Aapviti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aapviti" by Dharmanand Kosambi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aapviti (My Own Story / Autobiography) Author: Dharmanand Kosambi Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad Publication Date (Second Edition): November 1940

Overall Theme: "Aapviti" is the autobiography of Acharya Dharmanand Kosambi, detailing his life journey, intellectual and spiritual evolution, and his deep engagement with Buddhism. The book is presented as a personal narrative, offering insights into his upbringing, struggles, travels, and the development of his philosophical and religious views.

Key Sections and Content:

• Introduction (Page 4-7): The introduction, likely by Kakasaheb Kalelkar, highlights the author's intellectual prowess and unique approach to scholarship. It mentions Kosambi's initial interest in Buddhism, which led to his extensive travels and dedication to studying the original sources of Buddhist teachings. The introduction also praises Kosambi's humility, lack of pretension despite his vast knowledge, and his commitment to truth over glorifying himself. It notes that he didn't often discuss his academic achievements or invitations from institutions like Harvard, preferring to focus on his personal journey and contributions to scholarship. The introduction touches upon his critical stance on the perceived flaws in the Sanatan Dharma and his strong adherence to non-cooperation principles, even in intellectual matters.

• Early Life and Childhood (Page 11-14):

  • Kosambi was born on October 9, 1876, in Sakhaval village in the Goa region.
  • He was the youngest of seven siblings.
  • His early childhood was marked by physical weakness (a leg ailment) and a perceived lack of intellect by some, which contrasted with his father's strong belief in a prophecy that he would become a scholar.
  • His education was sporadic, involving home tutoring, a brief stint in school, and then attending a strict but knowledgeable teacher's school in Arba.
  • He developed an early interest in mathematics.
  • Due to recurring illness and other circumstances, his formal education was interrupted multiple times, leading to a somewhat unconventional educational path.

• Youth and Personal Development (Page 15-21):

  • Kosambi reflects on the transition into adolescence and the emotional and psychological changes that accompanied it, influenced by societal norms and the experiences of his peers.
  • He describes working in his father's areca nut plantation, which exposed him to the conversations of toddy tappers, subtly impacting his thoughts.
  • A significant turning point was his growing interest in reading, starting with books like "Marathi Bhashatil Suras Charmatkar Goshti" and later coming across the monthly magazine "Dnyanodaya" which featured "Guptarang" poetry.
  • This reading sparked deep dissatisfaction with his current life and a yearning for intellectual and nationalistic pursuits, inspired by figures like Vishnushastri Chiplunkar and Agarkar.
  • He experienced periods of existential angst, contemplating the meaning of life and his own purpose, and even contemplated suicide due to his perceived inadequacy.
  • His intellectual curiosity deepened through reading, and he found solace and inspiration in the lives of figures like Tukaram.
  • He started to form his own opinions on social issues, recognizing the harm caused by practices like alcoholism, child marriage, and caste discrimination.
  • Despite facing personal and financial challenges, he maintained a strong resolve to pursue self-improvement.

• Leaving Home and Early Travels (Page 27-35):

  • Driven by a desire to study Sanskrit, Kosambi left home in 1894 and traveled to Kolhapur.
  • His initial experiences in Kolhapur were challenging, highlighting his financial struggles and the prevalence of begging among students.
  • He faced personal grief with the death of his sister-in-law and later his father.
  • The plague outbreak in Goa further impacted his life.
  • He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Buddha, reading his biography, and developing a strong conviction in Buddhism as the path to human progress.
  • His decision to study Buddhism led him to consider traveling to Nepal or Sri Lanka.
  • He recounts facing social ostracization for associating with Christians and sharing meals with them, an experience that deepened his commitment to social reform and his critique of caste.

• Puna and Seeking Knowledge (Page 45-56):

  • He arrived in Pune in December 1899 with the aim of studying Sanskrit and finding intellectual stimulation.
  • He sought guidance from Dr. Bhandarkar, a renowned scholar, who initially offered conditional support and later suggested focusing on his personal well-being before pursuing his studies.
  • Kosambi's experiences in Pune included difficulties finding suitable accommodation and facing the general lack of educational resources for Buddhist studies.
  • He found a supportive environment in the Prarthana Samaj and was introduced to important Buddhist texts like "Jagadguru Gautam Buddha Charitra" and "Light of Asia," which further solidified his commitment to Buddhism.
  • He encountered a misunderstanding with Dr. Bhandarkar regarding his desire to become a Buddhist, which stemmed from different interpretations of his intentions.

