Anekantajay Patakakhyam Prakaranam Part 2

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anekantajayapatakakhyam Prakaranam Part 2," authored by Haribhadrasuri and Municandrasuri, and published by the Oriental Research Institute Vadodra. The provided text is an excerpt from this work, specifically focusing on the introduction and the beginning of Chapter V.

Here's a breakdown of the key information presented in the excerpt:

1. Book Information:

• Title: Anekantajayapataka Vrtti Dvaya Vibhushita (Anekanatajayapataka adorned with two commentaries).
• Author: Haribhadra Sūri, with his own commentary (Svopajña Vrtti) and a super-commentary (Tippana) by Municandra Sūri.
• Publisher: Baroda Oriental Institute (part of Gaekwad's Oriental Series, No. CV).
• Editor: H. R. Kapadia, M. A., Professor of Ardhamāgadhī.
• Publication Year: 1947.
• Content: Volume II, critically edited with introduction, notes, and appendices.

2. Editorial and Publication Details (from the Gujarati pages):

• The publication is presented as a "Gratitude for Shrutgyana" (अहो श्रुतज्ञानम).
• It is sponsored by the knowledge fund generated from the Chaturmas of sisters at Aham Flat, Sabarmati, under the inspiration of various revered Acharyas and Sadhvis.
• Coordinator: Shah Babulal Saremul Bedawala.
• Publisher: Shri Ashapooran Parshwanath Jain Gyan Bhandar, Shah Vimalaben Saremul Javerchandji Bedawala Bhavan.
• Location: Heerajain Society, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad.
• Publication Year: Samvat 2065 (corresponding to 2009 CE).

3. Introduction by H. R. Kapadia: The introduction provides an extensive overview of Haribhadra Sūri's works and the context of the Anekantajayapataka. Key points include:

• Continuation of Volume I: This volume continues the work begun in Volume I (published earlier).
• Haribhadra Sūri's Works: The editor intends to provide a "bird's eye-view" of Haribhadra Sūri's available works. He notes that surveying Municandra Sūri's works was not possible due to space limitations.
• Anekantavada: A comprehensive exposition of Anekantavada and its evolution is only partially covered.
• Appendices: Includes an alphabetical index of quotations (with some untraced sources), an index of proper names, an index of non-Jaina sects, addenda and corrigenda, and lists of nyāyas, illustrations, and 'desya' words.
• Date of Haribhadra Sūri: The introduction delves into a scholarly discussion about Haribhadra Sūri's probable date, referencing various scholars' opinions (e.g., Uddyotana Sūri, Jinavijaya, K. V. Abhyankar, Bhagavad Datta, S. K. Belvalkar). The prevailing view places him in the mid-8th century CE (circa 700-770 AD or Vikrama Samvat 757-827).
• Haribhadra's Works Survey: The introduction meticulously lists and briefly describes many of Haribhadra's known works, categorized by whether they are original texts with commentaries or commentaries on others' works. The Anekantajayapataka (AJP) is discussed in detail, highlighting its unique features, such as being named by the author himself and having two commentaries by the author.
• Language: Haribhadra is noted as potentially being one of the first Jain writers to systematically compose extensively in Sanskrit, rather than only in Prakrit (Paiya).
• Style: Haribhadra is characterized as concise, linguistically chaste, and precise in his expressions, often using examples and nyāyas to illustrate discussions.
• Influence and References: The introduction extensively references other works and scholars, discussing how Haribhadra's works might have been influenced by or influenced other philosophical traditions, particularly Buddhism. He is noted for refuting non-Jaina views.
• Anekantavada Study: This section specifically aims to detail the origin of Anekantavada, misunderstandings about it, their refutations, its ethical and practical aspects, and its evaluation. It notes that Anekantavada is intrinsically self-referential (it is both Anekantavada and Ekantavada). It also draws parallels with Western philosophical concepts like pragmatism and relativity.

4. Text of Chapter V (Panchamo'dhikārah): The excerpt provides the beginning of the actual text, starting with a philosophical debate.

• Subject: The text immediately delves into a refutation of the Yogacara (Buddhist) school's philosophy, specifically their denial of external reality.
• Argument Structure: The text presents arguments and counter-arguments, characteristic of Indian philosophical discourse. The Yogacara view that external reality, including atoms (paramāṇu), their collections (samūha), or indivisible wholes (avayavin), does not exist is challenged.
• Key Concepts Discussed:
  • Paramanu (Atoms): The text examines whether atoms are perceived directly, through inference, or if they are merely concepts. Arguments are made about whether atoms are perceived by the senses and the issues arising from their perceived qualities like 'sthūla' (grossness).
  • Avayavin (Whole): The concept of an avayavin (a whole composed of parts) is discussed and challenged by the opponent. Arguments revolve around whether the whole is distinct from its parts, the issue of divisibility, and the logical coherence of these concepts.
  • Mūrti (Corporeality): The debate touches upon the nature of 'mūrti' (corporeality) and its relationship with divisibility and spatial location.
  • Causality: The text engages with the fundamental Jain explanation of causality, particularly in relation to origination and destruction, and how this relates to the concept of permanence (dhrauvya). It critiques theories that suggest things are merely momentary or that causality is inexplicable.
  • Logic and Reasoning: The text demonstrates rigorous logical analysis, refuting the opponent's arguments by highlighting inconsistencies and the lack of sound reasoning (nyāya).
  • Skeptics (Anekantavada): The philosophical stance of anekantavada is contrasted with skepticism, emphasizing that it represents a conditional or relative truth rather than uncertainty.
  • Saptabhangi: The text clarifies that syadvada is not necessarily synonymous with saptabhangi (the seven-fold prediction), though it is a crucial component of the syadvada system.
  • Contradictions: The introduction extensively discusses how anekantavada addresses apparent contradictions by showing that they arise from different standpoints, thus not representing a logical flaw in the theory itself.
  • Critique of Other Systems: Haribhadra's work, as detailed in the introduction, engages with and refutes the views of various non-Jaina philosophical schools, including Buddhism and Mimamsa, showcasing his deep understanding of diverse philosophical arguments.

Overall Significance: The excerpt from Anekantajayapataka Part 2 provides a scholarly entry point into complex Jain philosophical concepts, particularly anekantavada and syadvada. It showcases Haribhadra Sūri's intellectual prowess in engaging with contemporary philosophical debates and his meticulous approach to refuting opposing viewpoints, while also highlighting the editorial work involved in preserving and presenting ancient Jain texts. The introduction by H. R. Kapadia is invaluable for its detailed scholarly context, providing dates, analysis of works, and the intellectual milieu of Haribhadra Sūri.