Bhadrabahu Sanhita Part 2

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of "Bhadrabahu Samhita Part 2":

Overview:

"Bhadrabahu Samhita Part 2" (also referred to as "Bhadrabahu Samhita evam Samudrik Shastra Karlekhan") is a voluminous Jain text compiled and commented upon by the highly revered Digambar Jain Acharya Kundhusagarji Maharaj. Published by Shri Digambar Jain Kunthu Vijay Granthamala Samiti, Jaipur, this work is a detailed exploration of Ashtanga Nimitta Jnana (knowledge of eight types of omens and portents), a significant branch of predictive sciences within Jainism. The text is accompanied by a commentary called "Kshemodaya Teeka," penned by Acharya Kundhusagarji himself, and features numerous illustrations to aid understanding. The book is presented as the 19th publication of the Granthamala Samiti.

Key Contributors and Blessings:

• Bhadrabahuswami: The original treatise is attributed to the great Jain sage Bhadrabahu, a Shruthakevali (one who possesses complete knowledge of the twelve Angas of Jain scripture).
• Acharya Kundhusagarji Maharaj: He is the compiler and commentator (Tika-kar) of this edition, dedicating immense effort to make this ancient knowledge accessible with illustrations. His commentary is named "Kshemodaya Teeka" in honor of his disciple Aryika Kshem Shri.
• Acharya Vimal Sagar: Offers blessings and commends the publication as useful for everyone, emphasizing the importance of keeping a copy at home.
• Acharya Sanmati Sagar: Highlights the text's significance within the Dvadasanga (twelve limbs of Jain scripture) and its applicability for both householders and ascetics. He praises Acharya Kundhusagarji for his valuable commentary.
• Upadhyay Bharat Sagar: Expresses joy at the publication of this rare and essential text on predictive sciences, noting the value of illustrations.
• Acharya Vijaymati: Applauds the inclusion of illustrations for easier understanding and recognizes the compiler's effort.

Content and Purpose:

The "Bhadrabahu Samhita" is a treatise on Ashtanga Nimitta, which encompasses:

1. Vyanjana (Symptoms): Interpreting auspicious or inausosicious marks on the body (like moles, spots). The text notes the significance of these marks based on gender (right side for males, left for females).
2. Anga (Body Parts): Analyzing the features of body parts like hands, feet, forehead, etc.
3. Svara (Sounds): Interpreting the sounds of animals and natural phenomena.
4. Bhauma (Terrestrial Omens): Analyzing the characteristics of land, buildings, and water bodies.
5. Chinna (Signs on Objects): Interpreting signs found on weapons, clothes, furniture, etc.
6. Antariksha (Celestial Omens): Understanding phenomena related to planets, stars, and celestial events like eclipses.
7. Lakshana (Features/Characteristics): Observing distinguishing marks on humans and animals, including palmistry (hand lines).
8. Svapna (Dreams): Interpreting the meaning of dreams.

The text also covers Samudrika Shastra (Physiognomy/Palmistry), further detailing the interpretation of bodily features and lines on the hands. The inclusion of numerous illustrations is a key feature, making the complex concepts more accessible to a wider audience, including those less familiar with the subject.

Historical Context and Authorship Debate:

• Attribution to Bhadrabahu: While the text is attributed to Bhadrabahu, the commentary by Acharya Kundhusagarji and analyses by scholars (like Dr. Nemicandji of Ara, Pt. Jugalkishore Mukhtar, Muni Jinavijayji) suggest that the current compilation might be based on the teachings or words of the original Bhadrabahu Shruthakevali but possibly compiled or elaborated upon by others later. The text itself contains phrases like "Bhadrabahu vacho yatha" (as per the words of Bhadrabahu), indicating a reliance on his teachings.
• Dating: Scholarly opinions vary, with some suggesting a later compilation (possibly 17th century or later) based on the presence of certain astronomical or contextual details, while others place parts of it much earlier, potentially influencing works like Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita. The influence of earlier works like Durgacharya's 'Rishta Samuchchaya' (1032 CE) is also noted.
• Digambara Tradition: The text is firmly rooted in the Digambara Jain tradition.

Methodology and Commentary:

Acharya Kundhusagarji Maharaj's "Kshemodaya Teeka" aims to clarify the original text, often correcting perceived errors in earlier published versions (like the one from Bharatiya Jnanpith). The commentary provides detailed explanations, often verse by verse, and the inclusion of illustrations for each concept is a significant contribution. The compilation process was arduous, involving overcoming personal health challenges and external disruptions, as mentioned by Acharya Kundhusagarji.

Significance and Utility:

The "Bhadrabahu Samhita" is considered a foundational text in Jain predictive sciences. It provides practical knowledge for understanding omens, auspicious and inauspicious timings, and their impact on individuals, communities, and kingdoms. The text emphasizes the importance of this knowledge for spiritual practitioners (monks) for proper conduct and for householders for navigating worldly affairs and understanding karmic influences. It is seen as a practical guide for making informed decisions and understanding the flow of destiny, even within the Jain philosophical framework of karma.

Structure of the Text (as per the Table of Contents):

The book is organized into chapters covering a wide range of predictive topics:

• Chapters 1-10: Deal with celestial phenomena like meteors (Ulka), halos (Parivesh), lightning (Vidyut), clouds (Abhra), twilight (Sandhya), winds (Vata), rain (Pravarshan), celestial cities (Gandharvanagar), conception signs (Garbha), travel omens (Yatra), unusual occurrences (Utpaata), planetary movements (Grahachara), planetary wars (Grahayuddha), dreams (Svapna), auspicious timings (Muhurta), days (Tithi), divisions of time (Karana), general omens (Nimitta), auspicious signs (Shakuna), astrological calculations (Paka Jyotisha), architecture (Vastu), divine grants (Divyaindra Sampada), general characteristics (Lakshana), specific signs (Vyanjana), and bodily marks (Chinha).
• Chapters on Planets: Detailed analysis of the movements and influences of Venus (Shukra), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, Ketu, and the Sun (Surya).
• Samudrika Shastra: Detailed sections on palmistry, including hand shapes, lines, mounts, palmistry of the fingers, nails, and the interpretation of various marks.
• Appendix: Includes detailed descriptions of various omens, disease predictions, auspicious and inauspicious timings for rituals and daily life, and even methods for calculating planetary positions and auspicious timings.

In essence, "Bhadrabahu Samhita Part 2" is a comprehensive manual of ancient Indian predictive sciences from a Jain perspective, meticulously preserved and elucidated by Acharya Kundhusagarji Maharaj to benefit the spiritual and worldly well-being of all.