Akalanka As A Logician - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text "Akalanka as a Logician" by T.G. Kalghatgi:

Introduction and Significance:

The article positions Akalanka as a pivotal figure in the development of Indian logic, particularly within the Jaina tradition. While Kundakundācārya is considered the "father" of Jaina logic, Akalanka is credited with cementing its foundations and constructing a sophisticated logical framework. His writings are noted for their profound subtlety and depth, earning him immense admiration from even eminent logicians. He is likened to Dharmakirti in Buddhist logic, highlighting his foundational importance. An inscription from Shravanabelagola even refers to him as "Brahaspati in the six darśanas" and likens him to the sun dispelling ignorance.

Biographical Information and Chronology:

The text acknowledges the difficulty in establishing a precise biography and chronological placement for Akalanka. Several theories exist regarding his lifespan:

Later part of the 8th century: Based on the interpretation of "Vikramanka" as a specific regnal year in the "Akalankacarita" and considering him a contemporary of King Dantidurga.
7th century AD: Suggested by Jugal Kishore Mukhtar, also based on the interpretation of "Vikramārka" as a Vikramasamvat year.
620-680 AD: The opinion of Pandit Kailashchandra Shastri.

Mention of his Pramanaśastra by Dhananjaya and his reverent mention by Acarya Jinasena in Adipurana further support his significance. The consensus, considering various views, leans towards the latter half of the 7th century.

Regarding his lineage, there's less certainty. Some accounts suggest he was the son of Purusottama, a minister to King Subhatunga of Manykheta, while another suggests he was the son of King Laghuhavya. The former appears to have stronger evidence.

Life Incidents and Historical Context:

The text recounts an interesting incident from Prabhacandra's Kathakosa about Akalanka and his brother Niṣkalanka. They refused marriage after witnessing their parents take a vow of celibacy. They later joined a Buddhist Academy disguised as Buddhist scholars to study Buddhist Nyaya. Akalanka's brilliance led him to correct a teacher's flawed explanation of the Saptabhangi Nyaya, raising suspicion. This eventually put their lives in danger due to the "unhealthy and fanatic rivalry" between Buddhists and Jains. Tragically, Niṣkalanka was killed, while Akalanka escaped, destined to advance Jaina logic.

Another notable incident describes Akalanka defeating Buddhist scholars in a debate in Kalinga, with the assistance of the Yakshini Kuṣmāndini, against a Buddhist scholar aided by the goddess Tara. This narrative is interpreted historically as reflecting academic and sectarian rivalry for social and spiritual supremacy, and the growing importance of tantric and ritualistic practices in gaining an advantage.

Works and Contributions to Logic and Metaphysics:

Akalanka's contributions are vast and can be categorized into original works and commentaries:

(a) Original Works:

Laghiyastraya: A primarily logical treatise critically analyzing epistemological implications of concepts like naya and niksepa. It offers a critique of the theory of pramāṇa from a Jaina perspective. It has sections on pratyaksa, viṣaya, parokṣa, and āgama. Akalanka provides an exhaustive and critical analysis of pratyaksa, differentiating between mukhya pratyaksa (direct spiritual knowledge) and samvyavahāra pratyaksa (sense experience). He also critically examines ontological problems of permanence and change, unity and diversity, and the one and the many, aligning with the Jaina concept of anekānta. He discusses various forms of knowledge like mati, smṛti, saṁjñā, and cintā. This work also delves into the implications of pramāṇa and naya, critiquing nayabhāsa and highlighting the partial nature of views presented by other Indian schools (like Absolutists and Buddhists) from an ekanta (one-sided) perspective. He distinguishes between pramāṇavākya (comprehensive predication) and nayavākya (predication from a particular viewpoint).
Nyāyavinischaya: This work thoroughly discusses pratyaksa, anumana (inference), and śabda (verbal testimony). Akalanka refutes Buddhist, Sankhya, and Yoga theories on pratyaksa and offers a comparative analysis of inference, critiquing theories from other schools. He elaborates on the Jaina theory of Agama-pramana and refutes the Mimāṁsaka concept of apauruṣeya (non-human authorship) of scriptures. Metaphysical issues like moksa are also discussed as extensions of the primary logical and epistemological discussions.
Pramāṇasaṁgraha: A study of epistemological problems related to mati, śruta, smṛti, pratyabhijñā, tarka, and logical fallacies. It also presents theories of causation and discusses naya and niksepa.
Siddhivinischaya: A comprehensive treatise with twelve parts, critically examining logical and epistemological concepts like naya, pramāṇa, pratyaksa, pratyabhijñā, smṛti, jalpa, and others. It includes a discussion on pratyabhijñā as a pramāṇa for Jainas and considers upamāna as sādṛśya pratyabhijñā. Metaphysical problems concerning the bondage of the soul to karmic particles are also critically studied. Through these three works, Akalanka establishes himself as a master logician and critic of other schools.

(b) Commentaries:

Tattvārthavārttika-sabhāṣya: A unique work that synthesizes explanatory notes (vārttika) and commentaries on Umāswāmi's Tattvārthasūtra, based on Pujyapada's Sarvārthasiddhi. It's considered a compendium of Sarvārthasiddhi and requires prior understanding of it for deeper comprehension. It's divided into ten parts, reflecting the ten chapters of the Tattvārthasūtra. The work strongly emphasizes presenting solutions to problems through the anekānta perspective, especially for metaphysical issues. It refers to contemporary philosophers and elaborates on cosmological problems, demonstrating Akalanka's mastery as a logician and critic.
Aṣṭaśati: A critique and exposition of Acarya Samantabhadra's Āptamīmāṁsā, which expounds anekāntadarśana. The Aṣṭaśati contains 800 verses and critiques various philosophical theories (e.g., dualism-non-dualism, eternal-non-eternal, divine-human effort, sin-merit) with a vigorous presentation of the anekānta view.

Style and Legacy:

Akalanka's style is described as thoughtful, cryptic, and difficult to understand, prioritizing analytical depth and subtlety over linguistic flourish, though subtle satire is present. His writings are considered landmarks in the development of logic and metaphysics, effectively presenting Jaina thought in the context of other Indian systems.

The article concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of Akalanka's contributions, particularly the foundational principle of anekānta. It suggests that studying his work in light of modern logical and linguistic developments is crucial. Akalanka is praised for his catholicity of outlook in understanding and engaging with diverse philosophical viewpoints, as exemplified by a concluding verse that praises him and acknowledges his ability to admire and engage with different philosophical and religious figures.

Key Themes:

Jaina Logic and Epistemology: Akalanka's primary contribution lies in his rigorous development and defense of Jaina logical and epistemological theories.
Anekānta: The principle of manifoldness and non-absolutism is central to his philosophy and permeates his analysis.
Critique of Other Systems: Akalanka's work involves a sharp critique of the theories of other Indian philosophical schools.
Subtlety and Depth: His writings are characterized by profound intellectual depth and intricate analysis.
Historical Context: The text highlights the intellectual and sectarian rivalries of his time.