Terapanth Ka Rajasthani Gadya Sahtiya - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Terapanth ka Rajasthani Gadya Sahtiya" by Dulahrajmuni:

This text, "Terapanth ka Rajasthani Gadya Sahtiya" (Terapanth's Rajasthani Prose Literature) by Muni Shri Dularaj, a disciple of Acharya Shri Tulsi, explores the rich tradition of prose literature created within the Terapanth Jain sect, primarily in the Rajasthani language.

The Nature of Literature: The author begins by comparing literature to a river with many streams. While originating from a single source, each stream develops its unique characteristics as it flows. Literature itself is divided into two main streams: prose (गद्य) and poetry (पद्य). Prose is described as simple and easy to understand, catering to a desire for expansion and detailed explanation, aiming for clarity for the reader. Poetry, on the other hand, is concise, impactful, and touches the heart, but is understood by fewer people.

The Terapanth Sect and its Literary Context: The Terapanth sect, a vibrant community, has a history of approximately 200 years, founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Vikram Samvat 1817 (1760 CE). The era was marked by religious fervor and debates. This intellectual climate spurred the exploration of numerous scriptures, leading to increased factual knowledge, the development of argumentative skills, and consequently, a vast body of literature.

The Dominance of Rajasthani Literature in Terapanth: The Terapanth sect originated and flourished in Rajasthan. Consequently, its monks, nuns, and followers were predominantly from Rajasthan. This geographical and cultural connection naturally led to the majority of its literary output being in the Rajasthani language.

Prominent Literary Figures and their Contributions: The text highlights the significant contributions of Acharya Bhikshu (the founder) and Acharya Shri Majjayacharya (the fourth Acharya) as paramount literary figures in Rajasthani. While they created a substantial amount of literature, the majority was in verse, focusing on various aspects of religious beliefs. However, they also produced notable works in Rajasthani prose.

The Influence of Monastic Life on Language: The wandering lifestyle of Jain monks (parivrajan) contributed to linguistic diversity in their writings. Exposure to different regions and local dialects naturally influenced their Rajasthani, incorporating words from various areas. This resulted in variations within Rajasthani itself, as seen in the dialects of Thali, Bikaner, Sardarshahr, Churu, Marwar, Mewar, Godwar, and Barmer.

Key Prose Works and Themes:

1. Acharya Bhikshu: Acharya Bhikshu, the founder, is credited with approximately 38,000 verses, with a smaller portion in prose. His published works are predominantly poetic, while his prose remains largely unpublished. His prose literature includes:

Mariyadaen (Regulations/Codes of Conduct): These are written in Rajasthani prose and provide insights into the spiritual depth, sincerity, and conduct of the sect. Examples include regulations on:
- Commitment to the Sangha: Emphasizing genuine faith and discouraging those who remain for selfish reasons.
- Sangha Unity: Promoting harmony and discouraging criticism of fellow monks to others, stressing the importance of trust in the central leadership.
- Handling Disagreements: Directing followers to seek guidance from senior monks or the omniscient beings rather than creating divisions within the community.
- Discipline and Conduct: Outlining proper behavior between monks and nuns, including rules for living arrangements, sharing resources, and communication.
- Reporting Wrongdoing: Stating that any misconduct should be reported to the head, and ensuring that those who have committed faults receive appropriate penance.
Thokde (Chapters/Sections): Acharya Bhikshu wrote several "Thokde," with "Terah Dwar" (Thirteen Gates) being particularly famous. This work explains the nine fundamental principles of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha) from thirteen different perspectives (Dwaras). The text provides examples of the first and thirteenth "Dwaras."
Bhav ki Charcha (Discussion on Bhavas): He extensively described the five Bhavas (states of existence resulting from the influence of Karma: Audayika, Aupashamika, Kshāyika, Kshayopashamika, and Pārināmika) in relation to the eight karmas.
Yog ki Charcha (Discussion on Yoga): His short essay discusses the causes of good and bad yogas (mental, verbal, and physical activities), offering a rare and subtle analysis.
Ek Sau Ikyasi Bolan ki Hundi (A Treatise on 181 Statements): This is a method of presenting scriptural knowledge with proofs. Acharya Bhikshu created these "Hundis" to aid monks and nuns in remembering scriptural points, especially crucial for debates of the time. These "Hundis" contain proofs from various scriptures for 101 topics.

2. Tikam Dosi ki Charcha (The Discussion with Tikam Dosi): This work documents the discussions between Acharya Bhikshu and Tikam Dosi, a Jain layman from Kutch. Tikam Dosi, seeking clarity on various philosophical and scriptural matters, presented his questions in written "oliyā" (pages). Acharya Bhikshu provided solutions in Rajasthani prose. The discussion addressed many of Tikam Dosi's queries, with some remaining unresolved until his death.

