Smruti Shesha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text from "Smruti Shesha" by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

This excerpt from "Smruti Shesha" by Sukhlal Sanghavi is a profound appreciation and analysis of a collection of essays (nibandhikā) written by a gentleman the author knew well. The essays were initially published in the magazine "Akhand Anand."

Initial Impression and Appeal:

The author (Sukhlal Sanghavi) was drawn to these essays from the beginning, even if he didn't read them, the very idea of hearing them sparked a desire. He perceived the author as a deep thinker with a clear and eloquent writing style, drawing parallels to the philosophical reflections of Iman and the essays on "Devi Sampat" (Divine Wealth) in Kakasaheb Kalelkar's "Gita Dharma." However, he acknowledges that every thinker and writer has their unique process.

The Value of the Collection:

Sanghavi heartily welcomed the collection's publication. He notes that essays published sequentially in periodicals are not easily accessible to everyone. Furthermore, even those who might have files of these issues often lack the strong motivation to pull out each one and read it. In contrast, a collected volume makes it easy for readers to pick up and read any essay at will. Once an essay captures the reader's interest, they are likely to finish it completely.

Characteristics of the Essays:

• Conciseness and Depth: The essays are more like short, impactful pieces than lengthy treatises. They are not so long as to become tedious, and while their topics appear distinct, they are interconnected from the perspective of a holistic life.
• Natural and Refined Language: The language is described as unpretentious, free from the burden of Sanskrit, and possessing a complete essence of refinement. It feels as if a refined, domestic style of language has been crafted.
• Precise Analogies and Examples: The author highlights the aptness of the occasional analogies and examples, finding them powerful enough to make a thoughtful reader pause. These examples offer meaningful novelty and remarkably clarify the core message.
• Exploration of Ideas: A key strength of the essays lies in the twists and turns of thought. The author explores topics by touching upon related points one by one and delving deeper, akin to descending steps into a deep reservoir to reach the bottom. Just as layers are peeled off an onion or segments of a banana trunk are separated, various perspectives on a subject emerge one after another, keeping the reader's interest fresh.
• Focus on Inner Life and Practicality: The chosen topics are rooted in everyday life but extend beyond mere temporal concerns. The discussions are grounded in the premise that inner strength enriches and harmonizes practical, everyday living, naturally leading the reader towards introspection.

Impact and Core Themes:

Reading these essays instills a firm conviction that in exploring the root causes of adjustments and adverse situations encountered in any area of life, and their effects on the mind, the author inadvertently touches upon the structure of the mind and its ever-changing activities. Such profound insights, touching the core of the subject, can only arise from a father's personal experience and introspective strength.

Some essays are noted for their ability to awaken dormant energy and cultivate patience in the restless. They also aim to guide those who blame others towards self-purification. Overall, the essays are written in a persuasive style, yet they refute objectionable matters with great sweetness and sound arguments.

Recommendation and Conclusion:

Sukhlal Sanghavi believes that individuals seeking to appropriately cultivate self-purification, self-strength, and duty-consciousness, and those who desire peace, will experience a different world by reading these essays thoughtfully and gradually. He suggests that this collection of essays is worthy of titles like "Manan Madhuri" (Sweetness of Contemplation), "Vichar Muktavali" (Garland of Thoughts), or "Antarmukh Sampan Shreni" (Series of Inner Wealth).

The author expresses that the essays possess so many special qualities that it's impossible to mention them all. He concludes by stating that the reader must experience them themselves. He also briefly mentions an introduction by Shri Mohanlal Mehta to the book "Deepmangal."