Anekarth Ratna Manjushayam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anekarth Ratna Manjushayam" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Anekarth Ratna Manjushayam (The Jewel Casket of Multiple Meanings)

Author: Prof. Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, M.A. (Critically edited)

Publisher: Sheth Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund

Published: 1933 A.D. (Veer Samvat 2459, Vikram Samvat 1989)

Price: Rs. 3-0-0

Overview:

"Anekarth Ratna Manjushayam" is a significant compilation of various Jain texts, primarily focusing on elucidating multiple meanings derived from specific words or phrases within religious and philosophical contexts. The book is a testament to the rich tradition of Jain scholarship that sought to uncover deeper layers of meaning in scriptures, often through intricate etymological analysis and interpretation.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is critically edited by Prof. Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, who also provided an introduction in Sanskrit. The compilation includes a variety of works, as indicated by the Table of Contents (Page 9):

Smaraṇapatrikā (Gaujaragiri): A preparatory note or memorandum.
Āmukham (Gaujarari): An introduction.
Prastāvanā: The main preface/introduction, extensively detailing the concept of "anekarth" literature and listing numerous other Jain works that explore multiple meanings.
Artharatnāvalī (also known as Aṣṭalakṣārthī) by Sri Samayasundara: This appears to be a major component of the collection, focusing on the "eight meanings" of a particular concept or word. Page 22 onwards shows extensive analysis of the phrase "Rājā no dadate saukhyam" (The king does not give happiness) with numerous interpretations based on the manipulation of letters and their possible meanings. This section is highly technical and showcases Prof. Kapadia's scholarly work.
Gāyatrīvivaraṇam by Sri Shubhatilak: An explanation or commentary on the Gayatri mantra, likely from a Jain perspective, exploring its multiple meanings. Pages 92-95 detail a Jain interpretation of the Gayatri mantra, analyzing its components from various philosophical schools (like Nyaya, Sankhya, Bauddha, and Vaishnava) and concluding with a summary of its relevance within Jainism.
Harishabdārthagarbhitaḥ Sri Vītarāgastavaḥ: A hymn to Vitaraga (Jina) containing the word "Hari" with multiple meanings.
Sāraṅgaśabdārthasaṅkalitā Śrī Ṛṣabhajina-stutiḥ: A hymn to Lord Rishabha, incorporating the word "Sāranga" with various meanings.
'Sāraṅga' śabdāṣṭayarthamayaḥ Śrī Mahāvīra Jinastavaḥ: A hymn to Lord Mahavira, specifically focusing on eight meanings related to the word "Sāranga."
'Parāga' śabdāṣṭottaraśatārthanibaddhaṃ Sādhāraṇa Jinastavaḥ: A general hymn to Jinas, based on one hundred and eight meanings of the word "Parāga." Pages 98-112 show this section, demonstrating the word "Parāga" (meaning dust, pollen, passion, etc.) being interpreted in various ways to praise the Jinas.
'Savvatha' śabdārthanirūpaṇam: An explanation of the word "Savvatha" (meaning "in all" or "everywhere") with multiple meanings. Pages 112-117 provide a detailed analysis of "Savvatha" and its derivatives, showcasing extensive etymological and semantic exploration.
'Paravāyā' śabdārthanirūpaṇam: An explanation of the word "Paravāyā" with its various meanings. Pages 117-123 focus on dissecting the word "Paravāyā" and its related forms to extract numerous interpretations.
Namaskāraprathama-padārthāḥ: An analysis of the first word/phrase in the Namaskāra mantra ("Namo'rhat"). Pages 124-132 delve into the multiple meanings of "Namo'rhat," exploring various linguistic and philosophical connections.
Ekākṣaranāmamālikā (by Sri Sudhakalash Muni): A list of names or concepts associated with single syllables, likely a glossary for symbolic meanings. Pages 140-148 present this comprehensive glossary.
Namaskāra-prathama-padārthāḥ (by Pandit Gunaratna Muni): Further analysis of the initial words of the Namaskāra mantra. Pages 124-132 show this section, providing multiple interpretations of "Namo'rhat."
Upasargaharasamaraṇam (by Sri Bhadrabahu Swami): A devotional remembrance of a prayer for overcoming obstacles, attributed to Sri Bhadrabahu Swami. Pages 149-167 provide the text and commentary on this significant prayer, explaining its context and the meanings derived from its verses.
Narakasūtram and Uvasaggaharasūtram: Mentioned as being included from pages 1 to 24.
Other works: The Table of Contents also lists various other works with explanations, such as commentaries on the Gayathri, Vitaraga Stotras, Rishabha Jinastotra, Mahavira Jinastava, and a general Jinastava based on "Parāga."

Key Themes and Scholarly Approach:

Anekārtha (Multiple Meanings): The central theme is the exploration of how a single word, phrase, or verse can hold multiple, often interconnected, meanings within Jain tradition. This involves deep linguistic analysis, etymology, and understanding of philosophical concepts.
Critical Editing: Prof. Hiralal Kapadia's role highlights a rigorous approach to scholarship, involving critical evaluation and annotation of the texts.
Syncretic Interpretation: The commentary on the Gayatri mantra (Pages 92-95) demonstrates an engagement with various philosophical schools (Nyaya, Sankhya, Bauddha, Vaishnava) to present a Jain perspective, showcasing intellectual breadth.
Devotional Literature: The inclusion of hymns (stotras) and prayers like the Upasargahara Stotra indicates the devotional and practical aspects of Jain practice that are elucidated through these texts.
Praise of Jinas: Many sections are dedicated to praising the Jinas, particularly Lord Rishabha, Lord Mahavira, and Lord Parshvanatha, using the "anekarth" methodology.
Linguistic Prowess: The book showcases exceptional linguistic skill, particularly in the detailed breakdown of words like "Rājā no dadate saukhyam" and "Savvatha," demonstrating how subtle changes in letters or interpretations can lead to vastly different meanings.

Significance:

"Anekarth Ratna Manjushayam" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the sophisticated methods of Jain scriptural interpretation. It preserves and elaborates upon ancient traditions of linguistic and philosophical analysis, offering profound insights into Jain teachings. The book reflects the dedication of scholars like Prof. Kapadia and institutions like the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund in preserving and disseminating valuable Jain literature. The inclusion of detailed commentaries and explanations makes complex concepts accessible to those interested in the deeper aspects of Jainism.