Aaptpariksha - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aaptpariksha" by Umravsinh Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aaptpariksha (आप्त-परीक्षा) Author of the Original Work: Shri Vidyanand Swami (श्री विद्यानन्दस्वामि) Translator and Publisher: Umravsinh Jain (उमरावसिंह जैन) Publisher: Umravsinh Jain Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022445/1

Core Purpose:

The book "Aaptpariksha," originally authored by the esteemed Jain scholar Shri Vidyanand Swami and translated into Hindi by Umravsinh Jain, is a critical examination of the concept of an "Apt" (आप्त) – a truly reliable and authoritative source of spiritual and worldly knowledge, particularly concerning the path to liberation (Moksha). The work aims to guide seekers towards the true path by analyzing and refuting the claims of various philosophical schools that propose different deities or spiritual leaders as the ultimate guide.

Introduction and Context (Pages 6-9):

The introduction highlights the perennial human quest for peace and happiness in a suffering-filled world. It describes how individuals try numerous methods, from asceticism and devotion to various deities, seeking solace but often finding none. The text laments the confusion caused by numerous conflicting paths and gurus claiming to lead to liberation. It emphasizes the need to critically examine these claims and follow the one who genuinely reveals the true path. The "Aaptpariksha" is presented as a guide for this very purpose, written by Shri Vidyanand Swami to scrutinize the concept of "Apt" as defined by different philosophical schools.

Introduction to Shri Vidyanand Swami (Page 8-9):

The text provides a brief but significant biographical sketch of Shri Vidyanand Swami. He was a renowned scholar in the court of King Avaniipal. Originally known as Patrakesri and a follower of Vedic Dharma, his life took a profound turn after witnessing a recitation of the Devagam Stotra in a temple of Lord Parshvanath. This experience led him to renounce his previous beliefs and embrace Jainism. His extensive works, including "Ashtashashtri," "Shlokavartik," and "Aaptpariksha," attest to his profound scholarship and contribution to Indian philosophy. His era is estimated to be around 800 CE.

Central Argument and Methodology:

The book systematically analyzes the doctrines of prominent philosophical schools, including:

Vaishēshika: The text critically examines the Vaishēshika concept of God (Ishvara) as the creator and the one who liberates from karma. Shri Vidyanand Swami argues against the Vaishēshika claims by pointing out logical inconsistencies. For instance, the argument that an eternal and all-pervading God cannot be a cause due to the lack of anvay-vyatirek (correlation and exclusion) is presented. The text also delves into the complexities of God's attributes, such as knowledge, will, and effort, and how they relate to karma and liberation, finding fault with the Vaishēshika explanations. The discussion explores the issues of causality, the nature of God's body (or lack thereof), and the efficacy of God's knowledge.
Paurāṇika (Mythological): The text addresses the concept of divine avatars taken for the welfare of devotees. It refutes the idea of a creator God taking a body, arguing that if God can create a body without another body, then creating the world without a body is also possible. The argument against the necessity of divine avatars is presented by highlighting the problem of infinite regress if bodies are created from other bodies.
Shankara (Advaita Vedanta): The text critiques the Advaita Vedanta concept of Brahman. It argues that if God's eternal knowledge is the cause of all actions, then all actions should occur simultaneously, not sequentially. It also questions the nature of God's knowledge as both the means (pramana) and the fruit (phala), highlighting logical contradictions.
Sāṁkhya: The text examines the Samkhya philosophy, particularly its concept of Purusha and Prakriti. It questions the role of Prakriti as the source of knowledge and liberation and the seemingly passive role of Purusha. The text highlights the logical difficulties in attributing liberation and knowledge solely to Prakriti while keeping Purusha as the experiencer.
Buddhism: The text addresses the Buddhist concept of emptiness (Shunya) and the idea of momentary consciousness (Kshanika Vidnyana). It challenges the Buddhist notion that only momentary consciousness exists, arguing that if such a concept is accepted without proof, then other philosophical assertions, like the Advaita Vedanta's Brahman, could also be accepted. It also critiques the Buddhist idea of an omniscient Buddha, arguing that if Buddha is truly omniscient, then the concept of karma and the cycle of birth and death would be rendered meaningless.
Mimamsa: The text engages with the Mimamsa school's arguments against omniscience, particularly their reliance on sense perception and their assertion that only non-existent things can be known through negation. The Jain perspective emphasizes that all things are knowable (prameya) and that a true omniscient being would know all these knowable things.

The Jain Position and the Concept of "Apt":

Throughout the critique of other schools, the text implicitly and explicitly builds the case for the Jain concept of an "Apt." The Jain Apt is identified as the Arhat (अहंत) – a liberated soul who has conquered all karmas and possesses perfect, omniscient knowledge (Sarvajñata) and complete detachment (Vitaraagta). The text argues that:

Omniscience (Sarvajñata): The Jain concept of omniscience is supported by the principle of prameyatva (knowability). Since all existing things are knowable, and an omniscient being knows all knowable things, therefore, an omniscient being must exist. The text refutes objections to this, such as the limitation of sensory perception, by pointing to the possibility of extrasensory perception and the self-proving nature of omniscient knowledge.
Path to Liberation: The Arhat, as the omniscient and detached being, is presented as the true guide to liberation. The path to liberation is described as the "three jewels" of Jainism: Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
Nature of Karma: The text provides a detailed explanation of karma as understood in Jainism, differentiating between dravya karma (material karma) and bhava karma (internal states like anger, pride, etc.). It explains how these karmas bind the soul and perpetuate the cycle of suffering.
Liberation through Samvara and Nirjara: The text explains that liberation is achieved through Samvara (stopping the influx of new karmas) and Nirjara (shedding existing karmas). These processes, perfected by the Arhats, are presented as the true means to attain the soul's innate pure qualities.
The True Guru: The ultimate guru and the only true "Apt" is the Arhat, who is free from all flaws, possesses perfect knowledge, and embodies the path to liberation. Other deities or gurus who are not omniscient and detached are deemed incapable of providing true spiritual guidance.

Conclusion:

The "Aaptpariksha" serves as a powerful logical and philosophical defense of the Jain understanding of an Apt. It systematically dismantles the claims of other philosophical systems by highlighting their internal contradictions and inconsistencies. By establishing the validity of the Jain path through reasoned argument, the book aims to guide sincere seekers towards the true source of knowledge and liberation, thereby dispelling confusion and promoting spiritual well-being. The translator, Umravsinh Jain, expresses hope that this translation will be well-received by readers, encouraging further scholarly endeavors in this field.