Dwadasharnay Chakram

The provided text is the Dwadasharnay Chakram (द्वादशारनयचक्रम्), a Jain philosophical text attributed to Sri Mallavadi Suri (श्री मल्लवादिक्षमाश्रमण). The text has been restored and published with a commentary by Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji (आचार्यश्री विजयलब्धिसूरीश्वरः), from the commentary Nyayagamanusarini (न्यायागमानुसारिणी) by Sri Singhsurigani (श्री सिंहसूरगणि). The publisher is the Shantinagar Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Ahmedabad. The catalog link provided is for JainQQ.org.

The book is a treatise on Jain logic and epistemology, specifically focusing on the concept of Naya (नय), which are different viewpoints or perspectives used to understand reality. The title "Dwadasharnay Chakram" translates to "The Wheel of Twelve Nayas."

Here's a breakdown of the core themes and content based on the provided pages and the table of contents (विषयसूची):

Core Theme:

The central theme of the Dwadasharnay Chakram is to explain and analyze reality from twelve distinct Jain Nayas or perspectives. Jainism emphasizes Anekanta (अनेकान्त), the doctrine of manifold aspects of reality, meaning that truth is complex and can be viewed from multiple viewpoints. Nayas are the tools used to access these multiple perspectives. The text aims to demonstrate how these twelve Nayas, when understood in their cyclical relationship (Chakram - चक्र), provide a comprehensive and ultimately harmonious understanding of reality, leading away from rigid, one-sided views (Ekanta - एकांत).

Structure and Content:

The table of contents (विषयसूची) on page 10 outlines the twelve Nayas, which are presented as "Aras" (अराः) or spokes of the wheel:

1. Vidhi (विधि): Law, rule, order, conduct.
2. Vidhi-vidhihi (विधिविधिः): The application or proper procedure of the law.
3. Vidhi-ubhyam (विध्युभयम्): The dual aspect of the law (perhaps relating to cause and effect, or different interpretations of the law).
4. Vidhi-niyam (विधिनियमः): Law and regulation.
5. Ubha-yam (उभयम्): Both (referring to dual aspects or opposing views).
6. Vidhi-niyam-vidhihi (विधिनियमविधिः): The application of law and regulation.
7. Vidhi-niyam-ubha-yam (विधिनियमोभयम्): The dual aspect of law and regulation.
8. Ubha-niyamam (उभयनियमम्): Regulation of both (or dual regulations).
9. Niyam-bhangah (नियमभङ्गः): Violation or breaking of the regulation.
10. Niyam-vidhi-niya (नियमविधिनय): The application of the Naya of regulation.
11. Niyamo-bha-yam (नियमोभयम्): The dual aspect of regulation. 1ine. Niyam-niyamam (नियमनियमम्): Regulation of regulation (or the core principle of regulation).

The introductory pages (Prastavana - प्रस्तावना) on pages 6-10 highlight the significance of the text and the challenges in its restoration. It mentions that the text is based on a commentary and the original work by Mallavadi Suri is very profound and difficult to grasp, even for scholars. The editor, Acharya Vijaylabdhisuri, acknowledges the complexity of the subject matter and the potential for misinterpretations, expressing humility and hoping that learned individuals will further refine and clarify the text.

The text then delves into the detailed analysis of these Nayas, starting with the first section: Pratham Vidhibhangar (प्रथमः विधिभङ्गारः), which begins on page 12. This section, and likely the subsequent ones, systematically explores each Naya, often through a process of debate and refutation of opposing philosophical viewpoints. The text engages with concepts like:

• Annakanta (अनेकान्त): The Jain doctrine of manifold aspects of reality, contrasted with Ekanta (एकान्त) or one-sided views.
• Logic and Argumentation: The text uses rigorous logical reasoning and debate to establish its points, often critiquing other philosophical schools (Tirthya - तीर्थ्य).
• Causality and Reality: It discusses the nature of cause and effect, existence and non-existence, and the relationship between generalities (Samanya - सामान्य) and particulars (Vishesha - विशेष).
• Epistemology: The text examines the nature of knowledge, perception, and inference, questioning the validity of certain logical arguments and the very categories of existence.
• Language and Meaning: The proper use and interpretation of language in philosophical discourse are also discussed.

Purpose and Significance:

The Dwadasharnay Chakram is considered a significant work in Jain logic. It aims to:

• Elucidate the Jain Anekanta viewpoint: By systematically presenting twelve Nayas, it shows how reality is multifaceted and cannot be grasped by a single perspective.
• Refute opposing philosophical schools: The text critically analyzes and refutes doctrines of other philosophical traditions that are seen as one-sided or incomplete.
• Provide a systematic framework for understanding reality: The cyclical presentation of the Nayas as a "wheel" suggests a dynamic and interconnected understanding of truth, where each Naya complements and clarifies the others.
• Promote correct understanding and practice: By clarifying complex philosophical concepts, the text aims to guide individuals towards correct understanding and ultimately, spiritual liberation.

The restoration and publication of this text are highlighted as a significant effort, especially considering its complexity and the fact that it's based on a commentary of a commentary. The dedication of the publication to the memory of Acharya Shri Ratnasamshsuriji and the occasion of the silver jubilee of the Nirvana of Pujya Gurudev Vikram Suri M. reflect the reverence and importance attached to this work within the Jain tradition.

In essence, the Dwadasharnay Chakram is a profound and intricate exploration of Jain philosophy, offering a sophisticated logical and epistemological framework for understanding the totality of existence through the lens of multiple, interconnected viewpoints.