Ashtpahud

The provided text is a Hindi translation and commentary on the Jain text "Ashtapahuda" (Eight Chapters) by Acharya Kundakunda, with a commentary by Pandit Jayachandra Chhabda. The text is published by Munishri Anantkirti Granthmala Samiti.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Title: Ashtapahuda (Eight Chapters) Author of original text: Acharya Kundakunda Commentator (Bhasha Vachnikakar): Pandit Jayachandraji Chhabda Publisher: Munishri Anantkirti Granthmala Samiti Publication Details: 5th publication of Munishri Anantkirti Granthmala, First Edition, 1000 copies, published in Vasant, Veer Samvat 2450.

Foreword/Introduction (Bhumika - Pages 4-11):

The introduction highlights the significance of Acharya Kundakunda and his works in the Digambara Jain tradition.

• Acharya Kundakunda's Stature: Kundakunda is revered as an authority comparable to Lord Mahavir and Gautam Ganadhara. His works are considered divinely inspired and profoundly spiritual, leading to liberation. His influence is so great that the Jain community often invokes him in their prayers for auspicious beginnings.
• The Digambara Jain Society: The introduction mentions the rich heritage of self-knowledge, karma science, and the numerous texts within the Digambara Jain tradition, stating that even a fraction of their knowledge can elevate one to the status of a learned scholar. The depth of these texts is likened to the ocean, filled with jewels of wisdom.
• The "Ashtapahuda" Text: The text emphasizes that Kundakunda's works, including "Ashtapahuda," are free from any flaws or contradictions, making them authoritative. The introduction mentions the common invocation: "Mangalam Bhagwan Veero, Mangalam Gautam Gani, Mangalam Kundakundadyo, Jainam Dharmostu Mangalam" (Auspicious is Lord Vira, auspicious is Gautam Ganadhara, auspicious are Kundakunda and others, may the Jain Dharma be auspicious).
• Connection with Mul Sangh: Kundakunda is considered a highly influential Acharya of the Mul Sangh, and the Digambara community today feels blessed by following the lineage of Kundakunda. The text posits that the Mul Sangh is essentially embodied by Kundakunda, and his teachings are primary for understanding the Mul Sangh's essence.
• Identity of Kundakunda and Umaswami: The introduction discusses the scholarly debate on whether Kundakunda and Acharya Umaswami (author of Tattvartha Sutra) were the same person. Evidence cited includes the mention of "Gridhprach" (vulture-feathered) as a descriptor for Umaswami in a Sanskrit verse, and "Gridhprichhaacharya" being one of Kundakunda's names mentioned in the commentary on "Shatpahuda" by Shruta Sagar Suri. The story of Kundakunda being addressed by Lord Simandhara Swami in Videha Kshetra is also mentioned, further suggesting a potential identity or close connection. However, the introduction concludes that without definitive proof, this remains a subject of speculation, though a guru-disciple relationship is highly probable.
• Pandit Jayachandra Chhabda: The commentator, Pandit Jayachandra Chhabda of Jaipur, is praised as a brilliant scholar of the 19th century. His contribution is compared to that of Pandit Todarmalji, another eminent scholar. Pandit Chhabda's insightful commentaries, particularly his Hindi elucidation of complex Sanskrit and Prakrit texts, have filled a significant gap for the community. His dedication to making profound Jain literature accessible is highlighted. The introduction also mentions his son, Nandlalji, as also being a learned individual.
• The Translator's Humility: The introduction concludes with the translator's acknowledgment of potential errors due to limited knowledge and requests forgiveness from learned readers.

The "Ashtapahuda" Itself (as reflected in the Table of Contents and commentary snippets):

The "Ashtapahuda" literally means "Eight Chapters" or "Eight Sections." The commentary is provided for each of these. Based on the table of contents and the commentary provided for the first few chapters (Darshan Pahud, Sutra Pahud, Charitra Pahud, Bodh Pahud, Bhav Pahud, Moksha Pahud, Ling Pahud, Sheel Pahud), the text deals with fundamental Jain principles, focusing on:

1. Darshan Pahud (Chapter on Right Faith/Perception): Focuses on the importance of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith) as the root of Dharma. It explains its characteristics, eight virtues, eight limbs, and how it is essential for the efficacy of knowledge and conduct. It criticizes those who are devoid of right faith and yet seek respect.
2. Sutra Pahud (Chapter on Scriptures): Discusses the authenticity and importance of Jain scriptures (Sutras), the lineage of their transmission, and the meaning of various scriptural concepts. It emphasizes that understanding the scriptures, particularly the essence of the teachings through the lineage of Acharyas, is crucial for following the path to liberation.
3. Charitra Pahud (Chapter on Conduct/Right Action): Explains the essence of Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) and its importance alongside Right Faith and Right Knowledge. It delves into the two types of conduct: Sagar (with possessions, like laypeople) and Niragar (without possessions, like monks). It outlines the vows (Anuvratas, Gunavratas, Shikshavratas) and the qualities of true ascetics.
4. Bodh Pahud (Chapter on Enlightenment/Understanding): This chapter seems to focus on various aspects of understanding and practice, including the significance of Ayatan (abodes or places of spiritual practice), Chaitya (sacred objects/symbols), Jina Pratima (idols of Jinas), Jina Mudra (symbols of Jinas), and the nature of the soul (Atma). It clarifies the correct understanding of these principles, differentiating them from misinterpretations.
5. Bhav Pahud (Chapter on Inner State/Attitude): This chapter critically examines the importance of inner attitude (Bhav) over mere external practices (Dravya). It emphasizes that true spiritual progress comes from cultivating the right inner state, contrasting it with outward appearances or rituals performed without genuine understanding or detachment. It highlights the pitfalls of external practices without inner purity and the importance of inner transformation.
6. Moksha Pahud (Chapter on Liberation): This chapter explains the path to liberation (Moksha) by understanding the true nature of the soul (Atma). It discusses the nature of the liberated soul (Paramaatma) and the means to achieve this state, primarily through meditation and adherence to the teachings of the Jinas. It clarifies the distinction between outer rituals and the inner spiritual practice required for liberation.
7. Ling Pahud (Chapter on External Signs/Attire): This chapter addresses the significance and correct understanding of external renunciatory signs or attire, particularly the nudity (Digambara) of monks. It strongly criticizes those who adopt the outward appearance without the inner spiritual discipline and principles, deeming such externalism as hollow and ineffective for liberation.
8. Sheel Pahud (Chapter on Virtuous Conduct/Chastity): This chapter focuses on the paramount importance of Sheel (virtue, chastity, right conduct) in achieving spiritual progress. It highlights that knowledge without virtue is ineffective, and true spiritual realization, including liberation, is attained through the cultivation of virtue, alongside right faith and knowledge.

Overall Significance:

The "Ashtapahuda," as interpreted through Pandit Jayachandra Chhabda's commentary, serves as a foundational text for understanding core Jain principles. It emphasizes the spiritual path as an internal journey, where right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, all stemming from a purified inner state (Bhav), are paramount. The commentary aims to clarify these profound teachings for the common practitioner, reinforcing the authority and purity of the Digambara Jain tradition.