Vasant Stotradi Sangraha

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vasant Stotradi Sangraha" (Collection of Vasant Stotras and other hymns), edited by Sva Sa. Shri Vinayprabhashreeji and published by P. Pukhrajji Amichalji Kothari.

Overall Purpose and Content:

The book is a compilation of various Jain prayers, hymns (stotras), and devotional verses (shatakas), primarily focusing on themes of devotion (bhakti) and detachment (vairagya). The underlying message emphasizes the search for true and lasting happiness (anand), which the text asserts can only be found within oneself and through adherence to the principles of Jainism, rather than in external worldly pleasures. The collection aims to guide the reader towards inner peace and spiritual liberation by fostering devotion and detachment.

Key Themes and Sections:

1. The Nature of True Happiness: The "Prastavna" (Introduction) by Sa. Vasantshreeji beautifully articulates that all beings seek happiness. However, people often search for it in fleeting worldly pleasures like cinema, entertainment, adornments, and sensory gratifications. These provide only a temporary, imagined joy, not the real, lasting bliss that the soul yearns for. True happiness is inherent within the soul and can be realized through spiritual practices.

2. The Role of Bhakti (Devotion) and Vairagya (Detachment): The text highlights that devotion and detachment are the primary means to overcome the soul's inherent instability caused by eternal desires and aversions. As devotion and detachment grow, inner stability increases, leading to the experience of true joy. The stotras and shatakas in this collection are rich in these sentiments.

3. Spiritual Guidance: The book quotes teachings, such as from Upadhyay Shri Jayasomavijayji Maharaj, emphasizing that the treasure of bliss is within, not outside. It encourages stillness and stability of mind to find this inner joy. The text stresses that removing ingrained instability requires purifying the body from impurities, just as external remedies are ineffective without internal cleansing.

4. Authorship and Tradition: The text acknowledges the renowned authors of various pieces, including Upadhyay Shri Jayasomavijayji Maharaj's disciple, Muni Shri Gunvijayji Maharaj, as the author of the "Indriy Vijay Shatak" (Century on Victory over the Senses). It also mentions that the authors of "Panchsutra" and "Vairagya Shatak" are not definitively known, but the commentary on "Panchsutra" by Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishvarji Maharaj is used for its translation. The collection includes works by other well-known Acharyas like Hemchandracharya.

5. Accessibility and Translation: The book is presented with a clear Gujarati translation alongside the original Sanskrit or Prakrit verses, making it accessible to a wider audience, especially those unfamiliar with ancient Indian languages. This effort is praised for facilitating the spread of right knowledge.

6. Specific Compositions:

   • Vitraag Stuti (Praise of the Passionless): Hymns praising the Tirthankaras and their detached state.
   • Sharada Stuti (Praise of Goddess Saraswati): A prayer to the goddess of knowledge.
   • Guru Stuti (Praise of the Guru): Praises for spiritual teachers, particularly highlighting Acharya Shri Buddhisagar Surishwarji Maharaj and his disciples.
   • Shri Gautam Ashtak: An eight-verse hymn in praise of Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir.
   • Jinasahastra Nama Stotra (Thousand Names of Jinas): A lengthy composition attributed to the Kkalikalsarvagnya Shri Hemchandracharya, listing a thousand epithets of the Jinas. This section is particularly detailed, covering various aspects of the Jinas' attributes.
   • Vitraag Stotra (Hymn to the Passionless): Several sections are dedicated to this theme, reiterating the core Jain message of non-attachment.
   • Indriya Parajaya Shatak (Century on Victory over the Senses): A significant portion of the book, focusing on the struggle for control over the senses and the victory over them.
   • Siddha Prakar: A text related to the Siddhas (liberated souls).
   • Vairagya Shatak (Century on Detachment): Verses promoting detachment from worldly pleasures.
   • Other short devotional poems and verses: The collection also includes several short, impactful verses on various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, often presented as "Upadesh padyo" (Instructive verses).

7. The Publisher's Role: The publisher, Pukhraj Amichand Kothari, is commended for undertaking this publication, especially considering the spiritual value and the effort involved in making such ancient texts accessible. The publication also benefited from the financial support of many devotees.

In essence, "Vasant Stotradi Sangraha" is a valuable resource for Jain practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of devotion, detachment, and the path to liberation. It offers profound spiritual insights and devotional inspiration through its carefully curated collection of classical Jain literature.