Jain Agamdhar Aur Prakrit Vangamaya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Agamdhar aur Prakrit Vangamaya" by Punyavijay, based on the provided pages:

Jain Agamdhar aur Prakrit Vangamaya (Jain Custodians of Scripture and Prakrit Literature)

This text, presented as an address at the All India Oriental Conference in Srinagar in 1961, explores the lineage of Jain scripture custodians (Agamdhar) and the evolution of Prakrit literature within Jainism. The author, Punyavijay, aims to introduce various scholars and their contributions to preserving and developing Jain canonical and related literature.

The Challenge of Preserving Jain Scripture:

The text begins by highlighting the precarious situation of Jain scriptures after the Mahavira Nirvana. Without the widespread use of books, knowledge was transmitted orally from guru to disciple. The emphasis on asceticism and renunciation meant many disciples were more inclined towards external penances than intense study. Furthermore, Jain principles restricted the accumulation of possessions, including books. These factors made the continuous transmission of Jain teachings (Shrut) a significant challenge, and its survival is considered a remarkable feat.

Key Custodians and Their Contributions:

The author then introduces prominent figures who played crucial roles in preserving and expanding Jain literature:

Sudharmaswami (Deceased 8 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Considered the custodian of the current recension of the Angas like Achara. The lineage of Gandhara disciples ultimately merged with Sudharmaswami's disciples, with his teachings forming the basis. Even though dialogues between Mahavira and Indrabhuti Gautama are recorded in the Agamas, Sudharma explained them to his disciples, and this tradition continues. While his direct recension is not fully intact, whatever remains is attributed to him.
Shayyamabhadra (Deceased 83 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Author of the Dashavaikalika Sutra for his son Mankaka. This text became so important that it replaced Achara Sutra as the initial text for Jain monks. It also altered the qualifications for Upasthapana (initiation) based on its study. The Dashavaikalika Sutra was accepted by both the Digambara and Yapaniya sects.
Pradeshik Acharyas: This refers to unnamed scholars who were proponents of prevalent interpretations of the Agamas in different regions. The text cites examples from commentaries on Sutrakritanga and Vyavahara Sutra, mentioning Eastern, Western, and Southern Indian Acharyas, and specifically Acharyas from Lata (Gujarat). These regional interpretations highlight the diversity within Jainism even in its early stages.
Founders of Five Hundred Orders/Commands: Stemming from a reference in Aryabhadra Bahu's Avashyaka Niryukti, this refers to a collection of doctrines or commands that were transmitted orally from gurus to disciples, not found in the Angas or Upangas. While no direct collection exists today, elements of these commands are scattered in commentaries.
Siddhantik, Karmagranthik, etc.: These are categories of scholars who adhered to the traditions of Jain Agamas, karma theory, and logical reasoning within Jainism. Their differing interpretations and practices based on lineage (Kula) and sub-sects (Gana) are mentioned.
Bhadra Bahu Swami (Deceased 170 years after Mahavira Nirvana): The last Shrutakevali (possessor of all twelve Angas). He is credited with the initial effort to organize the Shruta in Pataliputra. While the eleventh Anga was known, the twelfth was not. Bhadra Bahu agreed to teach it, but due to the curiosity of his disciple Sthulabhadra, the twelfth Anga could not be preserved in its entirety. Only ten Purvas were transmitted, leading to a gradual loss of the Shruta. He is also credited with authoring the Dasha, Kalpa, and Vyavahara texts, and possibly Nishitha. The text notes that the current author of Nishitha is Visakhagani Mahattara. The Kalpa-Vyavahara tradition also existed in the Digambara sect as Angabahya texts. Bhadra Bahu is also noted for systematizing rules of conduct and distinguishing between general (utsarga) and specific (apavada) principles, which might have contributed to later sectarian differences. The author also presents a view that the current Niryuktis are attributed to a later Bhadra Bahu, brother of the astronomer Varahamihira.
Shyamacharya (Deceased 376 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Author of the Pragnyapana Upanga Sutra and 23rd in the lineage of Vacaka (reciters).
Arya Suhasti (Deceased 291 years after Mahavira Nirvana), Arya Samudra (Deceased 470 years after Mahavira Nirvana), and Arya Manghu (Deceased 470 years after Mahavira Nirvana): While no specific works are attributed to them, their views on Dravya-nikshepa (classification of substances) are mentioned in the Kalpa Sutra commentary.
Padaliptacharya (Around 467 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Author of the Prakrit romance Tarangavati, though the original is lost, a summary exists. He also wrote a commentary on the Jyotishkarandaka Shastra. The text raises questions about the authorship of the commentary, citing differing opinions. He is also credited with authoring Shatrunjaya Kalpa, and a city named Padaliptanagar was established in his honor.
Arya Rakshita (Deceased 584 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Disciple of Arya Vajra. He is known for differentiating the four Anuyogas (categories of scriptural explanation: Charana, Dharma-katha, Ganita, and Dravya), making the insistence on explaining every sutra through all four Anuyogas optional. This was a response to the decline in intellectual capacity. He is also the author of the Anuyogadvara Sutra.
Kalikacharya (Around 605 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Contemporary of Shalivahana. He revived the Prathamanuyoga (narrative literature) and composed Lokanuyoga (related to astrology) and Gandikanuyoga. He is also credited with composing Sangrahani गाथाs (mnemonic verses), which served as an index to the Agamas.
Gunadhara (Between 614-683 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Author of Kashaya Pahuda, considered an Agama by the Digambara tradition.
