Gandharwad - Book Summary | JainGPT

The provided text is a detailed summary and commentary on the Jain text "Gandharwad," focusing on the "Gandharvaad" discourse. Here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Gandharwad Author: Dhirajlal D Mehta Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasaran Samiti

Overall Summary:

"Gandharwad," authored by Dhirajlal D Mehta and published by Jain Dharm Prasaran Samiti, is a significant Jain text that delves into the profound philosophical discussions attributed to the Gandharvas, the disciples of Tirthankara Mahavir. This particular work focuses on the "Gandharvaad" section within the "Visheshavashyak Bhashya" by Acharya Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman, with a commentary by Acharya Hemchandrasuri. The book translates and explains this commentary.

The core of "Gandharwad" revolves around the "Gandharvaad" discourse, which recounts the intellectual encounters between Lord Mahavir and the eleven principal Brahmin scholars (Indrabhuti, Agnihuti, Vayubhuti, Vyakt, Sudharma, Mandik, Mauryaputra, Akampit, Achalbhraata, Maitarya, and Prabhas). These scholars, initially proud of their extensive Vedic knowledge and convinced of their own omniscience, approached Lord Mahavir with specific doubts and intellectual challenges.

The text details the conversion of these eleven prominent Brahmins into the first eleven Gandharvas of Lord Mahavir's spiritual assembly. Each of the Gandharvas had a unique philosophical doubt, which Lord Mahavir skillfully resolved through his omniscient knowledge and profound wisdom. These doubts, as presented in the book, cover fundamental Jain ontological and epistemological concepts.

Key Themes and Content:

The Origin of Gandharvaad: The text explains that the discourse, "Gandharvaad," originated from the discussions held when the eleven Brahmin scholars, after their intellectual debates and eventual enlightenment, were declared "Gandharvas" by Lord Mahavir. Their initial doubts and the subsequent resolution formed the basis of this discourse.
The Eleven Gandharvas and Their Doubts: The book meticulously lists the eleven Gandharvas and the specific philosophical or existential doubts each of them harbored:
- Indrabhuti: Doubt about the existence of the soul (Jeev).
- Agnibhuti: Doubt about the existence of Karma.
- Vayubhuti: Doubt about whether the body and soul are one or distinct.
- Vyakta: Doubt about the existence of the elemental forces (bhutas).
- Sudharma: Doubt about the similarity between the current life and the next.
- Mandik: Doubt about bondage (bandh) and liberation (moksha).
- Mauryaputra: Doubt about the existence of Devas (celestial beings).
- Akampit: Doubt about the existence of Naraka (hellish beings).
- Achalbhraata: Doubt about the existence of Punya (merit) and Papa (demerit).
- Maitarya: Doubt about the existence of the afterlife (paralok).
- Prabhas: Doubt about the existence of Nirvana (liberation).
Lord Mahavir's Wisdom and Resolution: The core of the "Gandharvaad" narrative is Lord Mahavir's ability to address each of these doubts with profound knowledge, logical reasoning, and scriptural authority. He clarifies the Jain perspective on these fundamental concepts, demonstrating the superiority of his omniscience.
Philosophical Depth: The text goes into considerable detail to explain the arguments and counter-arguments related to each doubt. It touches upon Jain epistemology (pramanas like pratyaksha, anumana, agama), metaphysics (dravya, guna, paryaya), the nature of karma, the soul, the existence of different realms and beings, and the path to liberation.
Commentary and Translation: The book is presented as a translation of the Sanskrit commentary by Acharya Hemchandracharya on Jinbhadra Gani's "Visheshavashyak Bhashya." This dual layer of commentary adds historical and scholarly depth to the understanding of the original discourse.
Other Publications: The preface and introductory pages also list other works published by the trust, providing a glimpse into the publisher's dedication to disseminating Jain religious and philosophical literature. These include works on Jain principles, karma theory, puja rituals, and philosophical treatises.
Contextualization: The text emphasizes the importance of the "Gandharvaad" as a foundational discourse in Jainism, particularly as it clarifies the core tenets of the faith by addressing the doubts of the foremost disciples. It highlights the intellectual rigor and philosophical depth of Jainism, showcasing Lord Mahavir's ability to guide even the most learned minds towards spiritual truth.

Significance:

"Gandharwad" serves as an important resource for understanding the foundational philosophical debates within Jainism. It explains complex concepts in a structured manner, tracing the intellectual journey of the initial disciples and their eventual establishment as Gandharvas. The work is valuable for students and scholars of Jain philosophy, offering insights into the sophisticated arguments used to establish Jain doctrines. The meticulous translation and commentary by Dhirajlal D Mehta and the scholarly guidance of Acharya Kalyanbodhisurishwarji add significant value to this publication.