Genuineness Of Uttaradhyayanasutra IX - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, focusing on the genuineness of Uttarādhyayanasūtra IX, verses 34-36, and the arguments presented by J. P. Thaker:

Central Argument: The author, J. P. Thaker, addresses the textual criticism challenges faced when teaching Prakrit texts, specifically focusing on verses 34-36 of the Ninth Chapter of the Uttarādhyayanasūtra. These verses depict a dialogue between King Nami of Mithila and Indra (disguised as a Brahmin), where Indra tests Nami's resolve to renounce worldly life for monkhood.

The Problem:

Verse 32 presents Indra's challenge: conquer all kings who don't bow to you before becoming a monk.
Verses 34-36 contain Nami's reply, which has been a source of confusion for scholars due to perceived metrical irregularities (a shift from Anustubh to Arya in verse 36) and grammatical complexities (nouns ending in "-a" without a clear verb or participle).
Commentators, including Santisuri and Nemicandra, have struggled with verse 36, interpreting certain nouns as "mind" and attributing the neuter gender endings to authorial license.
Professor L. Alsdorf, in his influential work, argued that verse 36ab is an interpolation due to its metrical shift and content (listing anger, pride, etc., which he felt were out of place in a discussion about fighting the "ātman"). He also questioned the genuineness of verse 35cd, suggesting a clumsy interpolation. Alsdorf proposed a reconstruction of the verses, suggesting the original answer was a single stanza, and the current form resulted from scribal errors and insertions.

Thaker's Counter-Arguments and Interpretation:

Metrical Shifts are Common: Thaker strongly disagrees with Alsdorf's assertion that metrical shifts automatically indicate interpolation. He points to numerous instances in ancient Indian texts where authors freely switched between meters to express their ideas precisely, prioritizing content over strict formal adherence. He argues that this liberty was a "usual practice" of ancient authors.
The "Ārya" Line: Thaker questions why a later interpolator would choose an Arya meter if their intent was to complete a stanza, suggesting an Anustubh meter would be more likely for metrical homogeneity, as it's the easiest. He believes the Arya line can be harmoniously integrated with the surrounding Anustubh verses.
The Meaning of "Ātman": Thaker clarifies the concept of "ātman" in this context. He argues that it should not be seen as a separate entity but rather as one's "own self." The "fight against the ātman" is an internal struggle, a battle fought by oneself, with no external help. This concept is deeply ingrained in Indian civilization.
Content of Verse 36: Thaker contends that listing "krodha, mana, māyā, lobha" (anger, pride, delusion, avarice) is not out of place. He explains that victory over one's Ātman (self-restraint) inherently includes the subjugation of these emotions. Therefore, these elements are integral to the concept of self-conquest.
Interpreting Verse 35cd: Thaker offers an alternative interpretation of "अप्पाणमेवमप्याणं जइत्ता सुहमेहए" (Appāṇamēvamaṁpyāṇaṁ jaittā suhamēhē). He suggests it can be read as "One can secure (highest) bliss by conquering oneself and oneself alone." He notes that while many commentators take the repeated "ātman" as an accusative used instrumentally, Mahopadhyāya Bhavavijayagañin's commentary suggests the repetition is simply for emphasis on self-victory, avoiding the "confusing" statement of fighting the self by the self.
Rejection of Extensive Scribal Corruption: While acknowledging the possibility of scribal errors, Thaker strongly feels that the frequent repetitions of thought and expression found in ancient Indian texts should not automatically be dismissed as "scribal mischiefs."
Holistic Interpretation of Verses 34-36: Thaker argues that the three verses (34, 35, and 36) form a coherent and homogeneous unit. He proposes a translation that sees Nami's response as a profound teaching on the futility of external warfare and the supreme importance of internal self-conquest.
- Verse 34 establishes the idea of conquering oneself as the ultimate victory, surpassing military might.
- Verse 35 contrasts external fighting (against foes) with internal struggle, emphasizing that the latter leads to bliss.
- Verse 36 details the internal enemies (senses, emotions) and reiterates that conquering oneself is the key to conquering everything.

Conclusion: Thaker concludes that verses 34-36 of Uttarādhyayanasūtra IX are genuine, constructible, and intelligible. Nami's response, delivered on the eve of his renunciation, eloquently expresses the core ideal of Indian traditions: complete self-control and the understanding that true bliss comes from conquering one's internal adversaries, not external ones. This interpretation aligns with Nami's role as a counterpart to King Janaka and reinforces the essence of a monk's pursuit of peace and happiness.