Sukta Muktavali - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sukta Muktavali" by Jayanandsuri and others, based on the provided pages:

Title: Sukta Muktavali (A Garland of Choice Sayings/Pearls) Author(s): Jayanandsuri and Others (The core text is attributed to Pandit Kesharavimalji Ganivar, with a Sanskrit translation and commentary by Acharya Dev Shri Vijayabhupendrasurishvarji Maharaj). Publisher: Guru Shri Ramchandra Prakashan Samiti, Bhinmal.

Overview:

"Sukta Muktavali" is a significant Jain text that falls under the category of Dharmakathanuyoga (narrative literature within Jainism). It is structured into four main sections or Vargas: Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth/Meaning), Kama (Desire/Pleasure), and Moksha (Liberation). The book aims to guide individuals towards a righteous and fulfilling life, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation.

The original text was composed in the 17th century (Vikram Samvat 1754) by Pandit Kesharavimalji Ganivar. It is primarily written in a blend of Gujarati and other regional languages prevalent in the 18th century, featuring verses in the Malini meter extensively. The title "Sukta Muktavali" accurately reflects its content – a collection of well-chosen, valuable sayings or pearls of wisdom.

Recognizing the value of this text and the need to make it accessible to a wider audience, especially Sanskrit scholars and Jain ascetics, Acharya Dev Shri Vijayabhupendrasurishvarji Maharaj undertook the task of translating and elaborating upon it in a simple, sweet, and elegant Sanskrit prose in 1981 (Vikram Samvat 1981). Although this Sanskrit version could not be published during his lifetime, it was later decided by the Sangha to utilize funds collected for literature publication to bring out this important work in his memory.

The text is rich with narratives, examples, and philosophical insights drawn from Jain scriptures. It provides practical guidance on conduct, ethics, and spiritual development.

Key Contents and Structure:

The book is divided into four Vargas, each focusing on a specific aspect of human pursuit:

Dharma Varga (Righteousness):
- This section begins with Mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) and then delves into the essence of Deva (Deities/Tattvas), Guru (Spiritual Teachers), and Dharma (Righteousness/The Path).
- It covers 32 subjects related to Dharma, supported by 48 illustrative stories.
- Key topics include the nature of true devotion, the importance of righteous conduct, the role of spiritual guides, and the impermanence of worldly life.
- Notable stories discussed include:
  - The story of Namivini (devotion to the first Tirthankara).
  - The discourse between Kashikumar Gnadhar and King Pradesh regarding the existence of the soul (refuting atheism).
  - The stories of King Vikramaditya and King Shalivahan, highlighting the power of righteousness and good deeds.
  - The tale of King Shashiprabha, illustrating the consequences of neglecting Dharma and embracing vices.
  - Discussions on the rarity of human birth and the importance of utilizing it for spiritual progress, using examples like Chullika, Pashak, Dhanya, Dyuta, Ratna, Swapna, Chakra, Kurma, Yuga, and Parmanu.
  - The virtues of a good person (Sajjan) are elaborated through stories of Draupadi and Anjana.
  - Emphasis is placed on Nyaya (Justice), Pratigna (Vow/Promise), Kshama (Forgiveness), Trikarana Shuddhi (Purity of thought, word, and deed), Vinaya (Humility), Vidya (Knowledge), Udyama (Effort), Daan (Charity), Sheel (Conduct/Chastity), and Tapa (Austerity).
  - The detrimental effects of negative emotions like Krodha (Anger), Mana (Pride), Maya (Deceit), and Lobha (Greed) are explained with relevant examples.
Artha Varga (Wealth/Meaning):
- This section focuses on the pursuit and management of wealth, and its relationship with well-being.
- It covers 21 subjects and includes 22 illustrative stories.
- Topics include self-reflection and concern for others (Swa-para hit chintan), the nature of wealth and prosperity (Sampat-Lakshmi), the pitfalls of miserliness (Kripanta), the act of asking/begging (Arthi-yachana), poverty (Nirdhanata), the intricacies of royal service (Rajaseva), the nature of the wicked (Khalta-durjanata), disbelief (Avishvasa), friendship (Maitri-mitrata), and the seven deadly vices (Ku-vyasana) including gambling (Dyuta), meat-eating (Mansabhakshan), theft (Chaurya), intoxication (Madyapan), lust/prostitution (Veshyavyasana), hunting (Akhetak), and illicit relations (Parastri gamana).
- Stories like that of Utamkumar (gaining prosperity through good deeds) and Kayavalla Shresthi's story are presented. The narrative of King ShAlivahana and his encounter with King Vikramaditya is also discussed.
Kama Varga (Desire/Pleasure):
- This section deals with desires, pleasures, and their consequences.
- It covers 7 subjects and includes 13 illustrative stories.
- Key themes include the nature of desire (Kama), the qualities and faults of men and women (Purusha gunadosha, Stri gunadosha), union and separation (Sanyog-vayog), maternal love (Matri kartavya), paternal affection (Pitri vatsalya), and the description of children (Putra varnan).
- Stories like that of Nandiṣeṇa Muni's struggle with desire, King Nala and Damayanti, and Rathnemi Muni's attraction towards Rajimati are central here.
Moksha Varga (Liberation):
- This is the final and most crucial section, focusing on the path to ultimate liberation.
- It covers 10 subjects and includes 16 illustrative stories.
- The core themes are:
  - Moksha (Liberation) itself.
  - The nature of Karma and its influence.
  - The paramount importance of Kshama (Forgiveness), exemplified by the stories of Skandhakasuri's disciples and the sage Metarya.
  - The significance of Sanyam (Self-control), illustrated by the story of Baldev Muni controlling wild animals.
  - The Twelve Bhavanas (contemplations) are discussed, including Anitya (Impermanence), with the story of King Bharat, Asharan (Lack of Refuge), Krodh, etc.
  - Viveka (Discernment) and Nirveda/Vairagya (Detachment) are highlighted as essential for spiritual progress.

Key Figures and Contributors:

Pandit Kesharavimalji Ganivar: Original author of the text.
Acharya Dev Shri Vijayabhupendrasurishvarji Maharaj: The highly revered scholar who translated and elaborated on the original text in Sanskrit, making it more accessible. His dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain literature is emphasized.
Acharya Dev Shri Jayanandsuri and Munimandal: The editors of the published work.
Shri Vijayarajendrasurishvarji and Shri Vijaydhanchandrasurishvarji: Revered Gurus to whom salutations are offered.

Purpose and Significance:

The Sukta Muktavali serves as a practical guide for spiritual seekers and lay followers. It blends ethical teachings with compelling narratives to illustrate the principles of Jainism. By presenting the consequences of actions and the rewards of virtues across different life pursuits (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), it aims to inspire readers to cultivate righteous living and ultimately achieve liberation. The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and their results, the importance of renunciation, self-control, and unwavering devotion to the path of liberation. The inclusion of numerous stories makes the philosophical concepts relatable and memorable.