Vitrag Gun Darshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vitrag Gun Darshan," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vitrag Gun Darshan (વીતરાગ ગુણ દર્શન) Author/Compiler: Sadhvi Shri Harshpurnashriji M. Publisher: Vishva Mangal Prakashan Mandir, Patan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032199/1

Overview:

"Vitrag Gun Darshan" translates to "Vision of the Virtues of the Detached Ones." This book is a collection of ancient Jain stanzas (stavan) known as a "Chovisi," which is a set of 24 hymns typically dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras. The specific Chovisi presented in this book is an ancient collection that has been compiled and made accessible.

Key Aspects and Content:

Compilation and Dedication: The book is compiled by Sadhvi Shri Harshpurnashriji M., who is a disciple of the revered Sadhvi Ratna Shri Darshnashriji M. The publication is dedicated to the memory of the late Acharya Pravar Shri Vijay Kanakchandrasurishwarji Maharaja, on the occasion of his 6th death anniversary. The compiler expresses her devotion and gratitude to her gurus.
Purpose and Content: The core of the book consists of three Chovisi stavan collections, all of which are ancient and were previously unavailable. These stavan collections are hymns sung in praise of the Tirthankaras, the liberated souls who have attained omniscience and detached themselves from worldly passions.
- The first Chovisi is authored by Vachakvarya Shri Vimal Vijay M.'s disciple, Shri Ram Vijay M.
- The second Chovisi is authored by Shri Jin Uttam Vijay M.'s disciple, Shri Ratan Vijay M.
- The third Chovisi is authored by Shri Prem Vibudh M.'s disciple, Shri Bhan Vijay M.
Spiritual Significance: The book emphasizes the importance of devotion (Bhaktiyoga) to the Vitrag (detached) Tirthankaras as a means to attain the highest spiritual liberation (Moksha). It highlights how singing praises and internalizing the virtues of the Tirthankaras can awaken divine power within the soul, guiding it towards ultimate freedom. The text considers the stotras and stavan as a vital part of religious literature that reflects the poet's skill and the singer's purity.
Tribute to Acharya Shri Vijay Kanakchandrasurishwarji: The book is published in a special remembrance of Acharya Shri Vijay Kanakchandrasurishwarji Maharaja. The publisher's note and the introductory tributes praise him as a great soul who contributed immensely to Jainism through his scholarly writings, insightful discourses, and exemplary spiritual life. His dedication to asceticism, renunciation, and spreading the Jain faith is highlighted. The book also mentions his elder sister, Sadhvi Ratna Shri Darshnashriji M., and the large monastic community she led, indicating a lineage of spiritual leaders.
Praise for the Publisher: The publisher, Shri Vishva Mangal Prakashan Mandir, is acknowledged for its efforts in publishing life-enriching works, inspired by the grace of Acharya Shri Vijay Kanakchandrasurishwarji Maharaja. The publication of "Vitrag Gun Darshan" is presented as another such endeavor, alongside another book titled "Pragatina Panthhe" (On the Path of Progress), compiled from the Acharya's discourses.
Structure and Content of Stavan: The book includes the stavan of each of the 24 Tirthankaras. Each stavan is composed in a specific meter and melodic style (Raag), reflecting a rich tradition of Jain devotional poetry. The stavan often praises the physical beauty, divine attributes, teachings, and the path to liberation shown by each Tirthankara. They also often include dedications to the author and their gurus.
Availability: The book is published by Shri Vishva Mangal Prakashan Mandir, Patan, and its price is mentioned as Rs. 5.00. The first edition was of 1000 copies, published in Veer Samvat 2514 / Vikram Samvat 2044.

In essence, "Vitrag Gun Darshan" is a devotional collection of ancient Jain stanzas, meticulously compiled by Sadhvi Harshpurnashriji M. and published as a tribute to a revered Jain Acharya. It aims to provide readers with access to these valuable hymns praising the Tirthankaras, thereby fostering spiritual devotion and leading towards self-realization and liberation.