Dwatrinshada Dwatrinshika Prakran Part 8 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dwatrinshada Dwatrinshika Prakran Part 8", based on the provided pages and catalog link. The text is a commentary and analysis of a Jain philosophical work, likely the "Dwatrinshat Dwatrinshika" by Yashovijay Upadhyay, with further explanations and annotations by Muni Yashovijay.

Book Title: Dwatrinshada Dwatrinshika Prakran Part 8 Author(s): Yashovijay Upadhyay, Yashovijay of Jayaghoshsuri Publisher: Andheri Jain Sangh Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004945/1

Overall Context:

This volume (Part 8) of the "Dwatrinshada Dwatrinshika Prakran" focuses on the 31st and 32nd chapters (Dwatrinshikas) of the original work. The primary theme of the 31st Dwatrinshika is the philosophical exploration of Moksha (liberation), critically examining various viewpoints from different Indian philosophical schools (darshanas) and presenting the Jain perspective. The 32nd Dwatrinshika, "Sajjan Stuti Dwatrinshika," is dedicated to the praise of the virtuous (Sajjan), highlighting their qualities and contrasting them with the wicked (Durjan).

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Moksha Dwatrinshika (Chapter 31): The Philosophical Discourse on Liberation

Central Argument: The chapter, and by extension the entire work, aims to elucidate the true nature of Moksha, particularly post-liberation state of Kevalins (omniscient beings) and the ultimate liberation (Moksha) itself, distinguishing it from temporary states. It addresses various philosophical debates on the nature of Moksha.
Critique of Other Philosophies: The text systematically analyzes and critiques the concept of Moksha as understood by various Indian philosophical schools, including:
- Navya Nyaya: It discusses the Nyaya view of Moksha as the absolute destruction of suffering (duhkha dhvamsa). The author, following Yashovijay Upadhyay, scrutinizes the arguments of scholars like Varthaman Upadhyay (son of Gangesh Upadhyay) and points out flaws in their reasoning, such as the concept of Maha Pralaya (great dissolution) and the use of inferential proofs for Moksha. The text emphasizes that Jainism does not accept a universal Maha Pralaya, as some souls (Abhavya) will never attain liberation.
- Traidandi Vedantins: It addresses the belief that Moksha is the merging of the Jivatma (individual soul) into Paramatma (Supreme Soul), clarifying that this "merging" is interpreted as the shedding of the subtle body (linga vyaya), which aligns with the Jain concept of shedding karmic matter (nama karma).
- Buddhism: The Buddhist concept of Moksha as the liberation of consciousness (alaya vijnana samtati) is examined. The critique highlights the problem of an unsupported consciousness stream and the absence of a substantial basis for the transactional reality of "bound" and "liberated" souls. It suggests that if Buddhism accepts a consciousness substrate, it would align with the Jain concept of "paryaya naya" (perspective focusing on states/modes).
- Samkhya: The Samkhya view of liberation as the soul's (Purusha) steadfastness in its own nature is discussed. The critique points out that if Purusha is eternally free and immutable, Moksha becomes an unattainable goal, as there's no process of attainment or change.
- Nastika (Carvaka): The materialistic view of Moksha as suicide is refuted, arguing that the soul is indestructible and that suicide is an unachievable and sinful act.
- Tautatita: The concept of Moksha as the manifestation of eternal bliss is analyzed. The text questions the definition of "eternal" and argues that if it means eternal existence (anadi ananta), then Jain philosophy aligns with it. However, if it implies an uncaused beginning (anadi), then the continuous manifestation of bliss becomes problematic.
- Vedanta: The Vedantic idea of Moksha as the destruction of ignorance (avidya) and the soul's (Atman) subsequent existence in its pure form is reviewed. The critique suggests that if the Atman is eternally in its pure form, then the destruction of ignorance is either unnecessary or, if considered a necessary effort, poses the problem of the Atman's inherent impurity.
Jain Perspective on Moksha: The text presents the Jain understanding of Moksha as the complete cessation of all karmas. It further elaborates on this through different "nayas" (perspectives):
- Rjusutra Naya: Moksha is seen as the continuity (santati) of pure knowledge, bliss, etc.
- Sangraha Naya: Moksha is the manifestation of bliss resulting from the removal of obscuring karmas (avaran).
- Vyavahara Naya: Moksha is the effort-driven destruction of karma (karma kshaya).
Discussion on Self-Effort: The text emphasizes that Moksha is achieved through self-effort (purushartha) and the pursuit of virtues like detachment (vairagya) and equanimity (prasham).
Critique of "Moksha without Effort": The text refutes the idea of Moksha being attained without effort, whether it's through the cessation of causes of suffering or the inherent nature of the soul.
Moksha and Happiness: A significant part of the discussion revolves around the nature of happiness in Moksha. The text argues against the Nyaya view that Moksha involves the absence of all qualities, including happiness, asserting that happiness is inherent to the soul and is attained through karma liberation.
Vigorous Scholarly Analysis: The author, Muni Yashovijay, through his Sanskrit commentary ("Naylata") and Gujarati commentary ("Prakash"), provides detailed explanations, cites numerous sources from Jain and non-Jain scriptures, and employs logical reasoning to support the Jain perspective. The sheer volume of cited works (over a hundred) from Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Pali languages demonstrates the author's vast knowledge.

