Jain Sahityakash Ke Aalokit Nakshatra Prachin Jainacharya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, "Jain Sahityakash Ke Aalokit Nakshatra Prachin Jainacharya" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book, "Jain Sahityakash Ke Aalokit Nakshatra Prachin Jainacharya" (Shining Stars in the Jain Literary Sky: Ancient Jain Acharyas), is the fourth volume in the "Sagarmal Jain Article Collection" series published by Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur. It is a compilation of articles written by the esteemed scholar Dr. Sagarmal Jain, focusing on the lives and contributions of prominent ancient Jain Acharyas. The articles aim to shed light on these influential figures who shaped Jain literature and philosophy.

Key Acharyas Discussed (Based on the Table of Contents):

The book systematically dedicates sections to several significant Jain Acharyas, detailing their biographies, works, and the historical context surrounding them. The prominent Acharyas covered are:

Acharya Bhadrabahu (3rd Century BCE): This section delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding the life and works of Acharya Bhadrabahu. It highlights the discrepancies between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions regarding his identity and accomplishments, including the debate about his authorship of the Niryuktis. The text discusses the challenges in separating factual accounts from legends and the impact of later interpolations. It also examines the arguments for his birthplace being Kotivarsha in Bengal, refuting claims of other locations. The section critically analyzes the historical authenticity of various narratives associated with him, including his southern journeys and the famous story of transmitting the fourteen Purvas.
Acharya Umaswati (3rd Century CE): This extensive section focuses on Umaswati, the renowned author of the Tattvartha Sutra. It critically examines the debate surrounding his lineage and birthplace, particularly his affiliation with the Uchchanagara branch of Jainism. The text explores the identification of Uchchanagara with the modern Uchchera in Madhya Pradesh, near which lies Nagod (believed to be Umaswati's birthplace). It also discusses the scholarly debate on his time period, placing him between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, and his position as a pre-sectarian figure, predating the clear schisms between Shvetambara, Digambara, and Yapaniya traditions. The section also explores the possibility of Tattvartha Sutra's influence from Kundakunda's works and the developmental stages of concepts like Gunasthana and Saptabhangi.
Acharya Dharasena (Approximately 4th and 5th Century CE): This part discusses Dharasena, the spiritual preceptor of Pushpadanta and Bhutabali, the authors of the Shatkhandagama. The text suggests that Dharasena was associated with the Yapaniya tradition and likely originated from North India. It highlights his role in imparting knowledge of Karmashastra and his likely connection to the Yapaniya branch that later became known as the Mulasangha. The discussion also touches upon his possible authorship of the Yoniprabhruta, a text on divination, and its acceptance in both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, albeit with varying interpretations.
Pushpadanta and Bhutabali and their work Shatkhandagama (Approximately 5th Century CE): This section introduces Pushpadanta and Bhutabali as the composers of the foundational Digambara text, Shatkhandagama. It acknowledges the challenges in determining their precise time period and guru lineage due to conflicting historical accounts and later interpolations in Digambara pattamāvalis. The text emphasizes the significance of the Shatkhandagama's content, particularly the Satprarupana sutra which supports female liberation, suggesting its connection to the Yapaniya tradition, which accepted female liberation, unlike the orthodox Digambara school. The similarities in content and style between Shatkhandagama and Shvetambara Agamas like Prajnapana are also highlighted.
Acharya Kundakunda (Approximately 5th or 6th Century CE): This section explores the enigmatic figure of Acharya Kundakunda, a central pillar of Digambara Jain literature. It addresses the lack of definitive biographical information about him, including his original name, parentage, and precise time period. The text discusses various names attributed to him (Kundakunda, Padmanandi, Vakragriva, Griddhapiccha, Elacharya) and the challenges in establishing his true identity and lineage. It critically evaluates the dating of Kundakunda, with scholars offering differing opinions from the 1st century BCE to the 8th century CE. The author leans towards a later dating, around the 6th century CE, based on the development of philosophical concepts like Gunasthana and the absence of references to him in earlier Digambara works. Kundakunda's literary contributions, including Samaysara, Niyamasara, Panchastikayasara, and Pravachanasara, are briefly introduced, emphasizing their spiritual and philosophical depth.
