Sanskrit Jain Nitya Path Sangraha

This document is a collection of Jain scriptures, primarily in Sanskrit, compiled into a "Nitya Path Sangraha" (Collection of Daily Recitations) by Pannalal Baklival and published by Bharatiya Jain Siddhant Prakashini Sanstha in Kolkata.

Here's a breakdown of the content and its significance:

Overall Purpose:

• Providing Sacred Texts: The primary goal of this compilation is to provide Jain practitioners with readily accessible and spiritually pure texts for their daily religious observances.
• Combating Unsanitary Practices: The publisher explicitly states their intention to counter the use of books printed with "mas ke velan" (a process using animal glue, considered impure) and bound with the same. They emphasize their use of "kapde ke velan" (cloth printing rollers) and the printing of their books in their own "pavitra press" (sacred press) to ensure purity and quality.
• Accessibility and Affordability: The "Sulabh Jain Granthmala" (Easy Jain Book Series) initiative, mentioned at the end, highlights the institution's commitment to making Jain scriptures available at low prices for the benefit of the general Jain community. They criticize other booksellers for using thin paper, small fonts, or abridged versions to maximize profit.

Key Texts Included:

The table of contents (Page #6) lists the Sanskrit Jain recitations included:

1. Shri Jin Sahasranama Stotram (जिनसहस्रनामस्तोत्रं): A hymn to the Jinas (Tirthankaras) containing a thousand names, attributed to Bhagavat Jin Senacharya. (Pages 7-42)
2. Adinath Stotram (आदिनाथस्तोत्रं) / Bhaktamar Stotram (भक्तामरस्तोत्र): The famous Bhaktamar Stotra by Shriman Tungaacharya, praising Lord Adinath (Rishabhanatha). (Pages 42-57)
3. Kalyan Mandir Stotram (कल्याणमंदिर स्तोत्रं): A hymn by Shrisiddhsen Divakar, believed to lead to spiritual liberation. (Pages 57-71)
4. Eakibhav Stotram (एकीभावस्तोत्रं): A hymn by Shri Vadiraj, focusing on the oneness of the soul. (Pages 71-82)
5. Vishapahar Stotram (विषापहारस्तोत्रं): A hymn by Shri Dhananjay Kavi, considered a cure for spiritual "poison." (Pages 82-92)
6. Jin Chaturvishatika (जिनचतुर्विंशतिका): A hymn by Shri Bhupal Kavi, likely praising the 24 Tirthankaras. (Pages 92-106)
7. Mahavir Ashtak Stotram (महावीराष्टकस्तोत्रं): An eight-verse hymn praising Lord Mahavir. (Pages 106-108)
8. Mangalashtakam (मंगलाष्टकं): An auspicious eight-verse hymn, offering blessings. (Pages 108-113)
9. Akalanka Stotram (अकलंकस्तोत्रं): A hymn attributed to Akalanka, a renowned Jain philosopher. (Pages 113-120)
10. Moksha Shastra (Tatvartha Sutrani) (मोक्षशास्त्र - तत्त्वार्थसूत्राणि): The Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswami, a foundational text of Jain philosophy. (Pages 114-158)
11. Bhavana Dwātrinshatikā (भावनाद्वात्रिंशतिका): A collection of 32 meditations or reflections by Shri Amitgati Suri. (Pages 158-167)

Key Themes and Practices Highlighted:

• Devotion to Jinas: The collection is centered around praising and revering the Jinas (Tirthankaras), who are seen as guides to spiritual liberation.
• Importance of Pure Practices: The emphasis on using sacred printing methods and avoiding impure materials underscores the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) extending to all aspects of life, including religious practices.
• Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): Texts like the Tattvartha Sutra and Kalyan Mandir Stotra directly address the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: The inclusion of philosophical texts like the Tattvartha Sutra and the extensive hymns demonstrates the importance of both devotional and intellectual understanding in Jainism.
• Daily Recitation (Nitya Path): The very nature of the collection points to the importance of regular, consistent devotional practice in Jainism.

Publisher's Mission (Bharatiya Jain Siddhant Prakashini Sanstha):

The publisher's mission, as stated in the "Vigyapti" (Announcement) on Page #5 and the concluding remarks on Page #168, is to:

• Promote Spiritual Purity: To make sacred Jain texts available through pure and hygienic printing methods.
• Serve the Jain Community: To provide these texts at affordable prices, making spiritual knowledge accessible to all Jains.
• Counter Exploitative Practices: To offer genuine and complete texts, unlike others who might abridge or compromise on quality for profit.
• Disseminate Jain Philosophy: To spread the teachings and principles of Jainism.

In essence, the "Sanskrit Jain Nitya Path Sangraha" is a vital resource for Jains, offering a curated collection of devotional hymns and philosophical texts, printed with the highest standards of purity and made accessible to all, reflecting the Jain commitment to spiritual knowledge and ethical practices.