Jivanushasanam - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jivanushasanam" by Devsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Jivanushasanam (जीवशासण) Author: Devsuri (देवसूरी) Publisher: Jagjivan Uttamchand Shah Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020413/1

Overview:

"Jivanushasanam" is a significant Jain scripture composed by Acharya Devsuri. It delves into various aspects of Jain doctrine and practice, addressing controversial topics prevalent in the Jain community of his time. The text is presented with its own commentary (Swopadnya Vrutti) and is considered a valuable work within the Hemchandracharya Granthavali.

Key Information from the Provided Pages:

Authorship and Lineage: The work is attributed to Acharya Devsuri, a disciple of Acharya Virachandrasuri.
Date of Composition: The text was composed in the Vikram Samvat year 1162 (corresponding to 1106 CE) on the ninth day of the month of Ashadh, during a Tuesday, under the reign of King Jayasimha Deva. It was revised by Jinadatta Suri and approved by other prominent scholars like Mahendra Suri.
Commentary: Devsuri himself wrote a commentary on this work, known as "Swopadnya Vrutti." This commentary was also revised by Jinadatta Suri.
Content and Purpose: The text comprises 38 chapters (Arthadhikaras) that provide guidance ("Anushasana") to the soul (Jiva). It aims to clarify and resolve various debated issues within the Jain sangha of that era. The preface suggests that understanding the heart of the text requires a thorough study of its contents by scholars.
Historical Context: The work is seen as a reflection of the philosophical and practical discussions happening within the Jain community during the 12th century Vikram era, a period when luminaries like Acharya Hemchandra were active.
Sponsorship and Publication: The commentary was completed in one month with the support of Vasundhara, the mother of Vira, a respected Shreshthi's daughter, who was devoted to Jain and Sadhu worship. The publication details indicate it's part of the "Shri Hemchandracharya Granthavali," published by the Shri Hemchandracharya Sabha in Patan. The first edition was printed in Ahmedabad in Vikram Samvat 1984 (1928 CE).
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Acharya Shri Vijay Nitisurishvarji.

Structure and Key Topics (Based on the Index on Page 6):

The provided index outlines a detailed structure with 38 topics covered in the book, including:

