प्रकाशकीय
Summary
This editorial discusses the nature of humanity, emotion, and literature. It states that humans are unique due to their consciousness and thinking ability. Emotions arise from life experiences and lie dormant in the heart, and literature serves to awaken these emotions. These emotions can elevate a person to greatness or degrade them. True literature is that which illuminates positive emotions, while literature that stimulates negative emotions is merely a semblance of literature and can lead to a difficult downfall. Language, the medium for expressing emotions and creating literature, is constantly changing, with some elements disappearing and new ones emerging. This change is slow and imperceptible. The evolution of language led to the rise of Apabhramsha, which emerged as a common language and quickly spread across regions like Vidisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Mithila, and Magadha, becoming a literary language. Most of Apabhramsha literature was composed by Jain authors and focuses on the lives of Tirthankaras and Jain saints. Some writers also created spiritual works, notably Muni Shri Jogichand (Yogindu Dev). This issue of the research journal "Jain Vidya" is dedicated to him. Muni Jogichand was a true humanist without sectarian bias, seeking to break down barriers between people and reveal the true nature of the self. His position in Apabhramsha spiritual poetry is comparable to that of Acharya Kundakunda in Prakrit. Both emphasized the importance of qualities over names or appearances in worship and focused on the soul's pure, action-free state. The editors hope this issue will be well-received and assist researchers.
Conclusion
This editorial establishes the profound moral and linguistic significance of the Apabhramsha literary tradition, particularly through the works of Muni Jogichand (Yogindu Dev). By drawing a direct parallel between Yogindu’s spiritual poetry and that of the revered Acharya Kundakunda, the document elevates Apabhramsha literature from a regional vernacular to a vehicle of universal humanistic philosophy. The key implication is that true literature must awaken noble human sentiments, not degrade them. The outcome is a clear validation of Yogindu’s vision: a man who sought to dismantle religious and social barriers, emphasizing inner virtue over external identity. This issue of the journal thus serves not only as a scholarly resource but as a moral compass, reinforcing that the highest literary purpose is to guide humanity toward self-realization and compassion, transcending sectarian divides.