Vividh Kavi Kruti Tran Gey Rachnao - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the content of the three poems:

Book Title: Vividh Kavi Kruti Tran Gey Rachnao (Various Poets' Compositions of Three Melodious Works) Author(s): Sadhvi Samaypragnashreeji (Editor/Compiler) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

This document presents three ancient lyrical compositions, transcribed from handwritten manuscripts believed to be from the 18th century. The editor, Sadhvi Samaypragnashreeji, notes the challenges of deciphering old texts where the meaning might not be fully clear, but emphasizes the enjoyable experience of the work.

1. Sumati-Kumati Vadvadgit (The Debate Song of Wisdom and Folly)

Theme: This composition describes a debate between "Chetan" (the Soul) and its two "wives" or representations: Sumati (Wisdom/Good Counsel) and Kumati (Folly/Bad Counsel). Both Sumati and Kumati try to persuade Chetan to favor them.
Authorship: The author is believed to be Muni Lalvijayji, inferred from the word "Lal Vinodi" (Lal the Humorous) in the final line. However, the editor expresses caution and suggests that experts should confirm this attribution.
Content:
- Kumati's Argument: Kumati encourages Chetan to abandon the current path, comparing it to two boats carrying a single person. She claims that by associating with Sumati, one loses worldly possessions and family, becoming a beggar. She warns that Sumati distracts from Dharma (righteousness) and leads one astray with her deceptive ways, ultimately leading to downfall. Kumati emphasizes her own immediate pleasures and promises worldly enjoyment, urging Chetan to embrace her.
- Sumati's Argument: Sumati advises Chetan not to be swayed by Kumati's deceptive words. She explains that Kumati steals true wealth (Dharma) and distracts from the jewels of Right Faith (Darshan), Right Knowledge (Gyan), and Right Conduct (Charitra). Sumati argues that Kumati leads one away from the path of righteousness taught by the Jinas and promotes contrary actions. She highlights that association with Kumati is a prison of lust (Manmath) and that ultimately, one will realize their mistake only after abandoning her. Sumati offers to protect Chetan from Kumati's influence and promises greater companionship, urging him to rule his own domain. She criticizes Kumati as being of "low caste" and points to the downfall of great beings like Ravana and Bali due to their association with similar negative influences. Sumati contrasts this with the path of virtuous beings like Rishabhdev and others who achieved liberation, emphasizing that true devotion leads to the ultimate abode of the soul (Sivpur).
- Resolution: The poem concludes with Chetan understanding the wisdom of Sumati. He rejects Kumati, declares Sumati his chief queen, and embraces the path of righteousness, leading to the ultimate goal of liberation and eternal happiness. The poem is attributed to the poet "Jin Lal Vinodi."

2. Shīl Sajjhay (The Ode to Chastity)

Theme: This composition describes the "nine folds" or aspects of chastity (Shīl).
Authorship: It is composed by Vijaydevsuriji Maharaj. The editor infers from the lineage of Devsursangh that this Vijaydevsuriji likely lived in the 17th or 18th century.
Content: The poem addresses a "Brahmachari" (celibate student/seeker) and outlines nine dangerous pitfalls that can compromise chastity. These include:
1. Association with Women: Even the proximity of a cat in a house can cause discomfort, so how can one truly experience pleasure in the company of women?
2. Praise of Women: Just as sap flows from a fruit when the skin is cut, praising a woman's virtues, even through talk, can be a sharp arrow to the heart.
3. Observing Body Parts: A celibate should not scrutinize the body parts of a woman, just as one should not stare directly at the sun without squinting, as it blinds the eyes.
4. Touching Women: Touching women, even if perceived as harmless, has severe consequences, like the poisonous fruit of a 'chibad' causing destruction.
5. Hearing Women's Voices: Hearing the adorned words of women, which are surrounded by the five senses, can destabilize one's vows, like the loud cry of a peacock.
6. Recalling Past Enjoyments: Dwelling on past sensual pleasures is the root of destruction, akin to holding a trident that pierces oneself.
7. Indulging in Forbidden Foods: Consuming prohibited foods, even under the guise of medical necessity, is like King Amb drinking poison, leading to death.
8. Excessive Eating: Overconsumption of food can lead to the breach of vows, as exemplified by Muni Kundarik, who ended up in the seventh hell.
9. Indulging in Desires: Fulfilling desires and engaging in sensual pleasures is like birds being attracted to sweet fruits, leading to their own destruction.
Conclusion: The poem concludes with Vijaydevsuriji advising the seeker not to break these nine rules of chastity, but rather to embrace the path of sameness (Samaras) and win the bride of liberation (Siddhavadhu).

3. Shīl Chūnḍī (The Scarf of Chastity)

Theme: This composition describes "Shīl" (chastity/virtue) as a beautiful scarf (Chunḍī) that brings happiness in this life and the next.
Authorship: The author is believed to be Hiramunisar, who is praised at the end of the poem.
Content:
- Description of the Scarf: The scarf of chastity is woven with the three controls (body, speech, mind), the warp of discernment, and the nine observances (Nav Vād). Its threads are made of forgiveness, and it is dyed with the five great vows of Jainism. It is adorned with celestial patterns, and embroidered with images of lions, swans, and peacocks, signifying strength and beauty.
- Value and Ownership: The poet highlights that this scarf, woven by the Guru, is invaluable and cannot be bought or matched.
- Past Wearers: The poem then asks who adorned this scarf and enjoyed its benefits. The answer is provided: Lord Neminath first wore it, followed by Gajsukumar, then Sudarshan Sheth, Jambu Swami, and a host of great virtuous women (Maha Satis) including Sita, Kunta, Draupadi, Chandanbala, Gaurī, Padmavati, Rajul, Brahmī, Sundari, Mrigavati, Sulasa, Subhadra, Shiva, Davdanti, Choola, Kalavati, Nir Pavabhati, and Mandodari.
- Praise: The poem concludes by praising these virtuous individuals who embodied chastity and by reiterating the magnificence of this scarf of virtue, attributing its beauty to the "star" of chastity and its glory to the composer, Hiramunisar.

In essence, the book "Vividh Kavi Kruti Tran Gey Rachnao" provides a valuable glimpse into Jain devotional literature, presenting three distinct poems that explore the spiritual journey, the importance of virtue and wisdom, and the path to liberation through adherence to Jain principles.