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 481

PRAKRIT VERSES IN SANSKRIT WORKS ON POETICS 463 These few examples will give a knowledgeable reader some idea of the stupendous task that restoring corrupt passages involves. 3. Praise Of Prakrit Poetry In Vajjalaggam : How do those who do not know how to recite and hear (appreciate) Prakrit poetry, which is (like) nectar (itself)--not feel ashamed while pretending to carry on gossip about the nature of love ? The utterances (of fair women), full of half-pronounced (indistinctly uttered) letters, (their) charming and coquettish smiles and (oblique) glances shot through half-closed and half-opened eyes--these to be sure can hardly be understood without an acquaintance with the gathas4. In the absence of the gathas adorned with figures of speech, characterised by literary excellences (or adherence to the rule of grammar-laksana), and rendered enchanting by diverse emotions and also in the absence of loving sweethearts, adorned with ornaments, characterised by auspicious physical qualities (laksana) and fascinating with the diverse display of emotions, the mind is very much ill at ease (or is deeply distressed)5. This is only too obvious that the hidden meaning of the gathas and the heart of women cannot be followed by men who are devoid of literary appreciation (devoid of emotional excitement), just as riches cannot be obtained in the absence of virtue (practised in a previous life). The gatha clad in metre, possessing an attractive form, adorned with figures of speech and full of charming utterances, yields pleasure (only) when it is recited, just as a beautiful woman, self-willed, possessing an attractive form, adorned with ornaments and full of pleasing utterances, yields much delight (only) when she is (properly) approached (for amorous dalliance)?. Whose hearts are not fascinated (ravished) by the emotional appeal of the gathas, by the coquettish gestures of women, by the utterances of poets and by the lisping words (indistinct babble) of children ? Failure to appreciate the charm of the gathas, of songs (vocal music), of the notes of the lutes and of grown-up ladies-well, that itself is a great punishment We never become satiated with the delight which springs from Prakrit poetry, from the utterances of clever people and from the drinking of cool and fragrant water10. Prakrit poetry which is marked by the use of Desya (provincial, regional)