Acharya Dharasena, Pushpadanta, and Bhutabali (Between 614-683 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Authors of the Shata Khanda Agama, a foundational text for the Digambara tradition.
Arya Mangshu and Nagahasti: Preserved the tradition of Kashaya Pahuda. Arya Mangshu is identified with the Manghu mentioned in the Nandi Sutra's Pataavali. Their works highlight the period before the clear sectarian divide between Shvetambara and Digambara.
Acharya Shivasharma (Before 825 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Author of Karma Prakriti and Shataka, significant works on karma theory.
Skandilacharya and Nagarjunacharya (Between 827-840 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Founders of the Mathuri and Valabhi recensions respectively. They attempted to compile and write down the Agamas during a severe famine that disrupted monastic life and led to the loss of many scriptures. Their efforts resulted in distinct textual traditions that persisted for centuries.
Sthira Arya Govinda (Before 850 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Formerly a Buddhist, he converted to Jainism and authored Govinda Niryukti, which dealt with the concept of soul in various elements. He is also referenced in commentaries on the Dashavaikalika Sutra.
Devarddhigani Kshamashramana and Gandharva Vadivetala ShantisuRi (Around 993 years after Mahavira Nirvana): Devarddhigani, a prominent figure of the Mathuri tradition, presided over a council in Valabhi where the Mathuri and Nagarjuni recensions were harmonized. ShantisuRi, associated with the Valabhi tradition, likely assisted in this process. The text suggests that the Mathuri recension was given prominence due to its comprehensiveness and inclusion of texts like Jyotishkarandaka.
Bhadiyaarya and Dattilaarya: Mentioned in commentaries on the Dashavaikalika Sutra, showing respect for their views.
Gandhahasti: Mentioned as the commentator of the Shastraparijana section of the Achara Sutra and as the author of a Mahabhashya on Tattvartha Sutra and commentaries on eleven Angas. However, the text notes a discrepancy with the mention in Himavanta Sthiravali.
Mittavayaga-Kshama Shramana and Sadhurakshita Gani Kshama Shramana: Their views are cited in commentaries.
Dharmagani Kshama Shramana: His opinion is cited in the Kalpa Vishes Churni.
Agastya Singh (Before the Bhashyakaras): Author of a Churni on the Dashavaikalika Sutra, important for its textual variations and linguistic insights.
Sanghadasa Gani Kshama Shramana (5th century CE): Author of Vasudevahindi, distinct from another Sanghadasa Gani. He wrote Kalpa Laghu Bhashya and Pancha Kalpa Mahabhashya.
Jinabhada Gani Kshama Shramana (6th century CE): A prominent Siddhantacharya, renowned for his Visheshavashyaka Mahabhashya. He refuted the views of Siddhasena Divakara and Mallavadi regarding the simultaneous existence of perfect knowledge and perception. His other works include Jita Kalpa Sutra, Brihat Sangrahani, Brihat Kshetra Samasa, and commentaries.
Kottayavadigani Kshama Shramana (After 540 CE): Completed the incomplete commentary of Jinabhada Gani on Jita Kalpa Sutra.
Siddhasena Gani Kshama Shramana (6th century CE): No independent works survive, but his commentary verses are found in Nishitha Churni and Avashyaka Churni.
Siddhasena Gani (6th century CE): Author of a Churni on Jita Kalpa Sutra, distinct from the above Siddhasena Gani Kshama Shramana.
Jindasa Gani Mahattara (7th century CE): Author of Churnis for Nandi Sutra, Anuyogadvara, and Nishitha Sutra.
Gopalika Mahattara Shishya: Author of the Churni for Uttaradhyayana Sutra, who identified himself as a disciple of Gopalika Mahattara.
Jinabhatta or Jinabhadra (8th century CE): Guru of Haribhadra Suri. His views are mentioned in Avashyaka Vritti.
Haribhadra Suri (8th century CE): A profound scholar of Jain Agamas and philosophy. He is known for his extensive commentaries on major Jain Agamas, including Avashyaka, Nandi, Anuyogadvara, Dashavaikalika, Pragnyapana, Jivabhigama, and Pindaniryukti. He also composed many other works in Prakrit and Sanskrit, enriching both languages. His works demonstrate a synthesis of philosophical and ethical principles.
Kotyaacharya (9th century CE): Wrote a commentary on Visheshavashyaka Mahabhashya.
Viracharya Yugala (10th-13th centuries CE): Two Viracharyas are mentioned; one completed Haribhadra Suri's incomplete commentary on Pindaniryukti, and the other wrote an independent commentary.
Shilankacharya (10th century CE): Author of commentaries on Achara Sutra and Sutrakritanga Sutra, known for their philosophical discussions.
Vadivetala ShantisuRi (11th century CE): Author of the Prakrit commentary on Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which became the basis for later commentaries.
Dronacharya (12th century CE): Scholar of Jain and other philosophical systems, who revised commentaries and authored Ogha Niryukti Vritti.
Abhayadeva Suri (12th century CE): Known as the "Navanga Vrttikara" for his commentaries on nine Anga Sutras. He played a role in standardizing the textual traditions.
Maldhari Hemachandra Suri (12th century CE): A prominent scholar who wrote extensive commentaries on Jain Agamas, including Visheshavashyaka Mahabhashya, Anuyogadvara Sutra, and Avashyaka Sutra. He also authored works on various philosophical and scientific subjects.
Shri Chandrasuri (12th-13th centuries CE): Two figures named Shri Chandrasuri are mentioned. The one relevant here is a disciple of Shri Shilabhadra Suri and Dhaneshvara Suri, who wrote commentaries and critical analyses of earlier works.
Acharya Kshemakirti (1332 CE): A respected Gyatartha Acharya of the Tapa Gaccha who completed the Brihat Kalpa Vritti started by Acharya Malayagiri.
Brihatbhashyakaras, etc. (8th century CE): Refers to unnamed ancient Sthaviras who were custodians of traditions and whose works, like Kalpa Brihat Bhashya and Kalpa Vishes Churni, are extant.
Avachurnikaras, etc. (12th-18th centuries CE): Acknowledges the contributions of later scholars who wrote smaller but significant commentaries (vrittis, panjikas, avachurnis, etc.) on the Agamas and Prakirnakas.

