Subhashit Padya Ratnakar Part 05 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Subhashit Padya Ratnakar Part 05" by Vishalvijay, published by Vijaydharmsuri Jain Granthmala:

Book Title: Subhashit Padya Ratnakar Part 05 (Subhashit Padya Ratnakar, Fifth Part) Author/Compiler: Muni Raj Shri Vishalvijayji Publisher: Shri Vijaya Dharmsuri Jain Granthmala, Ujjain Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023178/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

This fifth volume of the "Subhashit Padya Ratnakar" series is a collection focused on verses related to Jina Stuti (praise of the Jinas) and other auspicious topics concerning the Tirthankaras. It aims to provide a valuable resource for both Jain followers and those interested in Jain teachings, particularly regarding the lives and attributes of the Tirthankaras.

Key Themes and Sections:

The book is meticulously organized into various sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of Tirthankara lore and Jina worship. The primary themes explored are:

Praise of the Jinas (Jina Stuti): This is the core of the volume. It includes:
- General Praise: Verses praising the omniscient and victorious Jinas, their teachings, and their divine forms.
- Praise of Jinavani (Jina's Speech): Verses highlighting the purity, truthfulness, and illuminating nature of the Jinas' sermons.
- Praise of Jinagam (Jina's Scriptures): Verses dedicated to the sacred Jain scriptures (Agamas), emphasizing their divine origin and profound wisdom.
- Praise of Jinamurti (Jina's Idols): Verses discussing the form, glory, and significance of Jina images and their worship.
- Praise of Jina's Virtues: Verses extolling the inherent qualities and perfections of the Jinas.
- Praise of Tirthankaras (Tirthankar Stuti): Specific praises dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras, including their unique characteristics and stories.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Parents and Lineage: Verses detailing the noble lineage and parents of the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Emblems (Chinha/Lakshana): Verses describing the specific symbols associated with each Tirthankara.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Aura/Halo (Prabhamandal): Verses detailing the divine radiance surrounding the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Incarnation/Conception (Garbha): Verses related to the auspicious beginnings of a Tirthankara's life.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Birth (Janma): Verses celebrating the divine birth of the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Renunciation (Diksha): Verses about the moment of renunciation leading to spiritual liberation.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Enlightenment (Kevalgyan): Verses describing the attainment of omniscience.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Samavasaran: Detailed verses about the divine assembly (Samavasaran) created by the gods for the Tirthankara's sermons, including its structure, features, and the divine beings present.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Miracles (Pratihariya): Verses describing the eight supernatural phenomena that accompany a Tirthankara.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Attributes (Atishay): Verses detailing the special divine qualities and powers of the Tirthankaras, categorized into four, eleven, and nineteen types.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Dynasty (Vansh): Verses about the celestial or solar dynasties from which Tirthankaras descend.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Yakshas and Yakshinis: Verses about the attendant divine beings who serve the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Deities (Shasan Devis): Verses about the guardian goddesses associated with each Tirthankara.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Lineage (Kula) and Parents: Details about the families and parents of the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Names and Synonyms: Listing various epithets and names for the Tirthankaras.
- Praise of Tirthankara's Complexion (Varna): Verses describing the color of their divine bodies.
Praise of Past and Future Tirthankaras: The book includes lists of Tirthankaras from previous and future cycles (Chaturvinshatis).
Jina Puja Vidhi (Method of Jina Worship): This section outlines the proper procedures and rituals for worshipping the Jinas, including purification, offerings (flowers, incense, lamps, etc.), and the significance of each act.
Results of Jina Worship and Devotion (Jina Vandana Phal): This section highlights the spiritual and material benefits derived from worshipping and venerating the Jinas, such as the attainment of purity, freedom from sin, prosperity, and ultimately, liberation.
Seeking Refuge in the Jinas (Jina Sharan): Verses emphasizing the Jinas as the ultimate refuge and source of protection from worldly suffering.
Following Jina's Command (Jina Agnya): Verses dedicated to the importance of adhering to the divine commandments and teachings of the Jinas.
Praise of Gautam Swami: Verses dedicated to Lord Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, highlighting his virtues and role.
Appendices (Parishisht):
- Shiva-Parvati Samvad: A dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati explaining the significance of the Tirthankara's imagery and rituals, drawing from texts like "Aparajitavastu Shastra."
- Tirthankara Tattva (Tirthankara Principles): A detailed chart providing information on the Tirthankaras, including their lineage, parents, birthplace, longevity, time of initiation, attainment of knowledge, life span, and other significant details, compiled from "Shri Trishashthi Shalaka Purush Charitra."
- Miscellaneous Information: Sections that might include lists of the 14 jewels of a Chakravarti, the nine treasures, the Rddhis of Vasudevas, and other relevant historical and philosophical points.

Key Features:

Compilation of Verses: The book is a compilation of select verses (shlokas) from various ancient and respected Jain texts, as well as some from Hindu traditions that praise the Jinas.
Gujarati Translation: The verses are presented with a clear and accessible Gujarati translation, making the profound teachings understandable to a wider audience.
Comprehensive Information: The work provides extensive details about the Tirthankaras, their lives, the Samavasaran, and the intricacies of Jina worship, drawing from authoritative sources.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to the author's guru, Muni Shri Jayantvijayji Maharaj, and grand-guru, Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuriji Maharaj, reflecting a deep sense of reverence and lineage.
Sponsorship: The printing of this volume was generously supported by Smt. Champaben, wife of Shri Chandulal Hirachand Shah of Ahmedabad, in memory of her husband.
Scholarly Effort: Muni Vishalvijayji's extensive reading and meticulous compilation are evident throughout the text, indicating a significant scholarly effort.
Accessibility: The goal of making this knowledge accessible to those who may not know Sanskrit is a stated objective, contributing to the propagation of Jain knowledge.

Significance:

"Subhashit Padya Ratnakar Part 05" serves as a vital repository of devotional and informative verses related to the Jinas. It not only fosters devotion among practitioners but also serves as an encyclopedic reference for understanding the rich lore and practices of Jainism, particularly concerning the Tirthankaras. The compilation makes profound philosophical and historical details readily available in an easily digestible format.