3. Shri Majjayacharya (Jayaacharya): The fourth Acharya, Jayacharya, was a prolific writer, creating approximately 350,000 verses in Rajasthani. His contributions to Rajasthani prose are vast and diverse:

Bharam Vidhvansan (Dispelling Illusions): This philosophical work systematically discusses key controversial topics of his time, supported by scriptural evidence. It has 24 sections.
Sandeh Vishaudhi (Antidote to Doubt): This work addresses various life-related issues within an scriptural context. Its sections are called "Ratna" (jewels) and cover topics like the sixth stage of spiritual progress, conduct, diet, and more.
Jinaagya Mukh-Mandana (Adornment of the Jain Precepts): This work explains scriptural directives regarding the conduct of monks and nuns, particularly the exceptions (apavāda) to general rules, providing evidence and reasoning to prevent misinterpretations.
Kumati Vihandan (Destruction of Wrong Intellect): A philosophical text addressing doubts related to the thoughts and actions of monks, written in engaging Rajasthani prose.
Prashnottar Sardashatak (A Hundred and Fifty-One Question-Answers): This book contains answers to 151 questions on philosophical, scriptural, and monastic conduct topics.
Charcha Ratnamala (Garland of Discussions): An incomplete collection of questions and answers from various discussions held at different places.
Dhyan Yoga (Meditation Yoga): While not strictly prose, his meditations, "Bada Dhyan" (Great Meditation) and "Chhota Dhyan" (Small Meditation), provide instructions on meditation techniques and are considered significant spiritual prose.
Itihas Sankalan (Historical Compilation): Jayacharya was a keen historian, meticulously recording events and teachings from his spiritual guru, Hemrajji Swami. The "Drishtant" (Illustrations) collection is a prime example, containing anecdotes and historical accounts that shed light on the practices and challenges of the time, including descriptions of monastic life, encounters with robbers, and acts of devotion.
Katha-Kosh (Treasury of Stories): This extensive collection, containing around two thousand stories, was compiled to train speakers and provide material for sermons. It includes diverse narratives, couplets, and other lyrical forms, often reflecting folk traditions and historical events from the Mughal and English eras.
Vyakarana (Grammar): To make the study of Sanskrit grammar accessible, Jayacharya translated grammatical concepts into Rajasthani prose and verse, creating works like "Panch Sandhi ki Jod" and "Akhyat Ri Jod."
Nayachakra ki Jod (Translation of Nayachakra): He translated and wrote commentaries (vartika) on Devachand Suri's "Nayachakra," making the complex topic of Jain logic and perspectives accessible in Rajasthani.
Bhikkhu Drishtant (Illustrations of Bhikshu): This seminal work compiles 312 anecdotes and reflections on Acharya Bhikshu, praised for its simple, elegant style and profound life lessons. It is considered a masterpiece of Rajasthani commemorative prose.
Hajari (Attendance Records/Daily Recitations): Jayacharya created 20 "Hajaries" based on Acharya Bhikshu's regulations, emphasizing the importance of these regulations for the integrity and discipline of the Sangha.
Vartika (Commentaries/Notes): He wrote extensive commentaries (Vartika) in Rajasthani prose on various Jain Agamas, such as Bhagavati and Uttaradhyayan Sutra, to clarify difficult passages.
Taba (Agam Explanations): These are detailed explanations of Jain Agamas in the Rajasthani language, often termed "Taba," contributing significantly to the understanding of scriptural texts.
Tuhuka (Food Sharing Procedures): These are prose pieces used to instill the practice of communal food sharing among monks and nuns.
Siddhantasara (Essence of Principles): He wrote numerous "Siddhantasara" works in Rajasthani prose, which are comparative studies of Acharya Bhikshu's texts, reinforcing them with scriptural evidence.

Other Terapanth Acharyas and Monks: While Acharya Bhikshu and Jayacharya are highlighted, the text mentions that other Acharyas and monks have also contributed to Rajasthani literature, primarily through poetry. However, their prose contributions are mainly in the form of letters. The tradition of letter-writing between Acharyas and their disciples continues to this day, serving as a valuable record of the sect's administration and spiritual guidance.

Contemporary Contributions: The text briefly mentions Acharya Tulsi, the ninth Acharya, who composed poetry and biographies in Rajasthani. It also notes the contributions of Muni Nathmal, a scholar who wrote extensively in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit, with a limited but impactful body of work in Rajasthani prose, often characterized by sharp expression and evocative metaphors.

Conclusion: The author concludes by emphasizing that the Rajasthani prose literature of the Terapanth sect is vast and has not been fully explored or published. The publication of Acharya Jayacharya's extensive prose and poetry works is anticipated to further enrich Rajasthani literature and inspire future scholarly endeavors. The text acknowledges that while published works are few, the legacy of these monks as creators of Rajasthani literature is significant, with names like Muni Veniramji, Muni Hemrajji, and others being noteworthy.

In essence, the text is a scholarly overview of the significant and diverse Rajasthani prose literature produced within the Terapanth Jain tradition, highlighting its key figures, themes, and linguistic nuances.