Abhaydevsuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Abhaydevsuriji:

Acharya Abhaydevsuriji: The Renowned Commentator of the Navangi Agamas

This text details the life and significant contributions of Acharya Abhaydevsuriji, a highly respected Jain monk and scholar, primarily known for his extensive commentaries on the Navangi Agamas (the twelve principal Jain scriptures).

Lineage and Early Life:

• Acharya Abhaydevsuriji belonged to the Chandrakuliya lineage and was a disciple of Acharya Buddhisagar Suri and a grand-disciple of Acharya Vardhamanasuri.
• His birth name was Abhaykumar, and he was born in the Vaishya community in the year 1072 Vikram Samvat (1542 Jain Nirvana Era) in Dharanagari, the then capital of Malwa, during the reign of King Bhoj.
• His parents were Mahidhar Seth and Dhanadevi. Even as a child, Abhaykumar was intelligent and received strong religious upbringing.

Spiritual Calling and Initiation:

• A turning point in his life came when he attended a discourse by Acharya Jineshwarsuri and Buddhisagar Suri in Dharanagari with his father. This experience ignited a sense of detachment in him.
• With his parents' permission, Abhaykumar took initiation from Acharya Jineshwarsuri and became a disciple of Acharya Buddhisagar Suri.
• After initiation, as a young monk, he diligently studied the Agamas and other subjects, demonstrating great dedication.

Ascent to Acharya and the Call to Commentary:

• By the order of Acharya Vardhamanasuri, Acharya Jineshwarsuri conferred the title of Acharya upon Abhaydevsuriji at the young age of 16 in 1089 Vikram Samvat.
• Acharya Abhaydevsuriji was a profound scholar of Jain principles and possessed vast knowledge in secular subjects as well. He used to impart scriptural teachings to the monastic community.
• After the passing of Acharya Vardhamanasuri, one night, while meditating, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji received divine inspiration from the Shasanadevi (goddess presiding over the Jain faith) to write commentaries.
• The Shasanadevi revealed that while commentaries on the first two Agamas existed (by Acharya Shilanka Suri and Acharya Kattyayan), the commentaries on the remaining Agamas had been lost due to the passage of time. She urged him to undertake the task for the welfare of the community.

Hesitation and Divine Assurance:

• Initially, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji expressed hesitation, feeling that the Agamas, composed by Sudharmaswami, were difficult to fully comprehend, and any unintentional misrepresentation could lead to negative karmic consequences.
• The Shasanadevi reassured him, acknowledging his profound understanding and promising to help him resolve any doubts by consulting with Simandhar Swami. This divine assurance satisfied Acharya Abhaydevsuriji.

The Monumental Task of Commentary:

• Believing that divine grace was essential for such a monumental task, he commenced writing the commentaries, undertaking an unbroken Ayambil tapas (a specific type of penance involving eating once a day a limited diet).
• Through his intense focus and dedicated effort, he successfully composed commentaries on all nine Angas of the Agamas.

Challenges and Divine Intervention:

• After completing the commentaries, he visited Dholka. Due to his continuous Ayambil tapas and hard work, he contracted leprosy.
• This affliction led some to believe it was a consequence of unintentional misinterpretations (utsutra-prarupana) and that the Shasanadevi was punishing him.
• Distressed by these rumors, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji invoked Dharanendra, a benevolent deity associated with the Jain faith. Dharanendra, pleased with his devotion, guided him towards a remedy and restored his health.

The "Jayanti Argh" Stotra and a Miracle:

• In a dream, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji felt that the deity Mahakaldev had afflicted him. Based on this, he considered undertaking a fast unto death, believing his lifespan was nearing its end.
• Once again, Dharanendra appeared in his dream, confirming that he had provided a remedy for his ailment and urging him to be at ease.
• However, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji expressed greater concern about the slander of the Jain Sangha by detractors, using his illness as a pretext.
• Following Dharanendra's advice, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji, along with the lay followers, went to the village of Stambhan. On the banks of the Sedhi river, at a spot indicated by Dharanendra, he composed the "Jayanti Argh" stotra, a 32-verse hymn.
• The composition of this stotra led to the miraculous appearance of an idol of Shri Parshvanath, which is currently in Khambhat. This event dispelled the public's negative opinions about him.
• Later, at Dharanendra's behest, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji removed the last two verses of the stotra. These verses were removed because they could be used to summon deities, and their misuse by some led to their deletion, as mentioned in the Vicitritirthakalpa.

