Hem Sangoshthi

The book "Hem Sangoshthi" is a collection of essays and a report from an event honoring scholars with the "Shri Hemchandracharya Chandrak" award. The event was organized by the Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smriti Sanskar Shikshan Nidhi in Ahmedabad in 1995.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

• Purpose: The publication aims to document the award ceremony where distinguished scholars were honored for their significant contributions to literature and culture, specifically those related to Shri Hemchandracharya. It also includes essays presented at a seminar held on the same day.

• The Award: The "Shri Hemchandracharya Chandrak" is presented to scholars who have made invaluable contributions to literature and culture. In the past, the award was given to Shri Lakshmanbhai Bhojak, Professor Shantibhai Gulabchand Shah, and Dr. Umakant Shah. The book highlights the ceremony where the award was presented to Pandit Shri Dalsukhbhai Malvania and Dr. Shri Harivallabh Bhayani.

• The Event: The award ceremony was held on October 17, 1993, at the Seth H. K. Trust's Panjrapol Upashray in Ahmedabad, in the presence of esteemed Acharyas. The event was described as a "Gyan Bhakti Mahotsav" (Festival of Knowledge and Devotion). It was attended by numerous scholars, professors, and a large audience of devotees. Notable guests included Dr. Suresh Dalal (Vice-Chancellor of M. S. University, Vadodara) and Shri Shrenikbhai Kasturbhai.

• The Seminar (Vidvadgoshthi): On the same day, a seminar was organized under the chairmanship of Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani. Scholars presented insightful research and discussions on the works of Shri Hemchandracharya. The essays presented at this seminar are compiled in this book.

• The Publication: "Hem Sangoshthi" is published by the Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smriti Sanskar Shikshan Nidhi, Ahmedabad. The editor is Muni Shilchandra Vijay. The book includes the report of the award ceremony and the collected essays from the scholarly gathering.

• The Trust's Mission: The trust was established in commemoration of the 900th birth anniversary of Shri Hemchandracharya, a revered scholar and figure in Jainism. The trust's objectives include:

  • Studying, researching, editing, publishing, and reprinting ancient literature.
  • Honoring researchers and scholars with special awards for their contributions to ancient literature and society.
  • Providing grants for the printing and reprinting of scholarly works.
  • Establishing memorials for individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of culture.
  • Organizing lectures, discourses, and seminars on literature and research, and publishing literary journals.

• Key Individuals and Their Contributions:

  • Pandit Shri Dalsukhbhai Malvania: Recognized for his significant contributions to the study and editing of Indian philosophy, particularly Jain and Buddhist philosophy, and his scientific approach to analyzing Agama literature.
  • Dr. Shri Harivallabh Bhayani: A renowned linguist and researcher of Prakrit languages, literature, and linguistics. He is described as a "living embodiment of beauty" and praised for his nuanced approach to scholarship.

• Content of the Essays: The essays delve into various aspects of Shri Hemchandracharya's works, including his contributions to yogic philosophy, grammar, his interpretations of religious texts, and his literary style. Specific essays touch upon:

  • Hemchandracharya's yogic traditions.
  • His experience-based yoga science.
  • His grammatical works, including the "Apabhramsha Vyakarana."
  • His philosophical treatise "Praman Mimamsa" and its role in debate.
  • The poetic and aesthetic value of his "Vitragastav."
  • The unique nature of his "Guna Vichar" (theory of poetic qualities).
  • The relationship between tradition and Hemchandracharya's approach.
  • Comparisons of his Prakrit grammar with that of Vararuchi.
  • A critical introduction to Somaprabhacharya's "Kumarapala-Pratibodha" and its context within Hemchandracharya's life and teachings.
  • A discussion on Hemchandracharya's "Guna Vichar" and its originality.

• Overall Theme: The book celebrates the intellectual legacy of Shri Hemchandracharya and honors scholars who continue to enrich the fields of Jain literature, philosophy, linguistics, and culture. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting ancient knowledge and scholarship.