Acharang Vishe Abhinava Prakashan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Acharang vishe Abhinava Prakashan," in English:

This text is a preface or introduction to a new publication concerning the Acharanga Sutra (Aayarangasutta), a foundational text in Jainism. The author of this preface expresses immense pleasure and welcome for the Hindi translation of the Sanskrit commentary (vritti) on the Acharanga Sutra, which was originally composed by the esteemed Acharya Shilanka in approximately 12,000 verses.

Key Highlights of the Publication and its Significance:

• Translator and Honoree: The Hindi translation is credited to Param Pujya Jyotishacharya Shri Jayaprabh Vijayji ('Shram') Maharaj Saheb. He has fittingly named this Hindi commentary "Rajendra Subodhini Ahori Hindi Teeka" in honor of his paternal grand-guru, Shrimad Vijay Rajendrasurishwarji, the creator of the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh and a prominent scholar and reformer. This demonstrates his deep devotion to his guru.
• Novelty of the Publication: While there is existing Hindi literature on the Acharanga Sutra in the form of translations and commentaries, this marks the first-ever Hindi translation of Acharya Shilanka's Sanskrit commentary. This makes the publication particularly valuable for scholars, inquisitive individuals, and spiritual seekers worldwide.
• Historical Context of the Acharanga Sutra: The text mentions that extensive literature exists on the Acharanga Sutra in various languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi, and English. Historically, considerable works like niryuktis, bhashyas, churnis, and tikas/vrittis have been composed and published on the Acharanga Sutra and other Agamas. Shrimad Bhadrabahu Swami's Acharanga Niryukti is recognized as the foremost among these ancient works.
• Acharya Shilanka:
  • He was a great Acharya of the 10th century of the Vikram era.
  • Though details about his life are scarce, it is believed he might be the same person as Shri Shilagunsuri, the guru of the great Gujarat king Vanraj Chavda.
  • A palm-leaf manuscript found in Khambhat suggests he resided in Gambhuta (near Patan, Gujarat) when he wrote this commentary.
  • His other name is believed to be 'Tattvaditya'.
  • He was a disciple of Shri Manavdevsuriji of the Nivritti Gachchha.
  • Shilanka's major work in Prakrit is the 'Chaupan Mahapurushachariya', a monumental work of about 10,000 verses detailing the lives of 54 great men (Shalaka Purushas). This work served as a basis for Acharya Hemachandra's Sanskrit work, 'Trishti Shalaka Purushacharita'.
• Purpose of Shilanka's Commentary: Acharya Shilanka wrote his commentary on the Acharanga Sutra in V.S. 933 (Shaka Samvat 799). A primary reason for its creation was that the commentary by Arya Gandhahasti on the Acharanga Sutra, following Shrimad Bhadrabahu Swami's niryukti, was very profound and difficult. Shilanka aimed to provide an explanation in a simpler language with detailed explanations for easier understanding. He explicitly mentions this in his commentary: "The explanation of Shastra Parigya by Gandhahasti is very profound. Therefore, I shall extract its essence for easy understanding."
• Arya Gandhahasti: It is believed that Arya Gandhahasti is the same as Shri Siddhasen Divakar. His commentary on the Acharanga Sutra, though apparently profound and scholarly, is not found today, suggesting it might have been lost.
• Quality of Shilanka's Commentary: Students of this commentary find it highly satisfying and quick to grasp the meaning. Shilanka's reference to Arya Gandhahasti's commentary appears to be specifically about the Shastra Parigya chapter, possibly indicating that other parts of Gandhahasti's work may have been fragmented by Shilanka's time.
• Scope of Shilanka's Works: There's a belief that Acharya Shilanka wrote commentaries on all eleven Angas, but only his commentaries on the Acharanga Sutra and Sutrakritanga Sutra are currently available. The other commentaries are presumed to have been lost over time. The available commentaries are extensive, running into thousands of verses. For such vast compositions, Acharya Shilanka received assistance from Shri Vahri Gani, likely a capable disciple, as mentioned in his commentary on the Sutrakritanga Sutra.
• Endurance and Impact of the Commentary: Shilanka's commentary has been preserved for over a thousand years and has been continuously used in the study and recitation of the Acharanga Sutra, which speaks to its importance. Shrinath Jinvatsuri, influenced by this commentary, wrote about Acharya Shilanka in his 'Ganadhar Saddashatak,' comparing him to the moon that makes the lily bloom, symbolizing his illuminating words that dispel all troubles in the contemplation of Acharanga.
• Significance of the Acharanga Sutra in Jain Literature:
  • The Acharanga Sutra holds a unique position within the 45 Agamas, with the eleven Angas being considered primary.
