" mentions that Saha Ratanasi came to Navanagar (modern Jamnagar). The word "Saha" indicates that he belonged to the Sthanakavasi sect of the Ratanaguru lineage.
• Overall Appeal: The beautiful dialogues make the work engaging and enjoyable.

Key Verses and Narrative Progression (Pages 2-5):

The provided verses illustrate the core of the narrative:

• Introduction of Ratanaguru: Praises Ratanaguru for his sweet words and virtuous qualities that inspire good conduct.
• Ratanasi's Resolve: At sixteen, Ratanasi has taken vows, and his wife, Shri Bai, is described as beautiful (sukamal), like Devakanya.
• Ratanasi visits Shri Bai: Ratanasi goes to his in-laws' home to bring Shri Bai back, intending to take sanyam (asceticism) after careful consideration.
• Shri Bai's Initial Reaction: Shri Bai is brought to Ratanasi's home, and when questioned by her mother-in-law, she explains her presence is for a specific purpose.
• Ratanasi's Announcement: Ratanasi informs Shri Bai that he has decided to embrace the path of righteousness and considers her like a sister, asking her to take her sasurvaso (belongings from her parental home) to facilitate her ascetic life.
• Shri Bai's Argument (Emotional and Logical):
  • She questions why Ratanasi would abandon her, highlighting their familial connection and her good reputation.
  • She expresses her happiness in their married life and her dependence on him.
  • She emphasizes the transient nature of the world, having witnessed the cycle of rebirth (8.4 million life forms).
  • She questions the purpose of adhering to worldly attachments when the soul is destined for hell without dharma (righteousness).
  • She highlights the rarity of human birth and the availability of the means for spiritual practice.
  • She reminds him of his prior commitment to marry her and asks him to reconsider.
  • She asks him to come with joy on the auspicious day of their wedding.
  • She questions why he would take diksha when he is so deeply devoted to her, asking the unmarried to listen.
• Shri Bai's Counterarguments (Drawing Parallels):
  • She states that taking diksha in youth is difficult, and the burden of asceticism is heavy for those who are young.
  • She compares herself to Jambukumar and asserts her intention to take sanyam.
  • She points out that Jambukumar married eight women and then took diksha, suggesting Ratanasi should do the same.
  • She reiterates her commitment to asceticism and states that he should understand her intentions.
  • She states that she will not leave her home or worldly affairs, but rather follow her beloved husband, like a child follows its parent.
  • She compares herself to Rajul, who renounced her husband (Neminath), and asks Ratanasi to consider her decision.
  • She asks Ratanasi to show her the right path if she is mistaken in her reasoning.
  • She expresses her concern about who will look after their household in his absence and suggests he stay home, offering him wealth for charity and merit.
  • She criticizes the self-interest in worldly relationships and questions his love when he is so self-serving.
• Ratanasi's Response (Commitment to Shri Bai):
  • Ratanasi declares his eternal love for Shri Bai and his unwillingness to abandon her or his body for anyone else.
  • He uses the analogy of a swan to a lake and various fruits to express his devotion to her.
  • He states that if he remains in the world, he will remain her wife. If he takes sanyam, he will follow her ascetic path.
  • He affirms that they will follow the path of Rajul, and their love for each other will be eternal.
• The Decision: Shri Bai's words are considered "Amrit Vachan" (nectar-like). Ratanasi and Shri Bai together take diksha, becoming renowned in the world.
• Shri Bai's Devotion: Shri Bai's devotion to her husband is highlighted as she leaves her parental home with him, never abandoning her husband, like Rajul and Prince Neminath.
• Ratanaguru and Shri Bai's Renunciation: Ratanaguru is portrayed as a leader, and Shri Bai as like Rajul in their renunciation and adoption of pure conduct.
• The Order: Shri Mali Pat, Sundar Jinshasan, and Angar embrace sanyam and follow pure conduct.
• Ratanasi in Navanagar: Saha Ratanasi arrives in Navanagar, where monks serve him and bless his endeavor.
• Auspicious Gathering: On that occasion, five great monks arrive. The couple (Ratanasi and Shri Bai) touch the lotus feet of the monks with great love.
• Teachings and Benefits: Ratanaguru's teachings are for crossing the ocean of existence. Listening to them brings happiness and removes great flaws.

Conclusion:

• End of the Ras: The text concludes with "Iti Shri Ratanaguruno Ras Sampurna" (Thus, the Ras of Shri Ratanaguru is complete).
• Addendum: A note indicates that one verse is incomplete.
• Glossary: A glossary provides explanations for some archaic or less common words used in the text.

In essence, "Ratan Guru Ras" is a Jain narrative poem that celebrates the renunciation of a householder named Ratanasi and his wife Shri Bai. It beautifully portrays their philosophical discourse, wherein Shri Bai, despite her initial attachment, is intellectually convinced of the ephemeral nature of worldly life and the necessity of asceticism. The story emphasizes their mutual devotion and their adherence to the path of righteousness, drawing parallels with renowned Jain figures like Neminath and Rajul. The text also provides insights into the linguistic styles and practices of Jain religious literature of its time.