Khartar Gaccha Diksha Nandi Suchi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Khartar Gaccha Diksha Nandi Suchi" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Khartar Gaccha Diksha Nandi Suchi (A List of Initiations and Successors in the Khartar Gaccha)

Editors: Bhanvarlal Nahta, Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar

Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur and Jain Shvetambar Panchayati Mandir, Calcutta.

Introduction and Purpose:

The "Khartar Gaccha Diksha Nandi Suchi" is presented as a significant historical document that aids in determining the timelines of monks (muni/yati), literary figures, and their disciples within the Khartar Gaccha. It goes beyond mere chronological placement by providing details such as birth name, initiation name, guru's name, initiation year (samvat), initiating guru, and the specific lineage or sub-branch of the Gaccha.

Scope and Limitations:

The editors acknowledge that the presented list is incomplete. The available data primarily covers the period from Vikram Samvat 1707 onwards and represents only two branches of the Khartar Gaccha. Despite extensive research, the Nandi Suchi from the very beginning of the Gaccha up to 1706, and from its other ten branches, could not be compiled. Similarly, Nandi Suchis from other Jain traditions (Gacchas) are also unavailable. Therefore, the current compilation is presented to scholars and the public with these limitations in mind.

Significance and Insights:

Time Determination: The list is crucial for accurately dating historical Jain figures and events.
Lineage and Succession: It clarifies the guru-disciple relationships, which is fundamental to understanding the propagation of Jain traditions.
Initiation Practices: The book sheds light on the practice of name-changing upon initiation, a tradition prevalent in Jainism. It explains the reasons behind this practice, such as signifying a spiritual rebirth and detachment from worldly ties.
Aacharya's Productivity: The list demonstrates the sheer number of initiations performed by individual Acharyas during their tenure. For instance, Jinachandrasuri (1711-1762) is noted to have established 36 "Nandis" (succession lineages/names) and initiated 616 individuals, which is described as astonishing.
Name-Giving Practices: It is confirmed that the head of the Gaccha (Gacchanayak) was responsible for providing initiations. The disciple's name was often chosen by the guru with the permission of the disciple's previous guru or according to the disciple's wishes.
Structure: The book is divided into three sections:
- Section 1 (Previous History): Covers the history of the Khartar Gaccha before VS 1707, based on lineages, inscriptions, and eulogies.
- Section 2 (From VS 1707 onwards): This is the core of the Nandi Suchi, detailing the initiations chronologically under different Acharyas and their respective "Nandi" names.
- Section 3 (Current Period): Includes the initiation lists of monks and nuns from the current congregations of both the "samvign pakshiya" (those following specific disciplines) and other communities.

Key Themes and Discussions in the Foreword and Introduction:

The Concept of Names (Nam-sthapana): The introduction delves into the philosophical aspect of names as essential for identification, especially for the soul in its embodied form. It draws parallels with the naming of Tirthankaras based on events and dreams.
Evolution of Names: The text traces the evolution of names from Prakrit to Sanskrit and then to Apabhramsa, noting the linguistic changes and suffix additions (like 'd' and 'n') that became common.
Name Change Upon Initiation: The practice of changing one's name upon becoming a monk is discussed, its origins likely tied to the era of "Chetyavas" (monks residing in temples). The rationale is presented as a way to signify renunciation, severing of worldly ties, and fostering detachment. The text mentions references to this practice in texts like "Panchavastu" and "Sammyaktva Shalyoddhar."
Universality of Name Change: The practice is noted to be prevalent in both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions, across various sub-sects.
Nandi/Nandi-Pada: The focus of the "Nandi Suchi" is on these "Nandi-pada," which are the suffix names given to initiated monks and nuns. The text explains that the Khartar Gaccha currently refers to these as "Nandi" or "Nandi."
Vedic and European Parallels: The practice of name change upon initiation is also found in other traditions, including the Vedic community of ascetics, with examples of their ten types of names and suffixes.
Detailed Name-Giving Rules (Achar Dinakar): The book extensively quotes from Acharya Vardhamanasuri's "Achar Dinakar" (VS 1468) regarding the principles of name selection. These principles involve considering factors like "yoni," "varga," "labhyalabhya," "gana," and "rashi bhed" (categories, groups, ratios, etc.) to derive appropriate names. The text lists numerous acceptable pre-fixes and suffixes for monks and the rules for naming nuns.
Khartar Gaccha Specific Traditions:
- The prefix "Jin" has become standard for Acharyas in certain lineages after Vardhamanasuri.
- A unique Khartar Gaccha practice is that the disciple's "Nandi-pada" (suffix name) is generally different from their guru's.
- Initiations were primarily performed by the Pattacharya (the head of the Gaccha). However, under special circumstances, other senior monks could also perform them.
- The naming of newly initiated monks was done according to the "Nandi" established by the Gaccha head.
- Acharya Jinachandrasuri (the one who enlightened Akbar) initiated the most disciples, establishing 44 Nandis.
- The practice of assigning the same "Nandi-pada" to multiple disciples initiated together is highlighted as a significant scientific method for tracing lineage and chronological order.
- The tradition of maintaining "daftar" (diaries/records) of initiations, events, and patrons was initiated by Acharya Jinapatisuri, proving invaluable for historical research.
- The decline of adherence to ancient practices is noted in recent times, with the "Nandi" tradition becoming limited and less vibrant.

Contents of the Book (as per the Index):

The book is structured into three main sections:

Section 1: Previous History (VS 1707 and earlier): This section traces the history of the Khartar Gaccha from its origins, mentioning key Acharyas like Vardhamanasuri, Jineshwarasuri, Jinnadattasuri, Maniphalijinachandrasuri, Jinapatisuri, and detailing their disciples and lineages. This section provides biographical information and highlights significant events.
Section 2: Khartar Gaccha Diksha Nandi Suchi (From VS 1707 onwards): This is the main body of the work, meticulously listing initiations. It is organized by Acharyas and then by the "Nandi" names given to the initiated disciples, along with their birth names, guru's names, and initiation years. The provided text includes detailed listings for Acharyas like Jinratnasuri, Jinachandrasuri, Jinsukhasuri, Jinhaktiusuri, Jinlabhasuri, Jinachandrasuri (second), Jinharsuri, Jinmahendrasuri, Jinmuktisuri, Jindharansuri, and others, covering various branches like the Bikaner branch and Acharya branch.
Section 3: Associated Monks and Nuns: This section includes lists of initiated monks and nuns belonging to specific traditions or communities, such as the lineage of Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalyana, the community of Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj, and the tradition of Shri Jinkripachandrasuri, including lists of nuns initiated within specific sub-groups.

Overall Contribution:

This book is a monumental work of historical research in Jainology, particularly for the Khartar Gaccha. It serves as an invaluable reference for scholars, researchers, and followers interested in the lineage, history, and genealogical records of the Khartar Gaccha's monastic community. The meticulous compilation of names, gurus, and dates, despite its limitations, provides a deep dive into the succession and propagation of Jain spiritual traditions.