Jain Sahitya Ka Itihas 02

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sahitya ka Itihas 02" by Kailashchandra Shastri, focusing on the second volume which covers the history of Jain literature.

The book, published by Shri Ganeshprasad Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan, is the second part of a larger series aiming to chronicle the history of Jain literature. The author, Kailashchandra Shastri, a renowned scholar of Jainism, meticulously details the vast and rich literary tradition of Jainism.

Overall Structure of the Work (as per page 2):

The entire work, "Jain Sahitya ka Itihas," is divided into:

1. Pithika (Introduction/Preface): A foundational section of 776 pages covering the pre-and post-Mahavir periods, exploring the history of Jain Dharma, investigating ancient conditions, historical eras, and the concept of 'Shrutavatar' (transmission of knowledge). It emphasizes detailed, accurate, and unbiased research.
2. First Part (Volume 1): This part, comprising 510 pages, focuses on:
   • Mulaagama-Sahitya (Core Agama Literature): Detailed analysis of texts like Kashaya Pahuda, Shatkhandagama (Patkhandagama), and Mahabandha, including their subject matter and authors.
   • Charana-Sahitya (Literature on Conduct): Discussion of Charana literature.
   • Tikacharya-Sahitya (Commentarial Literature): Detailed exploration of commentaries like Dhavala on Shatkhandagama and Jayadhavala, their subject matter, and authors.
   • Other Ancient Karmic Literature.
   • Later Karmic Literature. In essence, this volume illuminates the Agama and its commentary literature.
3. Second Part (Volume 2 - The book in question): This volume covers the remaining vast corpus of Jain literature, providing a historical assessment of Digambara literature in its entirety, building upon the foundation laid in the Pithika and the first part.

Focus of Volume 2 (as per page 2 and the table of contents):

Volume 2, the subject of this summary, specifically delves into:

• Chapter 1: Geography and Astronomy Literature (pages 1-93):

  • Introduction to Jain Geography: Discusses the 'Lokanu-yoga' literature, which encompasses descriptions of islands, oceans, mountains, rivers, regions, cities, the sun, moon, planets, and stars. This literature integrates aspects of modern astrology, divination, astronomical calculation, and geography.
  • Distinction from Vedic and Buddhist Cosmography: Highlights that Jain 'Lokanu-yoga' literature presents a distinct and reasoned perspective on cosmic and geographical matters, often differing from Vedic Puranic traditions. It emphasizes the Jain approach of providing logical explanations and 'vasanas' (underlying reasons or tendencies) for phenomena, avoiding bias.
  • Lokanuyoga and Religious Significance: Explains the importance of Lokanu-yoga within Jainism, particularly in relation to the four types of religious contemplation (Dharmadhyan), two of which, Vipaka-vichaya and Samsthana-vichaya, are directly related to karmic and locational (cosmic) contemplation respectively. This made the study of Lokanu-yoga literature vital for both ascetics and lay followers.
  • Historical Context: Mentions the original existence of texts like Chandraprajnapti, Suryaprajnapti, Jambudvipa Prajnapti, and Dvipa-samudra Prajnapti as part of the lost Drishtivada Anga, the final and most significant of the twelve Angas.
  • Detailed Description of Jain Cosmology:
    • Lok (Universe): Explains the concept of Lokakasha (inhabited space) and Alokakasha (uninhabited space), and the three divisions of Lok: Adholok (lower world), Madhyalok (middle world), and Urdhvalok (upper world). It describes the human-like shape of the universe, its measurement in 'rajju', its dimensions, and the celestial realms (heavens, hells, Siddha-loka).
    • Adholok: Details the seven subterranean realms (Prithvis) and the hells within them, including their characteristic names and the suffering of their inhabitants.
    • Madhyalok: Describes the concentric arrangement of islands (dvipas) and oceans (samudras), commencing with Jambudvipa at the center, surrounded by the Lavaṇa Samudra, then Ghatikhanda Dvipa, Kalodadhi Samudra, Pushkaravara Dvipa, and so on, with dimensions doubling progressively. It mentions Mount Meru at the center of Jambudvipa and the various regions (Varshas) like Bharat, Airavata, and Videha, and the mountain ranges (Varshadharas) dividing them. It also touches upon the concept of Karma Bhumi and Bhoga Bhumi (regions of action and enjoyment) and the cyclical nature of time (Utsarpini and Avasarpini).
    • Urdhvalok: Briefly mentions the heavens and the Siddha-loka above the universe.
  • Astronomy: Details the relative positions and distances of stars, sun, moon, and planets from the earth's surface, describing the celestial spheres.
  • Analysis of Ancient Jain Texts: Discusses texts like Lokavibhaga (an ancient text on cosmology), Tiloyapannatti (Triloka Prajnapti) as a foundational work for Jain cosmology, and mentions references to other texts like Maghayani, Lokayni, Sanghayani, Lokavichaya, and Mulachara, analyzing their content and potential relationships. It also highlights the author's critical engagement with previous scholarly views, such as Professor Hiralal's interpretation of 'Saggayani' as a corrupt form of 'Agrayaniya Purva'.
  • Discrepancies and Scholarly Debate: Engages in scholarly debate regarding the compilation and dating of texts like Tiloyapannatti and Lokavibhaga, referencing the work of scholars like Premji and Phoolchand Shastri. It questions the original authorship and the extent of later interpolations.

