Jambu Jyoti - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jambū Jyoti," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jambū Jyoti (Munivara Jambūvijaya Festschrift) Editors: M. A. Dhaky, Jitendra B. Shah Publisher: Shresthi Kasturbhai Lalbhai Smarak Nidhi, Ahmedabad (Volume 7) Foreword: The Sharadaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre in Ahmedabad expresses its delight and reverence in presenting this Felicitatory Volume to Muni Śrī Jambūvijayajī, who is highly esteemed by scholars of Indology and Jainology in India and the West. The Centre thanks the contributing scholars for their in-depth research and expresses gratitude to the editors and the Centre's staff for their assistance.

Editors' Preface: The project for this festschrift began over seven years prior, with Muni Jambūvijayaji initially declining the honor. After reviewing the Centre's research publications, he consented, but with three conditions: no biographical sketch, no words of praise, and no photograph. The editors accepted these terms and invited approximately 25 scholars, with 17 responding positively. The volume is intended to contribute significantly to Jainological and Indological studies, advancing knowledge in various areas. The editors express gratitude to the contributors for their erudite writings, many of which are substantial and non-sectarian in intent. They also thank Shri Akhilesh Mishra and Mrs. Purvi G. Shah for typesetting and laser-printing, and Shri Naranbhai Patel for proof-reading. The publishers, Shivkrupa Offset Printers, Ahmedabad, are also acknowledged for their printing efforts. The editors acknowledge and apologize for the significant delay in publication, attributing it to factors beyond their control.

Contents: The book is a collection of scholarly articles dedicated to Munivara Jambūvijayaji, covering a wide range of topics within Jainism and Indology. Some of the key articles include:

Jainism vis-à-vis Brahmanism by Bansidhar Bhatt: This article explores the parallels and connections between early Jain texts (Ācārāṅga-sūtra, Sūtrakṛtāṅga-sūtra, Uttarādhyayana-sūtra, Daśavaikālika-sūtra, and Ṛṣibhāsitāni) and Brahmanical texts, aiming to shed light on the mutual resemblances and the historical context of reform religions in India. It discusses theories of Aryan immigration, the Atharva-veda, Vratyas, early Upanishadic thought, the role of Kṣatriyas, and the interaction between Aryan and non-Aryan cultures. The article also presents a detailed catalogue of parallels between these traditions.
'Adda' or the Oldest Extant Dispute between Jains and Heretics (Sūyagada 2, 6). Part One by W. B. Bollée: This is an analytical study of a specific passage from the Sūyagada, focusing on the term 'Adda' and its various interpretations. It delves into the dispute between Jains and other religious figures like Gosāla, Buddhists, and Brahmins, as depicted in the text, and includes extensive commentary on the verses.
'Asati' in the Alagaddūpamasutta by Ernst Steinkellner: This article critically examines the meaning and function of the term 'asati' (non-existent) in the Alagaddūpamasutta of the Buddhist canon, specifically in relation to the Buddha's teachings on the self (atta). It discusses how 'asati' might refer to the absence of anxiety in a trained person, or to the wrongly imagined future non-existence of the self.
On 'Anadyamāno yad anannam atti' Chandogya Upanisad 4.3.7 by M. A. Mehendale: This piece focuses on a specific phrase in the Chandogya Upanishad, exploring its meaning and potential textual variations compared to the Jaiminiya Upanishad Brāhmaṇa. The author attempts to resolve a scholarly puzzle regarding the shift from 'adantam' to 'anannam' in the texts.
Pāṇinian Sūtras of the Type anyebhyo'pi dṛśyate by George Cardona: This article analyzes specific sūtras from Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī that deal with the application of grammatical rules to "others" or in "Vedic usage," highlighting Pāṇini's recognition of a living, evolving language and the role of śista usage in determining linguistic correctness. It discusses how these sūtras serve to account for linguistic phenomena not explicitly covered by the main rules, emphasizing Pāṇini's descriptive rather than prescriptive approach.
