Upadhyaya Sakalchandragani Virachit Shrutaswad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shrutaswad" by Upadhyaya Sakalchandragani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Upadhyaya Sakalchandragani Virachit Shrutaswad Author: Upadhyaya Sakalchandragani (attributed, with Shilchandrasuri as the publisher/editor) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (likely the journal or collection where this appears) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229317/1

Core Subject and Purpose:

"Shrutaswad" (meaning "Taste of Scripture" or "Enjoyment of Knowledge") is a seminal work by the highly accomplished Jain muni, Upadhyaya Sakalchandragani. He was a learned scholar, author, and virtuous ascetic from the 15th-16th century, known for his works on rituals, music, and various other subjects. This particular composition is a poetic work in Prakrit, intended to guide the soul towards self-realization and liberation. The author's primary intention is to provide "Niyappa Sikkham" – self-instruction for one's own soul.

Structure and Content:

The work consists of 164 Prakrit verses (gathas), divided into 40 "Dwaras" (gates or sections). The first 11 verses list the names of these Dwaras. The author then elaborates on each Dwara.

These 40 Dwaras are metaphorically described as the steps of the mansion of liberation (Shivgrah). By gradually ascending these steps, the soul achieves the state of moksha (liberation).

Literary Style and Language:

• Language: The language is described as extremely simple, clear, and eloquent ("saral-praanjal").
• Poetic Meter: The author skillfully employs various meters, including Vasanta Tilaka and Bhujanga Prayata.
• Impact: The presentation is deeply moving and impactful, offering the experience of reading a profound scriptural text while simultaneously evoking a sense of rich and powerful writing. The author's command of language is noted as rare and exceptional.
• Citations: Only one verse (verse 109) is an explicit citation from earlier scriptures. Five verses (43, 92, 94, 101) are identified as being in Apabhramsha. The use of the word "Bhego" in verse 48 is noted as a reminder of the word "Bhaga" in modern Gujarati, suggesting a "deshya Prakrit" origin for the term.

Key Themes and Insights:

The text emphasizes the importance of:

• Self-Awareness and Self-Realization: Frequent use of phrases like "Aaya Suhi" (became happy) and "Aaya Duhi" (became unhappy) indicates a focus on the consequences of one's actions and mental states.
• The Path to Liberation: The 40 Dwaras represent the stages of spiritual progress, leading to moksha.
• Virtues and Practices: The verses touch upon various virtues such as equanimity, knowledge, detachment, proper conduct, renunciation, devotion to Jinas, diligent practice, and the significance of faith.
• The Nature of Existence: The text alludes to the cyclical nature of birth and death, the impermanence of worldly possessions and pleasures, and the suffering inherent in the cycle of existence.
• Ethical Conduct: It highlights the importance of virtuous behavior, restraint, and the avoidance of harmful actions.
• Spiritual Guidance: The work serves as a guide for ascetics and laypeople, providing instruction on living a spiritual life.
• The Teacher's Role: The text mentions the author's guru, "Vijayadan" (Vijaydan Suri), in verse 162, underscoring the importance of the guru-disciple tradition.
• Dual Meanings: Verse 164, with the phrase "Sahajkusalsikkham," is suggested to have a dual meaning, possibly referencing a muni named "Sahajkushal."

Historical and Bibliographical Notes:

• Manuscript Availability: The text is still available in manuscript form. Mention is made of a large work titled "Shrutshiksha" or "Dharmashiksha" by Sakalchandragani, on which a muni was reportedly working years ago, but no published edition is known.
• Specific Manuscript: One manuscript of "Shrutaswad" is located in the Shri Chandrasagar Suri Gnanbhandar in Ujjain. A xerox copy of this manuscript was obtained by the presenter.
• Contents of the Manuscript: This particular manuscript contains "Shrutaswad" and the "Saptanay Garbhit Shriman Mahavir Paragat Stotra" by Shri Vinayvijayganikrut (Nayakarnika).
• Dating and Origin: The manuscript is noted as being written in Shri Rajanagar in Samvat 1763.
• Editorial Notes: The editor has numbered the Dwaras from 1 to 40 and corrected any numbering discrepancies in parentheses.

Overall Significance:

"Shrutaswad" is a significant work within Jain literature, offering profound spiritual insights through eloquent Prakrit poetry. It serves as a practical guide for spiritual aspirants, emphasizing self-discipline, virtuous conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The author's mastery of language and deep spiritual understanding make this a valuable text for study and contemplation.