હેમચંદ્ર : કાવ્યહેતુચિંતન-જૈનદાર્શનિક્તા અને અલંકારશાસ્ત્રીય પરંપરા

Summary

This Gujarati article explores the aesthetic and philosophical reflections of Acharya Hemachandra (1089–1172), one of Jainism’s most versatile scholars. Known primarily for his Jain philosophical treatises and grammar, Hemachandra also made significant contributions to literary theory. The author focuses on his “Kavyānuśāsana” and other works where he discusses “kavyahetu”—the causes or elements that make poetry effective. Hemachandra integrates Jain ethical principles with Sanskrit poetics, arguing that true poetry arises from the poet’s moral character and their ability to perceive and express truth. The article analyses his synthesis of Jain darshanikta with alankarshastra. While earlier theorists like Bharata and Dandin emphasised rasa and alankaras, Hemachandra expands the discourse by considering the ethical and spiritual purpose of literature. He asserts that poetry should inspire virtuous conduct, compassion and detachment; he thus critiques overly ornate styles lacking substantive message. The author examines Hemachandra’s classification of poetic qualities and defects, noting his unique inclusion of moral clarity as a criterion. He also comments on Hemachandra’s acceptance of multiple rasas, his adaptation of dhvani theory, and his discussion of “aucitya” as central to aesthetic expression. Examples from his own poetic compositions illustrate how he practises what he preaches, using simple yet evocative language to convey profound Jain values like ahimsa and aparigraha. The article situates Hemachandra within the continuum of Sanskrit poetics, comparing him to contemporaries like Anandavardhana and Mammata. It argues that while they focus on aesthetic pleasure, Hemachandra stresses ethical edification, thereby offering a distinct Jain perspective on the purpose of art. The author also reflects on Hemachandra’s influence on later Gujarati literature: his emphasis on clarity and moral purpose shaped medieval Jain poets who balanced devotional fervour with ethical instruction. The article concludes that Hemachandra’s kavyahetu chintan bridges the realms of literature, philosophy and spirituality, demonstrating that aesthetics can be grounded in ethical and metaphysical insights.