Agamik Churniya Aur Churnikar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agamik Churniya aur Churnikar" by Mohanlal Mehta, based on the provided PDF pages:

Book Title: Agamik Churniya aur Churnikar (Agamic Commentaries and Commentators) Author: Mohanlal Mehta Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf

This text, "Agamik Churniya aur Churnikar," by Mohanlal Mehta, delves into the significance and evolution of churnis (commentaries) on the Jain Agamas (scriptures) and their esteemed authors, the churnikars.

The Nature and Purpose of Churnis:

Ancient Interpretations: The earliest metrical interpretations of the Agamas were known as Niryuktis and Bhashyas, all composed in Prakrit.
Need for Prose: Jain scholars felt the need for prose-based commentaries of equal caliber.
Emergence of Churnis: To fulfill this need, prose commentaries written in Prakrit or a Prakrit mixed with Sanskrit were produced, and these came to be known as churnis.
Scope: While churnis were primarily written for Agamic literature, some were also created for non-Agamic texts like Karmaprakriti and Shatak, though in much smaller numbers.

Key Agamic Texts with Churnis:

The text lists 18 major Agamic texts on which churnis were written:

Acharanga
Sutrakritanga
Vyakhya Prajnapti (Bhagavati)
Jeevabhigama
Nishitha
Mahanishitha
Vyavahara
Dashashrutaskandha
Brihatkalpa
Panchakalpa
Ogha Niryukti
Jitakalpa
Uttaradhyayana
Avasyaka
Dashavaikalika
Nandi
Anuyogadvara
Jambudvipa Prajnapti

It's noted that Nishitha and Jitakalpa had two churnis each, but only one is currently available. Anuyogadvara, Brihatkalpa, and Dashavaikalika also have two churnis each.

Chronology of Churnis:

While a definitive chronological order is difficult to ascertain, attempts have been made based on internal references. According to Anandasuri, the chronological order of Jinadasa Gani's churnis is:

Nandi Churni
Anuyogadvara Churni
Avasyaka Churni
Dashavaikalika Churni
Uttaradhyayana Churni
Acharanga Churni
Sutrakritanga Churni
Vyakhya Prajnapti Churni

The Avasyaka Churni references the Ogha Niryukti Churni, suggesting the latter is older. The Dashavaikalika Churni names the Avasyaka Churni, indicating the Avasyaka Churni predates it. Similarly, the Uttaradhyayana Churni refers to the Dashavaikalika Churni, placing the latter earlier. The Anuyogadvara Churni mentions the Nandi Churni, confirming its earlier composition. These references support Anandasuri's proposed chronology. The Ogha Niryukti Churni should also be placed between the Anuyogadvara Churni and the Avasyaka Churni due to the reference within the Avasyaka Churni.

Linguistic Aspects of Churnis:

Nandi Churni: Primarily in Prakrit with minimal Sanskrit.
Anuyogadvara Churni: Mostly Prakrit, with occasional Sanskrit verses and prose passages.
Dashavaikalika Churni (Jinadasa): Primarily Prakrit.
Dashavaikalika Churni (Agastyasinha): In Prakrit.
Uttaradhyayana Churni: In Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit with many Sanskrit verses.
Acharanga Churni: Prakrit-dominant with some Sanskrit verses.
Sutrakritanga Churni: Similar language and style to Acharanga Churni, with more Sanskrit usage compared to other churnis.
Jitakalpa Churni: Exclusively Prakrit from beginning to end, with all citations from Prakrit texts, making it unique.
Nishitha Vishesh Churni: In slightly Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit.
Dashashrutaskandha Churni: Predominantly Prakrit.
Brihatkalpa Churni: In Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit.

Prominent Churnikars (Commentators):

Jinadasa Gani Mahattara: The most famous churnikar. The text attributes several churnis to him: Nishitha Vishesh Churni, Nandi Churni, Anuyogadvara Churni, Avasyaka Churni, Dashavaikalika Churni, Uttaradhyayana Churni, and Sutrakritanga Churni.
Siddhasena Suri: Author of the Jitakalpa Churni. He is distinguished from Siddhasena Divakara. His churni predates 1227 Vikram Samvat. It's suggested he might also be the author of the commentary on Jinabhadragani's Brihat Kshetra Samasa. If so, he likely belonged to the Upakesha Gaccha, was a disciple of Devagupta Suri, and guru-brother of Yashodeva Suri.
Pralambasuri: The commentator for the Brihatkalpa Churni. His exact lifespan is unknown, but a manuscript dated 1334 Vikram Samvat suggests he lived before this date, possibly contemporary with or earlier than Siddhasena.
Agastyasinha: Author of a Dashavaikalika Churni. He is a Sthavira (senior monk) of the branch of Vajraswami. His churni is not particularly ancient and includes Sanskrit quotations from texts like the Tattvartha Sutra.

