Jinavarasya Nayachakram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinavarasya Nayachakram" (पूर्वाद्ध - First Half) by Hukamchand Bharilla:

Title: Jinavarasya Nayachakram (The Wheel of Nayas of the Best of Jinas) Author: Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla Shastri, Nyayatirtha, Sahityaratna, M.A., Ph.D. Publisher: Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust, Jaipur Volume: First Half (पूर्वाद्ध)

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The book aims to provide a clear, concise, yet authoritative explanation of the Nayas (perspectives or viewpoints) found in Jain scriptures, presented in Hindi. The author emphasizes the essential role of understanding Nayas for comprehending the profound teachings of Jainism and for attaining self-realization. The text is considered a significant effort to bridge the gap in accessible knowledge about Nayas, which are often perceived as complex and debated.

Key Themes and Content Covered in the First Half:

1. Necessity of Naya-Jnana (Knowledge of Nayas): The text strongly asserts that understanding Nayas is not just important but essential for grasping the essence of Jain scriptures. It highlights that the entire Jain Agama is written in the language of Nayas. Without this knowledge, one cannot even enter the study of the scriptures, let alone understand their core principles. The author cites scriptural evidence to support this point, emphasizing that proficiency in Naya-vada makes one a true scholar of principles.

2. General Nature of Nayas: Nayas are defined as the 'part' or 'aspect' of the reality grasped by Pramana (valid cognition). While Pramana is all-encompassing, a Naya focuses on a specific aspect or viewpoint. The author explains that Nayas are also referred to as the "speaker's intention" or "knower's intention" because they highlight a particular facet of reality according to the speaker's or knower's purpose. Key characteristics include:

   • Partiality: Nayas focus on a specific aspect, unlike Pramana which grasits the whole.
   • Relativity: Naya-based statements are always relative and not absolute.
   • Suppression of Other Aspects: When one Naya is emphasized, other aspects are considered secondary or suppressed, but not negated. Negation would turn a Naya into a 'Nayabhasa' (fallacious Naya).
   • Primacy of the Knower's Intention: The classification of a statement as a particular Naya depends on the speaker's intention.

3. Authenticity of Nayas: Nayas are considered authentic because they are a part of Pramana (valid cognition) and are based on the correct understanding of the object of knowledge. They are not mere opinions but frameworks for understanding reality from different perspectives. The text clarifies that Nayas are neither entirely valid nor entirely invalid but are 'a part of valid cognition' (Pramanakadesha).

4. Number of Fundamental Nayas: The text discusses the complexity and varying classifications of Nayas in Jain literature. It mentions that while some texts speak of two fundamental Nayas (Nischaya and Vyavahara), others refer to seven (as in Tattvarthasutra) or even forty-seven (as in Pravachanasara). The author cites scriptures suggesting that the number of Nayas can be as numerous as the ways of speaking or the perspectives one can take. However, the core fundamental Nayas are identified as:

   • Nischaya and Vyavahara: Often considered the primary Nayas, especially in spiritual discourse. Nischaya (Absolute) focuses on the intrinsic nature, while Vyavahara (Conventional) focuses on the relative or functional aspects.
   • Dravyarthika and Paryayarthika: These are also presented as fundamental Nayas, representing the substance (Dravya) and its modes/qualities (Paryaya) respectively.
   • The author notes a potential ambiguity: Nischaya-Vyavahara are sometimes presented as the root, and at other times Dravyarthika-Paryayarthika are identified as the root. The text attempts to reconcile these by suggesting that Nischaya-Vyavahara is more prominent in the spiritual methodology, while Dravyarthika-Paryayarthika is common in scriptural methodology. It's also suggested that Dravyarthika leads to Nischaya, and Paryayarthika leads to Vyavahara, and that these pairs are not always synonymous but can be considered complementary.

