Ratnakar Shatak

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The provided text is a review of the "Ratnakar Shatak", a work by the 16th-century Kannada poet Ratnakara Varni, which has been edited and explained by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji. The reviewer, Ramesh Mishr, a Hindi-speaking professor, highlights the immense national importance of making such literary treasures from other Indian languages accessible to the Hindi-speaking population. This endeavor serves two key purposes: preserving and transmitting literary, cultural, and philosophical heritage, and fostering national unity by connecting people through language.

Key Themes and Significance:

• National Unity through Language: The review emphasizes Hindi's historical role as a symbol of national unity in India, a land that has seen the rise and fall of empires and hosts numerous religious sites. Hindi's inherent ability to integrate diverse regional dialects and its connection to the spiritual development of the land make it a powerful unifying force. The progression of languages from Sanskrit to Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and then to modern Indian languages, including Hindi, signifies a move towards broader accessibility and popular appeal.
• Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's Contribution: Acharya Deshbhushan Ji is lauded as a scholar and spiritual leader who understands the power of language and its role in disseminating spiritual knowledge. Despite a societal inclination towards materialism, he has dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Jainism, emphasizing yoga, celibacy, penance, self-study, non-violence, and renunciation. His work aims to make ancient spiritual wisdom accessible to the common person, recognizing that regional languages, like Kannada, have a rich tradition of producing high-quality literature on profound subjects.
• Ratnakara Varni and his Work: Ratnakara Varni is presented as a prominent Kannada literary figure, born in the 16th century. He was a profound scholar who mastered various philosophical and spiritual texts at a young age. His works, including "Ratnakar Shatak," "Aparajita Shatak," and "Trailokyeshwar Shatak," are rich in spirituality, ethics, detachment, and Vedanta. The review notes that the "Ratnakar Shatak", in particular, focuses on detachment, ethics, and self-knowledge, aiming to guide individuals towards true peace through the pursuit of Dharma.
• The "Ratnakar Shatak" – Content and Style: The "Ratnakar Shatak" is characterized by its exploration of the worldly cycle, the soul, and the divine. The poet, through a dialogue style, addresses Jinendra Bhagwan, describing the plight of beings caught in worldly desires like attachment, ego, anger, greed, and envy, while emphasizing the superiority of the soul. The text advocates that true liberation from the cycle of karma is achieved through the realization of the "Ratnatraya" (three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct).
• Artistic Merit and Accessibility: The poem's language is a blend of Sanskrit-influenced ancient Kannada with some elements of Apabhramsha and Prakrit. Ratnakara Varni skillfully adapted these linguistic forms to suit Kannada grammar and sound changes. The "Ratnakar Shatak" is composed in the Mantehbh Vikridit and Shardul Vikridit meters and possesses a style characterized by Prasad and Madhurya (clarity and sweetness). The reviewer notes that each verse has a sweetness akin to grape juice, with a beautiful unfolding of Shanta rasa (the aesthetic mood of tranquility). It is described as a lyrical and potentially singable work, with independent verses that can be appreciated for their spiritual and ethical insights.
• Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's Commentary: Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's commentary is highlighted for its depth, clarity, and ability to make complex philosophical concepts accessible to Hindi readers. His mastery of both Kannada and Hindi, along with his deep understanding of the original text, allows him to convey the beauty and essence of Ratnakara Varni's work effectively. The commentary provides valuable insights into the author and the Jain literary tradition, making the "Ratnakar Shatak" a significant contribution to Hindi literature and a national asset.
• Bridging Cultural Divides: Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's efforts in translating and explaining Kannada works into Hindi are seen as crucial for fostering inter-provincial understanding and appreciation. By making the rich literary heritage of languages like Kannada accessible through Hindi, he strengthens the national fabric and promotes a shared cultural consciousness. His dedication to making spiritual knowledge available in the common people's language, rather than adhering to a single prescribed sacred language, reflects a profound understanding of universal spiritual principles.

In essence, the review celebrates Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's meticulous work on the "Ratnakar Shatak" as a bridge between cultures and languages, enriching Hindi literature and promoting national unity through the dissemination of profound spiritual and ethical wisdom from the Indian subcontinent.