Jain Tarkbhasha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the book "Jain Tarkbhasha" by Bhuvanchandravijay, as presented in the catalog link and the introductory pages:

The text introduces a re-publication of the significant Jain work, "Jain Tarkbhasha," authored by Upadhya Bhuvanchandravijay. The publisher is identified as ZZ_Anusandhan.

Core Concepts of Jain Philosophy and "Jain Tarkbhasha":

Pramana (Means of Valid Knowledge): Jainism utilizes various tools for objective inquiry, referred to as "Pramana." These include the anekanta-drushti (non-one-sided perspective), naya-bheda (differences in perspectives/approaches), nikshepa (classification/placement), bhanga (modes/aspects), and jnana-prakar (types of knowledge).
Pramiti (The Result of Valid Knowledge): Jainism also holds its own distinct principles regarding "Pramiti," which refers to the correct or valid cognition or knowledge.
Prameya (The Object of Knowledge): The "Prameya" is the object of examination, and the entirety of the universe is readily available for this purpose.
The Importance of Method: For a proper examination of the "Prameya," both the "Pramiti" (knowledge of reality) and the accepted methodology for examining reality are crucial. The text highlights that the Nyaya Darshan (Indian School of Logic) meticulously established a method for examining objects. This logic-based approach was later adopted by all philosophical schools and applied to the articulation of their own principles.

Significance of "Jain Tarkbhasha":

Key Work by Yashovijayji: The text emphasizes that "Jain Tarkbhasha" is a principal work among the "jewels of scriptures" offered by the great logician Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji.
Logical Articulation of Pramanas: The book provides a logically reasoned discussion on the "Pramanas" accepted by Jainism as instruments of knowledge (Pramiti).
Essential for Students of Jain Logic: For students aspiring to understand Jainism through a logical approach, studying this book is considered essential and mandatory.

Challenges and the New Publication:

Difficulty for New Learners: The text acknowledges that reaching the deep meaning and essence of this grammatically complex and scripture-rich book can be difficult for beginners.
Need for Commentary: Consequently, there is a need for a commentary or exposition to aid understanding.
Existing Commentaries: Two significant commentaries exist:
- A detailed commentary by Acharya Vijayodaya Suriji, a direct disciple of Acharya Vijayanemisuriji, which is said to evoke the memory of ancient commentators due to its depth and clarity.
- A concise yet highly beneficial commentary for students by the renowned scholar of Indian philosophy, Pandit Shri Sukhlalji.
Re-publication with Commentaries: The original text and both these commentaries were published years ago. The current re-publication, by the "Jain Granth Prakashan Samiti, Khambhat", makes the original work available along with both commentaries.
Editorial Contribution: The editing of this re-publication has been done by Muni Shri Trailokyamandhanvijayji, a disciple of Acharya Shri Shsilchandra Suriji.

Critique of Modern Re-publications and the Quality of This Edition:

Era of Re-publications: The text notes that a "new era of re-publications" has begun in Jain literature.
Concerns about "Copy-Paste" Editions: It expresses concern about modern re-publications that merely "copy" older printed works using methods like mini-offset or xerox. These editions often perpetuate errors from previous printings and do not incorporate new research.
Misappropriation of Editorial Credit: A more serious issue is when publishers or sponsors remove the names of original editors or researchers and instead claim editorial credit for themselves, despite having no actual contribution.
Distinguishing Feature of This Publication: In contrast, this particular re-publication is praised for the significant contribution of its editor.
Editor's Diligence: Muni Shri Trailokyamandhanvijayji has meticulously studied the main text and its two commentaries. In his capacity as editor, he has added valuable notes clarifying the meaning of Shri Udaysuriji's commentary at relevant places.
Recognition of the Editor's Scholarship: These notes not only showcase the editor's preparedness but also establish him as a rising scholar in logical subjects within the Shraman Sangh (monastic order).
Engagement with Previous Works: The editor has also carefully reviewed previous descriptions and translations of the book published elsewhere. He has included his own observations on some thought-provoking aspects in a separate article within this publication, reflecting his deep engagement with the subject matter.
Correction of Errors: A crucial aspect highlighted is the editor's meticulous search for and correction of printing errors that existed in previous editions of "Jain Tarkbhasha." These errors could lead to variations in meaning and obscure the author's intended message. The text states that this publication is largely free from such errors, with only one or two exceptions.
Streamlining of Commentaries: The text also mentions that many scriptural passages cited in Pandit Shri Sukhlalji's commentary are also present in Shri Udaysuriji's commentary. The editor has adopted a method of avoiding repetition by including such passages in one commentary and merely referencing or indicating them in the other.
Minor Editorial Suggestion: A minor suggestion is made that these references or indications for the second commentary could have been presented more distinctly, perhaps in footnotes, parentheses, or a different font, to avoid blending with the primary commentary. This is attributed as a possible oversight in the editor's first attempt at such extensive editing.
Praise for the Editor: Despite this minor point, the editor is commended for his successful effort in doing justice to the subject matter. He is congratulated and warmly welcomed as a rising scholar in the field of logic.

The text concludes with the address of the Jain Derasar: Nani Khakhar, Kutch - 370435.