Ashtak Prakaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtak Prakaran" by Khushaldas Jagjivandas, based on the provided catalog link and the text content itself:

Book Title: Ashtak Prakaran Author(s): Khushaldas Jagjivandas Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai Original Author of Ashtak Prakaran: Acharya Haribhadra Suri

Overall Purpose and Context:

The "Ashtak Prakaran" (meaning "Eight Sections" or "Eight Chapters") is a collection of teachings attributed to the renowned Jain philosopher and scholar Acharya Haribhadra Suri. This specific publication by Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, edited by Khushaldas Jagjivandas, aims to make these important Jain teachings accessible to students and the wider Jain community. The preface highlights that the publication includes the original Gujarati text along with its translation, intended to aid in study and discourse. The goal is to help students understand the vastness and significance of Jainism and live by its principles of universal brotherhood.

Key Aspects of the Publication:

• Editor's Note: Khushaldas Jagjivandas expresses his pleasure in presenting the translation of Acharya Haribhadra Suri's work. He acknowledges this as his first translation effort and expresses gratitude for any feedback that can help improve future editions. He explains the focus was on translation rather than extensive commentary, aiming for literal accuracy while maintaining natural language flow. Parentheses are used to clarify meanings or add contextual information. The publication also includes a brief biography of the author and appendices for further study.
• Publisher's Note: The Mahavir Jain Vidyalay states their objective is to provide useful material for students, particularly those studying at their institution. They recognize the value of Haribhadra Suri's work in elaborating on core Jain philosophies (Tattvajnana) and conduct (Charan Karana), similar to how Pandit Sukhlalji organized the Tattvartha Sutra. They emphasize that the text serves as an introduction, encouraging further study and deeper engagement with the subject matter.
• Biography of Acharya Haribhadra Suri:
  • Haribhadra Suri was a prominent Acharya who lived around the 8th century Vikram Samvat.
  • He came from a learned family and was a disciple of Shri Jinvallabh Suri and Shri Jinvallabh Suri.
  • He was known as "Bhavaviraha" (one who has severed worldly attachments), a name he adopted after the tragic death of his nephews and disciples at the hands of Buddhists.
  • He was highly learned in fourteen Vidyas (branches of knowledge), including grammar, poetry, and logic.
  • The biography details his transition from a learned Brahmin priest to a Jain monk after encountering a Jain Sadhvi whose sermon he couldn't understand, prompting him to seek knowledge from a Jain Acharya.
  • He faced significant challenges, including the persecution and martyrdom of his disciples by Buddhists, which deeply influenced his later philosophical and polemical writings.
  • He is credited with a vast literary output, with estimates ranging up to 1440 works, though around 88 are currently known.
  • He was a pioneer in writing commentaries on Jain Agamas in Sanskrit, a significant contribution to Jain literature.
  • Haribhadra Suri is celebrated for his systematic approach to presenting Jain philosophy, making complex ideas accessible to the masses. His work is seen as bringing Jain literature to a peak of perfection.
  • He advocated for a balanced, non-sectarian approach to knowledge, stating, "I have no bias towards Lord Mahavir, nor animosity towards Kapila or Kanada, Brahma or Buddha. Whatever statement is logical, that should be accepted." This reflects his broad-mindedness and emphasis on reason.
  • His style is praised for its clarity and ability to convey profound ideas effectively.
  • He was also a social reformer, strongly condemning the corrupt practices of Chaityavasin (temple-dwelling) monks of his time, as evidenced in his work "Samyak Samvodh Prakaran."

Content of the Ashtak Prakaran (as outlined in the Vishayanukramanika - Table of Contents):

The "Ashtak Prakaran" is structured around 24 main sections, each often referred to as an "Ashtak" (eight verses or themes), though the actual verse count might vary within each section. These sections cover a wide range of topics related to Jain philosophy, ethics, conduct, and spiritual practice. Here are some of the key themes:

1. Mahadev Ashtak: Discusses the nature of the supreme being (Mahadeva), emphasizing qualities like freedom from passion (Raga), hatred (Dvesha), and delusion (Moha), omniscience, eternal bliss, and being the creator of ethics and scriptures.
2. Snan Ashtak: Differentiates between external (dravya) and internal (bhava) bathing, with internal bathing (through meditation and purification of the soul) being considered superior and the true path to liberation.
3. Puja Ashtak: Explains the concept of "Ashtapushpi Puja" (worship with eight types of spiritual flowers) differentiating between impure (dravya-based) and pure (bhava-based) worship. The pure worship involves virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, devotion to the guru, penance, and knowledge.
4. Agnikarika Ashtak: Discusses rituals, distinguishing between external (dravya) fire rituals, which may lead to worldly gains but also sin, and internal (bhava) fire rituals (through spiritual practice), which are conducive to liberation.
5. Bhiksha Ashtak: Categorizes alms-seeking into three types: 'Sarva Sampatkari' (best, performed with pure intention for the welfare of others), 'Paurushaghni' (weakening, associated with sin), and 'Vritti Bhiksha' (alms for livelihood by the helpless).
6. Sarva Sampatkari Bhiksha Ashtak: Delves deeper into the concept of pure alms, discussing the conditions for pure food (pind) and the intent behind it.
7. Prachchanna Bhojan Ashtak: Addresses the practice of discreet eating for monks, explaining its purpose to avoid creating negative impressions or causing harm (like prompting a beggar or incurring sin through open indulgence).
8. Pratyakhyana Ashtak: Explains the concept of renunciation (pratyakhyana) in its two forms: external (dravya) and internal (bhava). True renunciation is internal, purifying the soul and leading to liberation.
9. Jnana Ashtak: Classifies knowledge into three types: superficial sensory knowledge, knowledge related to self-transformation, and ultimate knowledge (Tattva Samvedan).
10. Vairagya Ashtak: Discusses three types of detachment: that arising from grief (Arta Dhyana), that born of delusion (Moha Garbhit), and that based on right knowledge (Sajgnana Yukta). The last is the true path to liberation.
11. Tapa Ashtak: Explores penance (tapa), refuting the notion that it is inherently painful and asserting that it is a means to purification and liberation, akin to medical treatment for illness.
12. Vada Ashtak: Categorizes argumentation into dry debate (Shushkavada), contentious debate (Vivada), and righteous debate (Dharmavada). Only righteous debate, conducted with equanimity and proper reasoning, is beneficial.
13. Dharmavada Ashtak: Focuses on righteous debate, emphasizing that the subject matter should be relevant to spiritual practice and conducive to liberation, rather than mere logical or argumentative points.
14. Ekanta Nitya Paksha Khandana Ashtak: Argues against the extreme view of the soul being eternally unchanging and motionless, explaining how this view contradicts principles of karma, action, and liberation.
15. Ekanta Anitya Paksha Khandana Ashtak: Debunks the extreme Buddhist view of momentariness (Kshanikavada), highlighting logical inconsistencies and the impossibility of ethical action or liberation in such a framework.
16. Nityananitya Paksha Mandana Ashtak: Presents the Jain perspective of the soul being both eternal and subject to change (nityanitya), which allows for the practice of virtues like non-violence and the working of karma.
17. Mansabhakshan Dusshana Ashtak (and subsequent ones): The latter part of the text delves into the ethical implications of various actions, refuting arguments for meat-eating, alcohol consumption, and sensual indulgence, emphasizing the harm they cause to the soul and the spiritual path.
    • Meat-eating: Critiques the argument that meat is permissible because it's an animal part, emphasizing scriptural and societal norms and the inherent sin in causing harm.
    • Alcohol Consumption: Highlights the detrimental effects of alcohol on the mind, senses, and spiritual discipline, citing stories of its destructive power.
    • Sensual Indulgence: Argues against the idea that certain forms of indulgence are harmless, pointing out the inherent attachment (raga) and the scriptures' condemnation of such actions as impediments to liberation.
    • Subtle Intelligence: Stresses the importance of refined intelligence in understanding Dharma, warning against misinterpretations that can lead to spiritual downfall.
    • Purity of Mind: Emphasizes that true purity of mind comes from adhering to scriptural teachings and the guidance of virtuous individuals, not from personal concoctions.
    • Prohibition of Sins Affecting the Faith: Discusses the negative impact of actions that tarnish the reputation of the Jain faith and the importance of upholding its purity.
    • Types of Merit: Categorizes merit into that which leads to favorable rebirths and that which leads to liberation, emphasizing the former is achieved through righteous actions and devotion.
    • Fruits of Merit: Explains how meritorious actions lead to favorable outcomes, including attaining the status of a Tirthankara, a spiritual guide for humanity.
    • Significance of Tirthankara's Charity: Discusses the nature of charity, arguing that the Tirthankara's charity, characterized by fulfilling all needs, is the true "great charity."
    • Charity of Tirthankaras and its Purpose: Explains that Tirthankaras' actions, even those seemingly related to worldly affairs like charity or governance, are ultimately aimed at spiritual upliftment and preventing greater harm.
    • Refutation of Defects in Tirthankara's Actions: Addresses criticisms regarding Tirthankaras engaging in actions like giving away kingdoms or performing rituals, explaining these are done for the greater good and the spiritual progress of others.
    • Nature of Samayika: Defines Samayika as a state of mental equanimity and purity, essential for spiritual progress and liberation.
    • Kevala Jnana: Describes Kevala Jnana (omniscience) as the soul's inherent nature, obscured by karmas, which is revealed through spiritual practice.
    • Tirthankara's Teachings: Explains that Tirthankaras, even after attaining omniscience, continue to teach Dharma for the benefit of beings, a practice driven by their immense compassion and the power of their past merits.
    • Moksha: Defines Moksha as the state of complete liberation from karma, characterized by eternal bliss, freedom from suffering, and the absence of desires.

This detailed summary covers the publication's background, the life and contributions of Acharya Haribhadra Suri, and the diverse philosophical and ethical topics addressed in the "Ashtak Prakaran."