  • Among the eleven Angas, the Acharanga is the most important, expounding the Dharma of conduct (Achara Dharma), which is the very lifeblood of a monk's life.
  • The tradition of Shrut Gyan (knowledge received through scripture) in Jainism is remarkable. The vast treasure of Jain literature was preserved orally for about a thousand years after Lord Mahavir Swami's nirvana.
  • The practice was for Tirthankara Bhagwans to deliver discourses, and their Ganadharas would weave them into sutras.
  • In the Aavashyak Niryukti, Shrimad Bhadrabahu Swami states that the Arhat speaks the meaning, and the Ganadharas skillfully compose the sutras for the welfare of the Shasan (Jain order).
  • During the time of a Tirthankara's preaching, filled with various siddhis and powers, the Ganadharas could compose the Dvadashangi (Twelve Angas) and fourteen Purvas in a very short time. The text quotes the 'Shri Gautamswami Ashtak' to illustrate this.
  • The Acharanga is considered primary among the twelve Angas. All Tirthankaras, past, present, and future, have preached and will preach the dharma of conduct first. This emphasizes the importance of conduct in the path to liberation.
  • In Jain philosophy, liberation is not achieved until the Charitra Mohaniya Karma (Karmas related to conduct) is completely destroyed, even after the destruction of Darshan Mohaniya Karma (Karmas related to faith). This underscores the significance of conduct.
• Structure and Content of the Acharanga Sutra:
  • The Acharanga Sutra has two Shruta Skandhas comprising 18,000 words. The first has nine Adhyayanas (chapters), and the second has sixteen, totaling 25 Adhyayanas.
  • The "Mahaparijna" adhyayana of the first Shruta Skandha is said to be lost. It is believed to have contained special miraculous mantras and vidyas, but due to the potential for misuse, its teaching was discontinued, leading to its extinction. Some scriptures mention that Shri Vajraswami, one of the last ten Purvdhars, obtained the Akashagamini Vidya (power of aerial locomotion) from this adhyayana.
  • The text also mentions the final two Chulikayen (appendices) of the Acharanga Sutra, named Bhavana and Vimukta. According to the Parishisht Parva of Acharya Hemachandra's Trishtishalakapurushcharita, Yaksa Sadhvi, the sister of Shri Sthulibhadra, received two adhyayanas named Mavana and Vimukta from Shri Simandhar Swami in Mahavideh Kshetra, which were later established as Chulikayen at the end of the Acharanga Sutra. (Hemachandra's text specifies four adhyayanas given to Yaksa Sadhvi, two incorporated into Acharanga and two into Dashavaikalika as Chulikayen).
• Authenticity and Divine Nature of the Acharanga Sutra: The Acharanga Sutra is said to preserve Lord Mahavir Swami's teachings as they were 18,000 years ago. The preface to the authentic recitation of the Acharanga Sutra by P.P. Shri Jambuvijayji Maharaj is quoted, highlighting the concise yet piercing aphorisms within the text that can shake primordial ignorance and delusion. Studying the Acharanga Sutra is described as a divine experience, feeling as if one is directly hearing Lord Mahavir's sublime and profound voice.
• Praise for the Translator and the New Publication: The publication of the Hindi translation of Acharya Shilanka's commentary is a cause for great joy. The book is structured with the original sutra, Sanskrit shadow translation, word-by-word meaning, sutra meaning, commentary translation, and a sutra summary, all systematically presented. The Sutra Samhar provides detailed and authoritative clarification of topics. The effort of P.P. Shri Jayaprabh Vijayji is commendable, showcasing his deep love and devotion to the scriptures. He continues the tradition of spiritual pursuit of his gurus.
• Personal Connection and Appreciation: The author of the preface mentions his acquaintance with P.P. Shri Jayaprabh Vijayji since a Jain literature festival in Palitana, which was largely organized due to the Maharaj's inspiration. He notes the Maharaj's expertise in Jyotisha (astrology), citing his famous book 'Muhurtaraj', and his editing of 'Shri Yatindrasuri Diksha Shatabdi Granth'. The current Hindi translation of Shilanka's commentary is seen as a significant achievement.
• Collaborator: Pandit Shri Ramesh bhai Hariya is acknowledged for his significant support in preparing this book.
• Blessings and Dedication: The author wishes that P.P. Shri Jayaprabh Vijayji's commendable work of dedicating this publication to the memory of the learned (mrutupasana) may be a cause for the self-welfare of many. The preface writer humbly states that his writing is more due to the Maharaj's affection towards him than his own authority, and seeks forgiveness for any writing contrary to Jinagya (Jain commandments).

In essence, the text serves as an enthusiastic endorsement of a significant scholarly work that makes the profound commentary of Acharya Shilanka on the foundational Acharanga Sutra accessible to a wider Hindi-speaking audience, thereby enriching the study of Jain scriptures and honoring the lineage of great Jain scholars.