Alap Paddhati Ek Samikshatamak Adhyayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Alap paddhati Ek Samikshatamak Adhyayan" by Devendra Kumar Jain, based on the given pages:

This article, "Alap paddhati: Ek Samikshatamak Adhyayan" (Alap Paddhati: A Critical Study) by Dr. Devendra Kumar Shastri, focuses on the "Alap Paddhati," a significant Sanskrit prose work by Shrimad Devasena Suri. The book is recognized for its clear exposition of naya (perspectives or logics).

Key Aspects of the "Alap Paddhati" and its Study:

• Author and Work: The original work, "Alap Paddhati," was authored by Shrimad Devasena Suri, a respected Jain scholar. It is written in Sanskrit prose and is known for its simple language, contributing to its wide readership.
• Publication History: The text was first published in 1905 by Sanatan Jain Granthamala in the First Gachchha. It has been reprinted multiple times, including an edition from Shri Sakal Digamber Jain Panchayan, Nateshpate (Solapur) in Veer Samvat 2460, which included a Hindi translation with explanatory notes by Nyayavachaspati Pandit Hazari Lal Nyayatirtha and editing/research by Pandit Phoolchandra Siddhanta Shastri.
• Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri's Contribution: Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri's role as editor and researcher is highlighted as crucial. He made modifications, additions, and appropriate corrections in the translation. His brief but significant introduction sets the stage for understanding the book's unique approach.
• Unique Methodology: Pandit Phoolchandra notes that while Jain literature is vast and contains many texts describing qualities, modalities, and inherent natures, the "Alap Paddhati" presents its subject matter with a distinctive and unprecedented methodology.
• Content of "Alap Paddhati": The text delves into:
  • Discussion of qualities (guna), modalities (paryaya), and inherent natures (swabhav).
  • Etymology and explanation of qualities, modalities, and inherent natures.
  • The distinction between inherent natures and qualities.
  • The demerits of considering substances as entirely existing (asti) as a single inherent nature.
  • Description of substance's inherent nature from the perspective of naya.
  • The definition, etymology, and divisions of pramana (means of valid knowledge).
  • The definition, etymology, and divisions of naya (perspective).
  • Detailed explanation of dravyarhtika and paryayarthika naya and their respective sub-divisions.
  • The nature of naya and upanayyas (sub-perspectives).
  • The book also includes verses from other texts to support its arguments.
• Devasena Suri's Other Works: Besides "Alap Paddhati," Devasena Suri is credited with other important works like "Darshansar," "Bhavasangrah," "Aradhanasar," and "Tattvasar."
• Pandit Phoolchandra's Critical Annotations: The article emphasizes the importance of Pandit Phoolchandra's annotations. These annotations often involve comparative studies with other significant Jain texts.
  • Classification of Nishchaya Naya: The "Alap Paddhati" classifies nishchaya naya (absolute perspective) into nine types: dravyarhtika, paryayarthika, naigama, sangraha, vyavahara, rijusutra, shabda, samabhirudha, and evambhuta.
  • Comparison with Panchadhyayi: Pandit Phoolchandra's annotations point out the divergence with the "Panchadhyayi," which considers nishchaya naya as singular, not multiple. The "Panchadhyayi" criticizes those who divide nishchaya naya into pure dravyarhtika, impure dravyarhtika, etc., deeming them ignorant and violators of omniscient commands. Consequently, the "Panchadhyayi" subsumes these divisions under vyavahara naya, labeling the latter as false and rejectable, while upholding only one absolute nishchaya naya as true and worthy of acceptance.
  • Comparative Analysis with Nayachakra: The article notes striking similarities between the "Alap Paddhati" and the "Nayachakra" (specifically the Mahilla Dhavala's Nayachakra). For example, the concept of shuddha dravyarhtika as that which grasps existence while considering origination and destruction as secondary is paralleled.
• Pandit Hazari Lal's Translation and Pandit Phoolchandra's Additions: Pandit Hazari Lal's translation is praised for going beyond mere literal meaning, explaining each subject. Pandit Phoolchandra's annotations further enrich the work with novel insights.
  • Example: Manah Paryaya Jnana: The explanation of manah paryaya jnana (telepathic knowledge) by Pandit Hazari Lal is elaborated by Pandit Phoolchandra. The latter clarifies that manah paryaya jnana pertains to the soul (a sentient substance) and involves understanding the thoughts within others' minds. It is considered desha (partial) because it doesn't grasp all modalities of psychic matter and pratyaksha (direct) because it's apprehended without the aid of senses or mind. The annotation also discusses the classification of manah paryaya jnana into pratipati and apratipati.
  • Citing Tattvartha Shlokavartika: Pandit Phoolchandra's annotations frequently cite the "Tattvartha Shlokavartika" to support discussions on naya. The translation itself sometimes includes references to this work for further detailed study.
• Conciseness and Clarity: The annotations are characterized by their ability to present complex ideas concisely, making them valuable for both general readers and scholars.
  • Example: Generality of Nayas: The statement that earlier nayass are more comprehensive and serve as causes for later ones is explained with a six-line commentary that clarifies that naigama naya is purely causal, evambhuta naya is purely effect-based, and the intermediate five nayass are effects relative to preceding ones and causes relative to succeeding ones.
• Discussion on "Lakshana": The term "lakshana" is interpreted as "guna" (quality) in the text. The annotation clarifies that words like lakshana, shakti, dharma, swabhav, guna, and vishesha are synonyms for "guna," citing a verse from "Panchadhyayi" that lists these as equivalent terms.
• Overall Assessment: The article concludes that the "Alap Paddhati," as published and annotated in its 139-page form, is a vital resource for understanding the intricacies of nayass. The translation is deemed successful, setting a high standard for future scholarly translations of similar works and offering insights into the art of accurate linguistic transposition.

In essence, the article provides a scholarly review of Devasena Suri's "Alap Paddhati," highlighting its importance in Jain logic, its unique approach, the critical contributions of its modern editors and translators, and its place within the broader landscape of Jain philosophical literature.