Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam" (Various Dimensions of Jain Knowledge), based on the provided content:

Book Title: Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam (Various Dimensions of Jain Knowledge) Author: Fulchandra Jain Publisher: Gommateshwar Bahubali Swami Mahamastakabhishek Mahotsav Samiti, Shravanbelgola (Karnataka) Year: 2006 Context: The book is a collection of abstracts of research papers presented by scholars at the All India Jaina Scholar Conference held at Shri Shravanbelgola, Karnataka, from December 28-31, 2005, and January 2006. The conference was organized in the context of the grand Mahamastakabhishek (Great Anointment) ceremony of Lord Gommateshwara Bahubali Swami.

Overall Purpose: The primary aim of this publication is to compile and present the diverse research and scholarly work undertaken by numerous Jain scholars from across India. It serves as a record of the intellectual discourse and a means to disseminate knowledge on various aspects of Jainism, religion, philosophy, history, literature, art, and culture. The conference and the subsequent publication were intended to foster greater understanding, encourage further research, and highlight the rich heritage of Jain traditions.

Key Themes and Topics Covered (as indicated by the Table of Contents):

The book is structured around various dimensions of Jain knowledge, with a strong emphasis on the Tirthankaras and key figures and concepts in Jainism. The extensive table of contents reveals a wide array of topics, including:

• Tirthankara Tradition:

  • The concept and tradition of Tirthankaras in Jainism.
  • The significance of Tirthankara nature in the theory of Karma.
  • Detailed analyses of the P Pancha Kalyanaka (five auspicious events) of various Tirthankaras, their significance, and associated sacred sites.
  • Biographies and contributions of specific Tirthankaras, with a significant focus on:
    • Rishabhanatha (Adinatha): His concept, era, personality, contributions to human civilization, education philosophy, and role in Indian society and culture. His representation in Andhra Pradesh.
    • Abhinandanatha, Sumatinatha, Suparshvanatha, Chandraprabhu, Shitalanatha, Vasupujya, Vimalanatha, Anantanatha, Shantinatha, Kunthunatha, Aranatha, Mallinatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha, Pushpadanta, and Mahavira: Their lives, Pancha Kalyanaka sites, associated literature, and cultural significance.
    • Bahubali: His story, spiritual background, artistic representations (images, their features, and importance), his capital city, and his role in Jain literature and art. His significance in the Mahamastakabhishek ceremony.
    • Bhadra Bahu: His role as a Shrutakevali, his contribution to the preservation of Jain tradition, his association with Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and his Samadhi-marana (contemplative death).

• Jain Literature and Language:

  • The evolution of scripts like Brahmi.
  • Jain Dharma references in Pali literature.
  • Discussions on Prakrit and Apabhramsa literature, particularly narratives related to Neminatha and Bahubali.
  • Analysis of specific literary works like "Adipurana," "Harivamsha Purana," "Padma Purana," "Tiloypannatti," "Shatkhandagama," "Dhavala Teeka," "Kashayapahuda Sutra," "Gommatsara," "Puspadanta's Mahapurana," and "Amarchandra's Padmananda."
  • The contributions of South Indian Jain scholars to Jain philosophy and literature.
  • Tamil Jain literature and the contributions of Shramanas.
  • Jaina Kings in India and their impact.

• Jain Philosophy and Concepts:

  • The concept of Tirthankara, their role as spiritual guides.
  • The theory of Karma and the significance of Tirthankara nature.
  • Pancha Kalyanaka as a guide to a proper lifestyle.
  • The essence and utility of Pancha Kalyanaka rituals in the present context.
  • The characteristic features of the Pancha Kalyanaka of various Tirthankaras.
  • The enlightenment trees (Kevala-prapti trees) of the 24 Tirthankaras and their significance.
  • The nature of knowledge (Jnana) in Jainism, focusing on the concept of inherent knowledge and its unveiling.
  • The philosophy of Ahimsa as propounded by Acharya Somadeva Suri.
  • The concept of Swasamaya (one's own principle) and Parasamaya (other principles) in the context of Acharya Kundakunda and his commentators.
  • The foundational principles of Jainism and their relation to practical Vedanta.
  • The concept of Sadravya (six substances) and their Arthakriyakaritva (functional efficacy).
  • The uniqueness of Jain metaphysics and its fundamental principles.
  • The concept of Nirgrantha (unbound beings) in Jain and Buddhist traditions.
  • The significance of Samadhi-marana (contemplative death) and its practice.

• Jain Art and Architecture:

  • The characteristic features and importance of Bhagwan Bahubali's images.
  • Bahubali's iconography and its significance in Jain art.
  • The contribution of Jainism to art and architecture, with a focus on temples and sculptures.
  • The architectural aspects of Shravanbelgola and its inscriptions.
  • The aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of Bahubali's images.

• Jain Practices and Rituals:

  • The science of establishing the divine in idols through Pancha Kalyanaka rituals.
  • The importance and process of Pancha Kalyanaka installations.
  • The significance of inscriptions and historical records in understanding Jainism.

• Socio-Historical Aspects:

  • The Shramana tradition and Shrutastapana (preservation of scriptures).
  • The socio-religious aspects of Bhadra Bahu and Chandragupta Maurya.
  • The contribution of South India to the development of Jain culture and literature.
  • The role of Jain Acharyas in the development of Ayurveda and Jain jurisprudence.
  • The contribution of Karnataka and its eminent laywomen (Shravikas) to Jain culture.
  • The contribution of South Indian Jain women and men to the Indian freedom struggle.
  • The history and development of Brahmi script.
  • Jaina Kings in India and their impact.
  • The characteristic features of Jain mathematics.
  • Jain astronomy and its traditions.
  • The contribution of Jain scholars to Ayurveda.
  • Jain Journalism: its state and direction.
  • Measures and guidelines for the development of Jain libraries.
  • The Jain community in India and abroad: a demographic study.

Key Figures Highlighted:

The conference and the book prominently feature discussions on various historical and spiritual figures, including:

• All 24 Tirthankaras, with special emphasis on Rishabhanatha, Bahubali, Parshvanatha, and Mahavira.
• Prominent Acharyas like Kundakunda, Samantabhadra, Pujyapada, Akalanka, Vidyānanda, Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti, Gunadhara, Jinadatta Suri, Amarchandra Suri, and Bhadrabahu.
• Historical figures like Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and Samrat Kharavela.
• Lay contributors like Chamuṇḍarāya and Rattaladēvi.

Overall Significance: "Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam" represents a significant academic endeavor to consolidate and showcase the extensive knowledge and research within the Jain tradition. The conference served as a platform for scholars to share their findings, fostering intellectual exchange and contributing to the understanding and preservation of Jain heritage. The book, by compiling these research abstracts, provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted aspects of Jainism.