Granth Pariksha Part 03

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This book, "Granth Pariksha Part 03," is a collection of critical analyses and examinations of various Jain texts. The author, Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar, a prolific writer and former editor of "Jain Hiteshi," aims to uncover the authenticity and origins of these scriptures, highlighting deviations from the original teachings of Lord Mahavir. The publisher is Jain Granth Ratnakar Karyalay, Bombay. This is the first edition, printed in September 1928.

The introduction emphasizes that while Lord Mahavir's teachings were pure, like rain in its pristine form, they have become distorted over the 2,500 years of history due to sectarian divisions, sampradayas, ganas, and gacchas. The author asserts that the current form of Jainism is not identical to the one preached by Lord Mahavir and that significant alterations have occurred. He cites his previous work, "Jainacharyon ka Shasan Bhed," as evidence of differences among Jain acharyas, supporting the idea that the Dharma has not remained static.

Mukhtar argues that transformation is a natural phenomenon in all religions and uses examples from Hinduism (changes in the concept of cow sacrifice, niyog, inter-caste marriages) and Buddhism (Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist practices, caste system in Nepal) to illustrate this point. He contends that it's unrealistic to believe Jainism alone has been immune to these influences.

The book then proceeds to critically examine specific texts:

1. Somsen-Trivarnachar (Dharmarasik):

   • The author identifies Somsen as a modern Bhattarak, a less ascetic and possessive sadhu, possibly a disciple of Bhattarak Gunabhadra Suri.
   • The text was completed in Vikram Samvat 1665 (1608 CE).
   • Somsen claims to base his work on texts by Jin Sen, Samantabhadra, Gunabhadra, Bhattakalank, Brahm Suri, and Ashadhar. However, Mukhtar finds that the text is largely a compilation, borrowing heavily from other works, including Brahm Suri's Trivarnachar, Jnarnav, Jin Samhita, Ratnakarand Shravakachar, Adikuran, and even non-Jain scriptures.
   • Many verses are direct copies or altered versions from these sources, often without attribution.
   • Mukhtar highlights numerous contradictions and deviations from Jain principles, including the incorporation of non-Jain rituals and beliefs, such as specific daily routines and worship of various deities.
   • He criticizes Somsen for introducing practices like the worship of "Yoni-stha Devata" (deity residing in the female generative organ), which he deems against Jain teachings and reminiscent of Tantric practices.
   • The author also points out inconsistencies and illogical prescriptions, such as the timing of certain rituals and the alleged consequences of not performing them.

2. Dharmapariksha (Shvetambari):

   • This section, written by Mukhtar, analyzes a Shvetambari text titled "Dharmapariksha."
   • Mukhtar asserts that this text is largely a copy of Amitagati's Shvetambari "Dharmapariksha" (composed around Vikram Samvat 1070, 9th century CE).
   • He details how Padmasagar Suri (the author of the analyzed Dharmapariksha) copied extensively from Amitagati's work, even altering verses to obscure the original author and to align with Shvetambara beliefs, while still retaining elements that betray its Digambara origins (like the description of Draupadi's five husbands).
   • Mukhtar criticizes Padmasagar for his lack of originality, poor scholarly integration, and attempts to hide the source of his work.

3. Akalank-Pratishthapatha:

   • This text is examined for its purported authorship by Bhattakalank Dev, the author of Rajvartika.
   • Mukhtar finds no conclusive evidence to support this claim. The text's style, content, and reliance on works composed after Bhattakalank Dev's time (such as Adikuran, Jnarnav, Jin Samhita, Brahm Suri's Trivarnachar, and Ashadhar's works) suggest a much later origin, likely in the 15th or 16th century CE.
   • He suggests the possibility of it being written by another scholar named Akalank or created to give it faux authority.

4. Pujyapada-Upasakachara:

   • The author investigates the authorship of a text titled "Upasakachara" attributed to Pujyapada Acharya.
   • Mukhtar notes discrepancies between the printed version and older manuscripts, including missing and extra verses, and variations in numbering.
   • He argues that the text's literary style and treatment of subjects like the characteristics of an Upasak are significantly different from the known works of the famous Pujyapada Acharya (author of Sarvarthasiddhi).
   • He suggests it might be from a later Pujyapada or a compilation, and expresses the need for further scholarly research.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Decline of Original Teachings: The central argument is that Jainism has deviated from Lord Mahavir's original principles due to historical influences, sectarianism, and the interpolations of later scholars and ascetics, particularly the Bhattarak lineage.
• Critical Examination (Granth Pariksha): The book champions the importance of critical analysis and verification of religious texts, urging readers to move beyond blind faith and examine scriptures with logic and evidence.
• Influence of Non-Jain Practices: Mukhtar strongly argues that many practices and beliefs found in the analyzed texts, particularly those attributed to the Bhattarak era, are borrowed from Hinduism or other traditions and contradict core Jain tenets. Examples include specific dietary restrictions, ritualistic baths, auspicious timings for actions, worship of deities, and the concept of caste-based purity.
• The Role of Bhattarakas: The book portrays the Bhattarakas as influential figures who corrupted Jainism by introducing non-Jain rituals, promoting an un-ascetic lifestyle, and imposing rigid social hierarchies and superstitions.
• The Importance of Historical Accuracy: Mukhtar stresses the need to correctly identify the authors and time periods of Jain scriptures to understand their true meaning and to distinguish them from later interpolations.
• Call for Reform: The author implicitly calls for a return to the core principles of Jainism by exposing these deviations and encouraging critical thinking within the Jain community.

In essence, "Granth Pariksha Part 03" serves as a scholarly critique, aiming to purify Jainism by identifying and discarding accretions and misinterpretations that have crept into its scriptures over centuries. It is a call for intellectual rigor and adherence to the authentic teachings of the Tirthankaras.