Jinbhadragani Krut Dhyanshatak Evam Uski Haribhadriya Tika Ek Tulnatmak Adhyayan

This document is a PhD thesis titled "A Comparative Study of Jinbhadragani's Dhyanashatak and Haribhadriya Tika" by Sadhvi Priyashraddhanjanashreeji, submitted in 1997. It's a detailed analysis of the Jain text "Dhyanashatak" (also known as "Jhanajjhayanam") composed by Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman in Prakrit in the 6th century CE, and its commentary by Acharya Haribhadra Suri in Sanskrit in the 8th century CE.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the thesis, based on the provided text:

Core Subject:

• Comparative analysis: The thesis focuses on comparing Jinbhadra Gani's "Dhyanashatak" with Acharya Haribhadra Suri's commentary on it.
• Importance of Dhyanashatak: It highlights "Dhyanashatak" as a significant post-Agamic Jain text dealing with meditation, following the initial discussions in Agamas.
• Relevance to Modern Times: The introduction emphasizes the relevance of meditation in addressing contemporary stress, highlighting yoga and meditation as paths to inner peace and mental stillness.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The thesis is structured into seven chapters, each delving into specific aspects of the texts and the concept of meditation:

1. Chapter 1: Introduction and Background:

   • Explains the naming and introduction of the text.
   • Discusses the language of the original text (Prakrit, likely Maharashtri-influenced Ardhamagadhi).
   • Outlines the subject matter of the original text.
   • Provides a detailed introduction to the author, Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman, his personality, and his literary contributions, particularly in the field of meditation and yoga.
   • Establishes the composition period of the original text (6th century CE).
   • Introduces the commentator, Acharya Haribhadra Suri, his literary contributions, and his specific works related to meditation and yoga.
   • Highlights the unique features of Haribhadra's commentary on Dhyanashatak.

2. Chapter 2: Definition and Nature of Meditation:

   • Discusses the definition and nature of meditation according to Jain tradition and other traditions.
   • Explains the definitions of meditation found in the "Dhyanashatak" and Haribhadra's commentary.
   • Differentiates between the meditation of ordinary beings (Chhadmastha) and liberated beings (Jineshvar).
   • Categorizes meditation into four types: Artadhyana, Raudradhyana, Dharmadhyana, and Shukladhyana.
   • Analyzes the auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of these four types of meditation.
   • Explains the reasons for bondage caused by Artadhyana and Raudradhyana.
   • Discusses the place and significance of Dharmadhyana and Shukladhyana in spiritual practice.

3. Chapter 3: Nature and Types of the Four Meditations:

   • Explains the nature and characteristics of the four types of meditation (Artadhyana, Raudradhyana, Dharmadhyana, Shukladhyana) based on the original text and its commentary.
   • Details the sub-types of Artadhyana and Raudradhyana.
   • Explains the four types of Dharmadhyana and the twelve "doors" (aspects) of Dharmadhyana: Bhavana (contemplation), Desha (place), Kala (time), Asana (posture), Alambana (object of meditation), Krama (sequence), Dhatavya (object of meditation), Dhyata (meditator), Anupreksha (reflection), Lleshya (subtle spiritual state), Linga (characteristic), and Phala (result).
   • Discusses the nature and levels of Shukladhyana, including its specific "doors" (dhatavya, dhyata, etc.).
   • Explores the subjects of contemplation for Artadhyana and Raudradhyana.
   • Examines the objects of meditation (Alambana) for Dharmadhyana and Shukladhyana.
   • Addresses the question of whether meditation requires an object (Alambana) and discusses the transition from meditative states with objects to objectless states.

4. Chapter 4: The Meditator and Spiritual Development:

   • Discusses the "owner" or meditator of meditation.
   • Examines the relationship (identity or distinction) between the meditator and the object of meditation (Dhyata and Dhyatavya).
   • Analyzes the meditator's spiritual development through the fourteen stages (Gunasthana).
   • Details the various stages and mental states of meditators in Artadhyana and Raudradhyana.
   • Explores the meditators of Dharmadhyana, highlighting the differences in perspective between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions regarding their applicability.
   • Discusses the development of specific meditation techniques like Pindastha, Padmastha, Rupastha, and Rupatita dhyanas, and the five types of Dhaarna (concentration) – Parthivi, Agneyi, Varuni, Vayavi, and Tattva-bhuta – within the Jain tradition, questioning their direct presence in the original text and commentary.
   • Analyzes the conditions and mental state of the meditator during Shukladhyana.

5. Chapter 5: Comparative Study of Dhyanashatak with other Jain Texts and Discussion on Siddhis:

   • Provides a comparative analysis of "Dhyanashatak" with texts like Sthananga, Bhagavati, Oupapatika, Tattvartha, Mulachara, Bhagavati-Aradhana, Dhavala, and Adipurana.
   • Discusses meditation and its associated spiritual powers (Siddhis or Riddhis).
   • Explores the concept of avoiding the pursuit of such powers.
   • Highlights the secondary importance of Siddhis in Jain tradition.
   • Discusses meditation in relation to Kayotsarga (a Jain practice of self-discipline and posture for meditation) and Samadhi (deep meditative absorption).

6. Chapter 6: Historical Development of Meditation and Comparative Analysis:

   • Traces the historical development of meditation.
   • Divides this development into periods: Agamic and Agamic Interpretation Era, Haribhadra Era, Gyanarnava and Yogashastra Era, Tantric Era, Yashovijaya Era, and Modern Era.
   • Provides a comparative study of Jain meditation practices with Buddhist meditation and Patanjali's Yoga.
   • Discusses the influence of Tantric practices on Jain meditation.

7. Chapter 7: Conclusion:

   • Summarizes the key findings of the research.
   • Reiterates the importance of meditation in stress relief.
   • Discusses the role of meditation in individual spiritual development.
   • Emphasizes the overall contribution of the study to understanding meditation in the Jain tradition, particularly the foundational texts and their early interpretations.

Key Strengths and Focus:

• Textual analysis: The thesis is primarily a textual and comparative study of two foundational Jain texts on meditation.
• Historical perspective: It aims to trace the historical development of meditation practices within Jainism and their connections to other traditions.
• Scholarly rigor: The thesis is presented as a rigorous academic work, with citations and acknowledgments of previous research.
• Author's Background: The author, Sadhvi Priyashraddhanjanashree, brings a unique perspective as a spiritual practitioner engaged in scholarly research.

The provided text is extensive, covering the introductory sections, chapter outlines, and detailed summaries of the first few chapters, including the author's extensive research methodology and the historical context of the texts. It also includes the candidate's declaration and the supervisor's certificate, confirming the academic nature of the work.