Ārya Bhadrabāhu by M. A. Dhaky: This extensive article critically examines the historical figure of Ārya Bhadrabāhu, a pivotal patriarch in Jainism. It analyzes both Northern (Svetāmbara) and Southern (Digambara) literary and epigraphical sources to reconstruct his life and contributions. The author highlights significant discrepancies between these traditions, particularly concerning his lineage, disciples, and the works attributed to him. The article questions the traditional attribution of major Chedasūtras to Bhadrabāhu, suggesting that the Kalpa and Vyavahāra might be later works, and the Daśāśrutaskandha even younger. It also discusses the controversial association of Bhadrabāhu and Candragupta with Śravanabelgola, concluding that the earliest evidence does not directly support this connection, and that later traditions likely conflated different figures.
The Date of Kasāyapāhuda by K. R. Chandra: This article performs a linguistic analysis of the Kasāyapāhuda and the Pavayaṇasāra to determine their relative chronology. Based on phonological and morphological differences, the author concludes that the Kasāyapāhuda reflects a later stage of Middle Indo-Aryan than the Pavayaṇasāra, challenging the common assumption that Gunadharācārya (author of Kasāyapāhuda) predates Kundakundācārya (author of Pavayaṇasāra).
Correlation of Jaina Inscriptions with Sthavirāvalīs by U. P. Shah: This paper focuses on the challenges of correlating Jaina inscriptions with the traditional lists of spiritual pontiffs (sthavirāvalīs). The author discusses the Rājgir Son Bhandar inscription, identifying the ācārya Vairadeva with Ārya Vajra of the Svetāmbara tradition, and analyzes the stylistic and paleographical evidence for dating the caves. It also examines Mathura inscriptions referring to Ārya Manguhasti (identified with Ārya Mangu), discussing his lineage and contrasting it with the dating provided by the Tapāgaccha-Paṭṭāvalī. The article highlights the importance of inscriptions in understanding the history of the Jain Church and the complexities of sectarian schisms.
Notes on Some Words in Oberlies 'Āvaśyaka-Studien Glossar' by H. C. Bhayani: This article provides etymological and linguistic notes on selected words from Thomas Oberlies' glossary related to Āvaśyaka studies, offering clarifications, alternative derivations, and comparisons with other Prakrit and Sanskrit texts.
Who is The Author of the Pañcasūtra: Cirantanācārya or Yākinisūnu Haribhadra? by Ācārya Vijayaśīlacandra sūri: This paper critically analyzes the authorship of the Pañcasūtra. The author argues against the traditional attribution to an unknown ancient ācārya ('Cirantanācārya') and presents strong internal evidence from the text and its commentary, as well as external evidence from other works attributed to Haribhadra sūri, to establish him as the author of both the sutras and the commentary. The paper also discusses the possible origins of the confusion regarding authorship.
The Humanism of Haribhadra by Christian Lindtner: This article explores the philosophical and humanistic aspects of Haribhadra Sūri's teachings. It contrasts the Aristotelian ideal of virtue and reason with Indian concepts of dharma and buddhi, highlighting Haribhadra's open-mindedness and syncretism. The author argues that Haribhadra's work represents a universal humanism that embraces moral and intellectual purification, finding parallels in Greek philosophy and emphasizing the importance of reason, tolerance, and scientific investigation in understanding religious and philosophical traditions. The article also provides an extensive survey of the main arguments in Haribhadra's Āstaka.
Some Jain Versions of the 'Act of Truth' Theme by Paul Dundas: This article examines the occurrence and adaptation of the 'act of truth' (saccakiriya) theme in Jain literature. While acknowledging its Vedic and Buddhist precedents, Dundas highlights unique Jain features, such as the linkage with specifically Jain practices like kāyotsarga and devotion to the Jinas. He analyzes examples from medieval Jain literature, including the Bṛhatkathākośa and Nānapañcamikāhā, noting the variations in the theme, such as the incorporation of Jain religious practice as the source of the miraculous effect. The article also discusses the cynical adaptation of the theme in the Pañcatantra and the specific Jain recension by Pūrṇabhadra Sūri.
