Gyansar Astak Tatha Gyanmanjari Vrutti

This Jain text, titled "Gyansar Astak tatha Gyanmanjari Vrutti" by Dhirajlal D Mehta, published by Jain Dharm Prasaran Samiti, is a commentary on the "Gyansar" by Mahamahopadhyaya Yashovijayji, with a commentary ("vrutti") by Shrimad Devchandra Vachakvar. The book is a detailed explanation of the philosophical and spiritual concepts presented in "Gyansar," a collection of 32 octets ( Ashtakas) exploring profound Jain teachings.

The book is structured into sections, each dedicated to a specific octet, elaborating on its core themes. The author, Dhirajlal Mehta, has provided a simple Gujarati translation and interpretation, making the complex philosophical ideas accessible to a wider audience.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts covered in the text, as presented through the summary of each octet:

Core Themes:

• Knowledge (Gyan): The central theme revolves around the nature and importance of true knowledge in the Jain path. It emphasizes that mere intellectual knowledge is insufficient for liberation; it must be transformed into experiential knowledge.
• Self-Realization: The text guides the reader towards understanding the true nature of the soul (Atman) and its inherent qualities, differentiating it from the physical body and worldly possessions.
• Detachment and Renunciation (Tyaga): The octets highlight the necessity of renouncing worldly desires, attachments, and the ego ("Aham Mama" - "I and Mine") to attain liberation.
• Equanimity and Stillness (Shama): The importance of inner peace, control over senses, and mental stability (Samata) are stressed as crucial for spiritual progress.
• The Nature of Reality: The text delves into the concept of "Asli Satya" (True Reality) which is the soul's inherent nature, distinct from the illusory worldly experiences.
• The Cycle of Rebirth and Karma: The summary touches upon the understanding of karma and its impact on the soul's journey through transmigration.
• The Role of Guidance: The importance of true spiritual teachers (Gurus) and scriptures (Agamas) in gaining correct knowledge and progressing on the path is acknowledged.

Key Concepts Elaborated in Each Octet:

The summary meticulously details the essence of each of the 32 octets, often providing interpretations from the commentary by Shrimad Devchandra Vachakvar that offer nuanced perspectives. Some of the significant concepts discussed include:

