Obeisance to Moon of Love
By K. B. Jindal, Ganesh Lalwani, Namo Premacandrimaya
Summary
“Obeisance to the Moon of Love” is an English free‑verse translation by K. B. Jindal of an operetta on a Jain legend originally composed in Bengali by Ganesh Lalwani. The operetta dramatizes episodes from the life of Parśva (Parshvanatha), highlighting themes central to Jain ethics. The opening scene introduces wayfarers preparing for a sacrificial ceremony and encountering Parśva, who condemns ritual fire sacrifices and asserts that true religion is grounded in self‑control, non‑violence and compassion. He criticises hypocrisy and argues that religion never teaches violence. In subsequent scenes the ascetic Kamatha confronts Parśva; through compassionate acts Parśva restores serpents roasted in a sacrificial fire, illustrating the transformative power of non‑violence. The narrative then moves into a mythic realm where storms and floods, invoked by Meghamāli (a reborn Kamatha), test Parśva’s resolve. Celestial beings plead for salvation as cosmic forces clash. Ultimately, Parśva remains steadfast in meditation, the storms abate, and he attains omniscience. The chorus extols the Sun of Knowledge and Moon of Love, urging humanity to live with compassion and dispel doubt and fear. Through poetic dialogue and symbolic rebirths, the operetta conveys Jain teachings on ahimsa and the triumph of compassion over austerity.
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Conclusion
The operetta offers a vivid dramatization of Jain values, contrasting Parśva’s compassionate wisdom with Kamatha’s misguided austerities. Scenes of cosmic turmoil and rebirth illustrate the internal struggle between violence and non‑violence. By restoring serpents to life and remaining unmoved amid storms, Parśva demonstrates that true religion lies in mercy rather than ritual sacrifice. The work culminates with his attainment of omniscience and a choral exhortation to live and love peacefully. Thus, the translation not only entertains but also reinforces Jain teachings on ahimsa and spiritual perseverance, showing that love and non‑violence ultimately prevail over ignorance and anger.