Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh Part 01 Shabdarth Vivechan Shabdona Shikhar - Book Summary

This Jain text, Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh Part 01 Shabdarth Vivechan - Shabdona Shikhar, is a Gujarati commentary on the monumental Jain lexicon, the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh. The title itself signifies that this part focuses on the explanation of meanings of words, presented as the "Peak of Words".

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

1. The Core Purpose and Nature of the Work:

Commentary on a Monumental Lexicon: The primary goal of this book is to provide a Gujarati explanation and commentary of the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh, a comprehensive lexicon of Jain scriptures. This suggests that the original Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh is likely in Sanskrit or Prakrit, and this work makes it accessible to Gujarati speakers.
"Peak of Words": The subtitle "Shabdona Shikhar" (Words' Peak) implies that this work delves into the profound meanings and nuances of Jain vocabulary, reaching the highest levels of understanding for these words.
"Shabdarth Vivechan": This explicitly states the book's focus on explaining the "meaning of words" (Shabdarth).

2. Authorship and Spiritual Guidance:

Author: The text is attributed to Rajendrasuri as the original compiler of the lexicon, and Vaibhavratnavijay as the commentator (Vivechak).
Publisher: Published by the Raj Rajendra Prakashan Trust, with support from Shri Raj-Rajendra Prakashan Trust, Shri Raj-Jayant Foundation, and Shri Veer-Gurudev Federation from Ahmedabad.
Inspiration and Blessings: The work is presented under the auspices and blessings of Param Pujya Rashtrasant Acharyadesh Shrimad Vijay Jayantsurishwarji Maharaj of the Suvishal Gachhadhipati lineage. This highlights the significant spiritual and hierarchical backing of the publication.

3. Content and Scope (Based on the detailed dictionary entries):

The bulk of the provided text consists of a comprehensive Gujarati-to-Gujarati lexicon, covering a vast array of words starting from 'A' and proceeding alphabetically. Each entry appears to follow a pattern:

The Word: The word itself is presented, often with its grammatical classification (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb) and gender (masculine, feminine, neuter).
Etymology/Derivation: The text often provides the Sanskrit or Prakrit root of the word and explains its formation or derivation (e.g., from 'jan-dhaatu').
Meaning and Explanation: The primary focus is on explaining the word's meaning in Gujarati. This is done with considerable detail, often drawing parallels, providing analogies, and elaborating on the philosophical or practical implications within Jainism.
Jain Contextualization: Many entries explicitly connect the word's meaning to Jain concepts, philosophy, practices, karma theory, spiritual paths, and the teachings of the Tirthankaras (like Lord Mahavir and Lord Adinath).
Illustrative Examples: Analogies and examples are frequently used to clarify the meaning, drawing from everyday life, religious practices (like fasting, vows), natural phenomena (like fire, rivers, trees), or historical Jain figures and events.
Philosophical Depth: The explanations often touch upon core Jain principles such as anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality), syadvada (conditional predication), the nature of the soul, karma, liberation (moksha), and the path to spiritual upliftment.
Detailed Exploration of Terms: The entries are not just simple definitions; they are elaborate "Shabdarth Vivechan," offering deep insights into the significance of each word within the Jain tradition. For instance, words related to soul, karma, spiritual states, and religious observances are explained with remarkable detail.
Inclusion of various categories: The text covers a wide spectrum of vocabulary, including:
- Spiritual and Philosophical Concepts: Samayaka (equanimity), karma, moksha, jnana (knowledge), darshana (perception), charitra (conduct), mithyatva (false belief), kashayas (passions).
- Religious Practices and Observances: Vrata (vows), tapas (austerity), pratikraman (repentance), samayika (meditation), upvasa (fasting), pariṣaha (hardships to be endured).
- Mythological and Historical Figures: Tirthankaras, Gurus, Kings, Queens, and other significant personalities from Jain history and mythology are mentioned and explained in relation to specific terms.
- Cosmology and Geography: References to concepts like lokakasha (space), dvipas (continents), and various heavenly realms are present.
- Grammatical and Lexical Information: Etymological roots, Sanskrit/Prakrit derivations, and grammatical usage are discussed.

4. The Context of Compilation and Publication:

Inspiration of Rajendrasuri: The text emphasizes the monumental work of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajendrasurishwarji Maharaj, who embarked on the creation of the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh, considered a "key" to unlocking the secrets of Jain Agamas.
Dedication and Effort: The creation of the original Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh is highlighted as a monumental and laborious task, taking 14 years of continuous effort, undertaken by Rajendrasuri himself, often in challenging conditions while he was traveling.
Modern Accessibility: The Gujarati commentary by Munishri Vaibhavratnavijayji, under the inspiration of Acharya Jayantseensurishwarji, aims to make this vast knowledge accessible to a wider audience, especially in the current era where knowledge of Sanskrit and Prakrit might be diminishing.
Community Support: The publication is a testament to the dedication and support of the Jain community, with numerous individuals and foundations contributing to its realization.

5. Structure and Organization:

Alphabetical Order: The dictionary entries are arranged alphabetically in Gujarati.
Comprehensive Explanations: Each entry is detailed, providing context, etymology, and spiritual significance.
Volume: The original Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh is a massive undertaking, published in seven parts and spanning ten thousand pages, containing definitions and explanations of 60,000 words.

In essence, "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh Part 01 Shabdarth Vivechan - Shabdona Shikhar" is an authoritative and exhaustive Gujarati resource for understanding the specialized vocabulary of Jain scriptures. It is a scholarly work, deeply rooted in Jain tradition and philosophy, aiming to illuminate the profound meanings of Jain terminology through detailed explanations and contextualization.