Ashtapahuda

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtapahuda" based on the provided information:

Title: Ashtapahuda (अष्टप्राभृत) Author: Kundkundacharya (कुन्दकुन्द आचार्य) Publisher: Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, Songadh (Gujarat, India) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008211/1

Overview:

The "Ashtapahuda" is a significant collection of Jain philosophical and ethical teachings compiled by the revered Jain Acharya Kundkundacharya. The title "Ashtapahuda" translates to "Eight Prahudas," where "Prahuda" signifies a gift, offering, or treatise. This work is considered one of the five "Paramagamas" (supreme scriptures) in Jainism, alongside Samaysara, Pravachansara, Panchastikaya Sangraha, and Niyamsara. It comprises eight individual treatises, known as Prahudas:

1. Darshanaprahuda (दर्शनप्राभृत): Deals with the fundamental principles of right faith or correct vision (Samyakdarshan).
2. Sutraprahuda (सूत्रप्राभृत): Focuses on the scriptural injunctions and their importance in conduct.
3. Charitraprahuda (चारित्रपाभृत): Elaborates on the path of conduct and righteousness.
4. Bodhaprahuda (बोधप्राभृत): Discusses various aspects of knowledge and enlightenment.
5. Bhavaprahuda (भावप्राभृत): Explores internal spiritual states and emotions.
6. Mokshaprahuda (मोक्षपाभृत): Details the path to liberation or salvation.
7. Lingaprahuda (लिंगप्राभृत): Addresses external signs or conduct associated with spiritual practice.
8. Shilaprahuda (शीलपाभृत): Focuses on virtue, chastity, and ethical conduct.

The provided text is a Hindi translation and commentary (Vachnika) of the Ashtapahuda, originally authored in Prakrit by Kundkundacharya, with a Hindi commentary by Pandit Jayachandraji Chhabra and Hindi translation adaptation by Pt. Mahendrakumarji Jain.

Key Themes and Teachings:

The Ashtapahuda, as a whole, is considered a condensed essence of thousands of Jain scriptures, encapsulating the core principles of the Jain faith. The overarching theme is the path to liberation (Moksha) through spiritual knowledge, right faith, and righteous conduct.

Summary of Each Prahuda (based on the provided text's table of contents and initial verses):

1. Darshanaprahuda (दर्शनप्राभृत):

   • Emphasizes that Darshan (Samyakdarshan - Right Faith) is the root of Dharma (Religion). Without it, even external conduct is considered fruitless.
   • Defines the nature and significance of Darshan, outlining its characteristics and the qualities associated with it (e.g., the eight attributes of Samyaktva).
   • Discusses the importance of venerating the right faith, teachers (Guru), and scriptures, while condemning adherence to false views and wrong conduct.
   • Highlights the futility of knowledge, penance, and external practices without the foundation of Right Faith.
   • Explains the eight external signs (Angas) of Samyaktva: Nihshanka (doubtlessness), Nihkanksha (desirelessness), Nirvichikitsa (disgustlessness), Amudhadrishti (unwavering faith), Upaguhana (concealment of faults), Sthitikarana (stabilizing others), Vatsalya (affection), and Prabhavana (propagation of Dharma).
   • Stresses that true liberation (Moksha) is impossible without Samyaktva.

2. Sutraprahuda (सूत्रप्राभृत):

   • Underscores the authenticity and indispensability of Jinashrut (Jain scriptures) as prescribed by the Tirthankaras and compiled by the Ganadharas.
   • Explains that adhering to these scriptures is beneficial, while deviating from them is detrimental.
   • Outlines the structure and vastness of the Jain canon, including the twelve Angas (limbs) and Anga Bahya (external scriptures).
   • Highlights the importance of understanding the meaning and essence of the scriptures, not just their literal text.
   • Warns against misinterpretations and deviations from the scriptural path, equating such individuals to those who have lost the true meaning and are thus misguided.
   • Discusses the significance of the monastic order (Sangh) and the adherence to the lineage of Acharyas in preserving and transmitting scriptural knowledge.
   • Emphasizes that deviation from the pure Jinashrut (as understood by the Digambara tradition) leads away from the true path of liberation.

3. Charitraprahuda (चारित्रपाभृत):

   • Explains Charitra (Right Conduct) as the essential path to liberation, following Right Faith (Samyakdarshan) and Right Knowledge (Samyakgyan).
   • Divides Charitra into two main categories: Sammatva-charan (conduct rooted in Right Faith) and Sanyam-charan (conduct of self-restraint).
   • Details the practices for lay followers (Shravakas), including the twelve vows, and for ascetics (Munis), including the five great vows (Mahavratas), fivefold sense-control, fivefold caution (Samitis), threefold self-restraint (Guptis), and various ascetic practices.
   • Emphasizes that true Charitra is marked by inner purity and detachment, not merely external adherence to rules.
   • Highlights the significance of renunciation and the attainment of higher states of spiritual consciousness through rigorous practice.