• Travels and Encounters (Page 57-151):

  • Pune to Gwalior (Page 57-66): Describes his journey to Gwalior, facing financial hardship, seeking help from officials, and experiencing the stark realities of poverty and the prevailing social conditions.
  • Kashi Yatra (Page 67-82): His arrival in Kashi, encounters with various religious figures and priests, the challenges of finding accommodation and food, and his initial exposure to the complex religious landscape. He describes the impure practices he witnessed and his initial struggles with basic necessities.
  • Kashi Residence (Page 73-91): His stay in Kashi, the difficulties in securing reliable meals, his eventual placement in a Buddhist monastery, and his interactions with other monks and scholars. He highlights the stark contrast in religious practices and the pervasive lack of intellectual rigor in some religious circles. He also notes the peculiar practices and beliefs of the local populace.
  • Nepal Journey (Page 99-113): His arduous journey to Nepal, facing extreme weather, physical hardship, and cultural differences. He witnesses the state of Buddhism in Nepal, finding it sadly neglected and intertwined with non-Buddhist practices. He encounters political turmoil and social complexities.
  • Nepal to Ceylon (Page 114-145): His journey from Nepal to Ceylon via Calcutta and Madras. He describes his encounters with the Maha Bodhi Society, the financial constraints faced by the organization, and his efforts to secure passage to Ceylon. He also details his experiences with the transportation system and the challenges of navigating different cultures and languages.
  • Vidyodaya Vidyalaya (Page 144-164): His arrival in Ceylon and his time at Vidyodaya Vidyalaya. He learns about the history of Buddhism in Ceylon, the influence of Portuguese and Dutch colonization, and the subsequent revival of Buddhism supported by scholars like Anagarika Dharmapala and Sumangala Thero. He describes the educational system, the challenges of adapting to local customs and food, and his personal growth through rigorous study and introspection.
  • Madras and Burma (Page 168-185): His travels to Madras and Burma, facing further health issues and dietary challenges. He notes the limited support for Buddhist studies in Madras and the pervasive vegetarianism and use of coconut oil in Burmese cuisine. He describes his encounters with various individuals, including Buddhist monks and lay supporters, and his ongoing pursuit of knowledge. He also touches upon his ordination as a bhikkhu in Burma.
  • Buddhist Pilgrimage (Page 187-218): This section covers his extensive travels to significant Buddhist sites in India, including Kushinara, Sarnath, Buddha Gaya, Rajgir, Shravasti, Kapilavastu, and Lumbini. He details the historical significance of these places, the dilapidated state of many ancient sites, the challenges of travel and accommodation, and his personal reflections on the Buddha's life and teachings. He observes the local customs, the state of Buddhism in different regions, and the impact of social and political conditions on religious practices. He also highlights his encounters with various people, both supportive and obstructive, throughout his journey.
  • Return and Continued Work (Page 241 onwards - inferred from the summary sections and later chapters): The summary hints at his eventual return and continued work, including his involvement with the National College in Calcutta and his dedication to translating and disseminating Buddhist scriptures.

• Key Themes and Reflections:

  • Pursuit of Knowledge: A central theme is Kosambi's relentless pursuit of knowledge, particularly in Buddhism, through direct study of original texts and extensive travel.
  • Intellectual Honesty and Humility: He is portrayed as a scholar who valued truth and authenticity over personal acclaim.
  • Spiritual and Personal Growth: The autobiography chronicles his transformation from a physically weak and intellectually searching youth to a respected scholar and spiritual seeker.
  • Critique of Societal Norms: Kosambi openly discusses his critical views on practices like caste, child marriage, and religious superstition, advocating for social reform.
  • Resilience and Perseverance: His journey is marked by numerous hardships, including poverty, illness, and societal disapproval, but he consistently demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination.
  • Influence of Buddhism: The book showcases the profound impact of Buddhist philosophy on his life, guiding his actions and shaping his worldview.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: While focused on Buddhism, he interacted with individuals from various religious backgrounds, demonstrating an open-minded approach.

Overall Impression: "Aapviti" is a significant work that offers a deep and personal account of Dharmanand Kosambi's life. It's not just a biographical narrative but also a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity, spiritual dedication, and the unwavering commitment to a chosen path, even amidst immense personal adversity. The book provides valuable historical and cultural context, revealing the intellectual and spiritual landscape of India and Sri Lanka during his formative years.