Veerstuti - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Veerstuti" by Upadhyay Amarmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Veerstuti (वीर-स्तुति) Author: Upadhyay Amarmuni (उपाध्याय अमरमुनि) Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith, Agra (सन्मति ज्ञान-पीठ, आगरा) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001420/1

Overview:

"Veerstuti" is a collection dedicated to the praise and glorification of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. The text presents a profound understanding of Mahavir's teachings and his significance in revitalizing Indian culture. It aims to inspire devotion and provide spiritual guidance to the reader.

Key Themes and Content:

Praise of Bhagwan Mahavir: The core of the book is the praise of Bhagwan Mahavir, highlighting his greatness, spiritual eminence, and his role as a savior of humanity. He is described as a beacon of pure dharma in a time of ritualism, animal sacrifice, and social injustice.
Historical Context and Mahavir's Impact: The introductory sections emphasize the state of India prior to Mahavir's advent – a society burdened by empty rituals, animal cruelty, the oppressive caste system, and the subjugation of women. Mahavir is credited with uplifting humanity, breathing new life into Indian culture, and presenting the unadulterated form of dharma based on pure knowledge, replacing blind faith. His contributions are described as immeasurable, essential for humanity's standing in the world.
The Power of Remembering and Praising: The text explores the spiritual benefits of remembering and praising great souls like Bhagwan Mahavir. It explains that uttering a name evokes the associated qualities and characteristics, leading to a spiritual transformation. Praising Mahavir is presented as a potent remedy for sins and a way to awaken dormant virtues, embodying the principle, "As is the feeling, so is the accomplishment."
The Source of Veerstuti: The "Veerstuti" is attributed to Ganadhar Shrut Dharma Swami, a principal disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir. The current compilation and translation are by Upadhyay Amarmuni.
Structure and Content of the "Veerstuti":
- Origin: The text begins with a dialogue where Arya Jambu Swami (the successor to Shrut Dharma Swami) asks Shrut Dharma Swami about the great soul who revealed the path of true religion.
- Description of Mahavir: The subsequent verses (from page 10 onwards) are the praise (stuti) itself, narrated by Shrut Dharma Swami in response to Jambu Swami's questions. These verses describe Mahavir in vivid detail:
  - Knowledge and Vision: He possessed profound and infinite knowledge and vision.
  - Character and Conduct: He was a master of his self, aware of suffering, skilled in eradicating karma, a great sage, and infinitely virtuous.
  - Ahimsa (Non-violence): His dharma, based on non-violence, is described as a guiding light, like an island in a sea of suffering, offering refuge.
  - The Nature of the Soul: The text delves into the Jain philosophy of the soul being both eternal (in essence) and non-eternal (in its changing states/manifestations), a concept crucial to understanding Mahavir's teachings on karma and liberation.
  - Omniscience and Purity: Mahavir is described as omniscient, having conquered internal enemies like anger and lust, and living a life of pure conduct.
  - Impact and Teachings: His presence and teachings brought about universal welfare. His radiance dispelled ignorance. He was a leader of dharma, revered like Indra among gods.
  - Comparisons and Similes: Mahavir's greatness is illustrated through numerous comparisons with natural elements and revered figures:
    - Like Mount Meru, he stands tall and inspires.
    - His golden complexion and radiant aura are compared to Sumeru.
    - His fame is like that of Sumeru.
    - He is likened to the best among trees (Shalmali), flowers (Arvind), sandalwood, and rivers (Ganga).
    - He is compared to the best among warriors (Vasudev), lions, and elephants (Airavata).
    - He is the supreme among ascetics, the embodiment of the highest virtues like non-violence, truth, and celibacy.
    - He is compared to the sun for his illuminating knowledge and to the moon for his serene presence.
  - Liberation: Mahavir is depicted as one who destroyed all karma, achieved liberation, and attained the highest spiritual state, the ultimate goal of all religions.
  - Conquest of Inner Enemies: The verses highlight his victory over anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and his adherence to the principles of the Tirthankar.
  - Understanding Various Philosophies: He understood and clarified all doctrines, including those of action (kriyavada), inaction (akriyavada), and other philosophical views, living a life of pure conduct and detachment.
  - Renunciation and Austerity: His life was characterized by extreme renunciation, including the avoidance of nighttime meals and any physical contact with women, undertaken for the destruction of suffering.
  - Ultimate Attainment: Those who follow his teachings with faith will attain liberation or the status of Indra.
Mahavir Ashtak Stotra: The book also includes the "Mahavir Ashtak Stotra" (महावीराष्टक स्तोत्र), an eight-verse prayer. Each verse extols a specific attribute of Mahavir:
- His all-encompassing knowledge reflected in his pure consciousness.
- His serene and pure eyes, indicating inner peace.
- His feet, worshipped by celestial beings, that can quench the fire of worldly existence.
- His power to elevate even humble beings to celestial status.
- His golden, luminous form that is free from bodily attachment.
- His unique, unparalleled nature and divine radiance.
- His empowering speech that brings solace and enlightenment.
- His victory over desire and his attainment of eternal bliss. The stotra emphasizes that devotion to Mahavir leads to spiritual well-being and liberation.
Shri Mahavir Stotra: Following the Ashtak, there is another "Shri Mahavir Stotra" (श्री महावीर - स्तोत्र) comprising eight verses that further glorify Mahavir as the son of Trishala, the destroyer of suffering, the dispeller of ignorance, the vanquisher of desire, the refuge of the distressed, and the proponent of social equality.

Editor's Note (Upadhyay Amarmuni):

Upadhyay Amarmuni explains that this "Veerstuti" is the essence of the teachings presented by Ganadhar Shrut Dharma Swami. He has added Hindi translations and elaborations to make the original Prakrit verses accessible. He emphasizes that this is not a display of scholarship but an expression of heartfelt devotion. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve the devotional audience.

Publishers' Note:

The publishers express joy in presenting the fourth edition. They mention including both older and newer Hindi translations of the "Veerstuti" by Upadhyay Amarmuni to cater to reader preferences. The inclusion of the "Mahavir Ashtak Stotra" is also highlighted as a valuable addition.

Overall Significance:

"Veerstuti" serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, offering a deep appreciation of Bhagwan Mahavir's teachings on non-violence, truth, asceticism, and liberation. It aims to inspire readers to internalize these virtues and strive for spiritual upliftment by reflecting on the life and teachings of the Tirthankar. The book is a valuable resource for understanding Jain philosophy and the devotional practices associated with Bhagwan Mahavir.