Bodhicharyavatara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bodhicharyavatara" by Shantideva, as presented in the provided pages, focusing on the translated excerpts and introductory materials:

Title: Bodhicharyavatara (બોધિચર્યાવતાર) Author: Shantideva Acharya (શાંતિદેવાચાર્ય) Translator/Adapter: Professor Dharmanand Kosambi (અધ્યાપક ધર્માનંદ કોસંબી) Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith (ગુજરાત વિદ્યાપીઠ), Ahmedabad Publication Year: First Edition, March 1955

Overview and Context:

This document is a Gujarati translation and adaptation of Shantideva's influential Mahayana Buddhist text, "Bodhicharyavatara" (Introduction to the Path of Enlightenment). The translation is based on a summarized version by Professor Dharmanand Kosambi, a renowned scholar. The publication is part of the "Shrimad Rajchandra Jayanti Mala" series.

Key Content and Themes:

The provided pages include:

1. Publisher's Note: The publisher expresses joy in presenting this work, which originated as a series of articles in the magazine "Puratatva." It highlights the inspiration from Professor Kosambi's friend, Shri Lad, and the collaborative effort involving Mukulbhai Kalathi and Pandit Sukhlalji, who provided a scholarly introduction. The note also emphasizes Professor Kosambi's affection for Gujarat Vidyapith.

2. Introduction by Professor Dharmanand Kosambi:

   • Kosambi defines "Bodhi" as world-saving, truth-realizing knowledge, and "Bodhisattva" as one who strives for it. "Bodhisattva's conduct" is "Bodhi-charya." "Bodhicharyavatara" is interpreted as a text that facilitates entry into the Bodhisattva's conduct.
   • He discusses the different numbers of "paramitas" (perfections) mentioned in Buddhist texts (ten in Pali tradition, six in Mahayana). He notes that Shantideva, writing for monks, placed less emphasis on the paramita of Dana (giving) and more on Smriti (mindfulness) for ethical conduct.
   • Kosambi points out that the fifth chapter on Smriti is considered the true beginning of the Bodhisattva discussion. The subsequent four chapters cover the remaining paramitas, and the final chapter is about "Parinamana" (dedication of merit).
   • He mentions that some verses of the Bodhicharyavatara were published in "Puratatva" with his Gujarati translation, with assistance from Rasiklal Parikh, Pandit Sukhlalji, and Gopalbhai Patel.

3. Biographical Sketch of Professor Dharmanand Kosambi:

   • This extensive section details Kosambi's life, highlighting his journey of self-education and perseverance.
   • Born in Goa in 1876, he was a weak child but his father had faith in a prediction that he would become a great scholar.
   • He had limited formal education but developed a strong passion for reading.
   • His life was marked by a quest for spiritual knowledge, including an attraction to the teachings of Saint Tukaram, and later, a profound dedication to Buddhism.
   • The biography chronicles his travels in search of Buddhist knowledge, including his time in Kolhapur, Kashi, Nepal, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). He faced hardships but remained dedicated to his studies.
   • He taught Pali at National College in Calcutta and later at Ferguson College in Pune.
   • He was involved with Gujarat Vidyapith, where he taught and wrote.
   • His commitment to social justice and his participation in the freedom movement (imprisonment during the Salt Satyagraha) are also mentioned.
   • The biography concludes with his final days, his decision for a fast unto death, and his peaceful demise in 1947.

4. Shantideva and Professor Kosambi: A Comparative Introduction (by Pandit Sukhlalji):

   • Pandit Sukhlalji provides biographical information about Shantideva, identifying him as a resident of Saurashtra from around the 7th century CE.
   • He discusses Shantideva's other works, "Sutra Samuccaya" and "Shiksha Samuccaya," highlighting Shantideva's vast learning and expertise in the Mahayana tradition.
   • Sukhlalji analyzes Shantideva's stance on the controversial issue of monks consuming meat, noting Shantideva's attempt at a balanced view.
   • He praises "Bodhicharyavatara" as a philosophical and poetic work that offers practical guidance for spiritual development. He emphasizes that while the text uses Buddhist terminology, its underlying spirit of compassion and universal welfare is non-sectarian.
   • Sukhlalji draws a parallel between Shantideva's Mahayana ideals (compassion for all beings) and the sentiments expressed in the prayers of Mahatma Gandhi. He sees Kosambi as a true embodiment of Mahayana ideals, almost like a modern manifestation of Shantideva.

5. The "Bodhicharyavatara" Text (Excerpts and Gujarati Translation):

   • The provided pages contain excerpts from the "Bodhicharyavatara" with Gujarati translation and explanations. These excerpts cover:
     • Chapter 1 (Bodhi-chitta Anushansa - Praise of Bodhi-mind): Introduces the concept of Bodhi-mind and its two types: the initial aspiration (pranidhi-citta) and the engaged practice (prasthana-citta). It emphasizes the merit of aspiring for enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
     • Chapter 2 (Papa-deshana - Confession of Sins): This section involves a sincere confession of past wrongdoings, driven by remorse and a desire for purification. It highlights the impermanence of life and the consequences of negative actions.
     • Chapter 3 (Bodhi-chitta Parigraha - Acceptance of Bodhi-mind): Focuses on dedicating merit for the welfare of all beings, aspiring for the benefit of others, and the importance of cultivating compassion.
     • Chapter 4 (Bodhi-chitta Apramada - Vigilance in Bodhi-mind): Stresses the need for constant diligence, self-control, and the effort to overcome inner enemies like desire and anger. It uses vivid metaphors to illustrate the struggle against mental afflictions.
     • Chapter 5 (Samprājanya Rakshanam - Protection of Mindfulness): Elaborates on the importance of mindfulness (smriti) and clear comprehension (samprājanya) in controlling the mind, described as a wild elephant. It provides practical guidance on behavior and attentiveness in various situations.
     • Chapter 6 (Kshanti-paramita - Perfection of Patience): Focuses on the power of patience to overcome anger and negative emotions. It explains how patience leads to peace, merit, and ultimately, spiritual progress.
     • Chapter 7 (Virya-paramita - Perfection of Effort): Emphasizes the role of sustained effort and enthusiasm in spiritual practice, warning against laziness and discouragement.
     • Chapter 8 (Dhyana-paramita - Perfection of Meditation): Discusses the importance of concentration and meditation for overcoming mental distractions and afflictions.
     • Chapter 9 (Prajna-paramita - Perfection of Wisdom): Explores the concept of emptiness (shunyata) and the understanding of impermanence and non-self as key to liberation.
     • Chapter 10 (Parinamana - Dedication of Merit): Concludes with the dedication of all accumulated merit for the welfare and enlightenment of all sentient beings, praying for the flourishing of the Dharma.

Overall Significance:

The publication of this Gujarati translation of "Bodhicharyavatara" serves as a significant contribution to religious and philosophical literature. It makes the profound teachings of Shantideva accessible to Gujarati readers, enriched by the scholarly insights of Professor Dharmanand Kosambi and Pandit Sukhlalji. The accompanying biographical sketch of Kosambi further underscores the dedication and intellectual journey of a great scholar in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. The text itself provides a comprehensive guide to the Mahayana path, emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and the aspiration for universal enlightenment.