Brihatkalpa Sutra Prastavik

This document is the introductory preface (Prastavik) to the Brihat Kalpa Sutra, a significant Jain scripture. Authored by Punyavijay and published by Punyavijayji, this text, available via the provided link, delves into the authorship and historical context of the Kalpa Sutra and its associated commentaries.

The preface primarily focuses on a scholarly debate regarding the identity of the "Niyuktikar" (author of Niyukti, a type of commentary) and "Chhedsutrakar" (author of Chhed Sutras, scriptures dealing with monastic conduct).

Here's a breakdown of the key points discussed in the preface:

• Authorship of Chhed Sutras:

  • There is a widely held traditional belief in the Jain community that the Chhed Sutras were authored by the fourteenth- पूर्वधर (Purvadhar - an ancient Jain scholar who possessed knowledge of all fourteen Purvas) Sthavir Ary Bhadrabahuswami.
  • The preface acknowledges that while the Chhed Sutras themselves do not explicitly mention their author, later commentaries and texts consistently attribute them to Bhadrabahuswami.
  • The author cites verses from the Niyukti of the Dashashrutaskandha Sutra and the Mahabhashya of the Panchakalpa to support the claim that Bhadrabahuswami is indeed the creator of the Dashashrutaskandha, Kalpa, and Vyavahara Sutras.
  • Further evidence suggests that Bhadrabahuswami is also considered the author of the Nishitha Sutra (also known as Acharaprakalpa).

• The Core Debate: Who is the Niyuktikar?

  • The main contention of the preface is to question the prevailing belief that the Niyuktikar is the same as the Chhed Sutrakar, Ary Bhadrabahuswami (the fourteenth Purvadhar).
  • The author presents a nuanced argument, suggesting that the Niyuktikar might be a different individual, also named Bhadrabahuswami, who was a skilled astrologer and practitioner of the predictive sciences (Naittika).

• Arguments Against the Traditional View:

  • The preface meticulously examines various ancient commentaries and texts (Niyukti, Churni, Bhashya, Tikas) to identify inconsistencies with the traditional attribution.
  • Anachronisms in Niyuktis: The author highlights the presence of references to events and individuals who lived after the time of the fourteenth Purvadhar Bhadrabahuswami in the Niyukti texts. This includes mentions of specific Acharyas like Sthavir Bhagupta, Ary Simhagiri, Ary Vasuswami, Tosaliputra Acharya, Arya Rakshit, Phalgu Rakshit, Padaliptacharya, Arya Sammitasuri, and Kalikacharya.
  • Inconsistent Namaskara: The preface points out that in the introductory verses of the Dashashrutaskandha Niyukti, the Niyuktikar offers salutations to Bhadrabahuswami. If the Niyuktikar and Bhadrabahuswami were the same person, such a salutation would be illogical.
  • References to Later Events: The text notes that Niyukti texts mention the separate classification of various Anuyogas (philosophical streams) and the origins of specific sects like the Nidvadis and Digambaras. These events occurred significantly later than the presumed era of the fourteenth Purvadhar.
  • Mention of Ary Vasuswami: The Niyukti texts explicitly name and salute Ary Vasuswami, who lived after the fourteenth Purvadhar.
  • The Case of the Second Bhadrabahuswami (Naittika): The author proposes that the Niyuktikar is likely a different Bhadrabahuswami, who was a renowned astrologer and is associated with texts like the Varahi Samhita (authored by Varahamihira, whose brother is said to be Bhadrabahuswami). The Niyuktikar's inclusion of Surya Prapti Shastra (astronomy) in the ten major scriptures they commented on further supports this hypothesis. The author also connects this Bhadrabahuswami to the Upasarga Har Stotra.
  • The "Govidanirvyakti" and other Niyuktis: The preface discusses the existence of other Niyukti authors, such as Govindacharya, whose work is mentioned in the Nishitha Churni. This further strengthens the argument that "Niyuktikar" is not a singular identity.
  • The "Siddhasen" Connection: The preface raises a possibility that the author of the Brihat Kalpa Bhashya, Sanghadasagani Kshamasraman, might have a connection to the name "Siddhasen."

• Scholarly Context and Commentary:

  • The preface acknowledges the significant scholarly efforts of Acharya Malayagiri Suri and Acharya Khemakirti Suri in commenting on the Brihat Kalpa Sutra.
  • Malayagiri initiated a commentary but did not complete it. Khemakirti then completed the commentary, demonstrating profound scholarship.
  • The preface provides a brief biographical sketch of Acharya Malayagiri, highlighting his association with Acharya Hemachandra and his scholarly contributions. It also mentions Khemakirti's lineage and the approximate period of their work.

• Structure and Content of the Brihat Kalpa Sutra:

  • The preface outlines the extensive commentary literature available for the Kalpa Sutra, including Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Visheshachurni, Vritti, Avachuri, and Stabaka.
  • It discusses the challenges in distinguishing between the Niyukti and Bhashya, as they often appear merged.
  • The preface highlights the grammatical and linguistic aspects of the commentaries, noting the use of Prakrit and Sanskrit.
  • It emphasizes the importance of the Chhed Sutras, especially the Brihat Kalpa Sutra, as foundational texts for Jain monastic life, detailing rules and exceptions (Utsarga and Apavada).
  • The text explains the concept of Utsarga (main rule) and Apavada (exception or mitigating rule) and their significance in Jain ethics and monastic discipline.

• The Jain Sangha and its Organization:

  • The preface delves into the historical organization of the Jain Sangha (monastic community), describing the roles and responsibilities of various leadership positions like Acharya, Upadhyaya, Pravartaka, Sthavir, and Ratnadhika for monks, and Mahattara for nuns.
  • It discusses the evolution of these structures and the challenges faced by the Sangha over time, including divisions and the loss of certain texts.

• Appendices (Parishishta):

  • The preface concludes by mentioning the thirteen appendices that follow, which provide detailed information about the structure of the printed text, cross-references to sutras, lexicographical data, scholarly citations, proverbs, and other valuable historical and cultural information.

In essence, this preface is a scholarly exploration into the complex authorship of Jain scriptures, particularly the Niyukti and the Kalpa Sutra, aiming to reconcile traditional beliefs with critical textual analysis and historical evidence. It highlights the existence of potentially multiple scholars named Bhadrabahuswami and distinguishes between the Chhed Sutrakar and the Niyuktikar.