Vajjalaggam

SR No.: 001383
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayvallabh
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1969
Total Pages: 708
Language: Prakrit, Sanskrit, English
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 13 MB

Page 51

VAJJĀLAGGAM
poetry is in evidence in the case of most of the erotic stanzas included'in the VL and the Gāthāsaptaśati and also in the case of those cited in works on poetics as illustrations of Dkrani. The subtle, hidden meaning is conveyed by suggestion based on the use of ambivalent words ( #19170177ea) or ambivalert acticns and situations ( 8191 OET). This peculiarity of Prākrit poetry is called autora (st. 21) or fog (st. 27), and it consists in keeping the real intention (189797784) hidden behind a simple and unsophisticated exterior (Cf. st. 491-496).
The real test of the poetic quality of the utterarces of poets is their ability to charm or fascinate the mirds of cultured audi. ences ( Tigt st. 14), to thrill their bodies with joy ar.d to cause them to nod their heads in approval and admiration ( st. 26). Poetry must be effectively and charmingly recited. Corrşosition of poetry: is undoubtedly difficult, but even its flawless ard effective recitation ( GĖEU = pagal ) before cultured audierces is. equally difficult. Only such a public recitation of poetry ( 29FT. 487 ) can confer upon a composer the status and distincticn of a Prakrit poet (st. 5, 795 ). Prākrit gāthās are meant to be recited publicly in the assemblies of cultured men of literary taste (st. 14 ) according to their desire i.e. as directed by them (?f=3&TIET for soft, st. 794 ). Such cultured men alone are able to fathom and appreciate the subtle hidden beauty of poetry and not only to put their finger unerringly on the faults if any, but also to show how the faults can be got over by removing the faulty words and using flawless ones in their place (st. 26).
• Effective and pleasing recitation of Präkrit poetiy demands a high level of education and refinement on the part of the reciter. Reciters of Präkrit poetry must be leaired men acquainted with the sciences of prosody and grammar and with the technicue of recitation, of which last we get some idea from st. 27, which mentions the faults to be avoided in the recitation of poetry. These are : (i) failure to pause at the proper place (cæsuia), (ii) failure to convey the proper emotional atmosphere and appeal, (iii) disregard for propriety regarding the place and time of recitation, (iv) unwarranted nasalisation of scurds, (v) hasty recitation, (vi) facial distortions and (vii) viclation of the lan's of melody.