Bandh Vihanam Tattha Pasatthi

This document is the Prashasti (Praise/Invocation) section of a Jain text titled Bandha Vihanam.

Here's a breakdown of the information presented:

Book Title: Bandha Vihanam, Tattha Prashasti (बन्धविहाणं तत्थ पसत्थी) Author: Muni Shri Virashekharvijay (मुनि-श्रीवीरशेखरविजय:) Publisher: Bharatiya Prachya Tattva Prakashan Samiti, Pindwara (भारतीय-प्राच्य-तत्त्व-प्रकाशन समिति, पिंडवाडा) Guidance/Inspiration: Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji Maharaja (आचार्यदेव श्रीमद् विजयप्रेमसूरीश्वराः)

Key Information and Themes:

• Purpose of the Prashasti: The Prashasti serves as an introductory section, offering salutations and enumerating the lineage of teachers and their contributions. It aims to seek blessings and establish the credibility and context of the main text.
• Dedication: The work is dedicated to the memory of Param Pujya Paramopakari Pratahsmarniya Paramashasanprabhavak Karma Sahitya Sutradhar Siddhanta Mahodadhi Suvishal Gachhadhipati Paramaradhyapad Swargat Acharya Devesh Shrimad Vijaya Premsurishwarji Maharaja. This highlights the profound respect and gratitude the author, Muni Virashekharvijay, holds for his spiritual guide. The author explicitly states that it was due to his guru's boundless compassion that he could undertake the creation and editing of this extensive Karma literature.
• Lineage of Teachers (Guruvamshavali): A significant portion of the Prashasti is dedicated to listing and praising a long line of Jain Acharyas (teachers) and scholars. This is a common practice in Jain literature to establish the authenticity and tradition of the teachings. Each Acharya is credited with their specific contributions, spiritual insights, scholarly works, and their place in the lineage. The verses often describe their virtues, austerities, the extent of their knowledge, and their role in propagating Jainism and its doctrines, particularly Karma Shastra.
• Karma Shastra: The text clearly indicates a strong focus on Karma Shastra (the science of Karma), which is a central pillar of Jain philosophy. The preface mentions that the publishing committee has released eleven gems of Karma literature, and more are in preparation. The inspiration and guidance come from an authority on Karma philosophy, Acharya Vijaya Premasurishwarji.
• Author's Gratitude: The publisher's note (Prakashakiy Nivedan) expresses deep gratitude to Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji for his immense help and guidance. It also thanks Munishri Virashekharvijayji for preparing the original verses as a first appendix, making the text accessible to students.
• Accessibility for Students: The publishing committee aimed to make this work accessible, especially for those studying Prakrit. The creation of a smaller booklet with original verses was a conscious effort to facilitate learning.
• Publication Details:
  • First Edition: 500 copies
  • Deluxe Edition Price: Rs. 3
  • Year: A.D. 1976 / Vir Samvat 2502 / Vikram Samvat 2032
  • Available from: Bharatiya Prachya Tattva Prakashan Samiti branches in Bombay, Pindwara, and Ahmedabad.
  • Printed by: Gyanodaya Printing Press, Pindwara.
• Errata (Shuddhi): A correction slip (Shuddhipatrakam) is included, indicating a list of errors in the original text that need to be corrected by the reader.
• Language: The Prashasti is primarily written in Prakrit, with an English translation of the introductory and publisher's notes.

In essence, this "Bandha Vihanam Prashasti" is an introductory hymn and a genealogical record of esteemed Jain Acharyas, emphasizing their contributions to the study of Karma Shastra. It is presented as a tribute to the author's spiritual lineage and aims to provide context and blessings for the main work, which is focused on Karma.