Avashyak Niryukti Part 03

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Avashyak Niryukti Part 03" by Aryarakshitvijay, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Avashyak Niryukti Part 03 Author: Aryarakshitvijay Publisher: Vijay Premsuri Sanskrit Pathshala Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005755/1

This volume, the third part of the "Avashyak Niryukti," is a commentary and Gujarati translation of the original "Avashyak Niryukti" composed by Shrimad Bhadrabahuswami, with a commentary by Shrimad Haribhadrasuri. The Gujarati translation and elaboration are by Muni Aryarakshitvijayji.

Content Overview (based on the Table of Contents and specific verse references provided):

This volume focuses on the latter portion of the "Avashyak Niryukti," covering verses 642 to 879. The primary subject matter revolves around the six essential daily practices of Jainism (the Āvaśyaka) and related concepts, particularly through the lens of the "Niryukti" and its commentaries.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Gana-dhar Vaktavyata (The Teachings of the Ganadharas):

   • Gaṭhā 642-659: This section delves into the details of the first four disciples of Lord Mahavir, the Ganadharas. It covers their birthplaces, birth constellations, parents, lineage (gotra), different life stages (householder, disguised/cheddasth, Kevali), lifespan, scriptures they compiled (Agamas), nirvāṇa (liberation), ascetic practices (tapas), miraculous powers (labdhi), physical attributes (samhanana and sansthana), and the time period associated with these aspects.
   • Gaṭhā 660-665: Discusses different types of time (Dravya-kala, Ardha-kala, Ayushya-kala, Upakrama-kala, Desh-kala, Kala-kala, Pramana-kala, Varna-kala, Bhava-kala). It elaborates on the concept of time in its various forms, including units like samaya, avalika, muhurta, day, night, fortnight, month, year, yuga, palyopama, sagropama, utsarpini, and avasarpini. It also touches upon the concept of yathayushya-kala (lifespan) and upakrama-kala (time related to overcoming karmas).

2. Samāchāri (Conduct and Rules):

   • Gaṭhā 666-677: This extensive section details the "Tenfold Samachari" (Daśavidha Samāchāri). It systematically explains various types of conduct, including:
     • Icchākāra Samāchāri (Seeking permission).
     • Mithyākāra Samāchāri (Confession of faults, "Michchhami Dukkadam").
     • Tathākāra Samāchāri (Agreement with the teacher's instructions).
     • Āvaśyakī (Essential duties).
     • Nīśīhī (Prohibition of certain actions).
     • Āpṛcchanā (Asking permission to go somewhere).
     • Pratipṛcchā (Asking again for clarification).
     • Chandanā (Offering something acquired).
     • Nimantraṇā (Inviting someone).
     • Upasampadā (Initiation or solemn agreement).
   • It uses illustrative examples, such as the horse and the trader, to explain the principles of vinaya (propriety) and the consequences of its absence.

3. Nirvahana and Viraha (Consequences and Separation):

   • Gaṭhā 678-679: The text uses the analogy of horses to illustrate the importance of discipline and the results of its absence, relating it to the conduct of monks.
   • Gaṭhā 680-685: Explains the concept of "Mithyākara" (false conduct or confession) and the meaning of "Michchhami Dukkadam." It emphasizes the importance of sincere confession for purification of actions. It also discusses the concept of akāma-nirjarā (involuntary shedding of karma).
   • Gaṭhā 724-726: Details the seven causes of the end of life (āyuṣya), including attachment (rāga), affection (sneha), fear (bhaya), improper dietary habits (āhāra), pain (vedanā), external harm (parāghāta), touch (sparśa), and cessation of breath (prāṇāpāna nirōdh). It provides narratives and examples to illustrate these causes.

4. Naya (Different Perspectives/Approaches):

   • Gaṭhā 754-761: This section systematically introduces and explains the seven fundamental Nayavādas (philosophical viewpoints) in Jainism: Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahāra, Ṛjusūtra, Śabda, Samabhirūḍha, and Evambhūta. It elaborates on their characteristics and how they interpret reality, often using analogies. The text highlights the potential for misunderstanding and the importance of understanding these different viewpoints correctly.

5. Types of Sāmāyika:

   • Gaṭhā 792-797: Discusses Sāmāyika from the perspectives of Dravya (substance) and Paryāya (mode/state). It explains that Sāmāyika is ultimately an attribute of the soul (jīva) according to Dravya-naya, while Paryāya-naya emphasizes the state of being engaged in the practice. It also categorizes Sāmāyika into three types: Samyak-tva Sāmāyika, Śruta Sāmāyika, and Chāritra Sāmāyika.

6. Anukampā and Vinaya (Compassion and Propriety):

   • Gaṭhā 846-847: Illustrates the importance of compassion (anukampā) through the story of the monkey (vānara) and the principle of proper conduct (vinaya) through the narrative of Vajrasvāmi. These stories highlight how virtuous actions, even seemingly simple ones, can lead to spiritual progress and profound realization.

7. Nihnavas (Heretics/Deviations):

   • Gaṭhā 778-788: This significant portion of the text details the emergence and characteristics of seven different schools of thought that deviated from the true Jain teachings (Nihnavas). It names them and provides brief explanations, often tracing their origins to specific disciples or traditions that misinterpreted or distorted the teachings. The text emphasizes the incorrectness of these views, such as the denial of karma or the concept of annihilation (samucchēda).

8. Illustrative Stories (Dṛṣṭāntas):

   • The text is rich with illustrative stories and examples to explain complex philosophical and ethical concepts. Prominent among these are the narratives of:
     • The origin of Dasha-pura city and the lineage of Aryarakshita.
     • The story of Vashyasvāmi, the wise disciple who attained Kevala knowledge.
     • The narrative of the merchant's son, Kritapunya, and his journey to spiritual attainment.
     • The cautionary tale of the Brahmin Romasvāmi.
     • The story of the monkey Vajrasvāmi and his compassionate act.
     • The account of the origin of the Botikas (a heretical sect).
     • The emergence of the Nihnavas and their differing views.
     • The story of Mehtārya, Rōhagupta, Chilāti-putra, and Dama-danta.
     • The story of Kṛta-punya and his spiritual journey.
     • The story of Vajra-swami's asceticism and attainment.
     • The story of Chilāti-putra and his unwavering devotion.
     • The story of Mehtārya Muni's dedication to service.
     • The story of Anukampā and its spiritual rewards.
     • The story of Bāla-tapas (child austerity).
     • The story of Dama-danta and his spiritual realization.
     • The story of Shiva-bhūti and the origin of the Botika doctrine.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Avashyak Niryukti Part 03" aims to provide a detailed understanding of the essential Jain practices (Āvaśyaka) and their philosophical underpinnings. It emphasizes the importance of correct conduct (samāchāri), the nature of time (kāla), the various pathways to spiritual progress (sāmāyika), and the importance of discerning right from wrong perspectives (nayavāda and nihnavas). The inclusion of numerous stories and examples makes the text accessible and highlights the practical application of Jain principles in life. The commentary by Haribhadrasuri and the translation by Aryarakshitvijayji aim to elucidate these concepts for the benefit of the disciples and the propagation of Jain teachings.