Biographical Information on Churnikars:

Jinadasa Gani Mahattara: Limited biographical material is available. The Nishitha Vishesh Churni names him as Jinadasa and mentions Pradyumna Kshamasramana as his guru. The Uttaradhyayana Churni provides his guru's name as Gopalagani Mahattara from the Vanij Kul, Kotik Ganiya, Vajrashakhiya lineage, but his own name isn't explicitly stated. The Nandi Churni offers a clearer self-introduction.
- Time Period: He lived after the Bhashyakara Jinabhadragani (c. 600-660 VS) and before the Tikkakar Haribhadra Suri (c. 757-827 VS). Therefore, his period is estimated to be between 650-750 Vikram Samvat. The Nandi Churni's colophon states its composition year as Shak Samvat 598 (733 VS), further corroborating this timeline.
Siddhasena Suri (Jitakalpa Churni): As mentioned, he is distinct from Siddhasena Divakara. A commentary on his Jitakalpa Churni was completed in 1227 VS by Shri Chandrasuri. Pandit Dalsukh Malvania suggests he is unlikely to be the author of the Tattvartha Bhashya commentary or the author of Upamiti Bhava Prakasha Katha, as his style is simpler. He posits that the author of the commentary on Jinabhadragani's Brihat Kshetra Samasa, also named Siddhasena Suri, might be the same person. Pandit Sukhlalji suggests that as Jitakalpa is an Agamic text, its commentator should be an Agamic scholar, possibly the Siddhasena Kshamasramana mentioned in the Panchakalpa Churni and Haribhadra's commentary. Further definitive proof is needed.
- Potential Discipleship: Pandit Dalsukh Malvania speculates that Siddhasena might have been a direct disciple of Jinabhadragani, supported by the Jitakalpa Bhashya Churni's colophon.
Pralambasuri (Brihatkalpa Churni): No biographical information is available. A palm-leaf manuscript indicates a writing period before 1334 VS.
Agastyasinha (Dashavaikalika Churni): A Sthavira from the Kotik Ganiya, Vajraswami lineage. No information about his time or life is available, but his churni is not considered ancient.

Detailed Analysis of Key Churnis:

The text then provides detailed descriptions of some of the prominent churnis:

