Agam Tika Parampara Ko Acharya Hastimalji Ka Yogdan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Agam Tika Parampara ko Acharya Hastimalji ka Yogdan" by Dharmchand Jain:

This document highlights the significant contributions of Acharya Hastimalji to the tradition ofcommentaries (Tika) on Jain Agamas (scriptures). The author, Dharmchand Jain, emphasizes Acharya Hastimalji's deep commitment to making the profound knowledge of the Agamas accessible and understandable to a wider audience.

Acharya Hastimalji's Vision and Approach:

• Illuminating the Agamas: Acharya Hastimalji lived an life illuminated by the Agamas and dedicated himself to spreading this light to everyone.
• Making Agamas Accessible: His primary goal was to present the complex meanings of the Agamas in the simplest way possible.
• Accurate and Clear Transmission: He prioritized the pure and easy transmission of Agamic knowledge.
• Thorough Revision: This led him to meticulously revise Agamic texts. He enriched them with Sanskrit interpolations (Chhaya), Hindi poetic translations, word-for-word meanings (Anvay), and elaborations (Bhavarth), making them highly accessible.
• Early Recognition: His commentaries on texts like the 'Nandi Sutra' earned him a distinguished position among Jain monks even in his youth.

Key Works and Contributions:

The document details Acharya Hastimalji's work on several important Agamic texts:

1. Nandi Sutra:

   • Published in 1942 during his travels in Maharashtra, this edition was unique.
   • It included the Prakrit original, Sanskrit interpolation, and a word-for-word Hindi translation.
   • Extensive and detailed explanations were provided where needed.
   • He based his translation on the commentaries of Acharya Malayagiri and Haribhadra, and consulted numerous available editions, seeking clarifications from learned monks.
   • Acharya Hastimalji undertook the crucial task of revising the original text of the 'Nandi Sutra,' which had variations across existing publications.
   • The edition featured an scholarly introduction by Upadhyay Shri Atmaramji Maharaj and a comprehensive preface by Acharya Hastimalji himself, comparing the 'Nandi Sutra' with other scriptures.
   • This work established his reputation among contemporary Acharyas and scholars.
   • The edition included several appendices: explanations of technical terms, an introduction to the twelve Angas as described in the 'Samavayanga Sutra,' comparative texts from other scriptures, a discussion on the perception of knowledge from Shvetambara and Digambara perspectives, and a glossary of terms used in the 'Nandi Sutra.'
   • Acharya Hastimalji participated in the publication despite perceiving some limitations from a monk's perspective, driven by three objectives: to foster the creation of superior literature within the Sadhumaragi society, to ensure pure editions of the original Agamas and inspire others to do the same, and to prevent the public from committing knowledge-related transgressions by reading pure texts.

2. Brihatkalpa Sutra:

   • He revised and edited an previously unknown Sanskrit commentary on the 'Shri Brihatkalpa Sutra.'
   • This edition included a preface, an introduction to the 'Brihatkalpa,' and five appendices.
   • The commentary was discovered in a dilapidated state and copied and revised by Acharya Hastimalji during his South Indian travels.
   • The original commentator is unknown, but it's indicated that Shri Saubhagya Sagar Suri extracted this commentary from a larger one.
   • The 'Brihatkalpa Sutra' is a Cheda Sutra detailing the conduct rules for monks and nuns. Acharya Hastimalji provided a concise Hindi summary, 'Brihatkalpa Parichay,' for Hindi readers.
   • The appendices included Hindi meanings of words, notes on textual variations, information on different manuscript versions, a mention of special names in the commentary, and detailed Sanskrit notes on specific words.
   • This Sanskrit commentary is valuable for its simple language and comprehensive explanation of the sutra's content, making it important for Sanskrit scholars.
   • Despite the availability of other editions, Acharya Hastimalji's Sanskrit commentary was distinguished by its accuracy, detail, and conciseness, showcasing his mastery of Sanskrit and scriptural knowledge.