4. Bodhaprahuda (बोधप्राभृत):

   • Focuses on Knowledge (Bodha) and its various aspects.
   • Discusses eleven key subjects or concepts: Ayatan (abode/place of worship), Chaitya (temple), Jinapratima (idol of Jina), Darshan (faith/vision), Jinabimba (image of Jina), Jinmudra (iconography of Jina), Jnana (knowledge), Deva (divine beings), Tirtha (holy pilgrimage site), Arhanta (Tirthankaras), and Pravraja (ascetic initiation).
   • Explains that true understanding of these concepts comes from the teachings of the Jinas and their lineage.
   • Highlights the distinction between true spiritual abodes (like virtuous ascetics) and external structures, emphasizing that true faith and knowledge are internal.
   • Explains the nature of divine beings (Deva) and Tirthankaras, emphasizing their detachment and liberated state.
   • Stresses that knowledge, when purified and accompanied by faith and conduct, leads to liberation.

5. Bhavaprahuda (भावपाभृत):

   • This is a profound treatise on Internal States (Bhava), emphasizing their paramount importance over external appearances (Ling).
   • It vividly describes the immense suffering caused by unwholesome internal states (Ashubh Bhava) resulting from ignorance, attachment, aversion, and desires, leading to transmigration through various life forms (hellish beings, animals, gods, humans).
   • It strongly advocates for the cultivation of pure internal states (Shubh and Shuddha Bhava), such as detachment, equanimity, right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, as the true path to liberation.
   • It criticizes external asceticism or monasticism (Dralinga) devoid of internal purity (Bhavalinga) as being ultimately futile and even detrimental.
   • Provides numerous examples and narratives to illustrate the consequences of impure internal states and the rewards of cultivating pure ones.

6. Mokshaprahuda (मोक्षपाभृत):

   • Focuses on the ultimate goal of Moksha (Liberation).
   • Explains that Moksha is attained through the harmonious triad of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Ratnatraya).
   • Details the nature of the soul (Atma) as pure, conscious, and eternal, distinct from the body and karmic matter.
   • Discusses the concepts of Bahiratma (external self), Antaratma (internal self), and Paramatma (supreme self), guiding the practitioner towards the Paramatma.
   • Emphasizes the importance of meditation (Dhyana) on the pure soul as the means to eradicate karmic bondage and achieve liberation.
   • Highlights the futility of external rituals or austerities without inner purity and self-realization.
   • Describes the state of liberation as eternal bliss, freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and the attainment of omnipotence and omniscience.

7. Lingaprahuda (लिंगपाभृत):

   • This treatise addresses the significance and proper understanding of external signs or conduct (Linga) in Jainism.
   • It clearly distinguishes between internal purity (Bhavalinga) and external appearance (Dralinga), stating that Bhavalinga is paramount and Dralinga is meaningful only when accompanied by Bhavalinga.
   • It criticizes and condemns those who adopt the external signs of asceticism without genuine inner transformation, pointing out that such practices are futile and can lead to negative consequences.
   • It emphasizes the importance of Samyama (self-restraint) and adherence to the prescribed conduct of ascetics (Munis) and righteous laypersons (Sravakas).
   • It clarifies the proper understanding of external symbols and practices, warning against misinterpretations that lead to attachment or spiritual stagnation.

8. Shilaprahuda (शीलपाभृत):

   • This Prahuda centers on the importance of Shila (Virtue/Chastity/Conduct).
   • It emphasizes that Shila is foundational for true knowledge and spiritual progress. Without Shila, knowledge becomes superficial and ineffective.
   • It highlights the interconnectedness of Shila with other virtues like Dharma (righteousness), Jnana (knowledge), Tapa (penance), and Samyama (self-restraint).
   • It describes the debilitating effects of sensual indulgence (Vishaya), equating it to a poison that hinders spiritual growth and leads to suffering.
   • It extols the virtues of detachment, equanimity, and the cultivation of pure internal states as essential for achieving liberation.
   • The text implicitly argues that true virtue (Shila) leads to inner strength, peace, and ultimately, the attainment of the highest spiritual goals.

Overall Significance:

The Ashtapahuda, particularly through its commentary, serves as a guide for spiritual seekers. It clarifies the true essence of Jain teachings, emphasizing that internal transformation and adherence to virtuous conduct are paramount for liberation. The text stresses the importance of understanding the underlying principles rather than blindly following external rituals. It provides practical guidance and philosophical insights for both ascetics and lay followers on their spiritual journey. The work is highly revered for its depth and its role in preserving and propagating the core tenets of Jainism.