Jain Sahitya Ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sahitya Ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1" (A Grand History of Jain Literature, Part 1), authored by Pandita Bechardas Doshi and published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi, with a second edition in 1989. This work is the first volume of a larger series aiming to cover the entirety of Jain literature.

Overall Goal and Scope:

The overarching goal of this multi-volume series, initiated under the guidance of Dr. Vasudev Sharan Agarwal, is to provide a comprehensive and authoritative history of Jain literature. This particular volume, Part 1, focuses specifically on the Anga Agamas, the foundational canonical texts of Jainism. The intention is to offer scholars and interested individuals a detailed overview of these crucial scriptures, filling a perceived gap in existing Indian literary histories that have often overlooked Jain contributions.

Key Themes and Content of Volume 1 (Anga Agamas):

This volume delves into the Anga Agamas, providing both an external and internal analysis.

1. Introduction to Jain Literature (Jain Shrut):

• Jain Shrut: The text begins by discussing the nature of Jain "Shrut" (that which is heard or learned), emphasizing the ancient tradition of oral transmission and memorization before texts were written down. It highlights the meticulous care taken by Jain ascetics in preserving the purity of pronunciation and meaning.
• Jain Ascetics and Scripture Writing: It explains why Jain monks, due to their strict adherence to non-violence (ahimsa) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha), generally refrained from writing scriptures. This reluctance stemmed from the potential for violence in the creation of writing materials and the sense of possession that comes with it. However, it acknowledges that later, when the oral tradition faced challenges (like famines and the loss of oral transmitters), the practice of writing scriptures became necessary.
• Evolution of Scriptural Transmission: The summary traces the lineage of Jain scriptural transmission, from the direct teachings of Tirthankaras to the compilation by Ganadharas and subsequent preservation through oral tradition and later, written forms.
• Scriptural Classification (Shrutgamyata): The text introduces the classification of knowledge, including Akshara Shrut (perishable, written/spoken), Anakshara Shrut (imperishable, innate knowledge), Samyak Shrut (right knowledge), Mithya Shrut (wrong knowledge), and various other classifications like Kalika (time-bound) and Utkalika (timeless).
• The Concept of "Shrut": It clarifies that "Shrut" in Jainism encompasses not just the texts themselves but also the means of their preservation and transmission, including languages, scripts, and even the physical tools of writing.

2. External Introduction to the Anga Agamas:

• Scriptural Compilation (Agamon ki Granthabaddhata): The volume discusses the process and challenges of compiling the Agamas into written form, acknowledging the contributions of both the Achillak (Digambara) and Sachelak (Shvetambara) traditions.
• Achillak Tradition's Mention of Angas: It notes that even in the early Achillak tradition's literature, references to the Angas and their contents are found, indicating their foundational importance.
• External Form of the Angas: This section details aspects like the number of Angas (twelve, with Drishtivada being lost), their constituent parts, and the immense quantity of verses (padapariman) attributed to them, acknowledging discrepancies between traditional accounts and available texts.
• Names and Meanings of Angas: The external form also includes the names of the twelve Angas and an analysis of their meanings, demonstrating how the names reflect their subject matter.
• Order and Style: The discussion touches upon the order of the Angas, their linguistic style, and the prevalent language (Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, later Sanskrit influences).
• Subject Matter and Themes: It outlines the general subject matter covered by the Angas, including Jain philosophy, ethics, conduct, cosmology, and history.
• External Influences and Denominations: The text examines references to other philosophical schools (paramata) and discusses the subject diversity within the Angas, noting their broad scope and the Jain tradition's ultimate goal (moksha/nirvana).

3. Internal Introduction to the Anga Agamas (Focus on Acharaanga):

• Detailed Analysis of Acharaanga: The volume then proceeds to a detailed internal analysis, beginning with the Acharaanga Sutta, the first and arguably most foundational Anga.
• Subject Matter of Acharaanga: It covers the core principles of Jain conduct, including the concept of 'achar' (conduct) and its various synonyms. It distinguishes between the internal and external aspects of conduct.
• Structure of Acharaanga: The summary highlights the division of Acharaanga into two Shrutaskandhas and five Chulikās (appendices), with the fifth Chulika becoming the independent Nishiith Sutra.
• Key Topics within Acharaanga: The text discusses significant themes within Acharaanga, such as:
  • Achelakta and Sachelakta: The discussion on whether ascetics should be naked (achillak) or wear minimal clothing (sachelak), acknowledging the historical evolution and differing views.
  • The Nature of Conduct: The text explores the philosophical underpinnings of Jain conduct, its nuances, and its various interpretations.
  • Conduct of Ascetics and Laypeople: It details the rules and regulations for monks and nuns, as well as the ethical guidelines for lay followers (upasakas).
  • Specific Regulations: This includes detailed discussions on rules regarding:
    • Achar ke Paryay: Synonyms and interpretations of "conduct."
    • Vastuparijnan (Dietary Practices): Rules about acceptable and unacceptable food, foraging, and the principles of alms-gathering (bhiksha).
    • Rules of Movement (Irya): The strict regulations for monks' movement to avoid harming even the smallest organisms.
    • Speech and Communication: Guidelines for appropriate language and interaction.
    • Personal Conduct: Rules concerning clothing, utensils, bodily functions, and sensory experiences.
    • The Life of Mahavira: The text includes details about Mahavira's personal conduct and renunciation.
  • Philosophical Debates: It covers discussions on concepts like Brahmacharya, the caste system (Varna), the understanding of vedas, the nature of attachment and detachment, the goal of Jainism (Vitaragta and Sarvajna), and critiques of other philosophical systems (paramata).
  • Doctrinal Discussions: It elaborates on concepts like 'aamgandha' (impure substances/actions), 'aasrava' (influx of karma), 'varnabhilasha' (desire for color/status), and 'doshavishodhana' (purification of faults).
  • The Role of Language: It analyzes the use of language and styles within the Angas.

4. The Larger Series and Future Volumes: The preface indicates that this is the first part of an extensive series that will eventually comprise eight volumes, covering:

• Part 1: Anga Agamas
• Part 2: Angabahya Agamas
• Part 3: Commentarial Literature of Agamas
• Part 4: Karma Literature and Agamic Chapters
• Part 5: Philosophical and Symbolic Literature
• Part 6: Poetic Literature
• Part 7: Jain Literature in Tamil, Kannada, and Marathi
• Part 8: Apabhramsha Jain Literature

Significance of the Work:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The series aims for a complete and thorough introduction to the vast body of Jain literature.
• ** Scholarly Rigor:** It is written by esteemed scholars and aims for authenticity and accuracy.
• Addressing Neglect: It seeks to rectify the historical oversight of Jain literature in broader Indian literary studies.
• Preservation and Dissemination: The publication serves to preserve and make accessible the rich heritage of Jain religious and philosophical texts.

Editorial and Publishing Information: The book was first published in 1952 and the second edition, which this summary is based on, was released in 1989. It was published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi. The second edition's publication was managed by Dr. Sagar Mal Jain, Director of the institute, with contributions from Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Dr. Shivprasad, and Mr. Indresh Chandra Singh for proofreading and index creation. The printing was done by Vardhman Mudranalaya, Varanasi. The funding for the first edition was generously provided by Shri Manohar Lal Jain and his brothers, in memory of their father, the late Shri Munilal Jain.

In essence, "Jain Sahitya Ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1" is a scholarly and foundational work that systematically explores the Anga Agamas, providing readers with a deep understanding of their content, structure, historical context, and philosophical significance within the broader spectrum of Jain literature.