Vimbapratishtha Varnanam (विम्बप्रतिष्ठावर्णनम्): Description of the consecration of images.
Parshvasya Vandanaadi Pratipadanam (पार्श्वस्यवन्दनादिप्रतिपादनम्): Establishing the veneration of Parshvanatha and similar figures.
Pakshika Vichar (पाक्षिकविचारः): Discussion on the fortnightly observances.
Vandanatraya Vichar (वन्दनत्रयविचारः): Consideration of the three types of salutations.
Aryikanandivaktavyata (आर्यिकानन्दिवक्तव्यता): The statements of the Āryikās (nuns).
Daan Nishedha Vichar Varnanam (दाननिषेधविचारवर्णनम्): Discussion on the prohibition of donations.
Maghamala Pratipadanam (माघमालाप्रतिपादनम्): Establishing the concept of Maghamala (perhaps related to rituals or auspicious times).
Chaturvinsatipattakadi Vichar (चतुर्विंशतिपट्टकादिविचारः): Consideration of the 24 thrones and other similar concepts.
Avikaran Vicharana (अविधिकरणविचारणा): Inquiry into non-action or specific types of actions.
Siddhabali Vicharana (सिद्धबलिविचारणा): Consideration of the Bali offered to Siddhas.
Parshvasadi Samipe Shravanadi Vichar (पार्श्वस्यादिसमीपे श्रवणादिविचारः): Listening to scriptures near Parshvanatha and others.
Vidhi Chaitya Karan Varnanam (विधिचैत्यकरणवर्णना): Description of building temples according to scriptural injunctions.
Darshan Prabhavaka Acharya Vichar (दर्शनप्रभावकाचार्य विचारः): Consideration of Acharyas who influence the right view.
Sangha Vichar (संघविचारः): Discussion on the monastic community.
Parshvasthadi Anuvartana (पार्श्वस्थाद्यनुवर्तना): Following the principles of Parshvasthas (those who follow the teachings of Parshvanatha).
Jnanadi Avadnya Vichar (ज्ञानाद्यवज्ञाविचारः): Consideration of disrespect towards knowledge and other virtues.
Chat-Guruvachana Tyaga Vicharau (ष-गुरुवचनात्यागविचारौ): Consideration of abandoning the teachings of six Gurus.
Brahmashantyadi Puja Vichar (ब्रह्मशान्त्यादिपूजा विचारः): Consideration of the worship of Brahma Shanti and others.
Shravaka Siddhanta Gatha Paudan Vichar (श्रावक सिद्धान्तगाथापाउनविचारः): Consideration of reciting Siddhanta verses for Shravakas.
Skandhachatina Vihar Varnan (स्कन्धचटिन विहारवर्णनम्): Description of a particular type of wandering (Vihar).
Masakala Vichar (मासकलाविचारः): Consideration of the lunar month.
Surimala Dharana Vichar (सूरिमलधारणविचारः): Consideration of wearing the Surimala (a type of garment or symbol).
Kevala Stri Vyakhyana (केवल स्त्रीव्याख्यानम्): Explanation concerning women exclusively.
Shravakanam Parshvasthadi Vandana Vichar (श्रावकाणां पार्श्वस्थादिवन्दन विचारः): Consideration of Shravakas venerating Parshvasthas.
Shravaka Sev Vichar (श्रावक सेवाविचारः): Consideration of the service rendered by Shravakas.
Aryika Dharma Kathanam (आर्यिका धर्मकथनम्): The teachings of the Āryikās (nuns).
Jindravya Utpadana Varnanam (जिनद्रव्योत्पादनवर्णनम्): Description of the production of Jain wealth.
Ashuddha Grahan Kathanam (अशुद्धग्रहणकथनम्): Statement regarding the acceptance of impure items.
Parshvasthadi Samipe Kruta Saponi nindaapan Vichar (पार्श्वस्थादिसमीपे कृतसपोनिन्दापनविचारः): Consideration of criticisms of austerities performed near Parshvasthas.
Parshvasthadi Kruta Jin Bhaavane Puja Vichar (पार्श्वस्थादिकृत जिनभवने पूजाविचारः): Consideration of worship performed in Jain temples by Parshvasthas.
Yo Yathavadan Karoti Sa Mithyadrushtiriti Vichar (यो यथावादन करोति स मिध्यादृष्टिरिति विचारः): Consideration that one who offers salutations in a certain way is a wrong believer.
Vesho Apramanamiti Kathana Vichar (वेषोsप्रमाणमिति कथन विचार): Consideration that attire is not the proof.
Asanyata Shabda Vichar (असंयत शब्दविचार): Consideration of the word "Asanyata" (unrestrained).
Pranivadha Dana Varnanam (प्राणिवधदानवर्णनम्): Description of donating to those who cause harm to life.
Charitra Satta Vichar (चारित्रसत्ताविचारः): Consideration of the existence of virtuous conduct.
Acharana Varnanam (आचरणावर्णनम्): Description of conduct.
Guna Stuti Vichar (गुणस्तुतिविचारः): Consideration of praise of virtues.
Upasamhara Prashasti (उपसंहार - प्रशस्ती): Conclusion and eulogy.

Key Themes and Arguments Illustrated (from the initial pages):

The initial pages, particularly the introduction and the beginning of the commentary, highlight several key points:

Veneration of Tirthankaras and Acharyas: The text begins with salutations to Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami, Sudharma Swami, and the Acharyas Buddhisagar Surishwarji and Kailassagarsuri, emphasizing the importance of reverence for the spiritual lineage.
Addressing Controversies: The "Prastavika" (Preface) explicitly states that the work discusses "controversial topics prevalent in the Jain sangha of his time." The goal is to offer guidance on these matters.
The Importance of the Teacher: The text stresses the need to listen to the words of learned and virtuous Acharyas, especially those who are free from pride and possess knowledge of place, time, and scripture.
Critique of Erroneous Views: The preface also addresses individuals who misinterpret or misrepresent the Dharma, emphasizing that true understanding comes from the teachings of the accomplished.
Discernment in Practice: The work appears to guide followers on what is permissible and what is not, often by contrasting scriptural injunctions with the practices or interpretations of some individuals or groups within the community.

Overall Significance:

"Jivanushasanam" is a scholarly work that demonstrates the intellectual and doctrinal rigor within Jainism. By addressing specific issues and providing detailed explanations, Devsuri aimed to preserve and clarify the Jain path, guiding practitioners towards correct understanding and practice. The inclusion of the author's own commentary adds depth and authority to the text.