2. Sajjan Stuti Dwatrinshika (Chapter 32): The Praise of the Virtuous

Purpose: This chapter serves as a concluding auspicious chapter, reinforcing the path to liberation by highlighting the importance of virtuous conduct and association. It suggests that one cannot attain true liberation while harboring ill will towards the virtuous.
Qualities of Sajjan (Virtuous): The text elaborates on the characteristics of virtuous individuals, often through poetic metaphors and comparisons:
- Purity and Gentleness: They are like pure gold purified by fire, always speaking with sweet and gentle words, unlike the harsh words of the wicked.
- Discernment: They appreciate virtues (gunagrahi), while the wicked focus on faults (dosagrahi), akin to the Chakravaka bird loving the sun's rays and the owl loving darkness.
- Resilience: They are unwavering in their devotion to righteousness and scholarship, even when faced with adversity or the criticism of the wicked.
- Beneficial Influence: They are compared to the sun dispelling darkness, and their presence weakens the wicked. They bring festivals and remove fear from society.
- Respect for Preceptors: They honor and reiterate the teachings of past āchāryas, not out of a lack of originality but out of devotion and a desire to preserve and propagate the truth.
Critique of Criticism: The text addresses the criticism that new scriptures are redundant. The author argues that like a boat aiding passage through a vast ocean, new commentaries and works are essential for understanding the deeper meanings of the original scriptures, especially for those with limited intellect.
Gratitude to Gurus: The chapter, and the entire work, is dedicated to the author's spiritual teachers, acknowledging their profound influence and guidance. Muni Yashovijay specifically praises his guru, Muni Yashovijay (of Jayaghoshsuri's lineage), for his dedication to teaching, writing, and propagating Jainism.
Universality and Inclusivity: The author's approach is marked by a deep respect for all aspects of knowledge and a skillful integration of different philosophical viewpoints within the framework of Jain Anekantavada (multi-faceted truth). He acknowledges the contributions of various traditions while firmly upholding the core Jain principles.

Commentary and Editing:

The publication is significant for providing a new Sanskrit commentary ("Naylata") and a Gujarati commentary ("Prakash") on the original work. The efforts of Muni Yashovijay, along with the meticulous correction of textual impurities using seven handwritten manuscripts, make this edition a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners.

Overall Significance:

This volume, as Part 8, represents a culmination of extensive philosophical inquiry into Moksha and a profound appreciation for virtuous guidance. It showcases the analytical prowess of Yashovijay Upadhyay and the diligent scholarship of Muni Yashovijay in making this complex spiritual and philosophical knowledge accessible through detailed commentaries. The work is a testament to the enduring intellectual tradition within Jainism.