Sukta Ratna Manjusha Part 09 Vitragstotra Stutisangraha

This document is Book Number 9 of the Shrut Ratna Nidhi Granthamala series, titled "Vitragastotra Stutisangraha" (Collection of Praise Hymns for the Detached Ones), with commentary (Sarth). The author is Muni Bhavyasundarvijay, and it is published by Shramanopasak Parivar.

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Pages 1-6: Introduction and Context

• Purpose: The book is presented as a valuable collection of devotional hymns (stotras and stutis) dedicated to the Vitaraags (those who are free from attachment and aversion, referring to the Tirthankaras and Omniscient beings in Jainism).
• Author and Publisher: Muni Bhavyasundarvijay is the compiler, and the Shramanopasak Parivar is the publisher.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Param Pujya Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Ratnasundarsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee of ascetic life (50 years).
• Inspiration: The compiler's intention is to make it easier for devotees to memorize and internalize key verses from various Jain scriptures. The introduction highlights the importance of memorizing Jain verses (Gathas) and the effort involved.
• Need for Compilation: It acknowledges the vastness of Jain scriptures and the decreasing memory retention power in the current era (Pancham Kal). Therefore, selecting and presenting important verses in a concise form is seen as a significant service.
• Inspiration from Past Practices: The text mentions historical examples of great Jain monks who memorized thousands of verses daily, emphasizing the tradition of oral transmission and memorization in Jainism.

Pages 7-11: Editorial and Introduction to the Compilations

• Value of Jain Verses: It emphasizes how ancient Jain saints composed verses on topics like renunciation (vairagya), conduct (aachar), spirituality (adhyatma), philosophy (dravyanuyog), self-reflection (atmalahi bhavana), soul development (atmavikasakram), and yoga.
• Compilation Strategy: The compiler, Muni Bhavyasundarvijay, has selected verses that are particularly useful for memorization, drawing from the tradition of "saroddhar" (essence extraction) of larger texts. This is done to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience, including monks and nuns.
• Selection Criteria: The chosen verses are noted for their conciseness, impact, ease of memorization, and clarity of meaning. The compilation rearranges verses based on thematic similarity rather than strictly following the original scriptural order.
• Purpose of Publication: The ultimate goal is for monks, nuns, and lay followers to memorize these verses, reflect on their meaning, and progress towards spiritual liberation.
• Acknowledgement of Sources: The text mentions that previous scholarly efforts have also compiled essences of major Jain works, and this compilation follows that tradition.

Pages 12-15: Acknowledgements and Series Information

• Shrut Ratna Nidhi Granthamala: This section lists the ten books in the series, with "Vitragastotra Stutisangraha" being the ninth. The other books cover various Jain philosophical and devotional topics.
• Acknowledgements: The compiler expresses deep gratitude to numerous Acharyas, monks, scholars, and supporting organizations for their blessings, inspiration, guidance, and assistance in compiling and publishing this work.
• Publication Sponsorship: It mentions that the publication of the entire series has been sponsored by various Jain sanghs (communities) and individuals.
• Financial Aspect: A note indicates that the book is meant to be a "gyan-dravya" (knowledge-wealth) and should be acquired with a nominal contribution.

Pages 16-45: Vitragastotra (The Hymn to the Detached)

• Author: This section attributes the original "Vitragastotra" to Kalkalsarvajna Shri Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharajsaheb.
• Translation and Commentary: The Gujarati translation is based on the commentary of Pujya Acharya Shri Rajshekharasurishwarji, and the compilation and commentary (arthasankalan) are by Pujya Muni Shri Bhavyasundarvijayi Maharajsaheb. The meaning research (arthasanśodhan) is attributed to Pujya Muni Shri Tribhuvanratnavijayi Maharajsaheb.
• Content of Vitragastotra: This is the main body of the book, containing verses (shlokas) in Sanskrit with Gujarati translations and explanations. The hymns praise the qualities of the Tirthankaras and the state of detachment. They cover:
  • Praise of the Supreme Soul: Describing the Tirthankaras as the highest self, light, and supreme beings, free from all impurities and afflictions.
  • Attributes and Miracles: Enumerating their extraordinary physical attributes (like auspicious marks, divine body), their spiritual powers, their impact on the environment (like auspicious trees blooming), their teachings, and the divine entourage they are surrounded by.
  • Vairagya (Renunciation): Highlighting their profound detachment from worldly pleasures, pain, and even spiritual attainments.
  • Self-Reflection and Repentance: The verses also contain personal reflections of the devotee, expressing their own shortcomings, mistakes, and seeking refuge in the Tirthankaras.
  • Adherence to Jain Principles: The importance of following the teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly regarding restraint (samvara) and avoidance of influx (ashrav).
  • The Path to Liberation: Emphasizing that following the path shown by the Tirthankaras is the only way to achieve liberation.

Pages 46-63: Jinanama Sahasrastotra (Thousand Names of Jinas)

• Authors: This section compiles verses from Jinanama Sahasrastotra attributed to Pūrvāchārya Ratnākarasūri Maharajsaheb and Kumarpal Maharajaa. It also mentions Ratnakara Panchavimshatika, Atmaninda Dwātrishikā, and Gautamāshtak as other contributing works.
• Compilation: The compilation and commentary are by Muni Shri Bhavyasundarvijayi, and the meaning research by Muni Shri Hitartharatnavijayi.
• Content: This part is a collection of hymns praising the names and attributes of all the twenty-four Tirthankaras of this epoch, as well as other important Jinas and holy places.
  • It enumerates the names of Tirthankaras, their mothers, their respective virtues, and the significant places associated with them (like Astapada, Sammet Shikhar, Girnar).
  • The hymns express deep devotion and reverence for these enlightened beings.

Pages 64-87: Further compilations and hymns

• Ratnakara Panchavimshatika: This section includes verses from this work, which are characterized by deep self-reflection, admission of past errors, and a heartfelt plea for spiritual guidance. The verses highlight the spiritual ignorance and mistakes of the devotee and their sincere desire for liberation through devotion to the Tirthankaras.
• Atmaninda Dwātrishikā (Thirty-two Verses of Self-Condemnation): This part contains verses where the devotee acknowledges their failings, their attachment to worldly desires, their inability to practice virtues, and their deep sense of remorse. They lament their spiritual blindness and beg for the grace of the Tirthankaras.
• Gautama Ashtaka (Eight Verses on Gautama Swami): This section is dedicated to the hymns in praise of Shri Gautama Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. The verses highlight his spiritual prowess, his role in compiling the Jain scriptures, and his significance for the spiritual progress of others.

Overall Theme:

The entire book is a collection of devotional hymns (stotras and stutis) aimed at fostering devotion, reverence, and spiritual understanding among Jains. It emphasizes the paramount importance of the Vitaraags (Tirthankaras and Omniscient beings) as guides on the path to liberation. The compilation by Muni Bhavyasundarvijay is a significant effort to make these profound spiritual teachings accessible and memorable, thereby contributing to the spiritual upliftment of the community. The book is a testament to the rich tradition of Jain devotional literature and the continuous effort to preserve and propagate its wisdom.