Acharya Siddhasena Divakara (Approximately 4th or 5th Century CE): This part focuses on Siddhasena Divakara, a pivotal figure in Jain logic and philosophy, credited with the systematic development of Anekantavada. The section acknowledges the ongoing scholarly debate regarding his exact time period, lineage, and authorship of works like Nyayavatara and Dvatrimshika. The author presents arguments, drawing from historical inscriptions and earlier Jain texts, to place Siddhasena within the 3rd to 5th centuries CE, emphasizing his pre-sectarian status before the clear divisions of Shvetambara, Digambara, and Yapaniya traditions. The discussion critically examines the claims of him belonging to the Shvetambara, Digambara, or Yapaniya traditions, ultimately leaning towards him being an ancestor of both Shvetambara and Yapaniya branches, originating from the North Indian Nirgrantha tradition. The debate around the authorship of Nyayavatara is also explored.
Shivaraya and his Bhagavati Aradhana (7th Century CE): This section details the life and work of Shivaraya, the author of the significant Yapaniya text, Bhagavati Aradhana. The text highlights the evidence from inscriptions and comparative analysis of texts that point to Shivaraya and his gurus being associated with the Yapaniya tradition, distinguished by the use of the epithet 'Arya' and 'Panitalabhōji' (one who accepts food on their palms). The chapter delves into the arguments, particularly those presented by Pandit Nathuram Premi, for classifying Bhagavati Aradhana as a Yapaniya work, noting its acceptance of female and kevali liberation, which contrasts with orthodox Digambara views. The similarities with Shvetambara Agamic literature are also discussed.
Acharya Haribhadra (8th Century CE): This comprehensive section portrays Haribhadra as a highly influential and prolific Jain Acharya known for his intellectual prowess and multifaceted literary contributions. It emphasizes his syncretic approach, integrating knowledge from various philosophical and religious traditions with Jain principles. The text highlights his role as a pioneer in writing Sanskrit commentaries on Jain Agamas and his extensive original works across diverse genres like philosophy, yoga, ethics, and narrative literature. The author discusses the challenges in precisely dating Haribhadra but places him around the 8th century CE. A significant portion is dedicated to his intellectual honesty, his critique of prevailing superstitions and dogmatism within Jainism and other traditions, his emphasis on reasoned faith (logic over blind belief), and his advocacy for ethical conduct and spiritual purity over mere ritualism. The section also explores his revolutionary approach to classifying religious practices into "name-based dharma," "ritual dharma," "historical dharma," and "essence dharma," prioritizing the last. His critique of the corrupt practices within the Jain monastic order of his time and his advocacy for the welfare of women and the poor are also highlighted.
Jatasimhanandi and his Varanga Charitra (7th and 8th Century CE): This section discusses Jatasimhanandi, an Acharya associated with the Yapaniya tradition, possibly as the founder of the Kanur branch. It explores the historical evidence from inscriptions and literary works that support his Yapaniya affiliation. The text highlights the influence of Siddhasena Divakara and Vimalasuri's Paumacariyam on his work, Varanga Charitra. The discussion points out several features of his work that align with Yapaniya beliefs, such as the acceptance of female ordination and the description of munis wearing white garments in certain contexts, which deviate from strict Digambara practice. The linguistic analysis of his work also suggests a connection to the Prakrit spoken in regions where Yapaniya influence was strong.
Svayambhu, the Great Poet of Apabhramsha (8th Century CE): This section introduces Svayambhu, a celebrated poet in Apabhramsha literature, considered a pioneer in this field. While acknowledging his literary genius and influence, the text laments the scarcity of biographical details about his life, including his exact time, family lineage, and religious affiliation. Based on references in his works and those of later poets like Pushpadanta, Svayambhu is placed in the 8th century CE. Crucially, the text presents strong evidence suggesting his affiliation with the Yapaniya tradition, citing the commentary on Pushpadanta's Mahapurana that identifies Svayambhu as belonging to the Yapaniya Sangh. His liberal views on other-worldly liberation and his embrace of a synthesis of Jain and other traditions further support this conclusion, distinguishing him from the more orthodox Digambara school. His major works, including Paumacariu and Ritthannemicariu, are briefly mentioned.
