Jainagamo Ka Vyakhya Sahitya

This document, "Jainagamo ka Vyakhya Sahitya" (Explanatory Literature of Jain Agamas) by Dr. Jinendra Jain, provides a comprehensive overview of the literature that explains the sacred Jain scriptures, known as Agamas. The author, a scholar from Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, categorizes this interpretive literature into four primary forms: Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, and Tika, with further mention of Tabba and discussions in Hindi and other languages.

Here's a breakdown of the key points covered in the document:

1. Significance of Agama Literature:

• Agama literature holds a position of paramount importance in Jain tradition, analogous to the Vedas in Vedic tradition and the Tripitaka in Buddhist tradition.
• Agamas are considered the preserved words of Lord Mahavir, serving as a source of Dharma, philosophy, and spirituality.
• They are also described as inexhaustible treasuries of knowledge and science, encompassing subjects like society, culture, history, geography, astronomy, environment, economics, philosophy, and logic.

2. Classification of Agamas:

• Agamas are broadly divided into two categories: Angapravishta (those considered part of the Angas) and Angabahya (those outside the Angas). The Dvadasanga (Twelve Angas) fall under Angapravishta, while the rest are Angabahya.
• The earliest classification of Agamas was into Anga and Purva.
• Later classifications included Anga, Upanga, Mula, and Cheda.
• The number of Agamas is believed to be 32, 45, or 84, with variations between Jain sects.
• Digambara Jains believe that the Anga Agamas are no longer available due to the destruction of the oral tradition.
• Svetambara Jains have differing views on the number of accessible Agamas, with some sects accepting 45 and others 32.

3. Explanatory Literature - The Need:

• As the Agamas are composed in sutra (aphoristic) form, extensive explanation was necessary for their comprehension.
• The creation of explanatory literature began alongside the compilation of the Agamas themselves.

4. Niryukti Literature:

• Definition: Niryukti is defined as the explication of the inherent meaning within a sutra, establishing a connection between the sutra and its interpretation. It aims to reveal the correct meaning of words, often presenting multiple meanings before clarifying the intended one.
• Form: Niryuktis are concise explanations written in Prakrit verses (gathas). They utilize narratives, examples, and illustrations but are highly symbolic and require further commentary (Bhashya and Tika) for full understanding.
• Authorship and Antiquity: Acharya Bhadrabahu is credited with being the first to write Niryuktis, starting even before the complete compilation of Agamas. He authored Niryuktis for ten Agamas, though some are now lost. The existence of Niryuktis like Pindaniyukti and Oghaniryukti indicates their composition before the 5th-6th century CE.
• Examples: The text details Niryuktis for various Agamas, including Āchārāṅga, Sūtakṛtāṅga, Sūryaprajñapti, Vyavahāra, Kalpa, Daśāśrutaskandha, Uttarādhyayana, Āvaśyaka, Daśavaikālika, and Ṛṣibhāṣita. It highlights the length, content, and specific narratives within these Niryuktis.

5. Bhashya Literature:

• Form: Similar to Niryuktis, Bhashyas are also concise explanations written in Prakrit verses. The verses from Bhashyas and Niryuktis for certain Agamas are often mixed, making separate study difficult.
• Language: The primary language is Ardhamāgadhī, with instances of Māgadhī and Śaurasenī. The dominant meter is Āryā.
• Time Period: Bhashyas are generally dated to the 4th-5th century CE.
• Significance: Bhashyas like Niśītha, Vyavahāra, and Bṛhatkalpa are considered highly important for understanding ancient traditions, secular stories, and the practices of Nirgranthas (ascetics).
• Authorship: Acharya Saṅghadāsa Kṣamāśramaṇa is mentioned as the author of Niśītha, Kalpa, and Vyavahāra Bhashyas. Jinabhadragaṇi Kṣamāśramaṇa also wrote Bhashyas.
• Types and Examples: The text lists numerous Bhashyas, distinguishing between "Laghu" (minor) and "Mahā" (major) Bhashyas. It discusses Bṛhatkalpa Laghu Bhashya, Bṛhatkalpa Bṛhat Bhashya (incomplete), Niśītha Laghu Bhashya, Vyavahāra Bhashya, and Viśeṣāvaśyaka Mahābhāṣya as significant works. The content of these Bhashyas often includes rules of conduct, penance, monastic life, and societal customs.

6. Churni Literature:

• Form: Churnis are written in prose and are more extensive than Niryuktis and Bhashyas.
• Language: They are written in Prakrit mixed with Sanskrit (Mishra Prakrit), making their scope broader.
• Definition: A Churni is defined as a text that is rich in meaning, profound, and clear in its exposition, using various linguistic devices and methods of understanding.
• Content: Churnis contain numerous secular and religious narratives, etymological explanations of Prakrit words, and quotes from Sanskrit and Prakrit literature. They are a valuable source for Jain archaeology and linguistics.
• Authorship: Jinadāsagaṇi Mahattara is recognized as the author of most Churnis. His time is estimated to be around the 6th century CE.
• Examples: Churnis are available for many Agamas, including Āchārāṅga, Sūtakṛtāṅga, Vyākhyāprajñapti, Kalpa, Vyavahāra, Niśītha, Pañchakalpa, Daśāśrutaskandha, Jītakalpa, Jīvābhigama, Prajñāpanā, Jāmbūdvīpaprajñapti, Uttarādhyayana, Āvaśyaka, Daśavaikālika, Nandi, and Anuṣayadvāra. The text elaborates on the content and specific features of several of these Churnis, such as the Niśītha Viśeṣacūrṇi and Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi.

7. Tika Literature:

• Form: Tika literature consists of extensive commentaries written in Sanskrit, although some may include Prakrit citations.
• Time Period: Tika writing likely began before the final Valabhi recension of the Agamas (around the 5th-6th century CE), with scholars like Acharya Āgastyasimha (3rd century CE) referencing ancient Tika authors.
• Key Commentators:
  • Haribhadra Suri (705-775 CE) is a prominent commentator, known for his Tika-s on Āvaśyaka, Daśavaikālika, Nandi, Anuṣayadvāra, and Prajñāpanā. He often preserved the narrative portions in Prakrit.
  • Śīlāṅka Suri wrote Sanskrit Tika-s on Āchārāṅga and Sūtakṛtāṅga.
  • Jinabhadragaṇi Kṣamāśramaṇa is considered a supreme scholar among Sanskrit commentators of the Agamas.
  • Other notable commentators include Vādīvetāla Śāntisūri, Nemichandra Suri, Malayagiri, Abhayadevasūri, Maladhāri Hemachandra, and Kṣemakīrti.
• Content: These Tika-s provide deep insights into Agama principles, often retaining Prakrit narratives and explanations within the Sanskrit commentary. They are crucial for understanding Jain philosophy and practices.
• Significance of Tika Literature: The Tika literature contains valuable "gems" of ancient Indian narrative literature that are not found elsewhere, as noted by Dr. Winternitz.

Beyond the Four Main Categories: The document also mentions other forms of explanatory literature that emerged later, written in Sanskrit or regional languages, such as Avachuri, Theravali, Tabba, Deepika, Tatparya, Vrutti, etc.

In essence, "Jainagamo ka Vyakhya Sahitya" by Dr. Jinendra Jain serves as an academic introduction to the rich and layered interpretive tradition that has made the profound teachings of the Jain Agamas accessible and comprehensible across centuries. It highlights the evolution of this literature, the scholarly contributions of various Acharyas, and the diverse linguistic and stylistic approaches employed to preserve and explain these sacred texts.