Anekant Vibhuti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anekant Vibhuti" by Nyayvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Anekant Vibhuti (meaning "The Glory of Anekanta") or Dvātrinśikā (meaning "Set of Thirty-Two") Author: Nyayvijay (described as a "Nyayvisharad" and "Nyaytirtha Muniraj") Publisher: Shree Jain Yuvak Sangh, Vadodara Language: Sanskrit (with a Gujarati translation and commentary) Publication Date: Vira Samvat 2457, Dharma Samvat 9, Vikram Samvat 1987 (May-June 1931)

Overall Theme:

"Anekant Vibhuti" is a devotional work that extols the virtues and profound teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankar. The central theme revolves around Anekanta (non-absolutism, multi-sidedness), a core principle of Jainism, and its manifestation as the "glory" or "auspiciousness" of the Lord. The book presents Lord Mahavir as a universal benefactor whose teachings address the fundamental issues and conflicts within humanity and philosophy.

Key Concepts and Teachings Highlighted:

The book is structured as a series of verses (shlokas) with accompanying Gujarati explanations. It explores various philosophical and ethical concepts through the lens of Lord Mahavir's teachings, highlighting his universalism and his ability to resolve apparent contradictions. Here's a breakdown of the prominent themes:

Lord Mahavir's Asceticism and Enlightenment (Shlokas 1-3):
- The verses begin by praising Lord Mahavir's intense penance that purified him of all karmic matter and revealed his supreme spiritual radiance.
- This radiance is described as the source of the great principle of Anekanta, which he propagated for the welfare of the world.
- He is presented as the divine physician who offered the "great medicine" of Anekanta to a world afflicted by the "great disease" of absolutist and divisive doctrines.
Anekanta and Syadvada as Universal Principles (Shlokas 4-6):
- Anekanta is equated with Syadvada, the doctrine of conditional predication or manifold aspectness, which is considered the highest principle.
- Syadvada is characterized by thoughtful consideration from all perspectives and the ability to reconcile differing viewpoints.
- This principle is seen as the foundation of Samabhava (equanimity or equal-mindedness), which is also referred to as Samya-vada (communism of equality or shared well-being) by the wise.
- Lord Mahavir's expounding of this principle elevates him to a primary position among the world's great thinkers.
Resolving Philosophical Contradictions (Shlokas 7-9):
- The book showcases how Lord Mahavir's teachings resolve apparent paradoxes:
  - Nitya and Anitya (Eternal and Transient): He explains that what is eternal in its essence (dravya) is transient in its modes or manifestations (paryaya).
  - Sat and Asat (Real and Unreal): He elucidates that a thing is "real" from its own perspective but "unreal" from another's.
  - Dvaita and Advaita (Dualism and Non-Dualism): He harmonizes the dualistic reality of matter and consciousness with the non-dualistic experience of the soul (Atman), reconciling the perceived opposition.
The Nature of Liberation and Avatara (Shlokas 10-12):
- Liberation (Mukti) implies no further rebirth. The concept of "Avatara" (incarnation) is associated with great individuals performing noble deeds through their births, but it doesn't imply a return after liberation.
- The teachings address the distinction between the soul with upadhis (attributes or conditions) which engages in worldly actions, and the upadhi-less pure soul. This clarifies the concepts of kartritva (doership) and akartritva (non-doership).
- The Lord's sakara (embodied) and nirakara (formless) aspects are both presented as valid, resolving conflicts arising from these differing views.
The Nature of the Soul and the Universe (Shlokas 13-14):
- The soul is described as being proportionate to its physical form when embodied, but as Vibhu (all-pervading) due to its infinite knowledge and power. This balance of qualities is appreciated by the wise.
- The concept of Shunya (void) and Kshanika (momentary) are explained as valid perspectives on the transient nature of the worldly existence, which is devoid of lasting essence. Understanding these viewpoints prevents unnecessary conflict.
Critique of Extremism and Dogmatism (Shlokas 15-18):
- The book points out the futility of extremist views, such as the Digambara and Shvetambara sects who claim exclusive paths to liberation, leading to mutual animosity.
- It emphasizes that by adopting the Lord's Anekanta principles and seeking peace, such divisions can be resolved.
- The importance of detachment (anasakti) and the order of spiritual practices are highlighted.
- The verses subtly question the necessity of extreme asceticism like nudity for liberation, suggesting that if wearing clothes does not hinder the ultimate goal, then the insistence on nudity might be an unnecessary adherence to one extreme. This is framed as a matter for wise consideration.
Universal Equality and Social Reform (Shlokas 19-21):
- A significant emphasis is placed on the equal spiritual potential of women (Shloka 19), who can achieve liberation through their inherent capabilities, just like men. This promotes the idea of svātantrya-sāmya (equality of independence).
- The teachings advocate for the spiritual elevation of the Shudras (and those considered 'outcastes') (Shlokas 20-21), stating that they too can attain liberation through sincere spiritual effort.
- Lord Mahavir is praised for uplifting these sections of society. The book also specifically mentions the high regard given to farmers and potters among his householder disciples.
Idolatry, Rituals, and Spiritual Practice (Shlokas 22-27):
- The use of mūrti-yoga (devotion through images/idols) is presented as a means to awaken sadbhāvanā (good feelings or devotion) for the followers.
- However, it is also stated that for those in an advanced state of spiritual practice with a stable mind, image worship may not be essential.
- The book defends the practice of image worship when done with discernment and judiciousness, asserting that it does not lead to impropriety.
- The purpose of image worship is to control passions (kashaya-rodha), and conflict should not arise between those who use it and those who don't.
- Karma-kānda (ritualistic actions) are not to be held dogmatically. Any action that is pure in itself and performed with pure intentions (mind, speech, body) is beneficial and leads to auspiciousness.
- The focus should be on the pure goal (sādhya), while acknowledging that the paths of spiritual practice (sādhana-mārgāḥ) can vary. Opposition based on different methods is unwarranted.
- There should be no rigid attachment to any particular spiritual practice. One should adopt pure methods and discard those that have become impure or outdated due to time and circumstance.
Lord Mahavir as the Embodiment of Universal Divinity (Shlokas 28-30):
- The one who truly embodies the principles of Anekanta in both knowledge and conduct is considered the true follower and devotee of the Lord.
- Lord Mahavir is identified with other major spiritual figures:
  - Jina: because he conquered passions (rāgādi-jetā).
  - Buddha: because he attained supreme intelligence (paramām upetaḥ).
  - Vishnu: because his consciousness pervades everything in its pure state (kaivalya-chidvyāpita).
  - Shiva: because he is full of auspiciousness and glory (kalyāṇa-vibhūti-pūrṇaḥ).
- This section highlights his role in providing a unifying, universal dharma ( Vishva Dharma or Sarvabhauma Dharma) when various sectarian doctrines were creating discord. He illuminated this universal path for the welfare of the world, resolving the clamor of divisive doctrines.
Universal Compassion and Lasting Benediction (Shlokas 31-32):
- The Lord's teachings on dharma are for the welfare of the world, transcending attachment and aversion, and promoting equanimity everywhere.
- His grace extends not only to the virtuous but also to the lowest beings, uplifting them.
- The book concludes with a prayer that the Lord's great glory—his profound knowledge, pure conduct, and equanimity—may bring auspiciousness to the entire world.

In essence, "Anekant Vibhuti" is a powerful testament to Jain philosophy, specifically highlighting Lord Mahavir as the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and universalism. It champions the principle of Anekanta as a means to resolve conflicts, foster understanding, and achieve spiritual progress for all beings.