Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 114
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Story
File Size: 14 MB

Page 180

162 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE distinguishes between two kinds of personages : "outward" companions of the hero, and "inward" companions. It is only the latter which are personifications, and they are indeed the main characters in the drama of mundane existence"samsara-nataka-which the poet intends to unfold before the pious hearer." That this poem enjoyed great popularity among the Jains is shown by the fact that only 100 years after its appearance extracts and abridgments were made from it. Winternitz has well observed : "All these works, be they stories in plain prose or in simple verse, or elaborate poems, novels or epics, are all essentially sermons. They are never intended for mere entertainment, but always serve the purpose of religious instruction and edification." The distinguishing features of the literary form, called dharmakatha, may be set forth as follows: (i) The poet traces the destinies of a hero and his opponent in numerous births. (ii) The doctrine of karma, especially its phase nidana, is the pivot-cardinal or central point. (iii) Religious sermons dwelling upon Jain ethics and the worthlessness of samsara are introduced in the narrative, finding the slightest opportunity. (iv) The principal characters, the hero, heroine and the like renounce, towards the end of the narrative, the world and enter Jain Order. (v) Interesting and charming narratives and stories, the Jain poets employ simply to attract the readers; but their chief aim is their instruction and edification. (vi) Denigration of worldly life and high praise of asceticism form an essential part of the narrative.* Notes and References : 1. Sthananga-sutra, adhyaya 3, Uddesaka-3, sutra- 194. 2. Ibid, adhyaya-4, Uddesaka-2, sutra-282. 3. Hafa ET377 49TISTI, A TET- 9. sfrenche, P. FILET, 3. Hotel, 8. Ph6, 4. f430 funt &. दंसणभेयणी 7. चरित्तभेयणी. 4. Vasudevhindi, lambha X, Bhavnagar, 1931, pp 208-209. 5. A History of Indian Literature by M. Winternitz, Vol.II (p 521) University of Calcutta, 1933. * I acknowledge with thanks my indebtedness to the authors of the following works on which I have freely drawn : H. Jacobi : Introduction to his edition of Samaraiccakaha, V. Raghavan : Bhoja's Srngaraprakasa, Madras, 1963, A. N. Upadhye : Introduction to his edition of Brhatkathakosa, M.Winternitz : A History of Indian Literature, Volume II, Calcutta, 1933.