Dravya Gun Paryaya No Ras Part 1

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dravya Gun Paryaya no Ras Part 1" by Yashovijay Upadhyay and Dhirajlal D Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Title: Dravya Gun Paryaya no Ras Part 1 (The Essence of Substance, Qualities, and Modes)

Author: Acharya Shri Yashovijayji Upadhyay (with commentary/editing by Dhirajlal Dahyalal Mehta)

Publisher: Shri Jain Dharm Prasaran Trust, Surat

Summary of the Content (Based on the provided pages):

This extensive Jain text, "Dravya Gun Paryaya no Ras Part 1," is a profound exploration of fundamental Jain philosophical concepts, primarily focusing on the nature of Dravya (Substance), its Guna (Qualities), and its Paryaya (Modes/States). The provided pages reveal the introductory sections of this work, highlighting its depth, the author's legacy, and the purpose of this particular edition.

Key Aspects from the Provided Pages:

1. Author and Lineage: The book is attributed to the renowned Jain scholar and philosopher Mahamahopadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Gani, a prominent figure in the Shwetambar tradition. The commentary and presentation are by Dhirajlal Dahyalal Mehta. The lineage tracing back to Acharya Shri Hiravijaysurishwarji (who influenced Emperor Akbar) and through Acharya Shri Nayvijayji to Yashovijayji is emphasized, showcasing a rich spiritual and intellectual heritage.

2. Philosophical Core: The text delves into the Dravya-Guna-Paryaya (Substance-Quality-Mode) doctrine, a cornerstone of Jain metaphysics. It aims to explain how a substance (Dravya) is eternal and unchanging in its essence, while its qualities (Guna) are inherent attributes that can be both permanent and changing, and its modes (Paryaya) are the momentary states or transformations of the substance.

3. Purpose and Audience: The text is presented in Gujarati, with the intention of making complex philosophical concepts accessible, especially to "Balon ko Sukh Hetu" (for the happiness of the young) or for a wider audience interested in deep spiritual knowledge. The author, Yashovijayji, is known for his ability to explain abstrucial topics in an engaging and understandable manner, often through poetry (Ras, Sajjhay).

4. Historical and Scholarly Context:

   • The introduction (Prastavana) emphasizes the historical significance of India as a land of spiritual pursuit and the contributions of countless Jain saints, Tirthankaras, Ganadharas, and Acharyas who have illuminated the path to liberation.
   • It mentions prominent Acharyas from both Shwetambar (like Haribhadrasuri, Hemchandracharya, Yashovijayji) and Digambar (like Kundakundacharya, Nemichandraji) traditions, underscoring the shared philosophical foundations.
   • Yashovijayji's Life and Achievements: The introduction dedicates significant space to the life of Yashovijayji, detailing his birth, renunciation (diksha), rigorous study under Gurudev Shri Nayvijayji and others, his mastery of Sanskrit and Prakrit, his profound intellect, his famous "Avadhan Prayog" (demonstration of extraordinary memory and concentration) in Ahmedabad, his studies in Kashi and Agra, his debates and scholarly achievements (earning titles like "Nyayacharya" and "Nyayavisharad"), and his extensive literary output of over 80 original works and commentaries. His deep devotion to Shrutgyan (scriptural knowledge) is highlighted.

5. The "Ras" (Poetic Exposition): The title "Ras" in "Dravya Gun Paryaya no Ras" suggests that these profound philosophical concepts are presented in a poetic and engaging format, making the study more palatable and enjoyable, much like a devotional song or narrative.

6. Structure of the Book (Glimpsed in the Introduction): The introduction to the "Dravya-Guna-Paryaya no Ras" itself outlines the content covered in the 17 chapters (Dhal). Each chapter seems to focus on specific aspects of the core doctrine, including:

   • Defining substance, qualities, and modes.
   • Explaining their relationship (difference and non-difference).
   • Discussing the three characteristics of existence: origination, decay, and permanence (Utpad-Vyay-Dhruv).
   • Elaborating on the six substances (Dravya) of Jainism (Jiva, Pudgal, Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Kal).
   • Detailing the qualities (Guna) and modes (Paryaya) of these substances.
   • Analyzing different Nayas (standpoints of interpretation) and their application to understand reality.
   • Critiquing other philosophical schools and establishing Jain doctrines.

7. Commentary and Edition: The specific edition provided is "Swopajnya Tika Sayukta" (with its own commentary), indicating that the original text by Yashovijayji is accompanied by a detailed explanation, likely by the editor Dhirajlal Mehta, to further clarify the complex philosophical points. The publisher, Shri Jain Dharm Prasaran Trust, Surat, is dedicated to propagating Jainism.

Overall Impression:

"Dravya Gun Paryaya no Ras Part 1" is presented as a foundational and comprehensive work in Jain philosophy. It aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between substance, its attributes, and its transformations, crucial for understanding the Jain path to liberation. The provided pages highlight the scholarly rigor, the author's intellectual prowess, and the dedication of the publisher in making this significant work available. The introductory sections serve not only to introduce the book but also to pay homage to the profound legacy of Acharya Yashovijayji.

Note: The summary is based solely on the introductory and preliminary pages provided. The actual philosophical content of the main "Ras" would be found in the subsequent chapters (Dhal) not included in the provided text.