Sevalekh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sevalekh" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Sevalekh Author: Shilchandrasuri (compiled/edited by Vijayshilchandra Suri) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229472/1

Overview:

The "Sevalekh" is a Jain text authored by Mahopadhyay Shri Meghvijayji, a prominent and brilliant Jain scholar from the 17th-18th century. The text is presented as a "kshamaapana-patra" (letter of apology/request for forgiveness) written to Gachhnayak Shri Vijayprabh Suri, who was residing in Diu. The "Sevalekh" itself is a significant work, consisting of 190 verses (although the text notes a possibility of 189 if a repeated verse isn't counted).

Context and Author:

• Mahopadhyay Shri Meghvijayji: Recognized as a leading intellectual among Jain monks of his time. His compositions are described as profound and eloquent, comparable to those of great Sanskrit poets. He lived during the latter half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century.
• Vignapti Patra Tradition: During Meghvijayji's era, there was a flourishing trend of writing "Vignapti Patras" – elaborate and scholarly letters, often in poetic form, addressed to senior monks or preceptors. These letters served as a medium for scholars to express their creative talent and intellectual prowess.
• Meghvijayji's Other Works: He authored numerous works in Sanskrit and other languages. Two of his Vignapti Patras are published in the 'Vignapti Lekh Sangrah' edited by Shri Jinavijay: one addressed to Gachhpati Vijayprabh Suri from Aurangabad, and another to Gachhpati Shri Vijaydev Suri in Diu. These contain 130 and 125 verses respectively. Notably, the first letter is a verse-completion of Kalidasa's "Meghaduta." He also wrote a similar letter completing verses of Magha's poetry, addressed to Vijaydev Suri, which is currently unavailable or unpublished.

The "Sevalekh" Itself:

• Nature of the Text: The "Sevalekh" is an unknown (or hitherto largely unknown) letter. It was written by Shri Meghvijayji while he was residing in Barhanpur for the monsoon season (chaturmas) and addressed to Shri Vijayprabh Suri in Diu. It functions as a letter of apology or seeking forgiveness.
• Manuscript and Editing: The sole known manuscript of the "Sevalekh" is found in the Shri Kantivijay Bhandar (Vadodara or Chhani) with the catalog number 2263/2. The current edition is based on a Xerox copy of this manuscript, which is not ancient but appears to be from the 20th century, possibly copied by Shri Kantivijayji himself. The manuscript is noted to be quite inaccurate.

Content Breakdown of the "Sevalekh":

The "Sevalekh" can be broadly divided into the following sections based on the description:

1. Jina Pratima and Incidental Description (Verses 1-53):

   • The initial 33 verses describe the Jina idol and its surroundings.
   • Verses 34-53 focus on the depiction of "Manmohan Parshvanath."
   • Verse 53 mentions other Jina images.
   • These sections are rich with poetic descriptions of divine forms, often drawing analogies from nature and mythology. For instance, the description of the lion as a mount is detailed, likening it to an embodiment of courage and might. The verses also touch upon the reverence shown by gods and celestial beings towards the Jina.

2. Geographical Descriptions:

   • Saurashtra and Dwipa-Bandar (Diu) (Verses 54-76): The text describes the region of Saurashtra and the port city of Diu (Dwipa-Bandar). It highlights the beauty, prosperity, and spiritual significance of Diu, even personifying it in relation to the ocean. The verses mention the city's prosperity, its connection to the sea, and its attractiveness even to celestial beings.
   • Barhanpur (Verses 77-90): The text then moves to describe Barhanpur, where the author was spending his chaturmas. It mentions the existence of a 'Upaashray' (monastery/residence for monks) belonging to Sadh (Shah) Rupji. The description includes the 'vyakhyaan-gvaksh' (a platform for lectures), the glory of which is enhanced by moonrise. The enthusiastic reception of lectures by the audience, marked by sounds of "tahatti" (affirmation), is also noted. The names of devotees like Dhanji and Jivandas are mentioned, along with the austerity of female devotees. The ruler of Burhanpur is identified as Aurangzeb (Aurangshaha).

3. Author's Attribution and Context (Verse 118):

   • Verse 118 clarifies that the author is writing this letter under the command of his Guru, with his own name (Megh) indicated.

4. News and Events (Verses 119 onwards):

   • Academic Activities: News of ongoing lectures on Agam scriptures like "Pannavana Sutra" and "Jivabhigama Sutra" (verses 129-130) is provided. The study of grammar texts like Panini's Vyakarana, Mahabhashya, and Hemchandra's Vyakarana, as well as works of Anubhutiswarupacharya, by disciples is mentioned (verse 131). Study of literature and 'Nayavada' (a Jain philosophical concept) is also noted (verse 132).
   • Religious Practices: Activities like 'Yogodvahana' and 'Upadhana' rituals (verse 133), 'Snatra' (ritual bathing of idols) and 'Ashtahnika Mahotsavas' (festivals of eight days) (verses 134-135), and the Paryushana festival are reported (verse 136).
   • Specific Festivals: Detailed mention of the 'Chaitra-prapati' or 'Chaityapratimadi' rituals (verses 141-146), annual 'Pratikraman' (confession/repentance), and 'Khamatkhamana' (mutual forgiveness) (verse 147) are included.
   • Fasting and Feasting: The description of 'Parana' (breaking a fast) follows (verses 148 onwards). Dhanji Shravak sponsored the paranas of local ascetics, and Kallu Shravak sponsored those of devotees from other regions.
   • Culinary Descriptions: There's a delightful description of sweet delicacies, particularly the foreign sweet 'Jalebi.' The author uses a metaphor, likening the three rings of Jalebi to the seed mantra 'Hrim,' used for destroying demonic elements, and here for the "demon of hunger." This showcases the poet's innovative thinking. The use of "paripsitam" for the verb "pirasavu" (to serve) is highlighted as a unique Jain Sanskrit usage.

5. Guru Description (Verses 158-189):

   • The latter part of the text is dedicated to praising and describing the author's Guru. These verses extol the Guru's virtues, his knowledge, his influence on disciples, and the merits of serving him. The Guru's teachings are described as nurturing and guiding, leading to spiritual and worldly well-being. The verses use extensive metaphors and analogies, comparing the Guru's service to a river, a celestial tree, and a source of immense spiritual bliss. The author expresses his deep devotion and humility towards his Guru, acknowledging his own growth and purification through this service. The text also mentions the Guru's predecessors, Shri Dev Suri and Shri Dev Suri, highlighting their lineage and spiritual stature.

6. Conclusion (Verse 189):

   • The text concludes with a salutation to the Guru, acknowledging him as the bestower of knowledge and auspiciousness, and expressing respect.

Overall Impression:

The "Sevalekh" is a remarkable work that blends profound spiritual devotion with rich poetic expression. It offers insights into the intellectual and cultural life of Jain scholars in the 17th-18th centuries, showcasing their mastery of language, their appreciation for beauty in nature and art, and their deep reverence for their spiritual preceptors. The detailed descriptions of Jina idols, geographical locations, and religious observances make it a valuable historical and literary document. The author's creativity and linguistic skill are evident throughout the verses, even in the less accurate manuscript.