Bhashyakar Ek Parishilan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Bhashyakar: Ek Parishilan" by Kusumpragyashreeji, focusing on the role and works of the "Bhashyakar" (commentator) in Jain literature:

Bhashyakar: A Study

This text, authored by Kusumpragyashreeji, delves into the significant role of the "Bhashyakar" (commentator) within Jain scriptural literature. It highlights that commentaries, or "Bhashyas," hold the second most important position after the original scriptures (Agamas). Bhashyas offer a concise, essence-like summary of the original texts, providing clarification and deeper understanding.

The Nature and Importance of Bhashyas:

• Distinction from Niyukti: While "Niyuktis" are characterized by their brevity and focus on defining technical terms, "Bhashyas" offer a more extensive explanation of both the original Agamas and the Niyuktis themselves.
• Scope and Content: Bhashyas go beyond mere scriptural exegesis. For instance, the "Vyavahar Bhashya," despite being primarily a text for determining penance, also discusses various subjects like society, economics, politics, and psychology. The authors emphasize that without Bhashyas, it is difficult to fully grasp the meaning of the original scriptures alone.
• Form and Style: Unlike the predominantly prose style of commentaries in the Vedic tradition, Jain Bhashyas are often found in metrical verse.

Key Bhashyakars and Their Works:

The text identifies two primary Bhashyakars:

1. Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman: Universally recognized as the author of "Visheshavasthak Bhashya."
2. Sanghadas Gani: Primarily associated with the Bhashyas of "Brihatkalpa" and "Vyavahar."

However, the text also acknowledges the possibility of four Bhashyakars, including the author of "Vyavahar Bhashya" and the author of "Brihatkalpa Bhashya" as distinct individuals. The authorship of some Bhashyas, like "Brihatkalpa" and "Vyavahar," is not unanimously agreed upon among scholars. In ancient times, works were sometimes published without explicit author attribution, making definitive identification challenging. Name similarities between scholars also contribute to this difficulty.

Bhashyas on the Six Chedasutras (and beyond):

The text specifically mentions that Jinbhadra Gani regarded the Bhashyas on all three Chedasutras (likely referring to the main ones like Vyavahar, Brihatkalpa, and Nishiath) as vast, like oceans.

The text lists ten significant works for which Bhashyas were written:

1. Avasyak (Essential)
2. Dashavaikalik (Ten Lectures)
3. Uttaradhyayan (Further Studies)
4. Brihatkalpa (Great Rule)
5. Panchakalpa (Five Rules)
6. Vyavahar (Conduct)
7. Nishiath (Night)
8. Jitkalpa (Victory Rule)
9. Oghaniryukti (General Commentary)
10. Pindaniyukti (Commentary on Food)

It is noted that Bhashyas were also written on Nishiath and Vyavahar, which are considered "Brihad Bhashyas" (large commentaries), but these are unfortunately no longer extant.

The size of Bhashyas varies:

• Large: Brihatkalpa, Vyavahar, Nishiath
• Medium: Jitkalpa, Visheshavasthak, Panchakalpa
• Small: Pindaniyukti, Oghaniryukti, Dashavaikalik, Uttaradhyayan

Authorship Debates and Scholarly Opinions:

• Nishiath Bhashya: While some scholars, like Pandit Dal Sukh Bhai Malvania, attribute the Nishiath Bhashya to Siddhasen Gani, citing references in the Nishiath Churni, the author of this text argues against this. The author points out that Siddhasen's name is not mentioned at the beginning or end of the Churni, and that Nishiath appears to be a compilation work where Siddhasen might have compiled or added explanatory verses to existing Niyukti verses.
• Brihatkalpa Bhashya: Muni Punyavijayji attributes the Brihatkalpa Bhashya to Sanghadas Gani. This is supported by a quote from Acharya Kshemakirti. The text also suggests that the author of Brihatkalpa Bhashya and Vyavahar Bhashya might be the same person, as indicated by the first verse of Brihatkalpa Bhashya mentioning commentary on both "Kalpa" and "Vyavahar."
• Vyavahar Bhashya: The text suggests that the author of Vyavahar Bhashya predates Jinbhadra Gani. This is evidenced by the Jitkalpa Churni referencing the extensive penance descriptions in Vyavahar, Nishiath, and other texts, leading Jinbhadra to compose Jitkalpa for a concise explanation. Furthermore, many verses from Vyavahar Bhashya are found verbatim in Jitkalpa, implying Jitkalpa was composed after Vyavahar Bhashya.

Dating of Bhashyas and Related Works:

The text proposes the following chronology:

• Bhashyas: Generally believed to have been composed between the 4th and 6th centuries CE. The author of this text suggests the author of Vyavahar Bhashya, Sanghadas Gani, likely lived in the 5th-6th century CE, and Jinbhadra Gani in the latter half of the 5th century CE.
• Niyukti: Generally placed around the 2nd century CE (attributed to Bhadrabahu I).
• Churni (Commentaries on Niyukti): Generally dated around the 7th century CE.
• Tikas (Explanatory Notes): Generally dated between the 8th and 13th centuries CE.

Evidence for Authorship and Chronology:

• Inter-textual References: The presence of verses from one commentary in another, or references to earlier works, is a key indicator of chronology and authorship.
• Linguistic Analysis: The absence of significant Apabhramsha influence and limited influence of Maharashtri in the Bhashyas suggests an earlier composition period, likely before the 6th century CE.
• Content Analysis: The description of events and cultural aspects, such as the mention of "Kosal" country in Vyavahar Bhashya, provides context for the time of composition. The author's direct observation ("pechchhami") in relation to Kosal suggests a contemporary presence.
• Attribution in Later Works: Later commentaries and works often cite earlier Bhashyakars, providing further evidence.

Significance of Bhashya Literature:

The text concludes by emphasizing the immense value of Bhashya literature. From historical, political, social, and cultural perspectives, Bhashyas contain numerous important facts. Studying and analyzing this literature can open new avenues for research, revealing insights into the development and transmission of Jain knowledge. The intermingling of Bhashya verses with other texts and their presence in both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions highlight their widespread influence and importance.