Suktamala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Suktamala" by Amrut Patel, based on the information presented across the pages:

Book Title: Suktamala Author: Amrut Patel (attributed, with possibility of it being by Shri Narendrabhosuriji) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229371/1

Overview of the Text and its Context:

The provided text is a scholarly article from "Anusandhan-40" (issue July 2007), a publication likely focused on Jain research. The article discusses and presents a text called "Suktamala."

Authorship and Provenance:

• Primary Attribution: The article introduces the "Suktamala" as potentially being a work by Shri Narendrabhosuriji. This is based on the fact that he is known for composing collections of aphorisms (suktis) like "Vivekakalika" and "Vivekapadapa," as well as an treatise on rhetoric called "Alankar Mahodadhi." The authorship is considered probable rather than definitively proven, as the manuscript is incomplete.
• Editor/Publisher: Amrut Patel is mentioned as the author of the introductory article and the compilation of this edition of "Suktamala." The publisher is listed as ZZ_Anusandhan.
• Manuscripts: The edited version of "Suktamala" is based on two manuscripts held at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad.
  • Manuscript A: Identified as L.D.B. Ms. 19882, it contains 121 verses and is considered the primary source for the edition.
  • Manuscript B: Identified as L.D.B. Ms. 26565, it contains 111 verses and names the scribe as Muktisaukhyagani. This manuscript also attributes the work to "Mal." (likely Maladhari Narendrabhosuriji) and is titled "Drushtantashatak Avchuri." This further supports the attribution to Narendrabhosuriji.
• Incompleteness: The work is acknowledged as incomplete, with the lack of a concluding benediction (prashasti) suggesting it was not fully finished. Manuscript A contains 15 verses not found in Manuscript B, and some verses are not present in either.
• Absence in Literary Histories: The article notes that "Suktamala" is not mentioned in the histories of Sanskrit literature by Shri M.R. Desai or Shri H.R. Kapadia.

Content and Style of Suktamala:

• Structure: The "Suktamala" is described as a collection of 121 verses (shlokas).
• Themes:
  • First half of verses: Contain aphorisms related to advice (upadesh) and ethics/morality (niti).
  • Second half of verses: Focus on practical wisdom (vyavaharik dahapan), confirmation of popular beliefs related to omens (nimitta), astrology (jyotish), and similar subjects.
• Literary Devices: The verses primarily use examples (drishtanta) and rhetorical devices like arthantaranyasa (apposition or contrast) to illustrate their points.
• Language and Tone: The language is described as enjoyable due to its clarity ("prasadgun"). The use of alliteration ("anupras") is also noted as pleasing.
• Overall Impression: The entire work is seen as an inexhaustible treasure of poetic beauty and rhythm.
• Intertextuality: The article highlights that the 5th verse of "Suktamala" ("Dadhatyartam sukhakartum...") is recorded as the 274th example in "Alankar Mahodadhi," further strengthening the connection to Narendrabhosuriji.

Specific Verses and Their Themes (Examples from the provided text):

The article then lists a significant portion of the verses (from 1 to 121). Here are a few examples to illustrate the themes:

• Verse 2: "Kala Kalapa Sampanna jalpanti samaye param. Ghanagamaviparayase kekayante na kekinah." (Those with developed skill speak appropriately at the right time. Do peacocks not cry out in the absence of the rainy season?) - Highlights the importance of context and timeliness.
• Verse 5: "Dadhatyartam sukhakartum santah santapamatmana. Suduhkham sahante hi taravastapanatapatam." (The virtuous, to bring happiness to others, endure suffering themselves. Trees, indeed, endure unbearable heat.) - Illustrates the concept of self-sacrifice for the welfare of others.
• Verse 7: "Jahati dahyamano'pi ghansaro na saubharam." (Even when burning, camphor does not abandon its fragrance.) - Emphasizes the inherent nature of virtue.
• Verse 9: "Nisargenaiva pishunah svajanochchedamicchati. Rahurahuuyate kena vidhorvaidhuryahetavae." (The inherently malicious one desires the destruction of their own kin. Who calls to Rahu to cause the moon's eclipses?) - Discusses the nature of the malicious and their actions, using an astrological metaphor.
• Verse 17: "Mahimanam mahiyamsam sangah sutemahatmanaam. Mandakineemudo vandyaastravediveedinampyapi." (Association creates greatness for the great. The waters of the Mandakini are worthy of adoration even to those who know the Vedas.) - Focuses on the power of association and the inherent worthiness of good things.
• Verse 19: "Lokamprnanapi gunan doshah svalpopi dushayet. Apeya pashya piyush gargaragarabinduna." (Even minor faults can spoil widely known virtues. Behold, nectar becomes undrinkable with a single drop of poison.) - Highlights how a small flaw can negate many virtues.
• Verse 22: "Tavad tejasvinestejo yavadb bhagyamabhangaram. Ksinatelaah kiyatkalam dipo'pí pradiipyate." (The brilliance of the brilliant lasts as long as their fortune is unbroken. How long does a lamp shine once its oil is depleted?) - Relates brilliance and capability to the duration of fortune.
• Verse 119: "Kimapyasadhyam mahataam siddhi meti laghiyasa. Pradeepo hemagehantah dhvantam hanti na bhanumaan." (What is unattainable for the great is achieved by the smaller. A lamp inside a golden house dispels darkness, but the sun does not.) - Illustrates that sometimes smaller or focused efforts can achieve specific tasks better than overwhelming general power.

Appendices/Additional Information:

• The article also includes a section discussing Vachak Gyanpramod, a disciple of Vishal Keerti (a disciple of Narendrabhosuriji). It details Gyanpramod's lineage, his major work (a commentary on Vagbhatalankara), and the publication of the "Vagbhatalankara Gyanpramodiya Tika."
• It then presents two stotras (hymns) attributed to Vachak Gyanpramod:
  • Adinath Stotra (Kottadurgamandana Adinath Stotram): This hymn has 14 verses and praises Lord Adinath. Verse 14 mentions the "Kottadurg" which is a subject for further research.
  • Parshwanath Stotra (Ratlam Mandan Parshwanath Stotram): This hymn has 9 verses and praises Lord Parshwanath. It mentions Ratlam as a place associated with the worship of Parshwanath.
• The article concludes with colophons and editorial notes, including variant readings from the manuscripts.

In essence, the document is a scholarly presentation and analysis of "Suktamala," a likely incomplete collection of aphorisms and practical wisdom attributed to the Jain Muni Narendrabhosuriji, with detailed information on its manuscripts, content, style, and related works by his disciples.