Jainagam Nyayasangraha

This document is a Jain text titled Jainagam Nyayasangraha (जैनागमन्यायसंग्रहः), compiled by Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj. The publisher is Jain Shastramala Karyalaya, Ludhiana.

The book aims to present a concise collection of key concepts from Jain scriptures (Jain Agamas) related to Pramana (प्रमाण) and Naya (नय), which are fundamental principles for understanding the nature of reality in Jain philosophy.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Pramana (प्रमाण) - Means of Valid Knowledge:

  • The text emphasizes that to understand substances and their true nature, the Agamas present two paths: Pramana and Naya.
  • Pramana is described as sarvanshagrahi (सर्वांशग्राही), meaning it grasps the entirety or totality of a thing.
  • Naya, on the other hand, is deshagrahi (देशग्राही), focusing on a particular aspect or characteristic of a substance.

• Naya (नय) - Standpoints or Perspectives:

  • The text differentiates between two styles of Naya: Ancient Naya (which prioritizes meaning over elaborate wording) and Modern Naya (which tends to prioritize elaborate wording over meaning).
  • It highlights that Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic scholars have written extensively on Naya.
  • The compilation aims to provide a simplified understanding of Pramana and Naya as discussed in Jain Agamas like Anuyogadvara Sutra, Nandi Sutra, Sthanaanga Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra, Prajnapana Sutra, and Uttaradhyayan Sutra.

• Specific Jain Agamas Cited:

  • The preface explicitly mentions the following Agamas from which the content is drawn:
    • Anuyogadvara Sutra (अनुयोगद्वार सूत्र)
    • Nandi Sutra (नन्दीसूत्र)
    • Sthanaanga Sutra (ठाणांग सूत्र)
    • Bhagavati Sutra (भगवतीसूत्र)
    • Prajnapana Sutra (प्रज्ञापन सूत्र)
    • Uttaradhyayan Sutra (उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र)

• Structure and Purpose:

  • The author's intention is to provide this booklet for the study and contemplation of scholars and students of Naya who are studying or have completed their studies.
  • The text aims to collect these scattered discussions on Naya from various Agamas into a single, accessible volume.

• Content Overview (from the sampled text):

  • The provided excerpts delve into the specifics of Bhava Pramana (भावप्रमाण), which can be understood as the mode or state of proof.
  • It categorizes Bhava Pramana into:
    • Guna Pramana (गुणप्रमाण): Knowledge derived from inherent qualities.
      • This is further divided into Guna Pramana of the Soul (Jiva) and Non-Soul (Ajiva).
      • Ajiva Guna Pramana is detailed with qualities like color, smell, taste, touch, and form.
      • Jiva Guna Pramana is explained through knowledge (Jnana), perception (Darshana), and conduct (Charitra).
    • Naya Pramana (नयप्रमाण): Knowledge derived from different standpoints.
    • Sankhya Pramana (संखप्रमाण): Knowledge derived from enumeration or counting.
  • Within the discussion of knowledge (Jnana), it elaborates on:
    • Pratyaksha (प्रत्यक्ष): Direct perception, divided into sensory (Indriya Pratyaksha) and non-sensory (No-Indriya Pratyaksha).
    • Anumana (अनुमान): Inference, explained through categories like Purvavat, Sheshavat, and Drushtasadharmavat.
    • Upama (उपमा): Comparison, categorized as Samyopama (similarity) and Vaidharmyopama (dissimilarity).
    • Agama (आगम): Scriptural testimony, divided into worldly (Laukika) and transcendental (Lokottara).
  • The text then details the types of Darshana (दर्शन) (perception) and Charitra (चरित्र) (conduct), further classifying them based on their characteristics and stages of spiritual progress.

Overall Goal:

The "Jainagam Nyayasangraha" by Acharya Atmaramji Maharaj serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the epistemological framework of Jainism, particularly the concepts of Pramana and Naya as presented in the foundational scriptures. It aims to make these complex philosophical ideas more accessible for study and practice.