Sajjanastuti Dvantrinshika

This document is the "Sajjanastuti Dvātrinśikā" (also referred to as "Sajjanastuti Havimśikā"), a Jain text authored by Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj and critically analyzed by Panditvar Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota. It is published by Gitarth Ganga in Ahmedabad, India.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content and context based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Sajjanastuti Dvātrinśikā (સજ્જનસ્તુતિદ્વાત્રિંશિકા)
• Author: Mahāmahopādhyāya Shri Mad Yashovijayji Maharaj (મહામહોપાધ્યાય શ્રીમદ્ યશોવિજયજી મહારાજા)
• Commentator/Analyst: Panditvar Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota (પંડિતવર્ય શ્રી પ્રવીણચંદ્ર ખીમજી મોતા)

2. Publisher and Context:

• Publisher: Gitarth Ganga (ગીતાર્થ ગંગા)
• Purpose of Publisher (Gitarth Ganga): The publisher's aim is to analyze and explain the profound philosophical elements found in Jain scriptures authored by revered ancient scholars like Acharya Shri Haribhadrasuri Maharaj and Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj. This analysis helps the Jain community achieve a comprehensive understanding of these subjects.
• Series: This publication is part of a larger effort by Gitarth Ganga to publish lectures and commentaries by learned monks and scholars. It specifically aims to publish the detailed analyses (vivechan) of classical Jain texts.

3. Nature of the Text:

• Content: The book contains a detailed, word-by-word commentary (shabdasha vivechan) on Yashovijayji Maharaj's "Sajjanastuti Dvātrinśikā." This work is part of a larger collection known as "Dvātrinśad Dvātrinśikā" (द्वात्रिंशद्द्वात्रिंशिका), which likely consists of 32 thematic sections (dvātrinśikā).
• Sajjanastuti: This specific section ("Sajjanastuti") focuses on the praise (stuti) of virtuous individuals ("Sajjan"). It follows a previous section (likely the 31st) that described liberation (mukti). The text argues that "Sajjan" are those who diligently follow the path of yoga (spiritual practice) according to the teachings of the omniscient beings (Sarvajna) to attain liberation.

4. Key Themes and Concepts discussed in the commentary:

• Definition of a "Sajjan" (Virtuous Person):

  • A "Sajjan" is defined as someone who adheres to the words of the omniscient beings (Sarvajna) and actively pursues the path of liberation.
  • The name "Sajjan" itself, composed of three letters, signifies a virtuous individual.
  • Such individuals are steadfast, and the harmful words (khalokti) of wicked people (durjan) do not affect them, much like divine mantras nullify poison.

• Distinction between "Sajjan" and "Durjan" (Wicked Person):

  • Nature: Durjans have harsh, critical tongues that always speak negatively. Sajjans, on the other hand, have sweet, nectar-like speech that is always compassionate and beneficial.
  • Perception: Durjans are likened to darkness, whose power is insignificant when compared to light. Sajjans are compared to Garuda (a divine bird), possessing virtues like destroying serpents (representing evil), being a vehicle for the Supreme Being (Purushottam - Tirthankaras), and having infinite reach (representing spiritual progress).
  • Focus: Sajjans appreciate the virtues of the learned (vidvāns), while Durjans focus on finding faults.
  • Influence: Durjans create negativity and disruption, while Sajjans bring joy and order.
  • Impact of Actions: Durjans' criticism can be seen as a catalyst for the renown of Sajjans, similar to how fire purifies gold.
  • Truth and Deception: Sajjans strive for truth and clarity, while Durjans twist words and spread confusion.

• Critique of Durjans' Arguments:

  • New Texts vs. Ancient Texts: Durjans argue against the creation of new texts when ancient scriptures already exist, claiming it's due to ego or a desire for fame. The commentary refutes this by stating that new texts, like a boat in the ocean, help people access the deeper meanings of ancient scriptures.
  • Disrespect to Predecessors: Durjans accuse new texts of disrespecting past masters. The commentary counters this by explaining that recounting the words of predecessors to clarify their essence does not disrespect them, just as a child repeating their father's words doesn't disrespect the father.
  • Reduced Study of Old Texts: Durjans fear new texts will lead to less study of old ones. The commentary argues that new texts aid in remembering, understanding, and contemplating the wisdom of previous masters, thus deepening understanding.

• The Role of Teachers and Gurus:

  • The commentary emphasizes the importance of teachers (gurus). The author, Yashovijayji, expresses deep gratitude to his guru, Shri Nayavijayji, for his tireless efforts in teaching him logic and other subjects.
  • The guru's dedication is presented as a selfless act, analogous to a cloud giving rain for the welfare of all beings, something a "chataka bird" (representing the disciple) cannot repay.

• Creation of Texts and Interpretation:

  • The text discusses the creation of new literary works by virtuous individuals. This is seen as a way to clarify complex teachings, aid worthy disciples, and preserve knowledge.
  • It highlights that sincere study and contemplation of these works, under the guidance of a good guru, lead to the realization of ultimate bliss.

• The Jain Way of Life and its Principles:

  • The text praises the Jain tradition (Shaasan) for its principles, particularly the doctrine of Syādvāda (multi-faceted truth), which dispels ignorance and helps individuals attain liberation.
  • The Jain way of life brings peace, contentment, and ultimate happiness.

5. Structure of the Commentary: The commentary is structured by verse (shloka), providing the Sanskrit text, its word-by-word meaning (anvayarth), a literal translation (shlokarth), and a detailed explanation of its philosophical import (bhavarth). It also includes introductory remarks (avtaranika) that link the verses.

6. Praśasti (Invocation/Benediction): The document includes a "Praśasti" section, which is an invocation to revered Jain scholars and their lineage, including:

• Shri Hiravijaya Suri: Praised for his influence on Emperor Akbar and his role in dispelling misconceptions.
• Shri Kalyanavijaya: His scholarship in grammar and other subjects is highlighted.
• Shri Labhavijaya: Mentioned as a disciple of Kalyanavijaya, possessing great knowledge.
• Shri Jitavijaya: A disciple of Labhavijaya, praised for his strength and virtue.
• Shri Nayavijaya: The esteemed guru of Yashovijayji, who imparted knowledge and wisdom.

7. Conclusion of the Work: The text concludes with a benediction, praying for the continuous tradition of studying and understanding these valuable scriptures, ensuring the welfare of all beings.

In essence, the "Sajjanastuti Dvātrinśikā" is a profound exposition on the qualities of virtuous individuals within the Jain tradition, their role in preserving and propagating spiritual knowledge, and the importance of the guru-disciple relationship. The commentary meticulously unpacks the verses, drawing parallels with philosophical concepts and the lives of revered Jain saints.