Chandonushasanam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandonushasanam" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Title: Chandonushasanam (छन्दोनुशासनम्) Author: Vinaysagar (म. विनयसागर) - though the text credits Jineshwar Suri (श्रीजिनेश्वरसूरि) as the original author and Muni Chandra Suri (श्रीमुनिचन्द्रसूरि) as the commentator. Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (as per catalog link)

Core Subject:

The "Chandonushasanam" is a treatise on Jain prosody, specifically focusing on the Gatha (गाथा) meter, which is fundamental to Prakrit Jain scriptures and literature. It details the rules, structure, and variations of this meter.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Definition of Chhanda (छन्द): The text begins by discussing the etymology of the word "Chhanda," tracing it back to the Sanskrit root "chhand" which relates to limitation, coverage, and delight. Practically, it's defined as a regulated arrangement of syllables. It emphasizes that Chhanda brings order and rhythm, making language enjoyable and expressive. It highlights the importance of Chhanda in Vedic recitation and poetics, noting its inclusion as one of the six Vedangas.

2. Historical Context and Authorship:

   • The text acknowledges Ksheer Swami's interpretation of the root of "Chhanda."
   • Ancient authorities on Chhanda are identified as Shiva and Brihaspati.
   • Pingala's Pingala Chhandasutra is considered the oldest known work on Sanskrit prosody, with debates about whether Pingala preceded or was related to Panini.
   • The manuscript of the "Chandonushasanam" itself is a 12th-13th century palm-leaf manuscript, photocopied by the author of this commentary (Vinaysagar) in December 1970.
   • The original author is identified as Shri Jineshwar Suri (श्रीजिनेश्वरसूरि). He was motivated to create such works to present the philosophical and narrative literature of the Shvetambara Jain tradition to the world. He is credited with writing the first Shvetambara philosophical work, Pramalakshana, and narrative works like Leelavatikaha and Kathakosh. He encouraged his brother and fellow disciple, Buddhisagar Suri, to compose works on grammar and new prosody, leading to the creation of Buddhisagar/Panchagranthi Vyakarana.
   • The commentator is Shri Muni Chandra Suri (श्रीमुनिचन्द्रसूरि). He is described as a highly learned, ascetic, and celibate scholar who was a disciple of Shri Yashobhadra Suri and a grand-disciple of Sarvadeva Suri. He was known as 'Sauvirapayi' for exclusively consuming Sauvir (a type of medicinal drink or substance). He had a large following and was the guru of the renowned debater Vadi Deva Suri. His activities spanned regions like Gurjar, Lat, and Nagpur, with a significant presence in Patan. He passed away in 1178 CE. Muni Chandra Suri is also known for his commentaries on various other Jain texts.

3. Content of Chandonushasanam:

   • Focus on Gatha: The primary focus is on the Gatha meter and its subdivisions. The author, Jineshwar Suri, created this work specifically for understanding the meters used in Prakrit Agama literature, as Sanskrit prosody systems might not directly apply.
   • Syllable and Meter Analysis: The text delves into the characteristics of syllables:
     • Guru (गुरु): Long vowels, syllables ending in a consonant, syllables with conjunct consonants, syllables with visarga (a dot above), and syllables preceded by visarga or conjunct consonants are generally considered Guru.
     • Laghu (लघु): Short vowels.
   • Gatha Meter Structure: The text meticulously explains the Gatha meter:
     • It has two halves (ardhas).
     • The first half typically has seven elements (anshas/kalpas) and is characterized by specific arrangements of Gurus and Laghus.
     • The second half also has a specific structure, with a key difference being the sixth element (ashtamo angsho) being a single unit (ekamatra).
     • The text discusses variations and exceptions to these rules.
   • Specific Meter Variations: It details several variations of the Gatha meter, including:
     • Vipula (विपुला): Characterized by additional rests or pauses.
     • Chapala (चपला): Various forms like Mukhachapala (मुखचपला), Jaghanachapala (जघनचपला), and Sarvachapala (सर्वचपला), distinguished by the placement of Gurus and Laghus in different parts of the verse.
     • Geeti (गीति): A meter similar to Gatha but with specific rules regarding the sixth element.
     • Upageeti (उपगीति): Similar to Geeti, but with the sixth element in the first half.
     • Udgeeti (उद्गीति): A meter where the positions of the first and second halves of the Gatha are reversed.
     • Skandhaka (स्कन्धक): A meter that follows the general structure of Gatha but with different quantitative values and verse positions.
   • Quantitative Analysis: The text provides calculations for the number of syllables (varnas) and the total matras (syllable duration units) in a Gatha verse, noting variations based on the number of Guru and Laghu syllables.
   • Prostar (प्रस्तार) Calculation: It explains the calculation of "prostar," which refers to the number of possible combinations or permutations of meter based on the arrangement of Guru and Laghu syllables within a given meter. Detailed calculations for Gatha, Udgeeti, Skandhaka, Geeti, Upageeti, and Chapala meters are provided, highlighting the vast number of possible metrical variations.

4. Purpose and Utility:

   • The "Chandonushasanam" is highly useful for understanding and analyzing the meters employed in Agama literature, which is primarily in Prakrit.
   • It provides a systematic classification and explanation of the components of these meters (chhanda, yati - caesura, guru, laghu).

Commentary by Muni Chandra Suri:

Muni Chandra Suri's commentary is in Sanskrit. He composed it at the urging of Ajita Shravaka. The commentary clarifies the original Prakrit verses, explaining their meaning and the rules of prosody. The commentary itself is substantial, estimated to be around 243 verses.

Overall Significance:

The "Chandonushasanam" is a significant work in Jain literature for preserving and codifying the metrical rules of Prakrit poetry, particularly the Gatha meter. It serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners aiming to understand the structure and rhythm of Jain scriptures and early literary works. The detailed analysis of meter variations and the extensive calculations of prosodic permutations underscore the sophisticated understanding of poetic craft within the Jain tradition.