3. Prashna Vyakaran Sutra:

   • Published in December 1950, this edition included a Sanskrit interpolation, word-for-word meaning, a Hindi commentary (Bhavarth), and notes.
   • It was divided into two parts: the first discussing the five influxes of karma (Asrava) and the second detailing the five restraints (Samvara) – non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
   • It contained appendices like a glossary, notes on specific passages, a list of alternative readings, and narrative sections.
   • Acharya Hastimalji's scholarly 17-page preface graced this work.
   • The 'Prashna Vyakaran' presented even greater textual variation challenges than the 'Nandi Sutra.' Acharya Hastimalji noted that even authentic manuscripts inscribed on stone and copper plates contained errors.
   • He employed a comparative analysis of numerous manuscripts, including commentaries by Abhayadev Suri, handwritten notes, and the publication from the Agam Mandir, Palitana.
   • He also provided a list of alternative readings for the benefit of scholars.
   • Seventeen particularly significant textual variations were compiled and sent to various scholars and institutions for resolution, though most did not provide a response.
   • Despite lacking resources and support, Acharya Hastimalji diligently served the scriptures with this meticulously revised edition.

4. Shiri Antagaddasao:

   • Two editions of this text, featuring a Sanskrit-Hindi translation by Acharya Hastimalji, were published.
   • The first edition (1965) contained the Prakrit original and Hindi meanings with a glossary.
   • The second edition (1975) was more comprehensive, using a column format with the Prakrit original, Sanskrit interpolation, word-for-word Hindi meaning, and Hindi Bhavarth on facing pages. This format aimed to make the knowledge accessible to readers of all intellectual capacities.
   • For textual purity and meaning, he relied on a manuscript translated by Upadhyay Pyarchandji Maharaj, publications from Sailana and Agamoday Samiti, Surat, and the commentary of Abhayadev Suri, along with other ancient commentaries.
   • The second edition was specifically designed for easy reading during Paryushan and efficiently conveyed the meaning of the sutra. It was highly beneficial for those seeking literal meanings and for readers with basic Sanskrit knowledge to understand the core of the original Agamas.
   • This columnar translation and Bhavarth were considered distinct from other Hindi translations, and the inclusion of a glossary enhanced its value.

5. Uttaradhyayan and Dashavaikalik Sutras:

   • These two are among the most frequently studied Agamic texts.
   • Acharya Hastimalji facilitated Hindi poetic translations, making them melodious, understandable, and singable.
   • While there are indications that Acharya Hastimalji himself contributed to the Hindi poetic translation, he ensured that Pandit Shashikant Jha received full credit for his work, which he guided and refined.
   • The 'Uttaradhyayan Sutra' was published in three parts (1983, 1985, 1986), with each part containing introductions, summaries of studies, and captivating narratives related to the studies.
   • The Sanskrit interpolation was added to the second and third parts of the 'Uttaradhyayan Sutra' to aid scholars in understanding the Prakrit verses.
   • The poetic translations are praised for their natural flow, simplicity, and rhythm, enabling readers to grasp the essence of the entire text.
   • The work also included analyses of difficult words in the original verses, drawing upon commentaries by Shantyacharya and Nemichandra, as well as the Hindi commentary by Acharya Atmaramji Maharaj and the publication from Jain Vishva Bharati.
   • The 'Dashavaikalik Sutra' was published in May 1983, also featuring poetic translation, Anvayarth, Bhavarth, and notes. The Prakrit prose of the fourth study was also poetically translated into Hindi. This translation is also described as melodious and insightful.

Conclusion:

The document mentions that Acharya Hastimalji also translated the 'Tattvarthadhigam Sutra' into Hindi verse, although this translation is not available. The author concludes by emphasizing Acharya Hastimalji's invaluable contribution through his commentaries, translations, and explanations of various important Agamas. His comparative approach and direction in Agamic text revision are highly beneficial to the scholarly community. The correction of Agamic texts is crucial, as reliance on single versions can lead to incorrect conclusions. The Hindi poetic translations and simple Hindi explanations have greatly benefited general scholars, enabling them to delve into the depths of the Agamas.