Prakrit Literature:

The text then delves into the vast field of Prakrit literature, categorizing it as:

Jain Agamas
Jain Prakaranas (treatises)
Jain Charita-Kathas (biographical narratives)
Stuti-Stotras (hymns and praises)
Grammar
Lexicons
Chhandah Shastra (prosody)
Alankara Shastra (rhetoric)
Kavya (poetry)
Nataka (drama)
Subhashita (aphorisms)

Jain Agamas:

Agamas are divided into Anga (canonical) and Angabahya (non-canonical). Angas were composed by the direct disciples of Mahavira, while Angabahya texts were written by other esteemed scholars. Agamas are further classified as Kalika (recited at specific times) and Utkalika (recited at any time). Today, they are categorized as Anga, Upanga, Cheda, Mula, Agama, Shesha Agama, and Prakirnaka. The number of Agamas has varied over time, with a current count of forty-five, though many mentioned in older texts are now lost.

Prakirnaka Literature:

Prakirnakas are generally considered to be ten, though a broader list includes twenty-two names. These texts cover a range of subjects. Some, like Chausarana, Bhakta Parignna, and Aradhana Pataka, are attributed to Virabhadra Gani. The text notes that the Aradhana Pataka might have been influenced by a similar work from the Yapaniya tradition.

Commentaries on Agamas:

Various types of commentaries exist in Prakrit, including Niryukti, Sangrahani, Bhashya, Mahabhashya (in verse), and Churni, Vishes Churni, and ancient Vrittis (in prose). Niryuktis, originating from Bhadra Bahu, have undergone changes and losses. Bhashyas and Mahabhashyas are significant interpretative works, with figures like Sanghadasa Gani and Jinabhada Gani being key contributors. Churnis are essential for understanding the Agamas and often contain valuable linguistic and textual information.

Prakaranas (Treatises):

These are works focusing on specific subjects. They are categorized as Tarka (logical), Agama (scriptural), and Aupadeshika (didactic). Tarka Prakaranas like Siddhasena's Sanmatitarka are significant for their philosophical insights. Agama Prakaranas delve into specific subjects from the Agamas, such as karma theory (e.g., Karma Prakriti by Shivasharma, Pancha Sangraha by Chandrarshi Mahattara). Aupadeshika Prakaranas offer guidance for spiritual purification.

Literary Works:

Jain scholars have produced rich literary works in Prakrit, including epic poems, dramas, and narrative tales. The text highlights the importance of works like Vasudevahindi, Dharmasagardeshakavya, and various Charita-Kathas which preserve cultural and historical information. The influence of Prakrit on Apabhramsha literature is also noted, particularly in Digambara tradition.

Prakrit Language:

The text touches upon the nature of Prakrit languages, their evolution, and the challenges in their study. It emphasizes the importance of ancient manuscripts and commentaries for understanding the original forms and variations of Prakrit. The author suggests that a comprehensive study of Jain literature is crucial for a complete understanding of Prakrit languages and lexicography.

In essence, "Jain Agamdhar aur Prakrit Vangamaya" provides a valuable overview of the custodians of Jain scripture and the rich tapestry of Prakrit literature that emerged from their efforts. It highlights the intellectual prowess of Jain scholars in preserving, interpreting, and expanding the Jain tradition through their written works.