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TULSI-PRAJNA, Oct.-December, 1991 3. Mookmāti mahākāvya : Kāvyaśāstriya Nikașa (*HTET HET T4 : 74 Test fao), Author prof. Sheel chandra Jain, publisher : Digambara Jain Samai, Chindwara (M.P.), price Rs. 107year 1991.
This book is like a touchstone to test the Mookmāti Mahakāvya, an epic by Jain Acharya Vidyasagarji maharaj who has thought it suitable to select an unimportant thing like "sand" as the subject matter of his epic and brought to light the compassionate feelings and underlying desire of the 'sand' for emancipation. The author has evaluated the epic on the basis of five grounds :-namely Establishing the human values of life (2) Setting the ideals of life of the age, (3) Cooperation in cultural upliftment, (4) Advanced philosophical thoughts, and (5) Capability to produce life-giving energy.
We have amply seen that the author has done justice to test this compendium of monasticiam which provides a direction to the other philosophies of the world though Jain philosophy to which Vidyasagarji maharaj is devoted and dedicated heart and soul.
The core tenets of Jainism -- the real is that which is free from orisination, cessation and permanece”, are discussed in detail by the author Prof. Jain who has highlighted the śramaņa culture (which stands for non-attachment) leading one from bhoga to yoga, from the self to the supreme self, and from Saitāna to the human beings.
The learned critic has of course narrated all in an excessively emotional mood, all what was not necessary to keep himself impartial. But on the whole the evaluator has succeeded in making the message of the epic intellisible to scholars.
However Prof. Jain deserves all appreciation for bringing about such evaluation about really great epic by Vidyasayaji maharaj.
--Ram swaroop soni
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