Gyansara Ashtak

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gyansara Ashtak" by Bhagwandas Harakhchand, published by Jain Prachya Vidyabhavan, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Gyansara Ashtak (જ્ઞાન સાર અષ્ટક) Author: Upadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Ganivarya (ઉપાધ્યાય શ્રી યશોવિજયજી ગણી) Editor: Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand (પંડિત ભગવાનદાસ હરખચંદ) Publisher: Shri Jain Prachya Vidhyabhavan (શ્રી જૈન પ્રાચ્ય વિદ્યાભવન) Foreword/Introduction (Prastavana): Provided by Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand Doshi.

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I. Overview of the Work and its Author:

• "Gyansara Ashtak" is a significant Jain text comprising 33 "Ashtaks" (groups of eight verses), each exploring a distinct spiritual or philosophical concept.
• The author, Upadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Ganivarya, was a prominent Jain scholar, logician, and philosopher. He is renowned for his profound intellect and extensive literary contributions.
• The text was compiled and edited by Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand, who played a crucial role in its publication and dissemination.
• The work is presented with a Gujarati commentary (Bhashyartha/Balavabodh), also authored by Upadhyay Yashovijayji, making the profound concepts accessible to a wider audience.
• The book is structured into an introduction (Prastavana), the main text divided into 33 Ashtaks, a section on "Atmajnanan Sambandhi Sadhan" (Means of Self-Knowledge), and a corrigendum (Shuddhipatra).

II. Life and Achievements of Upadhyay Yashovijayji:

• Upadhyay Yashovijayji was a highly learned and influential Jain monk.
• He embarked on his spiritual journey at a young age, taking initiation in Vikram Samvat (V.S.) 1688.
• To deepen his knowledge, he studied various philosophical schools like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Baudha, and Mimamsa in Kashi.
• He achieved the titles of "Nyayavisharad" (Master of Logic) and "Nyayacharya" (Teacher of Logic), reportedly in Kashi after mastering complex philosophical texts and winning debates.
• He further honed his skills in Agra and then traveled widely, gaining fame for his intellectual prowess.
• His contributions extended to composing numerous works on logic, spiritual philosophy, and devotional poetry, making him a scholar comparable to Acharya Hemchandrasuri.
• He passed away in Dadi in V.S. 1743.

III. Core Message and Structure of Gyansara Ashtak:

• Central Theme: The primary goal of "Gyansara Ashtak" is to guide the reader towards "Purnata" (completeness or perfection) of the soul.
• Methodology: The Ashtak is structured to lead the reader from the initial state of the soul towards its ultimate, complete, and pure form.
  • It begins with "Purnashtak", describing the state of perfection.
  • It then systematically outlines various spiritual practices and states of mind required to achieve this perfection. These include:
    • Magnta (Absorption/Immersal)
    • Sthirta (Steadfastness)
    • Mohatyaga (Renunciation of Delusion)
    • Jnana (Knowledge)
    • Shama (Tranquility)
    • Indriyajaya (Control of Senses)
    • Tyaga (Renunciation)
    • Kriya (Action)
    • Truti (Contentment)
    • Niralepa (Non-attachment)
    • Nihspruha (Desirelessness)
    • Mauna (Silence/Equanimity)
    • Vidya (Knowledge/Wisdom)
    • Vivek (Discrimination)
    • Madhyastha (Equanimity/Impartiality)
    • Nirbhaya (Fearlessness)
    • Anatma-shansa (Non-praise of the ego/self)
    • Tattvadrishti (Vision of Reality)
    • Sarva Samruddhi (All-encompassing prosperity)
    • Karmavipak Chintana (Contemplation of Karmic fruition)
    • Bhogashtak (Desire for worldly pleasures)
    • Lokasanjna Tyaga (Renunciation of worldly recognition)
    • Shastra (Scriptural study)
    • Parigraha (Possessions)
    • Anubhava (Experience)
    • Yoga (Spiritual discipline)
    • Niyaga (Ritualistic offering/sacrifice)
    • Puja (Worship)
    • Dhyana (Meditation)
    • Tapa (Austerity)
    • Sarva Naya Ashrayana (Adherence to all philosophical viewpoints)
• Ashtak Format: Each Ashtak concisely covers its theme in eight verses, making the text both profound and accessible. This format is noted as being pioneered by Acharya Haribhadra.

IV. Key Philosophical and Spiritual Concepts:

• Purnata (Completeness): The ultimate goal is the soul's perfect and complete state, free from worldly imperfections.
• Stages of Spiritual Progress: The Ashtaks map out a progressive journey, starting from the recognition of the self's true nature and moving through stages of self-control, knowledge, tranquility, and culminating in the experience of the soul's inherent bliss.
• Renunciation (Tyaga): A strong emphasis is placed on renouncing external possessions (Parigraha) and internal attachments (Mohatyaga, Sparuhata) and ego-driven praise (Anatma-shansa).
• Knowledge (Jnana) and Experience (Anubhava): True knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential. The text distinguishes between superficial scriptural knowledge and the profound realization through inner experience.
• Meditation (Dhyana) and Yoga: These are presented as crucial tools for achieving inner peace, controlling the senses, and attaining the ultimate state.
• Equanimity (Madhyastha, Samata): Maintaining a balanced perspective, free from attachment and aversion, is essential for spiritual progress.
• Discrimination (Vivek): The ability to distinguish between the eternal soul and transient worldly objects is highlighted.
• Control of Senses (Indriyajaya): The senses are powerful forces that must be brought under control to prevent the soul from straying into worldly pursuits.
• Karma and its Consequences: The text acknowledges the role of karma and the contemplation of its fruition (Karmavipak Chintana) in understanding the worldly cycle and motivating spiritual effort.
• Svadhyaya (Self-Study) and Guru's Guidance: The importance of studying scriptures and seeking the guidance of a Guru is implicitly and explicitly emphasized.

V. Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand's Contribution:

• Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand was a dedicated scholar and patron of Jain literature.
• He was instrumental in publishing the first edition of "Gyansara Ashtak" and spearheaded this second edition in memory of his own passing, highlighting his deep commitment to the text.
• His foreword provides a detailed biographical sketch of Upadhyay Yashovijayji and elaborates on the structure and philosophical depth of "Gyansara Ashtak."
• He was actively involved in establishing and managing the Jain Prachya Vidhyabhavan and the Jain Vidyarthi Mandir in Ahmedabad, demonstrating his commitment to spreading Jain knowledge.
• His personal life is described as one of dedication to study, teaching, and promoting Jain heritage.

VI. The Gujarati Commentary (Bhashyartha/Balavabodh):

• Upadhyay Yashovijayji himself authored the commentary to make the "Gyansara Ashtak" understandable, even to children.
• The commentary is praised for its clarity and ability to convey the core essence of the original text without unnecessary embellishment.
• The editor, Pandit Bhagwandas, mentions that the commentary's language was chosen to be accessible and engaging, like "nectar flowing from the mouth of a child."

VII. Overall Significance:

• "Gyansara Ashtak" is a profound spiritual guide that elucidates the path to self-realization and liberation.
• It is a testament to the philosophical richness of Jainism and the scholarly legacy of Upadhyay Yashovijayji.
• The text emphasizes a holistic approach to spiritual development, integrating knowledge, practice, and inner experience.
• The effort of Pandit Bhagwandas Harkhchand in preserving and publishing this work is highly commendable, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility to future generations.

This summary aims to capture the essence and scope of the "Gyansara Ashtak" as presented in the provided pages.