• Chapter 2: Dravyanuyoga (Adhyatma) Related Original Literature (pages 93-171):

  • Origin of Jain Spirituality: Traces the roots of Jain spirituality to the teachings of Lord Mahavir and his principal disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, who compiled the twelve Angas. The twelfth Anga, Drishtivada, was particularly rich in Dravyanuyoga and Adhyatma literature.
  • The Significance of Dravyanuyoga: Explains that Dravyanuyoga deals with fundamental principles like Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Karma, Bandha (bondage), and Moksha (liberation). It highlights its importance in Jain religious practice, particularly in the context of Dharmadhyana (contemplation).
  • Key Figures and Texts: Focuses on Acharya Kundakunda as the primary exponent of Jain Adhyatma literature. It discusses his significant works like Samaysara (considered the crest-jewel of Jain spirituality), Pravachanasara (expounding Jain philosophy), and Niyamasara. It also mentions other important contributors like Pujyapada Devanandi (known for Ishopadesha and Samadhitantra) and Joindhū (author of Parmatma-prakasha and Yogasara).
  • Concepts of Naya (Perspective): Explains the crucial Jain philosophical concepts of Nischaya Naya (ultimate reality perspective) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional reality perspective), emphasizing Kundakunda's unique contribution in presenting the ultimate reality of the soul through Nischaya Naya.
  • The Nature of the Soul (Jiva): Details the Jain understanding of the soul as pure consciousness, distinct from the body and karma, and its eternal, unchanging nature. It contrasts this with other philosophical schools like Vedanta, Samkhya, and Buddhism.
  • Karma and Liberation: Discusses the Jain doctrine of karma and how it binds the soul, and how through practices like Samvara (cessation of new karmic influx), Nirjara (shedding of existing karma), and virtuous conduct, liberation (Moksha) can be attained.
  • Kundakunda's Contribution: Highlights Kundakunda's mastery in presenting complex spiritual concepts in simple, accessible language, making his works profoundly impactful.
  • Scholarly Debate on Kundakunda's Time: Discusses the various theories and evidence regarding the exact period of Acharya Kundakunda, referencing the works of scholars like Premiji, Mukhtarji, Dr. Pathak, Prof. Chakravarti, and Dr. Upadhye. It delves into the complexities of identifying his exact period due to multiple names (Padmanandi, Griddhapiccha, Elacharya) and historical uncertainties.
  • Influence of Other Philosophies: Notes the presence of concepts and terminology that show an awareness of or interaction with other Indian philosophical traditions like Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, and Buddhism, but emphasizes the unique synthesis and reinterpretation within the Jain framework.

