जोइन्दु और अमृताशीति

Summary

The text discusses the poet Joindu (Yogindra), traditionally considered a 6th-century CE Apabhramsha poet and spiritual visionary. However, two of his other authentic works, *Nijatmashtaka* (in Prakrit) and *Amritashiti* (in Sanskrit), challenge this view. The existence of these works establishes Joindu as a multilingual author, not limited to Apabhramsha. Regarding his chronology, Dr. A.N. Upadhye dated him to the 6th century CE based on influences from Acharya Kundakunda (1st century CE) and Acharya Pujyapada (5th century CE). However, *Amritashiti* contains references to Bhattakalankadeva (640-680 CE) and Acharya Vidyanandi (775-840 CE), indicating Joindu lived after the 6th century, likely in the late 8th or early 9th century CE. Several proofs confirm *Amritashiti* as Joindu’s work: commentator Padmaprabhamaladharideva (1140-1185 CE) quotes it in his *Tatparyavritti* on *Niyamasara*, attributing verses to “Yogindradeva.” The 14th-century commentator Muni Balachandra, a disciple of Nayakirtideva, wrote commentaries on all four of Joindu’s works, including *Amritashiti*. Joindu also mentions his own name at the end of *Amritashiti*. Thematically, *Amritashiti* differs from *Paramatmaprakasha* and *Yogasara*. It emphasizes the importance of merit (punya), whereas Joindu’s other works consider merit as trivial as sin. It extensively glorifies equanimity (samata), calling it a family deity and goddess. It highlights the guru’s role in a style distinct from conventional reverence. It also uses Hathayoga terminology, such as swan, mantra, and chakra