Rushabhayan Me Bimb Yojna - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Rushabhayan me Bimb Yojna" by Sunilanand Nahar, based on the provided pages:

Title: Rishabhayan mein Bimb Yojana (Imagery Planning in Rishabhayan) Author: Sunila Nand Nahar Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Subject: A Ph.D. dissertation submitted to Jain Vishva Bharati Institute in the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit.

Overview:

This doctoral thesis, "Rishabhayan mein Bimb Yojana," by Sunila Nand Nahar, is a scholarly analysis of the use of imagery (bimb) in the Mahakavya (epic poem) Rishabhayan, composed by Acharya Mahapragya. The research aims to systematically study the conceptualization and application of imagery within this significant Jain literary work.

Introduction and Problem Statement:

The author begins by defining the epic poem as a genre that arises from noble intentions and aims to establish exemplary conduct for the faithful. Rishabhayan, by Acharya Mahapragya, is hailed as a great epic of universal humanity, embodying profound sensitivity, profound intellect, and vast poetic imagination. The poem centers around the life and teachings of Lord Rishabh, the first Tirthankar, and serves as a bridge between the past and present. The core problem addressed by the research is the nature and significance of imagery (bimb) in poetry, particularly within the context of Rishabhayan. The study aims to answer questions such as:

What is imagery?
What is the form of imagery in Rishabhayan?
What is the necessity of imagery in poetry?
What are the different types of imagery?
How is imagery utilized in Rishabhayan, and what is the significance of its use?
What is the relevance of this imagery in a modern context?

The author asserts that imagery is the lifeblood of poetry, the primary tool for a poet to translate abstract thoughts and emotions into tangible, sensory experiences for the reader.

Objectives of the Study:

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a detailed study of the imagery employed in Acharya Mahapragya's Rishabhayan. The author believes that by analyzing the bimbas (images), one can gain a deeper understanding of the poet's (Acharya Mahapragya's) sensitivity and artistic skill. The study recognizes that effective imagery is a hallmark of successful poetry, where the poet's imagination and emotional depth translate into vibrant and impactful representations. The research aims to fill a gap in the existing scholarship, as a detailed analysis of the bimb-vidhan (system of imagery) in Rishabhayan has not been undertaken from a Western theoretical perspective.

Inspiration and Context:

The author is inspired by the work of scholars like Caroline Spurgeon (on Shakespeare's imagery), C. Day Lewis ("The Poetic Image"), and Frank ("Romantic Image"), who explored the psychological and personal dimensions of imagery. In the Indian context, the study draws upon the contributions of Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla, Acharya Nand Dulare Bajpai, Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Dr. Kedarnath Singh, and others who have contributed to the understanding of imagery in Hindi poetry. The research emphasizes the eternal element of imagery in poetry across all eras and cultures.

Methodology:

The research employs a descriptive and critical methodology. It involves the analysis of theoretical principles and practical examples from Rishabhayan. The study follows a structured approach of proposing theories, presenting examples from the epic, analyzing them, and critically reviewing them.

Significance and Contribution:

The thesis aims to introduce the spiritual world to the quality and grandeur of Acharya Mahapragya's work and to provide valuable resources for researchers and students interested in Jain literature and poetics.

Structure of the Thesis (as inferred from the table of contents):

The dissertation appears to be structured into several chapters, likely covering:

Introduction: Contextualizing Rishabhayan and the poet.
Nature of Imagery: Defining imagery and its theoretical basis in Indian and Western criticism.
Sensory Imagery: Analysis of visual (Chakshush), auditory (Shrot), olfactory (Ghran), gustatory (Ras), and tactile (Twak) imagery, including single-sense, complex, dynamic, and static images.
Emotional Imagery (Bhav Bimb): Examining imagery related to primary and secondary emotions.
Concrete and Abstract Imagery (Murta-Amurta Bimb): How abstract concepts are represented through concrete imagery and vice-versa.
Expressive Imagery: Imagery related to figures of speech like Abhida, Lakshana, Vyanjana, proverbs, idioms, symbols, personification, and mythological references.
Conclusion: A summary of the findings and the poetic significance of Acharya Mahapragya's work.

Key Themes and Content Analysis (from provided excerpts):

The provided pages offer insights into the following:

Dedication: The thesis is dedicated to Ganadhipati Gurudev Acharya Shri Tulsi.
Supervisor's Certificate: Dr. Harishankar Pandey certifies that the dissertation is original, significant, and meets academic standards.
Prologue (Bhumika/Upooddhat): Sets the philosophical and literary context for the study of Rishabhayan and its use of imagery, highlighting the connection between spiritual truths and poetic expression.
Chapter Breakdown: The latter pages outline the chapter structure, indicating a comprehensive approach to analyzing various types of imagery.
Content of Rishabhayan: The summaries of the chapters reveal that Rishabhayan covers a vast range of subjects, including the evolution of society from the 'Yauglic era' to organized kingdoms, the establishment of governance, justice, revenue, and military systems. It also delves into philosophical concepts like the nature of the soul, illusion (Maya), liberation (Moksha), social customs, traditions, and the status of women, all presented through rich imagery.
Literary Devices: The thesis explores the use of various poetic devices like metaphors (Rupak), similes (Upama), personification (Manavikaran), and the significance of symbols (Pratik) and proverbs (Sukti).
Rasa (Mood/Emotion): The study analyzes the predominant use of Shanta Rasa (peaceful sentiment) in Rishabhayan, supported by Veer Rasa (heroic sentiment) and Vatsalya Rasa (maternal affection).
Character Analysis: The thesis examines the portrayal of key characters like Rishabh (the central hero), Bharat, Bahubali, Mata Marudeva, Nabhi, Brahmi, Sundari, and others, analyzing their roles and how they contribute to the overall thematic and imagistic richness of the epic.
Dialogue (Samvad): The importance of dialogues in advancing the plot, revealing character, and creating atmosphere is also discussed.
Chhanda (Metre): The use of various traditional and innovative metrical patterns in the epic is noted.

Overall Impression:

"Rushabhayan mein Bimb Yojna" is a detailed and systematic academic exploration of the profound and multifaceted imagery employed in Acharya Mahapragya's magnum opus, Rishabhayan. It aims to contribute significantly to the understanding of Jain literature, Indian poetics, and the masterful use of language by a prominent spiritual and literary figure. The thesis demonstrates a thorough grasp of both literary theory and the epic's content, promising a valuable contribution to the field.