Yativṛṣabha and his Kashayapahuda Churnisutras and Tiloypannati (9th Century CE): This section focuses on Yativṛṣabha, credited with writing the Churnisutras for the Kashayapahuda, a significant Jain text. The discussion examines the scholarly debate regarding Yativṛṣabha's affiliation, with the author arguing for his connection to the Yapaniya tradition based on linguistic analysis, the nature of his textual commentaries, and the absence of strict Digambara tenets in his work. The text also addresses the dating of Yativṛṣabha, placing him in the 6th-7th centuries CE. The author critically analyzes the arguments presented by various scholars, including Pandit Hiralal Jain, and suggests that the alleged connection to Aryamankshu and Nagahasti as direct disciples might be an oversimplification, with Yativṛṣabha likely being a later descendant in their lineage.
Palyakirti Shakṭāyana and his Grammar (10th Century CE): This part discusses Palyakirti, known for his renowned grammar, Shabdanushasana, and its commentary, Amoghavritti. The text establishes that Palyakirti Shakṭāyana was a prominent figure in the Yapaniya tradition. This is supported by the epithet 'Yatigramagrani' used for him, the acceptance of female and kevali liberation in his works (which are hallmarks of Yapaniya thought), and his reference to Yamas, which are also found in Yapaniya literature. The author also notes the acceptance of the Yapaniya tradition by other prominent Yapaniya Acharyas like Mallavadi and Haribhadra, who cited Shakṭāyana's works. The presence of specific sections on female and kevali liberation in his grammar is presented as the most compelling evidence of his Yapaniya affiliation, as these concepts were central to the Yapaniya doctrine and often a point of contention with the Digambara tradition.
Acharya Hemachandra: A Man of the Era (12th Century CE): This detailed section portrays Acharya Hemachandra as a towering figure in Gujarati and Indian intellectual history. It highlights his immense literary output across various disciplines, including grammar, lexicography, poetry, logic, philosophy, and yoga. The author emphasizes Hemachandra's rare ability to blend profound spiritual knowledge with worldly wisdom, his role as a political advisor to kings like Jayasingh Siddharaja and Kumarpala, and his profound influence on the cultural and moral landscape of Gujarat. The text discusses his religious tolerance, his efforts to promote moral and ethical values in society through royal decrees, and his significant contributions to the development of Jain literature and philosophy. His critical approach to other religious and philosophical traditions, while maintaining a respectful and scholarly demeanor, is also highlighted. The author also touches upon the debate regarding his exact lineage and the possibility of his connection to the Yapaniya tradition due to certain liberal interpretations found in his works.

Publisher and Author Information:

Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.)
Author: Dr. Sagarmal Jain (Director of Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur)
Publication Year: 2016
Value: Rs. 200/- (for this volume)

Editorial Note (Prakashakiy):

The editorial note highlights Dr. Sagarmal Jain's prolific scholarship over 50 years, with over 320 articles and numerous influential introductions to various Jain texts. It acknowledges the vastness of his unpublished and scattered writings and the monumental effort involved in collecting and publishing them. The decision to first compile his articles was inspired by Sadhvi Varya Saumya Guna Shri Ji. The editorial process involved re-typing and proofreading articles from older publications, with thanks extended to Dilip Nagar, Chaitanya Ji Soni, and Narendra Ji Gaud for their assistance.

Overall Significance:

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jainism, offering well-researched and critically analyzed accounts of the lives and works of foundational Jain Acharyas. Dr. Sagarmal Jain's meticulous research, drawing from a wide range of textual and epigraphic evidence, provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these historical figures and their enduring legacy. The emphasis on critical analysis and addressing historical discrepancies makes this volume particularly insightful.