Sponsorship and Dissemination of Commentaries:

• According to the Prabhavak Charitra, 84 skilled scholars from Tamralipti, Ashapalli, and Dhavalknagari meticulously copied the commentaries.
• The creation of 84 copies incurred an expense of three lakh drakmaks (a form of currency), which was funded by King Bhim. The king provided this amount after a follower presented him with jewels bestowed by the Shasanadevi.
• This significant financial support enabled the production of numerous copies of Abhaydevsuriji's commentaries, which were then distributed to important scholars and various locations.

Collaboration with Acharya Dronacharya:

• Acharya Dronacharya, a respected Chaityavasi Acharya and a learned scholar, provided significant assistance in the creation of Abhaydevsuriji's commentaries.
• Despite belonging to a different monastic tradition (Chaityavasi vs. Suvihitmargi), Dronacharya held deep respect for Abhaydevsuriji and was impressed by his knowledge of the Agamas.
• Abhaydevsuriji himself sought knowledge from Dronacharya, and Dronacharya treated him with great respect, even offering him a seat beside his own father.
• Dronacharya was instrumental in the research and critical examination of Abhaydevsuriji's commentaries, and Abhaydevsuriji often referenced Dronacharya with great admiration.

Literary Works and Commentaries:

• While renowned for his Navangi commentaries, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji also wrote commentaries on other scriptures, including Upanga Agamas, and composed independent works.
• His commentaries are considered keys to understanding the profound meanings within the Agamas of Ganadhar Shri Sudharmaswami. These commentaries are concise, focused on the essence of the words, and cover diverse subjects.
• He wrote commentaries on Angas 3 to 11 of the Dwadashangi.

Specific Commentaries and Their Details:

The text lists several of his major commentaries:

• Sthananga Vritti: A detailed exposition of the original sutras with extensive discussion of related topics and philosophical insights. It was composed in 1120 VS with the assistance of Yashodevgan, a disciple of Ajitsingh Suri.
• Samavayaanga Vritti: A medium-sized commentary on the original sutras, mentioning the Prajnapana Sutra and Gandhahasti Bhashya. Composed in 1120 VS in Patan.
• Vyakhyaprajnapti Vritti (Bhagavati Sutra Commentary): A concise, word-focused commentary that explains ten meanings of Vyakhyaprajnapti. It was composed in Patan in 1128 VS with the help of ancient commentaries, churna, and Jivabhigama vrittis.
• Gnatadhara Katha Vritti: A word-focused commentary on the original sutras, composed in 1120 VS on Vijaya Dashami in Patan.
• Upasakadashanga Vritti: A concise commentary on the original sutras, composed after the Gnatadhara Katha Vritti, offering further clarification of specific terms.
• Antakrit Dashanga Vritti: A word-focused commentary on the original sutras.
• Anuttaraupapati Vritti: A concise, word-focused commentary whose profound explanations of words greatly impressed the people of Patan.
• Prashna Vyakarana Vritti: A word-meaning focused commentary that logically explains the five influxes (ashravas) and five restraints (samvaras). It aids in understanding the consequences of various good and bad actions.
• Vipaka Vritti: A commentary on the sutras that briefly explains technical terms. It is particularly helpful in understanding the manifold results of good and bad karma.
• Aupapatika Vritti: A commentary on an Upanga Agama, containing valuable theoretical, social, and cultural information.

Notably, three of these commentaries – Sthananga Vritti, Samavayaanga Vritti, and Gnatadhara Katha Vritti – were written in a single year (1120 VS), highlighting his immense creative power. The total number of his commentaries, including those on Upangas, is estimated to be around 10,769 verses.

Commentaries on Non-Agamic Texts:

Beyond the Agamas, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji also commented on other works, including the Shodashaka and Panchashaka by Acharya Haribhadra Suri. His commentary on the Panchashaka is extensive.

Other Literary Contributions:

He also authored independent works such as the Prajnapana Trutiya Pad Sangrahani, the Jayanti Argh stotra, the Panch Nithi Prakaran, and the Shad Karma Granth Sarvruttibhashya.

Passing Away:

The exact details of his demise vary. Some sources suggest he passed away in Patan during the reign of King Karnadev. Other records, like the Pattavali, indicate his passing in Kapadvanj, Gujarat, in 1135 VS or 1139 VS. The period of his commentary writing (1120-1128 VS) and his passing suggests he lived and contributed significantly during the 11th and 12th centuries Vikram Samvat.

Legacy and Influence:

Acharya Abhaydevsuriji is celebrated for making the Jain Agamas accessible and understandable through his insightful commentaries. He became a strong pillar of faith for the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). He was a master of Jain philosophy and a prolific writer, earning the respect of both Chaityavasi and Sanvegi Acharyas. His legacy is one of profound scholarship and dedicated service to the propagation and preservation of Jain teachings.