Sushil Nammala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sushil Nam Mala" by Acharya Vijaysushilsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Sushil Nam Mala (सुशीलनाममाला) Author: Acharya Vijaysushilsuri (आचार्य श्रीविजयसुशीलसूरिः) Publisher: Sushilsuri Jain Gyanmandiram, Sirohi, Rajasthan (आचार्य श्रीसुशीलसूरि जैन ज्ञान मन्दिरम्, शान्तिनगर, सिरोही (राजस्थान))

Overview:

"Sushil Nam Mala" is a Sanskrit dictionary compiled in verse. Its primary purpose is to collect and present synonymous words from Sanskrit in a poetic format. The work is dedicated to the lineage of Jain Gurus, specifically the Acharyas Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji and Shrimad Vijay Lavanyasurishwarji, and compiled under the inspiration and guidance of Acharya Vijaysushilsuri.

Key Features and Content:

1. Structure: The book is a comprehensive dictionary organized into six main sections (विभाग):

   • Prathamo Devadhideo Vibhag (प्रथमः देवाधिदेव विभागः): Pertaining to supreme deities, including names of Tirthankaras, Gandharas, Shrutkevalins, Dashpurvdharas, parents of Tirthankaras, Yakshas, Yakshinis, and the previous and future Tirthankaras.
   • Dwitiyo Dev Vibhag (द्वितीयो देव विभागः): Encompassing various celestial beings and related terms, including heavens, celestial beings (Devas), Amrita, Bhavanpati Devas, Vyantar Devas, Jyotishka Devas, Vaimanika Devas, Sun, Moon, stars, constellations, and astrological concepts.
   • Tritiyo Mritya Vibhag (तृतीयो मर्त्य विभागः): Detailing names and terms related to the mortal world, including humans (different stages of life, professions, qualities), social hierarchies, family relationships, diseases, medical terms, and various aspects of human life and society.
   • Chaturtho Tiryak Vibhag (चतुर्थो तिर्यग विभागः): Covering the realm of lower beings and the natural world. This extensive section includes names of earth elements, minerals, water bodies, celestial time divisions, directions, winds, plants, trees, fruits, flowers, insects, animals, birds, and their classifications.
   • Panchamo Naraka Vibhag (पञ्चमो नारक विभागः): Describing the hellish realms and their inhabitants and associated suffering.
   • Shashtho Samanya Vibhag (षष्ठः सामान्य विभागः): A general section covering a wide range of terms, including concepts like soul, life, mind, senses, qualities, states, merits, demerits, auspiciousness, auspicious times, time divisions, speech, writing, knowledge, various types of literature, artistic expressions, musical instruments, emotions (rasas), various forms of worship, rituals, philosophical concepts, and more.

2. Perverse Format: The dictionary is written entirely in Sanskrit verse, primarily using the Anushtup meter. This poetic form makes the vocabulary collection engaging and memorable.

3. Compilation Style: The work draws inspiration from earlier seminal works like the "Abhidhan Chintamani Kosh" by Acharya Hemchandrasuri. However, it aims to be a new and relevant compilation for the present time, incorporating contemporary vocabulary where appropriate. It meticulously lists synonyms, often with brief explanations or contexts.

4. Author's Lineage and Inspiration: The book highlights a strong lineage of Jain scholars and spiritual leaders, tracing back to great Acharyas. It emphasizes the inspiration received from teachers like Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji and Shrimad Vijay Lavanyasurishwarji, and the direct guidance from Shrimad Vijay Dakshasurishwarji. The compilation itself was a significant undertaking, starting with inspiration from Munishri Devbhadr vijayji.

5. Purpose: The "Sushil Nam Mala" aims to be a valuable resource for students, scholars, poets, writers, and anyone interested in the depth and breadth of Sanskrit vocabulary, particularly within the context of Jain philosophy and literature. It seeks to aid in the understanding of existing texts and facilitate the creation of new literary works.

6. Endorsements and Commendations: The book includes numerous commendations (सम्मति) from prominent Jain scholars, munis, pandits, professors, lawyers, and doctors. These testimonials uniformly praise the author's erudition, the book's utility, its comprehensive nature, and its accessibility to learners. They highlight the author's dedication, scholarly prowess, and significant contribution to Sanskrit and Jain literature.

7. Author's Profile: The summary provides a detailed biography of Acharya Vijaysushilsuri, mentioning his birth, initiation, academic achievements, numerous titles (Shastra Visharad, Sahitya Ratna, Kavi Bhushan, Jain Diwakar, etc.), his extensive literary output (over 108 books, 56 published), his role in temple constructions and renovations, and his ongoing commitment to spiritual and literary service.

Significance:

"Sushil Nam Mala" is presented as a significant contribution to Sanskrit lexicography and Jain literature. It reflects the author's deep understanding of Sanskrit grammar and literature and his commitment to preserving and enriching Jain tradition through scholarly works. The book's comprehensive nature, organized structure, and poetic presentation make it a valuable tool for learning and a testament to the author's dedication to knowledge dissemination.