Ashtasahastritatparya Vivaranam Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Ashtasahastritatparya Vivaranam Part 2," based on the given pages.

Book Title: Ashtasahastritatparya Vivaranam Part 2 Author: Vairagyarativijay (Editor), Shri Yashovijayji Ganivar (Original Author) Publisher: Pravachan Prakashan Puna Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009090/1

Overview:

"Ashtasahastritatparya Vivaranam Part 2" is the second volume of a detailed commentary on the "Ashtasahasri," a significant work in Jain logic and philosophy. The commentary is attributed to the renowned Jain scholar Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Ganivar and has been meticulously re-edited and compiled by Muni Vairagyarativijayji. This particular part of the text delves into various complex philosophical arguments, primarily engaging with and refuting non-Jain (heterodox) viewpoints on fundamental metaphysical and epistemological concepts. It aims to establish the validity and comprehensiveness of the Jain perspective, particularly the Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold predications) and Anekanta (non-absolutism).

Key Themes and Arguments (Based on the provided pages, particularly the Table of Contents from pages 5-11):

The text systematically analyzes and critiques various philosophical schools of thought, addressing key debates concerning:

Reality and Non-Absolutism (Anekanta):
- Identity and Difference (Aikyaprithakva): The text engages with the concept of whether entities are identical or different, critiquing absolutist views (like Advaita) that deny any difference and presenting the Jain perspective that entities possess both identity and difference simultaneously (Anekanta). This is explored through the lens of the Sapta-bhangi (seven-fold predication).
- Monism vs. Pluralism: The commentary contrasts monistic (Advaita) and pluralistic viewpoints, arguing for the Anekanta understanding of reality.
Epistemology (Pramanas):
- The Nature of Knowledge: The text discusses various sources of valid knowledge (pramanas), including perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), and testimony (agama). It critiques views that prioritize one pramana exclusively over others.
- Critique of Buddhist Epistemology: The author likely refutes Buddhist theories like momentariness (Kshanika) and the doctrine of non-self (Anatma-vada), arguing against the idea that reality is solely based on momentary perceptions or that there is no enduring self.
- The Role of Syadvada: The Syadvada is presented as the most robust epistemological framework, capable of explaining reality's complex nature, which cannot be captured by one-sided absolutist claims.
Metaphysics and Ontology:
- Causality (Karyakarana): The text likely examines the relationship between cause and effect, critiquing theories like Satkaryavada (that the effect pre-exists in the cause) and Asatkaryavada (that the effect does not pre-exist in the cause), and presenting the Jain view of Kathanicid-bhedabheda (ineffable difference and non-difference).
- Substance and Attribute (Dravya-Paryaya): The intricate relationship between the underlying substance (dravya) and its modifications or attributes (paryaya) is explored, emphasizing their simultaneous existence and the Anekanta nature of reality.
- Eternalism vs. Momentariness: The critique of absolute eternalism (Nityataikanta) and absolute momentariness (Kshanikataikanta) is central, highlighting the Jain doctrine of the continuous yet changing nature of reality.
- The Soul (Jiva) and Karma: While not explicitly detailed in the table of contents, the underlying discussions on bondage and liberation would inherently involve the nature of the soul and its interaction with karma.
- Theories of Creation and Causality: The text likely critiques theories attributing creation to an absolute being (Ishvara) and defends the Jain understanding of an eternal universe with cyclical processes.
- Theories of Predication (e.g., Anvayavada, Anyapohavada): The text critiques various linguistic and logical theories of predication, particularly those that lead to absolutist conclusions.
Specific Critiques: The table of contents reveals specific refutations of:
- Advaita (Monism): Critiques of the non-dualistic philosophy that posits a single, undifferentiated reality.
- Vaisheshika and Nyaya: Critiques of their realist and atomistic theories, particularly regarding substance, causality, and the nature of properties.
- Buddhism (Various Schools): Critiques of theories like momentariness, nominalism, the denial of an external world, and specific epistemological claims.
- Samkhya: Critiques of the dualistic system and its concepts of Purusha and Prakriti.
- Mimamsa: Critiques of their emphasis on ritual and their views on testimony.

Structure and Content (Based on the Table of Contents):

The provided pages offer a detailed table of contents spanning several chapters (Paricchedas), indicating the systematic approach of the commentary. Each chapter addresses specific philosophical dichotomies and critiques, including:

Chapter 2 (Dvitiya Pariccheda): Focuses on the critique of Advaita (monism) and the establishment of Anekanta, particularly the concepts of identity and separateness.
Chapter 3 (Tritiya Pariccheda): Examines and refutes eternalism (Nityataikanta) and momentariness (Kshanikataikanta), establishing the Anekanta view of impermanence within continuity.
Chapter 4 (Chaturtha Pariccheda): Critiques absolutist views on cause and effect, substance and attribute, and general versus particular, establishing the Anekanta perspective.
Chapter 5 (Panchama Pariccheda): Addresses the concepts of dependence (Apeksha) and independence (Anapeksha), refuting absolutist claims in these areas.
Chapter 6 (Shashtha Pariccheda): Focuses on the debate between reason (Hetu) and scripture (Agama), refuting absolutist reliance on either.
Chapter 7 (Saptama Pariccheda): Discusses internal (Antaranga) and external (Bahiranga) aspects of reality, analyzing theories like Vijnanavada (idealism).
Chapter 8 (Ashtama Pariccheda): Critiques the absolutist views on destiny (Daiva) and human effort (Purusha).
Chapter 9 (Navama Pariccheda): Explores the concepts of merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa) and their role in bondage.
Chapter 10 (Dashama Pariccheda): Delves into the relationship between ignorance (Ajñana) and knowledge (Jnana) in bondage and liberation, further critiquing various philosophical positions.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

The book is part of the Shri Vijaymahodaya Suri Granthamala series.
The current edition is the first publication of this re-edited work.
The publisher is Pravachan Prakashan, Pune.
The compilation and editing are highly praised for drawing upon extensive research (nearly a thousand Jain and non-Jain reference books).
The publication was inspired by Acharya Shri Vijayamrugankasurishwarji Maharaja and supported by the Shri Tapgachh Amar Shaka Jain Sangh, Khambhat.
The text is in Sanskrit, with references to various authoritative Jain texts like Aptamimansa and Ashtasahasri.

Significance:

This work is crucial for understanding the depth and breadth of Jain philosophical arguments, particularly its sophisticated approach to logic, epistemology, and metaphysics. By meticulously refuting opposing viewpoints, the commentary reinforces the core Jain principles of Anekanta and Syadvada, demonstrating their ability to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of reality than absolutist doctrines. The detailed analysis and critical engagement with diverse philosophical systems make it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners of Jainism.