• Chapter 3: Adhyatma-Related Commentary Literature (pages 172-209):

  • Significance of Commentaries: Underscores the importance of commentary literature in making the original profound spiritual texts accessible and understandable.
  • Commentators and Their Works:
    • Amritachandrasuri: Discusses his role as a key commentator on Kundakunda's works, particularly Samaysara (his commentary is known as 'Atmakhyati'), Pravachanasara ('Tattva Deepika'), and Panchastikaya ('Tattva Pradeepika Vritti'). His independent works like 'Purushartha Siddhi-upaya' and 'Tattvasara' are also highlighted. His style is noted for its clarity, depth, and beautiful poetic expression, especially in the 'Kalasha' verses. His sophisticated philosophical analysis and integration of concepts are emphasized.
    • Jayachandra: Considered a successor to Amritachandra, his commentaries (known as 'Tatparya Vritti') on Kundakunda's works are characterized by detailed word-by-word explanations, inclusion of additional verses, and extensive references to other Jain texts and even debates with other philosophical schools. His work is seen as making the original texts more accessible through a more scholastic approach.
    • Brahmadeva: His commentaries on Parmatma-prakasha and Dravya-samgraha are discussed. Brahmadeva is noted for his scholarly breadth, engaging with various philosophical viewpoints and offering detailed explanations, particularly in Dravya-samgraha where he clarifies complex cosmological and philosophical concepts.
    • Pujyapada Devanandi: Although primarily known for his 'Sarvarthasiddhi' commentary on Tattvartha Sutra, his independent spiritual works like 'Ishopadesha' and 'Samadhitantra' are discussed as essential spiritual literature. 'Ishopadesha' is praised for its profound yet simple verses on self-realization, while 'Samadhitantra' is detailed with verses on spiritual practices and the nature of the soul.
    • Yogindu: His works 'Parmatma-prakasha' and 'Yogasara' are presented as significant contributions to Jain Adhyatma. His spiritual philosophy, emphasizing the ultimate identity of the soul with the supreme soul and the need for self-realization, is highlighted. His language is described as simple and accessible Apabhramsa.
    • Yashovijaya: A prominent Shvetambara Acharya, his critical stance on Digambara Nischaya Naya is discussed, alongside his own contributions to Adhyatma through works like 'Adhyatma Sar' and 'Adhyatmopanishad'. His engagement with and critique of other philosophical schools are noted.
    • Narendrasena: His work 'Siddhanta Sar Sangraha' is discussed as influenced by Amritachandra's Tattva-sara, offering a comprehensive spiritual treatise.
    • Pujyapada: His original works 'Ishopadesha' and 'Samadhitantra' are discussed for their spiritual depth and philosophical insights.
    • Prakrit Texts and their Significance: The chapter also touches upon the importance of Prakrit texts like 'Pahuda Doha' and their contribution to the Adhyatma tradition.
    • Date and Authenticity: The chapter engages with the scholarly debate surrounding the dating and authenticity of these commentaries and original works, presenting various scholarly opinions and the evidence supporting them.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The work aims for an encyclopedic approach to Jain literature, covering various genres and periods.
• Historical and Critical Analysis: Shastri's approach is analytical, tracing the development of Jain literature, identifying key figures, analyzing their works, and discussing their philosophical underpinnings.
• Scholarly Rigor: The author demonstrates extensive research, citing numerous texts and engaging with the work of previous scholars, highlighting debates and offering his own insights.
• Importance of Nayas: Emphasizes the foundational role of Nischaya and Vyavahara Naya in understanding Jain philosophy, particularly the ultimate nature of the soul.
• Spiritual Depth: The volume on Adhyatma literature highlights the Jain emphasis on self-realization, detachment, and the pursuit of Moksha through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The work demonstrates an awareness of how Jain philosophy interacted with and responded to other contemporary Indian philosophical and religious traditions.

In essence, "Jain Sahitya ka Itihas 02" is a scholarly endeavor to map the intellectual and spiritual landscape of Jain literature, providing invaluable insights into its foundational texts, commentaries, and the evolution of its philosophical and spiritual thought. The book serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Jain literary heritage.