1. Purnashtaka: Discusses the perception of the world based on one's inner state, emphasizing the idea that "As the person, so the perception."
2. Magnashtaka: Differentiates between concentration and absorption, defining absorption in three stages: pratyahara, manah-samadhi, and jnana-matra-vishrama.
3. Sthiratvaashtaka: Explains that the inability to overcome worldly afflictions stems from inner instability, comparing it to a splinter that prevents medicine from working.
4. Mohatyagashtaka: Focuses on the concept of Moha (delusion) as the root cause of suffering and the mantra of "Naaham, Na Mama" (Not I, Not Mine) as the way to conquer it.
5. Jnaanashtaka: Highlights the need for realized knowledge rather than mere accumulation of information, critiquing knowledge devoid of practice and self-control.
6. Shamaashtaka: Defines Shama as the culmination of knowledge that transcends dualities and rests in one's true nature.
7. Indriyajayashtaka: Explains that true satisfaction comes from within, not from sensory gratification, and emphasizes the danger of attachment to senses, citing examples of animals trapped by their senses.
8. Tyagashtaka: Discusses the incompatibility of sensual activities and detachment, reinforcing that true detachment is absolute.
9. Kriyashtaka: Underscores the significance of action (Kriya) as a mark of faith and provides a higher status to action than mere theoretical knowledge.
10. Truptyashtaka: Explains that satisfaction comes from the soul itself, not from external material objects, and that seeking fulfillment externally is a delusion.
11. Nirlepataashtaka: Uses the analogy of sky and ink to illustrate that the soul, though associated with material substances, remains inherently pure and unaffected.
12. Nihspruhaashtaka: Argues that true desire should only be for one's innate nature, which is already possessed, and that attachment to external things is pointless.
13. Maunaashtaka: Defines true silence not just as abstaining from speech but as the cessation of mental, verbal, and physical activities related to matter.
14. Vidyaashtaka: Distinguishes between true knowledge (Vidya) and ignorance (Avidya) through examples of purity and impurity.
15. Vivekashtaka: Presents Viveka (discrimination) as a tool to burn the seeds of worldly existence and cultivate the seeds of liberation, offering keys to its manifestation.
16. Madhyasthyashtaka: Uses the analogy of a cow and its calf (or monkey) to illustrate the concept of neutrality (Madhyasthya) and its role in resolving conflicts.
17. Nirbhayashtaka: Uses the metaphor of a peacock and snakes to depict the arrival of knowledge that dispels fear.
18. Anatma Sanshaashtaka: Addresses the potential downfall of even ascetics who indulge in self-praise, offering strategies to overcome this flaw.
19. Tattvadrishti Ashtaka: Explains Tattvadrishti as the vision that perceives the true nature of things, contrasting the perception of purity in a beautiful form with the reality of its constituent elements.
20. Sarvasamruddhi Ashtaka: Discusses the realization of all prosperity within oneself once external desires are subdued, using analogies of celestial beings and their riches.
21. Karmavipaka Chintanashtaka: Reflects on the consequences of karma, even for those on the path of purification, highlighting the vastness of the cycle of rebirth.
22. Bhovetogashtaka: Uses the metaphor of an ocean to depict the terrifying nature of worldly existence and the necessity of detachment to escape it.
23. Lokasannjagatyaaga Ashtaka: Addresses the tendency to follow societal norms blindly and advocates for following the path against the current (Pratisrota) for liberation.
24. Shastraashtaka: Emphasizes the importance of scriptures (Shastra) as a lamp guiding one in darkness, warning against knowledge without practice or the guru's guidance.
25. Parigrahaashtaka: Explains the detrimental nature of Parigraha (possessions) using the analogy of a pond's embankment holding back water, suggesting its renunciation leads to the removal of karmas.
26. Anubhavashtaka: Describes Anubhava (experience) as the dawn preceding Keval Gyana (omniscience), suggesting it's a key to unlocking profound spiritual insights.
27. Yogashtaka: Distills the essence of Yoga from the works of Acharya Haribhadra Suri, highlighting its role in attaining moksha.
28. Niyagashtaka: Illustrates the concept of Bhava-Yagna (spiritual sacrifice) as described in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, explaining its nature and how to achieve it.
29. Bhujapuja Ashtaka: Interprets Bhujapuja as self-realization, describing it through a symbolic bath in the waters of compassion and adorning oneself with the garments of contentment.
30. Dhyanaashtaka: Focuses on meditation (Dhyana) as the immediate tool for Kevala Gyana, emphasizing the qualifier "prashanta" (peaceful) for the meditator and its profound impact.
31. Tapashtaka: Explains Tapas (austerity) as the process of burning karma, detailing the significance of internal and external austerities, the joy of tapas, and refuting misconceptions about it.
32. Sarvanayaashrayana Ashtaka: Discusses the concept of Sarvanayaashrayana (reliance on all philosophical viewpoints) as essential for Right Faith, linking it to the teachings of Acharya Hemchandrasuri.

Significance of the Work:

The book is presented as a "Gyan Bhandar" (Treasury of Knowledge) and is noted for its profound spiritual insights. The commentary by Shrimad Devchandra Vachakvar is highly regarded for its depth and spiritual realization. The translator, Dhirajlal D Mehta, is commended for his effort in simplifying and making accessible this profound work. The publishers, Shri Jaindharm Prasaran Trust, are recognized for making this valuable literature available. The introduction by Acharya Vijay Kalyanbodhisuri highlights the importance of these texts for spiritual seekers.

In essence, "Gyansar Astak tatha Gyanmanjari Vrutti" is a comprehensive guide to achieving spiritual liberation by understanding the true nature of the soul, cultivating inner peace, practicing detachment, and realizing the profound truths of Jain philosophy through diligent study and practice.