Ashtapahud Padyanuwad

This document is a poetic translation (Padyanuvad) of the Jain text "Ashtapahud" by Acharya Kundakunda, rendered into Hindi by Dr. Hukumchand Bharilla. The book was published by Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust, Jaipur.

Here's a summary of the key information presented:

Book Title: Ashtapahud: Padyanuwad (अष्टपाहुड़: पद्यानुवाद) Author of the Translation: Dr. Hukumchand Bharilla Shastri, Nyaytirtha, Sahityaratna, M.A., Ph.D. Publisher: Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust, Jaipur. Publication Date: First Edition - September 11, 2002. Content: The book is a poetic rendering of Acharya Kundakunda's "Ashtapahud," which is a significant text within the Panchparamagams. The original work is composed of 502 Gathas (verses) divided into eight "Pahuds" (sections):

1. Darshan Pahud (दर्शनपाहुड़): Deals with the importance of right perception (Samyaktva) as the foundation of Jainism. It emphasizes that without right perception, even severe austerities are fruitless, and it is the key to liberation.
2. Sutra Pahud (सूत्रपाहुड़): Focuses on the scriptures (Sutras) as taught by the omniscient beings. It highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to these teachings for spiritual progress and liberation. It also discusses the conduct of monks and householders based on these scriptures.
3. Charitra Pahud (चारित्रपाहुड़): Elaborates on conduct and character (Charitra). It explains the two types of conduct: Samyak-Charitra (right conduct) and Samyama-Charitra (restraint). It details the vows and practices for both monks (Anagar) and householders (Sagar).
4. Bodh Pahud (बोधपाहुड़): Discusses enlightenment and the path to it. It defines various aspects of Jain practice like Ayatan (sacred places), Jinavimb (idols), Acharya (teachers), and Jinmudra (signs of a pure soul). It emphasizes that true spiritual progress comes from inner purity and adherence to the teachings.
5. Bhava Pahud (भावपाहुड़): Centers on internal states and emotions (Bhava) as the root cause of merit and demerit. It stresses that external actions (Dravya Ligng) are meaningless without the right internal state (Bhava Ligng). It details the suffering caused by attachment and aversion across various life forms.
6. Moksha Pahud (मोक्षपाहुड़): Focuses on liberation (Moksha). It explains the concept of the soul's true nature and the path to achieving it through detachment from external objects and focusing on the inner self (Atma). It emphasizes the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
7. Ling Pahud (लिंगपाहुड़): Discusses outward symbols and appearances (Ling). It warns against mistaking external symbols for true spirituality, emphasizing that genuine Jain conduct and inner purity are paramount. It criticizes those who adopt Jain symbols without the inner understanding and practice.
8. Shil Pahud (शीलपाहुड़): Deals with virtue, chastity, and moral conduct (Shil). It highlights the importance of virtuous conduct and detachment from sensory pleasures, emphasizing that true liberation is achieved through the combined power of right faith, knowledge, conduct, and austerities.

Significance: The publication is presented as a significant contribution to making Acharya Kundakunda's teachings accessible to the masses. The preface mentions the substantial contribution of Pujya Kanji Swami in propagating Kundakunda's works and how Dr. Hukumchand Bharilla is continuing this endeavor with great dedication. The book is praised for its poetic translation, making the profound spiritual concepts of Ashtapahud understandable and appealing.

Key Themes Across the Pahuds: Across all the "Pahuds," the central themes of Jainism are reiterated:

• The paramount importance of Samyaktva (right faith/perception): It's the foundation for all spiritual progress.
• The significance of the teachings of the Tirthankaras and Ganadharas: Adhering to scripture is crucial.
• The superiority of inner purity (Bhava) over external appearances (Dravya): True spirituality lies in the internal state.
• The necessity of detachment and renunciation: Letting go of worldly attachments leads to liberation.
• The path to Moksha: Achieved through the combined practice of right faith, knowledge, conduct, and austerities.
• The distinction between true Jain practice and mere outward show.

The document also includes a list of other publications by Dr. Hukumchand Bharilla, showcasing his extensive work in Jain literature.