Jain Ganit Vichar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Ganit Vichar," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Ganit Vichar Author(s): Kunvarji Anandji Shah Publisher: Kunvarji Anandji Shah Bhavnagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009124/1

Overall Purpose:

"Jain Ganit Vichar" (Jain Mathematical Thought) is a significant Jain text that delves into the mathematical principles and calculations as expounded in the Jain scriptures, particularly within the Anuyoga (tradition of scripture) known as Ganitanuyoga. The book aims to present these complex mathematical concepts in a clear and understandable manner, making them accessible to a wider audience, including scholars, monks, and lay followers. The text is presented as part of a larger effort to revive and preserve ancient Jain knowledge, making rare and often inaccessible texts available through digitization and publication.

Key Features and Content:

• Preservation of Ancient Knowledge: The book is a product of the "Aho Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnovdhar" (Preservation of Sacred Knowledge through Restoration of Texts) project. It highlights the effort to scan, digitize, and publish old and rare Jain books, making them available on DVDs and potentially for download.
• Focus on Eight Types of Mathematics: The core of the book revolves around the eight fundamental types of mathematical calculations (Ganita) within Jainism:
  1. Paridhi (Circumference): Calculating the circumference of various circular entities like continents (dvipa), oceans, mountains, lotuses, and celestial bodies.
  2. Ganitpad (Area/Square Measure): Determining the area or the number of square units that can fit within a given circular or geometrical space.
  3. Ishu (Chord/Arrow): Calculating the "arrow" or the perpendicular distance from the center to a chord in a circular segment, often representing a central line.
  4. Jiva (Chord): Another term for chord, representing the longest part of a segment within a circle or geometrical figure.
  5. Dhanu:Prushtha (Bow Surface/Lunar Segment): Calculating the surface area of the segment of a circle, often visualized as a bow's surface.
  6. Baha (Side/Width): Determining the width or side measurement related to geometric figures.
  7. Pratara (Plane/Surface Measurement): Calculating the two-dimensional area of a flat surface.
  8. Ghana (Volume/Solid Measurement): Calculating the three-dimensional volume of objects.
• Detailed Explanations and Calculations: The book provides detailed step-by-step explanations of how to perform these calculations. It includes:
  • Formulas and Methods: Explaining the underlying mathematical principles, including the use of square roots, addition, multiplication, and division.
  • Diagrams and Yantras (Diagrams/Devices): The text mentions the use of yantras (diagrams or geometrical constructions) to illustrate the methods, though these are not explicitly detailed in the provided page snippets.
  • Practical Examples: Demonstrating the application of these mathematical principles with specific examples related to the Jain cosmology, such as Jambudvipa, Lavana-samudra, Dhataki-khanda, and Pushkaravara dvipa.
• Cosmological Context: The mathematical calculations are deeply rooted in the Jain understanding of the universe (Loka). The book applies these methods to determine the dimensions and measurements of various geographical and astronomical features described in Jain cosmology. This includes calculations for different regions (kshetra), mountains (parvata), rivers, and the paths of the sun and moon.
• Specific Calculations Demonstrated: The later pages of the text provide explicit numerical calculations for:
  • Circumference (Paridhi): Detailed calculations for Jambudvipa, Lavana-samudra, Dhataki-khanda, Kalodadhi, and Manushya-kshetra (Pushkaravara ardha) are shown, including the determination of the distances between gates (dvara) on the planetary circumferences.
  • Area (Ganitpad): An example calculation for the area of Jambudvipa is presented.
  • Ishu and Jiva: Detailed calculations and yantras for determining these geometric parameters are explained, with specific examples for regions like Dakshina Bharata, Vaitadhya mountain, and others.
  • Dhanu:Prushtha: Calculations for the bow surface are shown for various regions and mountains.
  • Baha: The method for calculating Baha is explained by finding the difference between successive Dhanu:Prushthas and dividing by two.
  • Pratara: The complexities of Pratara calculation are highlighted, especially for Vaitadhya mountain, which requires different methods based on its segments.
  • Ghana: The process of calculating volume by multiplying area with height is explained, with detailed examples for Vaitadhya mountain's three sections, Himavanta, Mahahimavanta, Nishadha mountains, and others. The book also discusses the volume calculations for Kanchanagiri, Yamaka, Samaka, Chitra, Vichitra, and other mountains.
• Sun and Moon Calculations: A significant portion of the later pages is dedicated to the mathematical aspects of celestial bodies (Surya and Chandra). This includes:
  • Number of Moons and Suns: Discussing their presence in different continents and oceans.
  • Mandala (Orbit/Sphere) Distances and Growth: Calculating the distances between celestial orbits and the increase in these distances.
  • Motion (Murtagati): Explaining the calculations related to their movement and speed.
  • Circumference and Diameter: Detailing how these are calculated.
  • Kiran Prasara (Ray Spread): Calculating the extent of rays from the sun and moon.
• Editorial and Collaborative Effort: The book acknowledges the efforts of various individuals, including Sadhvi Jyoti Prabhashriji M.S. and Sadhvi Jayarakshitashriji M.S. for inspiration, Shah Babulal Sarumal Bedawala for compilation, and contributions from others like Shastri Jethalal Haribhai. It also notes financial support from the Shravika community.
• Accessibility and Practicality: The author, Kunvarji Anandji Shah, expresses a desire to make these mathematical concepts understandable and practical. He emphasizes the importance of understanding square roots and that the rest involves basic arithmetic operations. The book aims to provide detailed calculations that go beyond mere formulas, making them accessible for study and understanding.
• Corrections and Improvements: The book includes notes on corrections and improvements made during the process, indicating a meticulous approach to presenting the information.

Significance:

"Jain Ganit Vichar" is important for several reasons:

1. Scholarly Value: It provides a detailed exposition of Jain mathematics, a branch that has historically been rich and sophisticated but often less understood by the wider public.
2. Preservation: It contributes to the vital task of preserving and disseminating ancient Jain scriptures and knowledge in a modern, accessible format.
3. Educational Tool: It serves as an educational resource for those interested in Jain philosophy, cosmology, and the application of mathematics within a religious and philosophical framework.
4. Interdisciplinary Relevance: It connects mathematics with religious texts, offering insights into how scientific and mathematical inquiry was integrated with spiritual and cosmological understanding in ancient India.

In essence, "Jain Ganit Vichar" is a dedicated effort to bring the intricate mathematical wisdom of Jainism to light, demonstrating the profound understanding of the cosmos and its workings held within Jain traditions.