5. Nischaya and Vyavahara Nayas: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining these two crucial Nayas.

   • Nature of Conflict and Reconciliation: The text acknowledges that Nischaya and Vyavahara often appear contradictory. Nischaya focuses on the absolute, indivisible, and intrinsic nature (e.g., the soul is pure and unchanging), while Vyavahara focuses on the relative, divisible, and conventional aspects (e.g., the soul experiences pleasure and pain due to karmic conjunctions). The 'Syat' (anekanta) principle of Jainism is highlighted as the key to reconciling these apparent contradictions.
   • Importance and Usage: The author stresses that both Nayas are essential. Nischaya is crucial for true self-realization, while Vyavahara is necessary for teaching and explaining the path to that realization. The text clarifies that Vyavahara is not false but 'relatively true' and serves as a means to understand Nischaya. Without Vyavahara, the path of liberation (the "Tirtha") would be lost, and without Nischaya, the ultimate truth (the "Tattva") cannot be realized.
   • Detailed discussion on their definitions: The book provides numerous definitions from various Jain texts, highlighting that Nischaya leads to detachment and liberation (Moksha), while Vyavahara is often characterized by worldly involvement and is ultimately to be transcended. The text elaborates on the relationship between the two, emphasizing that Vyavahara is often the "means" to understand and achieve the "end" represented by Nischaya.
   • Theological and Practical Application: The author draws a parallel between the function of Nayas and how essential concepts are understood in daily life and spiritual practice. The text also addresses common misunderstandings and disputes arising from the misapplication of Nischaya and Vyavahara.

6. Classification and Sub-classifications: The book delves into the various classifications of Nayas, particularly the sub-divisions of Nischaya and Vyavahara.

   • Nischaya Naya: Discussed as primarily one but sometimes categorized into two (Shuddha and Ashuddha) or even four (Paramashuddha, Shuddha, Ekadesha-shuddha, and Ashuddha) based on the depth of understanding and the object of focus (e.g., the pure soul in its absolute state vs. the soul with subtle spiritual states).
   • Vyavahara Naya: Elaborated in detail into four types:
     • Sadbhuta Vyavahara: Focuses on the inherent qualities and modes within a single substance, establishing distinctions (e.g., knowledge is a quality of the soul). This is further divided into Shuddha (pure) and Ashuddha (impure).
     • Asadbhuta Vyavahara: Focuses on establishing connections or relationships between different substances, often through imputation or convention (e.g., the soul is associated with the body, or "this country is mine"). This is further divided into Anupcharita (without imputation) and Upcharita (with imputation).
   • The author meticulously explains the scope and examples of each sub-category, often quoting from foundational texts like Naya-Chakras, Palap Paddhati, Panchadhyayi, and Mokshamarga Prakashak.

7. Panchadhyayi's Perspective: The book dedicates a section to the specific approach of Panchadhyayi regarding Vyavahara Naya. It notes that Panchadhyayi classifies 'unreal' or 'impermissible' usages as 'Nayabhasa' (fallacious Nayas) rather than types of Vyavahara, which is a subtle but important distinction. It also highlights differences in examples and emphasis compared to other texts.

8. Question-and-Answer Format: Throughout the text, the author uses a question-and-answer format to address potential doubts and clarify complex points, making the intricate subject matter more accessible.

9. Author's Approach: Dr. Bharilla's approach is characterized by:

   • Thorough Research: Drawing extensively from original Jain scriptures and commentaries.
   • Clarity and Simplicity: Aiming to explain complex philosophical concepts in an understandable manner.
   • Emphasis on Practical Application: Constantly linking the theoretical understanding of Nayas to the ultimate goal of self-realization and spiritual progress.
   • Reverence for Tradition: Highlighting the contributions of past Acharyas and Gurus like Pandit Todarmal and Shri Kanji Swami.

Conclusion of the First Half:

The first half of "Jinavarasya Nayachakram" lays a strong foundation for understanding the Nayas by explaining their necessity, general nature, and the fundamental Nischaya and Vyavahara Nayas. It prepares the reader for a deeper dive into the detailed classifications and their applications, with the promise of further exploration in the second half. The author's dedication to clarifying these vital concepts is evident, aiming to empower readers to truly grasp the profound philosophy of Jainism.