Sanskrit Sub-story and Subhāṣitas in the Prakrit Paümappahasāmi Cariyam of Siri Devasūri by N. M. Kansara: This article analyzes a Sanskrit sub-story embedded within Devasūri's Prakrit work, the Paümappaha-sāmi-cariya. The sub-story, an allegory of the soul's journey through transmigration (saṁsāri-jīva), is presented in a refined Sanskrit language, contrasting with the Prakrit of the main narrative. The author discusses the author's bilingual poetic skill and the allegorical nature of the narrative, which serves to illustrate Jain doctrines on vices, virtues, and the path to liberation. The article also notes the presence of several subhāṣitas (wise sayings) quoted by Devasūri.
Significance of New Inscriptions from Koppala, Karnataka by Hampa Nagarajaiah: This paper discusses the importance of newly discovered Jaina inscriptions from Koppala, Karnataka, dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE. These inscriptions provide valuable information about Koppala as an ancient and significant Jaina center, detailing the existence of numerous Jaina temples, monasteries, and the practice of sanyasana (ritual death by fasting). They shed light on the political patronage of Jainism by dynasties like the Gangas and offer biographical details about various Jaina ācāryas and lay devotees, contributing to the reconstruction of Jain history in South India.
Hemaraj Pande's Caurāsī Bol by Padmanabh S. Jaini: This article focuses on the Caurāsī Bol, a controversial work by Hemarāj Pāṇḍe, which presents eighty-four points of dispute attributed to the Svetāmbara tradition, from a Digambara perspective. The author discusses the historical context of the work, its author, and provides an outline of the eighty-four points of contention, which cover a wide range of doctrinal and practical issues separating the two major Jain sects, such as kevali-bhukti and strī-mukti.
How Jains Know What They Know: A Lay Jain Curriculum by John E. Cort: This essay explores a reading list for lay Svetāmbara Jains proposed by Muni Jambūvijayaji. The author analyzes why this curriculum, which focuses on medieval textbooks rather than the original Jain canon, is designed for systematic study of Jain doctrines and practices. It highlights the importance of texts like the Pañca Pratikramaṇa Sūtras, Navasmaranas, Prakaraṇas, Tribhāṣyas, and Karmagranthas in shaping a lay Jain's understanding of their tradition, contrasting this with scholarly approaches to the canon.
Two Unpublished Caitya Paripātīs on Citod-tīrtha by Jitendra Shah: This article presents two unpublished caitya-paripāṭīs (pilgrimage descriptions) related to the Jaina holy site of Citrakūta (Citod) in Rajasthan. These metrical compositions in Old Gujarati describe the pilgrimage routes, towns visited, and the Jaina temples and images encountered. The article discusses the tīrthamālā and caitya-paripāṭī literary genres and provides historical context for Citod as a significant Jaina center.
Jainism vis-à-vis Brahmanism by Bansidhar Bhatt: This detailed article presents a comprehensive catalogue of parallels between early Jain canonical texts and Brahmanical texts. It meticulously lists numerous instances of shared concepts, terminology, and themes, suggesting significant cultural and religious interactions between these two major Indian traditions. The article aims to demonstrate that many core ideas often attributed solely to Jainism may have existed in Brahmanical literature as well, challenging the notion of a complete separation between the two.

Overall Theme: The collection represents a tribute to Munivara Jambūvijaya, showcasing significant scholarly work in the fields of Jainism and Indology. The articles cover historical, linguistic, philosophical, and literary aspects of Jain tradition, often engaging in critical analysis and revisiting established understandings. The emphasis on rigorous research and comparative study aims to contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Jainism within the broader context of Indian religious and cultural history.