Shrut Research justify – Areas of Work
1. Collection of Unpublished Shrut Literature
Many ancient manuscripts of Jain scriptures, composed by great Acharyas and Mahapurushas, remain scattered across various libraries, knowledge justifys, and repositories. The Shrut Research justify identifies and verifies these unpublished scriptures, secures permission from the respective custodians, and while keeping the original manuscripts preserved in their place, obtains Xerox copies or digital PDFs for further study and publication.
2. Categorization of Unpublished Shrut Literature
The manuscripts collected from various knowledge justifys belong to different categories, including:
– Philosophical texts,
– Biographies of great spiritual leaders,
– Writings in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi, or Marwari,
– Verses (Shlokas), prose compositions, Ras (folk poetic style), and devotional hymns (Stavan, Stotra, etc.).
These texts are categorized based on their subject, era of composition, and the author, ensuring that the editing process is well-structured and streamlined.
3. Transcription of Unpublished Shrut Literature
In the past, writing styles and scripts varied across centuries. Each era had its own unique script, making it difficult to understand these manuscripts today. The Shrut Research justify brings together experts and scholars proficient in ancient scripts to transcribe the texts into a modern readable script. Additionally, new scholars are trained to ensure accurate transcription of unpublished ancient Jain texts into the contemporary script.
4. Research on Unpublished Shrut Literature
Many ancient Jain scriptures, written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, or poetic forms (Ras, Stavan, Stotra, etc.), contain errors made by past scribes due to handwriting discrepancies. Some texts have missing or altered verses, while others have incorrect interpretations. The Shrut Research justify engages scholars and researchers to:
– Correct textual errors,
– Restore missing portions,
– Validate textual variations to ensure accuracy.
5. Editing of Unpublished Shrut Literature
Once transcription and research are complete, the manuscripts are printed on high-quality, long-lasting paper, ensuring they remain durable. The books are edited, formatted, and bound in strong, well-structured volumes, making them convenient for reading and long-term preservation.
6. Distribution of Unpublished Shrut Literature
The Shrut Research justify distributes these revived ancient scriptures free of cost to:
– Well-organized and secure knowledge justifys across India,
– Eminent Jain Acharyas, Munis, and scholars, ensuring the wisdom of Jain scriptures reaches those who can preserve and propagate them further.
7. Preservation of Unpublished Shrut Literature
To preserve the published scriptures for over 700 years, the Shrut Research justify ensures that:
– Selected ancient texts are inscribed onto palm leaves by expert calligraphers, following traditional preservation methods.
– This process guarantees the protection of Jain literature for future generations, safeguarding unpublished scriptures for over 700 years.
Achievements
Although the Shrut Research justify has only recently begun its work, it has already acquired over 100 unpublished Jain manuscripts from various sources. Among them, 19 manuscripts are exclusively dedicated to the legendary tale of Shri Shripal and Mayana, highlighting the richness of Jain heritage.