Nandi Churni: Follows the root sutra, written primarily in Prakrit with minimal Sanskrit. It interprets Jin and Virastuti, Sangha-stuti, and the three types of congregations. It explains the five types of knowledge (Abhinibodhika to Kevala) and discusses direct vs. indirect knowledge. It details fifteen types of Siddhas (liberated souls) and their classifications.
Anuyogadvara Churni: Follows the root sutra, primarily in Prakrit with very little Sanskrit. It explains the nature of the monk (Bhagavan) and the concept of Bhagavan. It discusses the three views on the simultaneity and sequence of Kevala Jnana and Kevala Darshana and supports the sequential view. It elaborates on Abhinibodhika Jnana (mati) by classifying Shruta Jnana extensively. It also touches upon the results of devotion to the Dvadashanga (twelve parts of Agamas) and provides a self-introduction of the author. It describes the five types of knowledge and discusses direct/indirect knowledge, offering detailed discussions on Kevala Jnana. It also describes the fifteen types of Siddhas.
Avasyaka Churni: Follows the Niryukti and uses Bhashya verses. Its language is Prakrit with some Sanskrit verses and prose. It is rich in narratives and has historical value. It extensively discusses the Avasyaka (duties) with detailed explanations of Samayika.
- It analyzes Samayika from both material and spiritual perspectives, using stories like Yasasa and Mrigavati.
- It quotes verses on the relationship between guru and disciple.
- It discusses the meaning of Nirgamadvara (exit gate) with reference to Lord Mahavir's renunciation and his past lives, beginning with Rishabhadeva's life.
- It details Rishabhadeva's birth, marriage, progeny, and the reign of his son Bharata, including descriptions of his conquest and warfare.
- It mentions various other texts like Govinda Niryukti, Ogha Niryukti Churni, and Vasudevahindi.
- The Upo'dghata Churni begins with auspicious prayers and a detailed exposition of spiritual auspiciousness (Bhava Mangala). It discusses the Niskhepa system of Shruta Jnana.
- It analyzes Dravya Avasyaka and Bhava Avasyaka, pointing to the Anuyogadvara Sutra.
- It discusses Shruta Avatar and defines Tirthankara.
- It elaborates on the lineage of Tirthankaras and the reasons for their names, including a detailed account of Rishabhadeva's son Bharata's digvijaya and the battle between Bharata and Bahubali.
- It describes the beauty and nature of divine beings and elaborates on Lord Mahavir's life story from his previous births.
- It describes the family of Lord Mahavir.
- It discusses various aspects of Samayika, including its types, owners, means of attainment, examples of Ananda, Kamadeva, and Anukampa.
- It details the ten types of Pratikramana (repentance) and the five samitis (disciplines) and three guptis (restraints).
- It concludes with explanations of the Kayo'tsarga (standing meditation) and Pratyakhyana (renunciation).
Dashavaikalika Churni (Jinadasa): Follows the Niryukti and is divided into ten studies (Adhyayanas) and two Chulikas (appendices). Its language is primarily Prakrit.
- It analyzes terms like ekaka, kala, druma, and dharma from the Niskhepa perspective.
- It discusses the lives of virtuous individuals and the various components of inference.
- It focuses on encouraging perseverance in Dharma.
- It describes the virtues of an ascetic and discusses various practices related to conduct, knowledge, and penance.
- It elaborates on the secondary virtues of an ascetic, including food and drink etiquette, movement, and lodging.
- It touches upon topics like meat-eating and alcohol consumption.
- It discusses Dharma, Artha, Kama, and the six types of vows and the six aspects of the body. It showcases the author's Sanskrit grammar knowledge.
- It analyzes language purity and impurity, truth, and falsehood.
- It discusses various forms of discipline related to senses and mind.
- It explains various types of etiquette, including those related to spiritual goals and worldly matters.
- It discusses the virtues of a mendicant.
- The Chulikas discuss topics like attachment, detachment, rules of conduct, and rules regarding householders.
- The author references numerous other texts.
Uttaradhyayana Churni: Follows the Niryukti and is written in Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit. It elaborates on subjects like conjunction, soul-binding, configuration, etiquette, anger control, discipline, endurance, obstacles to Dharma, death, the five cardinal vows of Jainism, and the doctrine of equating knowledge and action.
- It strongly criticizes women's nature, quoting verses that portray women as deceitful and untrustworthy.
- It refers to the Dashavaikalika Churni, stating that topics not covered there are explained in the Uttaradhyayana Churni. This leads to the conclusion that both might be by the same author, with the Dashavaikalika Churni being earlier.
- It mentions forbidden actions for Brahmins and quotes a verse regarding not giving alms, leftovers, or knowledge to Shudras.
- The author identifies himself as a disciple of Gopalagani Mahattara, belonging to the Kotik Ganiya, Vajrashakhiya lineage.
Acharanga Churni: Follows the Acharanga Niryukti and is based on its verses.
