Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 08 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 08" by Bhairodan Sethiya, published by Jain Parmarthik Sanstha Bikaner. The text itself is a highly detailed index or lexicon of Jain philosophical and doctrinal terms, arranged alphabetically in Hindi (Devanagari script).

Here's a breakdown of what the text contains, based on its structure and content:

Core Purpose and Structure:

Title: Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 08 (Jain Siddhanta Word Collection, Eighth Part)
Author: Bhairodan Sethiya (compiler/editor)
Publisher: Jain Parmarthik Sanstha, Bikaner
Content: This eighth part serves as a comprehensive index or glossary for the preceding seven volumes of the "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha." It aims to provide a detailed subject index of all the terms ("Bols") discussed in the earlier volumes.
Arrangement: The index is meticulously organized in alphabetical order (अकारादिक्रम) of the Jain "Bols" (terms/concepts).
References: For each "Bol" (term), the index provides:
- The volume and page number where the term appears in the previous seven parts.
- Often, it also includes references to specific sources (like Agam Sutras, Tattvartha Sutra, etc.) and sometimes even the specific "Gathas" or verses within those texts that are relevant to the term.
- A brief explanation or indication of the context, where necessary.
Scope: The index covers a vast range of Jain philosophy, ethics, cosmology, history, and practices, delving into intricate details of concepts, actions, and beings.

Key Features and Content Highlighted in the Initial Pages and Index:

Completion of a Major Work: The preface highlights that this eighth part marks the completion of a six-year diligent effort to compile the entire "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha."
Purpose of the Index:
- To help readers easily locate specific subjects within the seven volumes.
- To provide the source texts for deeper study and clarification when readers have doubts or further curiosity.
- To function as a Jain terminology dictionary, enabling readers to find where any term is discussed in which text.
Nature of the Work: It's explicitly stated that this is not an original creation but a compilation of selected topics from foundational Jain texts in Prakrit and Sanskrit, presented in simple Hindi with necessary explanations.
Acknowledgements: The author and publisher express gratitude to various individuals and groups involved in the publication, including the writer's team, proofreaders, and the printing press.
Biographical Information: The text includes a detailed biography of Shri Bhairodaan Sethiya, the compiler. It outlines his life, business acumen, philanthropic activities, and dedication to promoting Jain literature and knowledge. The biography touches upon his education, successful business ventures, establishment of charitable institutions, and his personal adherence to Jain principles. It also mentions other prominent family members involved in the Jain Parmarthik Sanstha.
Financial Details: Page 4 provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses incurred in publishing the eighth volume, including paper, printing, and compilation costs. It emphasizes that the selling price is kept very low for the sake of knowledge dissemination, with the remaining costs borne by Agarchand Bhairodaan Sethiya.
Detailed Index Entries: The bulk of the text is the index itself, which is extensive. Examples of entries found include:
- Terms related to knowledge (Jnana): Ang Bahya Shruta (external scripture), Anga Sūtra, Aksara Shruta (alphabetic scripture), etc.
- Terms related to actions and virtues: Achaurya (non-stealing), Anashana (fasting), Ahimsa (non-violence), etc.
- Terms related to beings and cosmology: Akarmabhumi (infertile land), Agnila-kumar devas (fire-dwelling celestial beings), Ananta Jiva (infinite souls), Naraka (hell), etc.
- Terms related to practices and concepts: Acharyapadvi (status of Acharya), Agam (Jain scriptures), Anukampa (compassion), Aparigraha (non-possession), etc.
- Narrative elements: The index also refers to specific stories and characters (e.g., Akampitaswami Ganadhar, Angara Dosha, Ajnakumari's story) that illustrate certain concepts.
- Specific references: Terms like "Ang Sūtra," "Uttaradhyayana Sūtra," "Pannavaṇā Sūtra," "Tattvartha Sūtra," "Dasa Vaikālika Sūtra," "Ācārānga Sūtra," "Suyaġaḍānga Sūtra," "Bhagavati Sūtra," "Nishītha Sūtra," etc., are frequently cited, showing the foundational texts used.
- The number of entries is vast, covering a wide spectrum of Jain thought.

Overall Significance:

A Scholarly Resource: This volume is a crucial scholarly resource for anyone studying Jainism. It provides a systematic and comprehensive way to navigate the vast body of Jain literature.
Preservation of Knowledge: It serves to preserve and organize Jain knowledge, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Testament to Dedication: The sheer volume and detail of the index reflect the immense dedication and effort involved in its creation.

In essence, "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 08" is not a narrative or doctrinal treatise in itself, but rather an indispensable alphabetical index and guide to the rich and extensive literature of Jainism, making it an invaluable tool for research and deeper understanding.