Sthapna Sutra Evam Prabhu Darshan Stutiya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sthapna Sutra evam Prabhu Darshan Stutiya" based on the provided PDF pages:

The text is a collection of Jain devotional hymns and prayers, primarily focused on praising the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders) and expressing devotion to them, particularly during the act of seeing their images (Prabhu Darshan). The book appears to be a compilation of various stutis (hymns of praise) and mantras.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Navkar Mahamantra: The text prominently features the Navkar Mahamantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, etc.), recognizing it as the supreme mantra for the destruction of sins and auspiciousness.
• Eighteen Virtues (अठ्ठारस-गुणेहिं संजुत्तो): The text lists eighteen virtues associated with the purified soul, including control of the five senses (पंचिंदिय-संवरणो), adherence to nine types of celibacy (नव-विह-बंभचेर-गुत्तिधरो), freedom from the four passions (चउविह-कसाय-मुक्को), adherence to the five great vows (पंच-महव्वय-जुत्तो), mastery of the five types of conduct (पंच-विहायार-पालण-समत्थो), five restraints (पंच-समिओ), three controls (तिगुत्तो), and thirty-six virtues of a guru (छत्तीस-गुणो). These virtues are presented as attributes of an ideal spiritual being or a highly virtuous individual.
• Prabhu Darshan (Seeing the Lord's Image): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the importance and benefits of seeing the images of the Tirthankaras. These stutis emphasize:
  • Material and Spiritual Benefits: Prabhu Darshan is described as bringing happiness, wealth, and the fulfillment of all desires. It's seen as a source of all accomplishments and even leads to spiritual liberation (केवल-ज्ञान).
  • Purification and Protection: Seeing the Lord's image is believed to wash away sins, dispel sorrows, and remove obstacles. The Lord's name is likened to an infallible medicine that cures all diseases of the soul and worldly troubles.
  • Devotion and Connection: The stutis express deep love and longing for the Lord, describing the joy and peace derived from gazing upon their image. Devotees surrender themselves to the Lord for protection and guidance.
  • The Power of the Lord's Presence: Even the mere sight of the Tirthankara's image is considered highly auspicious and capable of transforming one's life. The beauty and divine radiance of the idols, particularly of Lord Veer Jinendra and Lord Parshvanath, are praised.
  • The Example of King Kumarpal: The text mentions King Kumarpal, who, through devotion and seeing the Lord's image, achieved great renown and prosperity.
• Surrender and Plea for Grace: Many stutis are heartfelt pleas for divine intervention, asking the Lord to free them from the chains of worldly existence, alleviate suffering caused by karmas, and grant spiritual liberation.
• The Five Sacred Places (पंच तीरथ): The text pays homage to the five sacred pilgrimage sites: Abu, Ashtapad, Girnar, Sametshikhar, and Shatrunjay, acknowledging them as places where great souls attained liberation.
• The Essence of Jainism: The text indirectly highlights core Jain principles such as the importance of devotion, the power of the Tirthankaras' names, the renunciation of passions, and the pursuit of liberation. It also touches on the idea that true devotion requires a pure heart and intention.
• The Panch Parmeshthis: The text concludes by invoking the blessings of the Panch Parmeshthis (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus), recognizing them as the highest spiritual beings.
• The Omnipresence of the Lord's Form: The text states that the Lord's images are present in all realms – the netherworld, on earth, and in the heavens – and it is to these images that one should pay continuous homage.
• The Nature of the Tirthankara: The Tirthankaras are described as embodying peace, compassion, wisdom, and detachment. Their form is depicted as a source of joy, a means to cross the ocean of existence, and the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit.
• Guidance on Spiritual Practice: The text offers brief philosophical insights, such as the distinction between worldly wealth and the wealth of the soul, and the idea that true spiritual progress is hindered by ingrained negative habits or "kusanskar" rather than the dharma itself.

Overall Message:

"Sthapna Sutra evam Prabhu Darshan Stutiya" is a devotional compilation that underscores the significance of remembering and praising the Tirthankaras. It emphasizes that devotion, especially through the act of "Prabhu Darshan" and the recitation of mantras like the Navkar Mahamantra, is a powerful means to overcome worldly suffering, attain spiritual merit, and ultimately achieve liberation. The text is a testament to the faith and reverence Jain followers hold for their spiritual leaders and the path of liberation they have illuminated.