Surendra Bhakti Sudha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Surendra Bhakti Sudha" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Surendra Bhakti Sudha (A Collection of Ancient and Modern Devotional Hymns)

Publisher: Shatrunjay Temple Trust, Pune

Authors: Piyushbhadravijay, Jyotipurnashreeji, Muktipurnashreeji

Core Theme: The book is a collection of devotional hymns (stanzas, songs, and prayers) dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev) and other Tirthankaras, with a strong emphasis on the power and essence of Bhakti (devotion) as the primary path to spiritual liberation.

Key Messages and Concepts:

Bhakti Yoga as the Supreme Path: The text emphasizes that in Jainism, there are numerous paths to achieve spiritual realization and cross the ocean of worldly existence. Among these, Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) is highlighted as the most superior, esteemed, and foremost. The book quotes Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, who confirms that through the churning of the ocean of scriptures, the treasure of divine devotion leading to supreme bliss has been attained.
Transformative Power of Devotion: Devotion is depicted as a powerful force capable of overcoming immense difficulties and leading to spiritual success. The preface illustrates this with the example of Upadhyayashri Udayaratna Muni, who, through heartfelt prayer, opened the closed doors of a temple at Shankheshwar Tirth. The text asserts that those who take the raft of devotion can even cross the depths of the ocean of worldly life.
Examples of Devotees: The book references historical figures like Narsinh Mehta, Meerabai, Tansen, Krishna Maharaj, Shrenik Maharaj, and Sulsa Shravika as examples of individuals who achieved success in their lives through devotion. It suggests that the miracles of devotion are still visible today.
Collection of Stanzas (Stavans): The primary content of the book consists of a compilation of ancient and modern stavans (devotional hymns) designed to inspire deep devotion in the reader. These stavans are organized by days of the week (Monday to Sunday) and then present various devotional songs dedicated to different Tirthankaras.
Emotional and Spiritual Connection with the Divine: The stavans express a range of emotions, including longing, surrender, gratitude, awe, and a desire for union with the divine. They speak of remembering the Lord with every breath, seeing the divine in everything, and finding solace and purpose through devotion.
Seeking Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of all these devotional practices is to cut through karmic bonds and attain Moksha (liberation). The prayers often express a plea for the Lord's grace to guide the devotee towards the ultimate destination of spiritual freedom.
Purpose of Publication: The book was published by the Shri Shatrunjay Temple Trust, Pune, with the aim of helping devotees engage in devotional practices and achieve spiritual upliftment. It was specifically released during the Upadhan Tapasya at Shri Shatrunjay Bhaktamar Tirth, intended for the ascetics and all sincere devotees to utilize for their spiritual progress.
Inspiration and Guidance: The book is blessed by revered spiritual leaders, Acharya Shri V. Yashobhadrasurishwarji Maharaj (Dahelawala) and Acharya Shri V. Vimalratna Surishwarji Maharaj (Dahelawala). It was edited by Muni Shri Piyushbhadra V. M. Sa. and Sadhvi Shri Jyotipurnashreeji M. Sa., Sadhvi Shri Muktipurnashreeji M. Sa.
Sponsorship: The publication was made possible through the complete support of industrialist Shri Rasiklal Manikchand Dhariwal of Pune, Ghodnadi, for the spiritual benefit of his mother, Matushri Madanbai Manikchand Dhariwal.
Book Launch: The book was officially released on December 12, 2003, by Kumari Janhvi Rasiklal Dhariwal.

Content Breakdown (Examples from Stavans):

The stavans cover various themes:

Daily Devotion: Prayers for Monday through Sunday often reflect the specific sentiments of a devotee on that day, such as seeking protection, expressing inner pain, remembering the Lord, or feeling joy at His presence.
Praise of Tirthankaras: Many stavans are dedicated to specific Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev (Adinath), Chandraprabhu, Padmaprabhu, Vimalnath, Munisuvrat, and Parshvanath. They praise their qualities, divine presence, and the teachings they impart.
Personal Devotion: The songs express personal surrender, the feeling of being a servant of the Lord, and the deep longing for His darshan (sight).
Philosophical Insights: Some stavans touch upon Jain philosophy, such as the distinction between the eternal and the temporary, the nature of karma, the importance of right knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and detachment (Vairagya).
Celebration of Sacred Places: Stavan 26, for instance, celebrates the significance of Shatrunjay and Girnar Tirths.

Overall Impact:

"Surendra Bhakti Sudha" serves as a devotional guide, offering a rich collection of prayers and hymns to deepen the reader's connection with the Jain Tirthankaras. It aims to inspire a life of devotion, leading to spiritual purity, the eradication of karma, and ultimately, the attainment of liberation. The book emphasizes that through sincere and unwavering devotion, even the most ordinary individual can achieve extraordinary spiritual heights.