Jain Journal 1976 07

SR No.: 520043
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 49
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 32

In the Foot-steps of the Jina - The Stage Version of Atimukta and Nagila
-P. C. Das GUPTA
Whenever there is a revelation of new ideals or a regeneration of immortal values of yore it happens so often that a fount of artistic creativity brings forth new expectations in anticipation of the promised realm of beauty and realisation. The interpretation of legends so long nursed by fond memory may be a harbinger of a new era of evaluation and understanding. From time immemorial art has perhaps the most fascinating and absorbing contribution in the quest of the gems of life and realisation in their anxious yearning or trudging for the Infinite. The plays composed by Sri Ganesh Lalwani on the basis of Jaina thoughts and annals will engagingly vouch for the poet, the artist and the mystic in the writer. Apart from plays earlier performed in Calcutta in 1974 and '75 the two plays now freshly beckoning with their purity are entitled Atimukta and Nāgilā. Among the two Atimukta rings with the resonance of the golden flute of realisation that conveys the tune of eternity. A small drama as it were the play recollects through the life of a prince in his tender age the transcendental ideals of the institution of the Nirgrantha as epitomised by Mahavira and other Tirthankaras. The theme is intimately appealing along the entire enactment which exudes both the poetic nostalgia and the glory of knowledge of the self. Presented by Sri Lalwani in his classic work Atimukta, a book written in Bengali the story recounts a drama of feeling arriving at the height of realisation through a solitary path of recollection. Atimukta, the young prince of Polaspur met Sramana Gautama, the disciple of Mahavira while playing with other boys. The Sramana was returning to Vardhamana who was staying in the neighbourhood at the time. By looking to Gautama who appeared so different from others in his calmness prince Atimukta felt a curiosity as one of
our omens did to prince Siddhartha of Kapilavastu. He could not contain himself without questioning Sramana Gautama about his occupation and livelihood. He was also keen to be illuminated about his home and destination. Atimukta wanted to know, wherefrom the Sramana was coming and whither he was going? In answer Gautama smiled with the understanding of the mirage of life and attachments and replied that he