Samyaktva Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyaktva Stavan" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samyaktva Stavan (Hymn to Right Faith/True Conviction) Author(s): Muni Suyashchandravijay, Sujaschandravijay (Editors/Compilers) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229567/1

Overview of the Text:

"Samyaktva Stavan" is a hymn composed by an unknown poet, dedicated to Lord Mahavir. The text primarily focuses on explaining the process of attaining Samyaktva (Right Faith or True Conviction), a foundational principle in Jainism. It does so in simple yet elegant language, making the complex philosophical concepts accessible.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction and Salutation: The hymn begins with salutations to Lord Mahavir, acknowledging that without his vision, countless souls have wandered in suffering through innumerable lifetimes, under the influence of delusion and other vices. The author expresses the intention to briefly explain the essence of Samyaktva.

• The Process of Attaining Samyaktva: The text elaborates on the spiritual progression leading to Samyaktva. It describes the stages of spiritual development in terms of karan (spiritual efforts or processes):

  • Yathapravrittikaran: The initial stage where karmas are affected.
  • Apurvakaran: A stage of novel spiritual progress.
  • Anivartikaran: A stage where the soul makes uninterrupted progress.
  • The text mentions that Samyaktva is attained through the combination of these efforts.

• Types and Duration of Samyaktva: The hymn details various classifications of Samyaktva:

  • Origin of Samyaktva: It can be attained through natural disposition (nisarg) or through external guidance (updesh).
  • Causes of Samyaktva: It arises from the partial suppression (kshayopasham) and complete destruction (kshay) of deluding karmas.
  • Types of Samyaktva: The text describes several types, including:
    • Upasham Samyaktva: attained by suppressing karmic disturbances.
    • Kshayopasham Samyaktva: attained through the partial destruction and suppression of karmas.
    • Kshayik Samyaktva: attained through the complete destruction of deluding karmas.
    • Kshayanupurvi Samyaktva: the continuous experience of Kshayik Samyaktva.
    • Vedak Samyaktva: the experience of Samyaktva through its fruition.
    • Sasvadan Samyaktva: a fleeting experience of Samyaktva while still in a state of mixed karmic influence.
  • Duration: The text refers to specific durations in terms of sagaropam (a unit of time) for different types of Samyaktva. For example, Kshayopasham is associated with a duration of 66 sagaropam, and Upasham with an antarmuhurta (a very short period of time).

• Stages of Spiritual Development (Gunathana): The text mentions that Samyaktva can be attained at different stages of spiritual progress (gunathana). It notes that Sasvadan can be experienced from the second stage onwards, while the other types are attained at higher stages.

• Characteristics and Defects of Samyaktva:

  • The hymn discusses the "six vows" or restraints (jayana), five qualities (lakshan), and five virtues or merits (bhusana) associated with Samyaktva.
  • It also describes the "67 folds" or aspects of Samyaktva (67 bol), presented in a way that is understandable to a general audience.
  • It highlights the importance of avoiding the "five defects" (dosha parihar) that can undermine right faith.
  • The text emphasizes that Samyaktva is a source of true and lasting happiness.

• Linguistic Style and Observations:

  • The editors note that the original poet occasionally uses 's' where 'sh' might be expected and liberally uses the anuswar (nasalization mark).
  • The text is presented in a lyrical style, employing doha (couplets) and dhal (stanzas) in various musical meters.

• Manuscript Details:

  • The hymn was written in 1899 AD in the Jinalaya of Shri Godipārśvanātha in Mumbai (Bombay).
  • The manuscript is preserved in the Shri Nemicand Kastursuri Jñānbhandār at the Upāśraya of Shrimad Nemichand Melapachand Jhaverī in Surat.
  • The condition of the manuscript is described as having beautiful handwriting.
  • This edition is based on a single available copy.

• Potential References:

  • The editors speculate that the concluding phrase "Punnya Mahoday" might refer to the author.
  • They also suggest that "Behen Raja Bai for reading" mentioned in the pushpika (colophon) could refer to Raja Bai, the mother of the renowned Seth Premchand Raichand.

In Essence:

"Samyaktva Stavan" serves as a devotional and educational treatise on the crucial Jain concept of Samyaktva. It guides the reader through the spiritual path, explaining the various stages, types, and characteristics of right faith, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation and bliss. The hymn emphasizes the grace of Lord Mahavir as the ultimate facilitator of this spiritual attainment.