Shrimad Devchandra Part 2

This document is the second part (Bhag 2) of "Shrimad Devchandra," compiled by Buddhisagar. It is published by Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal. This volume, part of the Shrimad Buddhisagar Suriji Granthamala (Grantank 53), was published in Vikram Samvat 1975 (1919 AD) and commemorates Veer Samvat 244. The original catalog link provided is jainqq.org/explore/008662/1.

The book contains a collection of various Jain texts and compositions, as detailed in the index. It is divided into several sections:

Key Sections and Content:

• Introduction (Nivedan): The introduction explains that this is the second part of the Shrimad Devchandra series, following the first part published about 1.5 years prior. It mentions that details about how the collection of Shrimad Devchandra's works came about are in the first part's preface. It states that 500 copies of the first part were printed, with 150 gifted and 200 sold, totaling 350 copies. The second part is expected to be around 1200 pages and also has 500 copies printed. Due to the volume, it is bound in two parts. The first part of the second volume contains the "Vichar Sar Granth," and the remaining works are in the second part. It notes that the European war situation led to increased costs for paper, printing, and binding, making the cost per copy around Rs. 6-0-0, yet the price is kept at Rs. 3-8-0 for both volumes.
• List of Donors: The book acknowledges the financial support from various Jain individuals and institutions for the publication of both parts of Shrimad Devchandra's works.
• Gratitude to Contributors: The text expresses deep gratitude to Jain individuals who helped in the compilation and publication, including Muni Maharajas and householders who provided financial and material assistance. Special mention is made of Maneklal Varjivan Das, Mangalbhai Laxmichand, Premchand Dalsukhbhai, and Bhailal Chunilal for their significant contributions.
• Inter-sect Cooperation: The author emphasizes the benefit to the Jain community from the works of Shrimad Devchandra and expresses a hope for greater cooperation between the Kharatar Gach and Tapa Gach sects in publishing valuable works, which would greatly benefit the Jain community.
• Procession and Devotion: A notable event mentioned is a procession celebrating the installation of a flag pole at the Shri Shantinathji temple in Padra on Vaishakh Sudhi 6, Samvat 1975. During this procession, Shrimad Buddhisagar Suriji's teachings inspired the inclusion of works by Shrimad Devchandra, Shri Kalpasutra, and Shrimad Anandghan Pad Bhavartha Sangraha, which were carried with great respect on an elephant. This highlights the profound reverence for these scriptures.
• Purity and Future Editions: While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, any errors found in this second part will be corrected in future editions.
• Publisher's Appeal: The publishing house, Shri Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal, is noted for publishing many books at or below cost price. They appeal to supportive householders to assist in their publishing efforts so they can continue their valuable work with greater enthusiasm.
• Content (Index): The bulk of the provided text is the detailed index, listing numerous works. These include:
  • Adhyatma Gita
  • Dravya Prakash (including sections on Ajiva, Pudgala, and Jiva)
  • Vartaman Chovishi Balavbodh (Commentary on the current 24 Tirthankaras)
  • Stavans dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras (Rishabh, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandananath, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshvanath, Chandraprabh, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyansnath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Munisuvrat, Naminath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir) covering various philosophical concepts like causality, naya, nishchaya, vyavahar, naya-bheda, tattvas, gunas, karma, bhakti, etc.
  • Various other Pujas and compositions like Snana Puja, Navapad Puja, Ekveesh Prakari Puja, Asht Prakari Puja, Vir Jin Nirvana Talo, Shri Padmanabh Jin Stavana, Shri Simandhar Swami Vinti Stavana, and stavanas related to specific Tirthas like Siddha-chalji and Girnar.
  • Sections on Sadhak Niyaman, Muni Gunaswadhyay, Sadhu Pad Swadhyay, and praise for Shri Mahavir Prabhu's birth song.
• Specific Texts Mentioned with Details:
  • Adhyatma Gita: The provided text includes extensive excerpts from Adhyatma Gita, discussing concepts like the nature of the soul, different nayas (philosophical viewpoints like Naimittika, Sangraha, Vyavahara, etc.), the soul's attributes, karma, the path to liberation, and the importance of self-realization. It elaborates on the distinction between the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) and the path to spiritual enlightenment through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Dravya Prakash: This section delves into the nature of Dravyas (substances) in Jain philosophy, discussing categories like Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), and Akasha (space). It further explains their attributes, classifications, and interactions.
  • Stavans: The index lists numerous stavans (devotional hymns) dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras, indicating a comprehensive collection of devotional literature. These stavans likely explore the specific virtues and teachings of each Tirthankara.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

This second volume of Shrimad Devchandra's works appears to be a significant compilation of Jain philosophical and devotional literature. Edited and published with the guidance of Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagar Suriji, it aims to make these valuable texts accessible to the Jain community. The emphasis on overcoming the difficulties of the time (war, inflation) to publish such extensive spiritual works, along with the acknowledgment of community support, highlights the dedication to spiritual education and dissemination of Jain teachings. The detailed index suggests a deep exploration of Jain metaphysics, ethics, and practices through the lens of various Tirthankaras' lives and teachings.