Ashtak Prakaran

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtak Prakaran" by Acharya Haribhadrasuri, with a Hindi translation by Muni Manoharvijay, published by Shri Gyanopasak Samiti.

The book is a compilation of 32 "ashtaks" (octets or groups of eight verses) authored by the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Haribhadrasuri. The work is presented with a Hindi commentary that aims to make the profound philosophical and ethical teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Key Aspects of the Book:

• Author and Translator:

  • Author: Acharya Haribhadrasuri, a highly prolific and influential Jain scholar credited with authoring 1444 texts. He is described as a "yugasrashta" (epoch-creator) in Jain literature, known for his mastery of Sanskrit and Prakrit, and his contributions to Jain logic, yoga, and narrative literature. He was a follower of the Shvetambar tradition, belonging to the Vidyadhar gachchha.
  • Translator: Muni Manoharvijay, who felt deeply inspired by the "Ashtak Prakaran" and undertook the translation to make its wisdom accessible in Hindi.

• Publisher: Shri Gyanopasak Samiti, Shri Vijaylavanyasuri-Gyanmandir, Botad, Saurashtra (Gujarat).

• Content and Themes: The "Ashtak Prakaran" delves into various aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, and spiritual practice, presented in the form of 32 distinct "ashtaks." Each ashtak focuses on a specific theme, elaborating on its nuances with scriptural references and insightful commentary. Some of the prominent themes covered in the ashtaks include:

  • Mahadeva Ashtak (अष्टक १): Glorifies the divine, the liberated souls (Siddhas), who are free from attachment, aversion, and delusion, and are omniscient and omnipotent. They are considered the ultimate Mahadeva.
  • Snan Ashtak (अष्टक २): Discusses the concept of bathing, distinguishing between ritualistic (dravya) and spiritual (bhava) bathing. It emphasizes that true purity comes from internal cleansing of the soul rather than external rituals.
  • Puja Ashtak (अष्टक ३): Explains the concept of worship (puja) in two forms: pure (shuddha) and impure (ashuddha). Pure worship involves devotion through virtuous qualities like non-violence, truthfulness, etc., while impure worship might involve material offerings without true inner devotion.
  • Agnikarika Ashtak (अष्टक ४): Focuses on the 'fire ritual' (agnikarika), interpreted as a ritual of spiritual knowledge and self-purification. It highlights that true spiritual practice leads to the purification of sins, unlike material gains that can be sources of further attachment.
  • Bhiksha Ashtak (अष्टक ५): Differentiates between three types of alms-seeking (bhiksha) for ascetics: that which brings all prosperity (sarva-sampatkari), that which destroys valor (paurushghni), and that which is merely for sustenance (vritti-bhiksha). It emphasizes the importance of the right intention and conduct while seeking alms.
  • Panch Mahavrat Ashtak (अष्टक ६): Discusses the significance of the five great vows (Panch Mahavrat) and how their practice leads to the attainment of liberation. It also touches upon the subtle aspects of these vows.
  • Prachchhannbhojan Ashtak (अष्टक ७): Explains the practice of discreet or hidden eating for ascetics. This practice is explained as a way to avoid creating attachment in others, to prevent envy, and to maintain spiritual focus. It also discusses the implications of public eating on the spiritual path.
  • Pratyakhyan Ashtak (अष्टक ८): Deals with the concept of renunciation (pratyakhyan) in two forms: external (dravya) and internal (bhava). True renunciation is internal, free from any external conditions or dependencies.
  • Dnyan Ashtak (अष्टक ९): Categorizes knowledge into three types: superficial awareness (vishay-pratibhasa), mind-imparted knowledge (atm-parinati-mat), and true wisdom that leads to detachment (tattva-samvedana). It emphasizes the importance of true wisdom for spiritual progress.
  • Vairagya Ashtak (अष्टक १०): Discusses three types of detachment (vairagya): sorrow-induced (arta-dhyana-based), delusion-induced, and knowledge-induced. Only knowledge-induced detachment is considered conducive to liberation.
  • Tapa Ashtak (अष्टक ११): Addresses the nature of austerity (tapa). It argues that austerity, when practiced with the right understanding and purpose, is not inherently sorrowful but a means to spiritual purification and self-control, leading to the control of senses and mind.
  • Vada Ashtak (अष्टक १२): Differentiates between three types of argumentation or discourse: dry argumentation (shushkavada), contentious debate (vivada), and discourse on Dharma (dharmavada). It promotes Dharmavada as the only beneficial form of discourse.
  • Dharmavada Ashtak (अष्टक १३): Expounds on the principles of Dharmavada, emphasizing that true discourse should focus on the essential truths of Dharma and lead to spiritual upliftment, rather than mere intellectual debate.
  • Ekant Nitya Paksha Khandan Ashtak (अष्टक १४): Critiques the philosophical stance of absolute permanence (ekant nitya), arguing that it contradicts the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and other ethical observances.
  • Ekant Anitya Paksha Khandan Ashtak (अष्टक १५): Refutes the philosophy of absolute impermanence (ekant anitya), commonly found in Buddhist philosophies, arguing that it leads to logical contradictions and the denial of any real cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Nityanitya Paksha Khandan Ashtak (अष्टक १६): Discusses the concept of permanence and impermanence in relation to the soul and the body, highlighting that true understanding of these aspects is crucial for spiritual progress and the practice of non-violence.
  • Mansabhakshan Dushan Ashtak (अष्टक १७): Condemns the practice of meat-eating, refuting various justifications with scriptural and logical arguments. It emphasizes that compassion for all living beings is a fundamental principle of Dharma.
  • Madyapan Dushan Ashtak (अष्टक १८): Addresses the prohibition of alcohol consumption, detailing its detrimental effects on the mind, body, and spiritual practice, citing examples of its negative consequences.
  • Maithun Dushan Ashtak (अष्टक २०): Discusses the ethical considerations surrounding sexual conduct, highlighting the potential for attachment and its adverse effects on spiritual progress.
  • Sukshma Buddhi Ashtak (अष्टक २१): Emphasizes the importance of subtle intellect and careful consideration in understanding and practicing Dharma, warning against dogmatism and superficial adherence.
  • Bhava Shuddhi Vichar Ashtak (अष्टक २२): Focuses on the purification of the inner self (bhava shuddhi), stressing that true purity comes from detachment from passions and adherence to the teachings of the enlightened ones.
  • Shasan Malinya Nishedh Ashtak (अष्टक २३): Discusses the importance of upholding the purity and integrity of the Jain tradition (Shasan), warning against actions that could lead to its defamation or decline. It advocates for promoting and protecting the Dharma.
  • Punyānu Bandhi Punya Ashtak (अष्टक २४): Explains the concept of meritorious deeds that lead to auspicious rebirths and spiritual progress. It highlights the role of good conduct and pure intentions in accumulating positive karma.
  • Tirthankar Dan Mahatva Ashtak (अष्टक २५): Illuminates the significance of the charitable acts of Tirthankaras, emphasizing the purity of their intentions and the profound impact of their generosity on all beings.
  • Tirthankar Dan Nishfalata Parihar Ashtak (अष्टक २७): Addresses and refutes potential misconceptions about the purpose and efficacy of Tirthankaras' acts of charity, clarifying their spiritual significance and the karmic processes involved.
  • Rajyadi Dane Dosha Bhava Prativadana Ashtak (अष्टक २८): Discusses the controversial topic of Tirthankaras bestowing kingdoms or wealth, arguing that such acts are for the greater good and for the protection of Dharma, not driven by personal attachment.
  • Samayik Swarup Nirupan Ashtak (अष्टक २९): Elaborates on the essence of Samayik (equanimity and spiritual practice), describing it as the path to liberation and a state of inner purity that transcends worldly attachments.
  • Keval Dnyan Ashtak (अष्टक ३०): Describes the nature of Keval Gyan (omniscience), the ultimate knowledge attained by liberated souls, highlighting its all-pervading nature and its origin from the soul itself.
  • Tirthankar Deshna Ashtak (अष्टक ३१): Explains the power and efficacy of the teachings of Tirthankaras, emphasizing how their words, inspired by immense merit, benefit all beings and can lead to spiritual awakening.
  • Moksha Ashtak (अष्टक ३२): Explains the state of Moksha (liberation) as the ultimate goal, characterized by the complete cessation of karma, freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and eternal bliss. It refutes materialistic interpretations of liberation.

• Purpose of the Translation: The translator, Muni Manoharvijay, aimed to provide a "bhava-anuvad" (translation of the essence and meaning) to make the profound teachings of the "Ashtak Prakaran" accessible to those who might not be proficient in Sanskrit, the language of the original text.

• Appreciation and Support: The publication received financial support from various individuals and organizations, acknowledging the importance of disseminating spiritual knowledge. The preface also highlights the contributions of Professor Sohan Lal Patni for his research and Dr. Badrinarayan Pancholi for managing the printing.

• Structure: The book follows a logical structure, introducing the author, the purpose of the translation, and then presenting each of the 32 ashtaks with its corresponding Hindi commentary. An index of verses is also provided for easy reference.

In essence, "Ashtak Prakaran" by Acharya Haribhadrasuri, as translated and presented by Muni Manoharvijay, is a valuable Jain scripture that offers profound insights into the path of spiritual liberation, ethical conduct, and philosophical understanding, making these timeless teachings accessible to the modern reader.