- The first part of the Shruta Skandha covers topics like application, limbs, conduct, celibacy, caste, behavior, weapons, comprehension, designation, direction, right faith, origin, karma, earth element, world, victory, stages of spiritual progress, suffering, wandering, attachment, aversion, greed, disgust, lineage, birth-death, begging, bondage-liberation, endurance of heat-cold, faith in reality, protection of life, nudity, death, self-starvation, agreeable speech, periods of the night, and wearing clothes. It employs the Niskhepa method.
- The second part of the Shruta Skandha discusses topics like the foremost, attachment to life, food collection, bedding, conduct, speech, clothing, vessels, seven groups of restraints, seven sets of seven, contemplation, and liberation.
- The text emphasizes that the primary purpose of the Acharanga Sutra is to establish the conduct and principles of monks.
- Prakrit verses are cited, and some Sanskrit verses are also included as examples.
Sutrakritanga Churni: Similar in style to the Acharanga Churni.
- It discusses auspiciousness, attainment of liberation, association, causing harm, effects of bondage, effects of division, effects of land, confession, possessions, attachment, five great elements, monism, the doctrine of life and body, the doctrine of the un-doer, the doctrine of aggregates, determinism, agnosticism, theism, the doctrine of three collections, consideration of the world, aversion to certain items (like horse-meat, wine, garlic, onions), temptation of clothing, consideration of bravery, virtues of Mahavir, praise of Mahavir's virtues, bad conduct, good conduct, determination of vigor, equanimity, charity, Samavasarana, etiquette-based reasoning, discussion of atheism, Sankhya, the creator's agency, determinism, description of mendicants, food, types of plants, earth element etc., Syadvada, refutation of Ajivika doctrines, refutation of Goshala's doctrines, refutation of Buddhist doctrines, and refutation of caste-based distinctions.
- The churni is in Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit, with a significant amount of Sanskrit.
Jitakalpa Churni (Brihat Churni): Authored by Siddhasena Suri. The text mentions another churni on Jitakalpa. This churni is entirely in Prakrit, without any Sanskrit words. It begins with 11 verses of salutation to Lord Mahavir, the eleven Ganadharas, other learned individuals, and the sutra-author Jinabhadragani. It quotes many verses, often referencing them indirectly.
- It provides a brief prose explanation of the subjects discussed in the Jitakalpa Bhashya.
- It explains the nature of Agama, Shruta, Agnaya, Dharana, and Jita Vyavahara.
- It defines "Jita" and explains ten types of penance, nine types of conduct, root virtues, and secondary virtues.
- It concludes by saluting Jinabhadragani.
Dashavaikalika Churni (Agastyasinha): Distinct from Jinadasa's Dashavaikalika Churni. Authored by Agastyasinha, a Sthavira of Vajraswami's lineage. It is in Prakrit, with simple language and easy style.
- It explains the utility of initial, middle, and final auspiciousness (Mangala).
- It provides derivations for Dashavaikalika or Dashavaitalika.
- It discusses the four sections of the fourth study (Shatjivanika).
- It explains the purpose of the two Chulikas at the end of Dashavaikalika.
- The author identifies himself as Kalashabhavajrendra (Agastyasinha), disciple of Rishigupta.
Nishitha Vishesh Churni: Attributed to Jinadasa Gani. It comments on the root sutra, Niryukti, and Bhashya verses. The language is slightly Sanskrit-mixed Prakrit. The prologue discusses essential topics related to Nishitha.
- It offers salutations to Arihantas, Siddhas, and Sadhu. It specifically salutes Pradyumna Kshamasramana as a provider of meaning.
- It mentions Prakalpa as another name for Nishitha.
- It states that the six Chulas should be understood as described in the Dashavaikalika. This indicates the Nishitha Churni was written after the Dashavaikalika Churni.
- It defines Nishitha and discusses its various meanings, including absence of light or darkness.
- It explains the nature of Styanarddhi Nidra (a type of drowsiness) and its causes.
- It discusses the meanings of Nishitha in relation to the night and darkness.
- It extensively details the ascetic disciplines, doshas, exceptions, and penances related to earth element, water element, fire element, air element, plant element, and mobile beings.
- It discusses essential actions like eating, drinking, resting, walking, speaking, and moving from the perspective of ethical conduct.
- It describes the different types of false speech and the conduct related to it.
- It mentions the story of four swindlers.
- It discusses different types of conduct related to stealing, possession, and night-eating.
- It describes the limits of sleep and quotes a verse about the five factors that increase with constant indulgence: laziness, cohabitation, sleep, hunger, and anger.
Dashashrutaskandha Churni: Primarily in Prakrit, with occasional Sanskrit words or sentences.
- The prologue discusses the utility of auspiciousness and the Niryukti verses.
- It references Visheshavasthaka Bhashya and Karmaprakriti.
- It also mentions Mahakalpa and Govinda Niryukti.
- The similarity between the beginnings of this churni and the Brihatkalpa Churni suggests that the Dashashrutaskandha Churni might be older and possibly by the same author. The Dashashrutaskandha Churni appears less influenced by Sanskrit than the Brihatkalpa Churni.
- The text discusses the nature of knowledge and the exceptions related to Avadhi Jnana.
- It discusses the relationship between words and their meanings from a Jain perspective.
- It includes verses with Pra