Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 06

This document is the sixth part of the "Shastra Sandesh Mala" series, compiled by Vinayrakshitvijay. It is published by Shastra Sandesh Mala and is intended for private and personal use only.

The book is a compilation of various "Shatakas" (hundred-verse compositions) related to Jain philosophy and practice. The catalog lists 27 such compositions, including:

• Jinashtaka (1 & 2)
• Rishabh-ashtaka
• Kumar-vihār-ashtaka
• Ganadhar-sārdh-ashtaka
• Sarvajña-ashtaka
• Deshnā-Upadesh-ashtaka
• Dhyān-Padmānanda-ashtaka
• Vyākhyān-vidhi-ashtaka
• Vairāgya-Indriya-parājaya-ashtaka
• Sāmya-Samādhi-ashtaka
• Samata-ashtaka
• Prashn-ashtaka
• Dr̥ṣṭānta-ashtaka (1 & 2)
• Ābhāṇ-ashtaka
• Padmānanda-ashtaka
• Anyokti-ashtaka
• Sangraha-ashtaka
• Shaṣṭhi-ashtaka
• Yoga-ashtaka (Part 3)
• Pratimā-ashtaka (Part 4)

The book emphasizes the importance of Sāmya (equanimity) and true yoga for attaining liberation. A true yogi is described as one who is deeply aware of their own spiritual activities and indifferent to the actions of others, remaining focused on the blissful state of liberation. This state is achieved by controlling the mind, speech, and body, and by being vigilant in practices that lead to self-welfare, while being deaf to unfavorable influences, blind to distractions, and mute to meaningless talk.

The introductory sections express gratitude to the Surat Tapgachha Ratrayi Aradhak Sangh and other Sanghas for their financial support, enabling the publication of this series. Special thanks are given to the individuals involved in the compilation, proofreading, typesetting, and printing, highlighting the dedication and effort put into ensuring accuracy and quality.

The "Shastra Sandesh Mala" series aims to bring forth the extensive literary heritage of Jainism, with this particular volume focusing on the "Shataka Sandoha" (compilation of hundred-verse texts). The author, Vinayrakshitvijay, has compiled this work under the guidance of Pujya Nyayashri Bodhiratna Vijayji Maharaj Saheb. The book is noted for its focus on accuracy and purity of the texts, with several esteemed figures involved in the rigorous review process. The publication is funded through the "Gyana Dravya" (knowledge fund) of various Jain Sanghas.

The text includes philosophical and ethical teachings, emphasizing detachment from worldly pleasures, control over senses and desires, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and liberation. The compositions cover various aspects of Jain spiritual discipline, including ethical conduct, meditation, detachment, equanimity, and the nature of the soul and the universe.

The latter part of the document contains the Sanskrit text of various "Shatakas," including the Jinashataka, Rishabh-ashtaka, Sarvajña-shataka, Kumar-vihār-ashtaka, Vairāgya-shataka, Indriya-parājaya-ashtaka, Dhyān-shataka, Bhāvanā-shataka, Upadesh-shataka, Deshnā-shataka, Sāmya-shataka, and Samādhi-shataka, among others. These texts praise the virtues and deeds of Tirthankaras and other revered souls, offering guidance on the spiritual path. The compositions often employ intricate poetry and wordplay to convey profound spiritual truths.