Vajjalagga Me Jivan Mulya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vajjalagga me Jivan Mulya" by Kamalchand Sogani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vajjalagga me Jivan Mulya (Life Values in Vajjalagga) Author: Dr. Kamalchand Sogani Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004172/1

This book, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy as part of its "Prakrit Bharti Pushpa" series (No. 44), is an edited selection and analysis of verses from the ancient Jain text, Vajjalagga, focusing specifically on the life values presented within it. Dr. Kamalchand Sogani, a Professor in the Philosophy Department at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, has meticulously chosen 100 gathas (verses) that exemplify these values.

About Vajjalagga:

Significance: Vajjalagga holds a unique and esteemed place in the tradition of Prakrit subhashita (aphorism/wise saying) collections, considered a major work after Mahakavi Hala's Gahasattasai (Saptashati). Its key feature is the thematic compilation of verses, making it a valuable resource for specific subjects.
Authorship and Time Period: While the exact author and period are debated, the verses often cite "Shrutadevi" (Goddess of Learning) residing in the lotus-like mouth of the omniscient, indicating the compiler, Jayavallabha, was a Jain muni. Tradition places him within the Shvetambara lineage. Scholars estimate its creation between 750 AD and 1337 AD, with some dating it to over a thousand years ago.
Meaning of the Name: The name Vajjalagga is derived from "Vajja" (meaning padhati or method) and "Lagg" (meaning prakaran or chapter/section). Thus, it signifies a collection of verses arranged by theme or method.
Content and Structure: The original Vajjalagga is believed to have initially contained around 700 verses and 48 vajjays (sections). Current versions contain 95 vajjays and 795 verses, with some manuscripts extending to nearly 1000 verses. It compiles verses related to dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth/economics), and kama (desire/love).
Purpose of Compilation: The compiler, Jayavallabha, likely aimed to promote and propagate Prakrit language and literature, hoping to attract even Sanskrit lovers with the beauty and sweetness of Prakrit poetry. Another crucial purpose was the preservation of valuable Prakrit verses from potential loss due to the shifting literary landscape where people were increasingly drawn to folk languages over Prakrit and Apabhramsa.
Commentaries and Translations: The text has received at least two Sanskrit commentaries. Several translations and editions exist, including those in English (by Weber and M.V. Patwardhan) and Hindi (by Vishwanath Pathak).

Life Values in Vajjalagga (as highlighted in the book):

Dr. Sogani's selection focuses on the ethical and moral principles advocated in the Vajjalagga. The book elaborates on these values with detailed explanations and translations of the chosen verses:

Importance of Values over Birth/Status: The verses emphasize that acquiring virtues and values is paramount, more significant than one's birth or social standing. High lineage is meaningless without good character. Virtues can overcome flaws, much like a precious gem found in a shell is valued regardless of the shell's commonality.
The Nature of a Virtuous Person (Sujana):
- Non-violence and Compassion: Virtuous individuals do not harbor ill will, do not cause harm, and actively strive to alleviate the suffering of others. They are kind even to those who wrong them.
- Pleasant Speech: They speak kindly, never use harsh words, and respond to harshness with gentleness and pleasantries.
- Integrity and Perseverance: Their resolutions are firm, and they pursue their tasks diligently without wavering, even in adverse circumstances. Their actions speak louder than their words.
- Humility and Gratitude: They remain humble even in success and grateful for the help received, never forgetting kindness shown to them.
- Courage and Patience: They face difficulties with courage and patience, finding their resolve strengthened by obstacles.
- Self-Respect: They uphold their self-respect and dignity, refusing to beg or compromise their principles for material gain.
- Wisdom and Knowledge: They value knowledge above worldly possessions and power, recognizing it as the greatest companion.
- Friendship and Love: They cultivate deep, unwavering affection and friendship, remaining steadfast in their bonds.
- Forgiveness: They are forgiving, not harboring anger even when wronged.
- Integrity and Promise-Keeping: They are committed to their promises and never compromise their word.
- Avoiding Bad Company: They understand the detrimental effect of associating with the wicked and actively shun such company.
- Seriousness and Depth: Like the ocean, they are deep and composed, even in the absence of external riches.
The Nature of the Wicked (Khal/Durjana):
- Arrogance and Envy: They are characterized by arrogance, stemming from their flaws rather than virtues, and often harbor envy towards others.
- Selfishness and Obstinacy: They are unwilling to share their possessions, hinder others from giving, and can even take back what they have given. They are characterized by baseless enmity.
- Destructive Nature: Their presence or influence can ruin families, villages, and even kingdoms.
The Role of Wealth and Poverty: The verses suggest that true wealth lies in virtues, not just material possessions. While poverty can be challenging, it can also be a catalyst for developing resilience and character, as it highlights the true nature of individuals and their values.
Appreciation for Prakrit Language: The text also expresses a deep appreciation for the Prakrit language, viewing love for it as love for the people, highlighting its accessibility and the joy it brings.

Structure of the Book:

The book includes:

Editorial Notes (Prakashakiy, Praakathan, Prastavana): These sections provide context on the significance of Vajjalagga, the compilation process, the chosen verses, and the contemporary relevance of these life values.
Selected Gathas with Hindi Translation: The core of the book presents 100 gathas from Vajjalagga, each followed by its Hindi translation, aiming for accuracy and clarity.
Grammatical Analysis: A detailed grammatical analysis of each verse is provided, which is intended to aid in the systematic learning of the Prakrit language and its grammar.
Index of Signs (Sanket-Suchi): Explains the abbreviations and symbols used in the grammatical analysis.
Gatha-wise Concordance: A list correlating the verses in the book with their original numbers in Vajjalagga.
List of Helpful Books and Dictionaries: Resources used for the preparation of the book.

Overall Purpose:

"Vajjalagga me Jivan Mulya" serves as an effort to present the profound ethical teachings of the Vajjalagga to a modern audience. By selecting verses that emphasize virtues like compassion, integrity, perseverance, gratitude, and self-respect, the book aims to guide readers towards living a more meaningful and virtuous life, contributing to individual and societal well-being. The book is dedicated to Master Motilalji Sanghi, the founder of Shri Sanmati Library, Jaipur, for his role in disseminating knowledge and values.