Dravya Gun Paryay No Ras Ek Darshanik Adhyayan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dravya Gun Paryay no Ras Ek Darshanik Adhyayan" by Priyasnehanjanashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dravya Gun Paryay no Ras: Ek Darshanik Adhyayan (A Philosophical Study of Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya in Ras Form)

Author: Priyasnehanjanashreeji (Sadhavi Priyasnehanjanashreeji)

Publisher: Priyasnehanjanashreeji (Self-published)

Nature of the Work: This is a doctoral dissertation (Ph.D. thesis) presented to Jain Vishva Bharti University, Ladnun, Rajasthan, for the academic session 2011-12. It is a philosophical study of the work 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas' by the renowned Jain philosopher Upadhyay Yashovijayji.

Core Subject Matter: The thesis focuses on a philosophical analysis of Upadhyay Yashovijayji's work 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas.' This work, written in the ancient Maru-Gurjar language and in the form of a 'Raas' (a lyrical and rhythmic form of poetry), deals with the intricate Jain philosophical concepts of Dravya (Substance), Guna (Quality), and Paryaya (Mode or State). It aims to elucidate the interrelationship between these fundamental concepts through the lens of Jainism's anekantic (multi-faceted) viewpoint.

Upadhyay Yashovijayji's Significance:

He is considered a highly important Jain philosopher who significantly contributed to Jain logic and epistemology.
He was the first to introduce and extensively use the Naya (Standpoint) theory and the Naya style of argumentation within Jain philosophy.
He possessed a broad and integrative philosophical vision, similar to Haribhadra Suri.
His works cover epistemology, metaphysics, and Jain meditative practices.
He is credited with strengthening the anekantic view of Jainism through his exploration of concepts like Nayavada.
His 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas' is a significant contribution to Jain metaphysics, written in a dialect accessible to the common people, making profound philosophical ideas understandable.

Key Aspects of 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas' as analyzed in the Thesis:

Interrelationship of Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: The core of Yashovijayji's work, and consequently this thesis, is to explain the interconnectedness of substance, its qualities, and its modes. The thesis highlights that Yashovijayji's approach is based on the anekantic view, which posits that these elements are simultaneously distinct and non-distinct.
Anekantavada, Nayavada, and Syadvada: The thesis delves into the foundational Jain principles of Anekantavada (non-absolutism or multi-faceted reality), Nayavada (theory of standpoints), and Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication), which are crucial for understanding the Dravya-Guna-Paryaya relationship. Yashovijayji uses these to harmoniously explain philosophical differences.
Critique of Devsenacharya's Nayavada: A significant part of the thesis involves a detailed philosophical analysis and critique of Digambara acharya Devsenacharya's classification of nayas (standpoints) as presented in his work 'Nayachakra.' Yashovijayji meticulously examines and evaluates Devsen's classifications, identifying areas of disagreement and offering his own logical counter-arguments, particularly concerning the divisions and comprehensiveness of nayas. This demonstrates Yashovijayji's rigorous analytical approach.
Historical and Philosophical Context: The thesis places Yashovijayji's work within the broader context of Jain philosophical literature, noting the relative scarcity of detailed discussions on the intricate relationship between Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya in earlier Jain texts. It also highlights the unique feature of 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas' being one of the few philosophical treatises written in the Maru-Gurjar language in a lyrical form.
Structure of the Raas: The original text consists of 17 Dhalas (chapters or sections) and approximately 284 Dohas/Gathas (couplets). Yashovijayji's own commentary on this work is extensive, exceeding 400 pages, underscoring the depth of the subject.
Scholarly Approach: Yashovijayji's work is noted for its comprehensive engagement with various philosophical traditions. He not only references his Shvetambara predecessors and their works but also draws upon and critically reviews texts and viewpoints from Digambara and even non-Jain philosophical traditions where relevant.
Originality and Contribution: The thesis argues that Yashovijayji's 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas' is a crucial work for understanding Jain epistemology and metaphysics, especially concerning the nuanced relationship between Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya. It aims to bring this significant but relatively understudied work to the forefront of philosophical scholarship.
Accessibility: Despite the philosophical depth, the Raas form was chosen by Yashovijayji to make these profound concepts accessible to the general populace, not just scholars.

The Thesis Structure: The thesis is organized into seven chapters:

Introduction: Discusses the nature of the text, its philosophical significance in Jain literature, its subject matter, and the personality and literary contributions of Upadhyay Yashovijayji.
Jain Style of Object Element Discussion: Anekantavada and Nayavada: This chapter analyzes the core Jain principles of Anekantavada and Nayavada, explaining how they are applied to understand the relationship between Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya. It includes a detailed discussion of syadvada, saptabhangi, and the various classifications of nayas (especially critiquing Devsenacharya's work).
Development of the Concept of Dravya in Jain Philosophy: This chapter traces the evolution of the concept of Dravya from the Pāñcāstikāya to the Shaḍdravya framework, analyzing their mutual relationship and comparing them with concepts in other Indian philosophical schools.
Concept and Types of Guna in Jain Philosophy: This chapter defines Guna, explores its various meanings in Jain texts, discusses its classification (general and specific), and compares Jain concepts of Guna with those of other schools like Nyaya.
Concept and Types of Paryaya in Jain Philosophy: This chapter focuses on the concept of Paryaya, its necessity in Jain philosophy, its definition and forms (vyanjana and artha), and its types.
The Interrelationship of Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: This chapter is central to the thesis, explaining the interdependent relationship between Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya based on Anekantavada and Nayavada. It analyzes their distinctness and non-distinctness (bhedā-abheda) and contrasts Jain views with other philosophical schools.
Conclusion: Summarizes the findings of the research and presents the author's final thoughts on the significance of Yashovijayji's work.

Overall Aim: The thesis aims to present a comprehensive philosophical study of Upadhyay Yashovijayji's 'Dravya Gun Paryayanora Raas,' highlighting its importance in understanding Jain metaphysics, its detailed analysis of fundamental categories like Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya, and its contribution to the logical and epistemological traditions of Jainism, particularly through its critical engagement with the nayavada. It seeks to make this valuable work more accessible and appreciated within the philosophical community.