Updesh Sara Sangraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the two reviewed works:

Overall Context:

The provided text consists of reviews for two books related to the teachings of Shri 108 Deshbhushanji Maharaj. The reviews are from the "Acharyaratna Shri Deshbhushanji Maharaj Abhinandan Granth," suggesting a collection of works and tributes dedicated to him. The publisher is indicated as Z_Deshbhushanji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012045.pdf, and the catalog link points to jainqq.org.

Review 1: Updesh Sara Sangraha (उपदेश सार-संग्रह)

Author: Jagat Bhandari (Reviewer)
Content: This book is a compilation of the essence of the discourses delivered by Shri 108 Deshbhushanji Maharaj during his Chaturmas in Jaipur.
Description of Maharaj Shri Deshbhushanji: The reviewer extols Maharaj Shri Deshbhushanji as a treasury of all virtues, a pride of India, a scholar, a devotee of Dharma, and an ocean of renunciation, self-control, truth, determination, philanthropy, penance, knowledge, intellect, wisdom, and understanding. His discourses are described as rays of light dispelling the darkness of ignorance in the world, akin to jewels scattered from an inexhaustible treasury.
Objective and Inclusive Approach: The review emphasizes that the book was assessed impartially, outside the confines of sectarian debates or linguistic groupings. Maharaj Shri Deshbhushanji is praised for his ability to deliver profound discourses in Hindi, despite not being a native speaker. His scholarship is highlighted, referencing his study of various Indian scriptures (Vedas, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, etc.) and modern works by poets like Maithilisharan Gupt.
Broad Appeal and Depth: The reviewer notes Maharaj Shri Deshbhushanji's ability to penetrate the depths of various religions, including Vedic, Bhagavat, Vaishnav, Arya Samaj, Christianity, and Islam, as well as concepts like monotheism, polytheism, avatarhood, and nirguna-saguna worship. He is credited with understanding the realities of all walks of life, from saints and householders to traders, thieves, lawyers, leaders, doctors, teachers, and even those consumed by passions, anger, greed, deceit, or servitude. His mind is described as being as soft as a flower and as hard as a diamond.
Structure and Content of Discourses: The book contains 84 discourses covering diverse topics. While establishing Jain principles, the discourses consistently uphold the ideal of "Sarvadharma Samabhav" (harmony of all religions). There is no criticism of any religion; instead, their positive aspects are highlighted, and the author's own views are presented with appreciation.
Style and Examples: The discourses are characterized by clear, colloquial, and witty language, analyzed emotions, and the inclusion of mythological or practical stories, stanzas from Sanskrit texts, and verses from poets like Tulsidas, Kabir, Surdas, and Maithilisharan Gupt. The reviewer cites an example from the discourse on "Philanthropy" (Paropkar), where Maharaj Shri uses Maithilisharan Gupt's poetry and verses from "Sukti Muktavali" to illustrate the importance of selfless service. The story of Mrigasen Dhevar (later Somadatta) and his wife Ghanta (later Bishaa) is used to demonstrate how virtuous actions, even seemingly small ones like sparing a fish, can lead to immense positive outcomes.
Key Message: The review concludes that Maharaj Shri Deshbhushanji draws wisdom from all religious traditions and harmonizes them to establish his own teachings. His perspective is liberal and practical, always keeping the welfare of the world in mind, even while adhering to his own Dharma. The discourse on "Jain Dharma is the Religion of All Beings" is highlighted, where he emphasizes "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaḥ" (Non-violence is the Supreme Dharma) and quotes Kabir to underscore the commonality of spiritual seeking. The language is described as accessible to the common reader, making the teachings easy to practice.

Review 2: Shri Nirvan Lakshmipati Stuti (श्री निर्वाण लक्ष्मीपति स्तुति)

Reviewer: Dr. Raj Buddhiraja
Origin: This is an invaluable work from Kannada Jain literature, made accessible by Acharya Ratna 108 Shri Deshbhushanji Vidyalankar.
Content: The book, consisting of 28 verses, is an original translation by Acharya Shri. It is described as a significant addition to his other translated works. The work delves into the profound spiritual grandeur and beauty of Jainism.
Core Themes: The stuti (praise) begins with Bhed-Vijnana (discrimination between the self and non-self) and progresses through stages of knowledge, action, and worship, conceptualizing the soul's ultimate form. It portrays the nature of the soul, the omnipotence of Brahman (the Supreme Being), and the cycle of the world.
Understanding the Soul and the World: The text emphasizes that the soul, in its pursuit of knowledge about itself and the non-self, experiences birth and death across 8.4 million species, with human form being the only one capable of attaining true knowledge. Until the soul understands its "self," it remains engrossed in worldly beauty and suffering. The book highlights the cycle of Maya (illusion) and emphasizes the importance of realizing the forgotten "self" through questions like "Who am I? Where have I come from? Why have I come?" Bhed-Vijnana, the discerning vision between self and non-self, truth and untruth, darkness and light, mortality and immortality, and soul and body, is presented as the cause of liberation (Moksha).
Path to Liberation: To achieve Moksha, breaking free from bonds is essential. Birth and death are bonds, as are sin and merit, which bind the soul alternately. Therefore, all actions should be performed with detachment (nishkama bhava).
Fortune and Discipline: The review mentions that good fortune is a truth that shapes one's future. Those who can "drink nectar and digest it" are truly fortunate. A disciplined life, controlling the senses and mind, leads to penance, which in turn grants eternal happiness.
Brahman: After discussing the soul, the text describes Brahman as eternal and omnipotent, the cause of creation and destruction. Attaining knowledge of Brahman is possible through worship, vows, and fasting. Worship and meditation are indirectly causes of Moksha, and it is only through the grace of Brahman (the Adi Guru) that one can escape the bonds of age, enjoyment, and karma. This divine grace dispels ignorance, leading to the dawn of knowledge and the realization that the body is transient, destined to become ash. Understanding Brahman's existence is crucial to overcoming worldly suffering.
The Cycle of Samsara: The book then vividly portrays the alluring world (Samsara), where the soul wanders through various experiences of happiness and suffering from birth to death. The author prompts the reader to understand the soul's journey and the mysteries of life, questioning how childhood transforms into youth and old age.
Essential Instructions: To aid in this understanding, the author provides essential directives for humanity, emphasizing the importance of giving to the deserving (satpatra) and adhering to vows and disciplines. Such adherence leads to the realization of truth within this very world. Vows act as restraints, reminding individuals that the body, wealth, and youth are transient.
Conclusion: The book concludes with wishes for auspiciousness, truth, nectar, and happiness. It is considered invaluable for its clear depiction of the true nature of the soul, Brahman, and the world. The sentiments expressed are profound, capable of deeply impacting the reader's mind and heart. The rich vocabulary allows the author to express ideas effortlessly. Ultimately, the work is seen as enriching Hindi literature.