Kundakunda Bharti

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Kundakunda Bharti: A Summary

"Kundakunda Bharti" is a significant publication by the Jinwani Jirnoddharak Sanst1 Faltan, edited by Pt. Pannalal Sahityacharya. It serves as a tribute to the profound teachings of Acharya Kundakunda, a highly revered Jain monk and philosopher. The book is a compilation of his essential works, presented with the aim of making them accessible to the modern reader.

Historical Context and Purpose:

The publication of "Kundakunda Bharti" is deeply rooted in the historical revival of the Digambar Jain monastic tradition in the 20th century, spearheaded by the inspirational leadership of Acharya Shri 108 Shantisagarji Maharaj. This initiative was motivated by the deteriorating condition of ancient Jain scriptures, particularly the palm-leaf manuscripts of foundational texts like the Dhavala, Jayadhavala, and Mahadhavala. These precious manuscripts were succumbing to the ravages of time and insects.

The establishment of the "Shri 108 Acharya Shantisagar Digambar Jain Jinavani Jirnoddharak Sanstha" in Vikram Samvat 2000-2001 (approx. 1943-1944 CE) was a pivotal moment. Under the guidance of Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj, the institution embarked on a monumental mission to preserve, restore, and publish these sacred texts. The primary objectives included:

1. Preservation: To protect the ancient Jain Siddhanta Granthas (scriptures) by transcribing them onto copper plates and creating photographic reproductions.
2. Publication and Distribution: To revise, print, and publish these foundational texts, along with the works of other important Acharyas, making them available to the Jain community for study at minimal or no cost.
3. Revival of Monastic Tradition: The entire effort was intrinsically linked to the revival and strengthening of the Digambar Jain monastic tradition, which had been fragmented in the preceding centuries.

Key Undertakings and Content:

The book details the extensive work undertaken by the institution, initiated by the inspiration and blessings of Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj. This included the laborious and expensive process of engraving the Dhavala (70,000 shlokas), Jayadhavala (80,000 shlokas), and Mahadhavala (40,000 shlokas) texts onto copper plates. The printing of the Dhavala alone spanned 2,600 pages and cost a significant amount.

Beyond these monumental works, the institution has also published numerous other important Jain texts, including:

• Shri Ratnakarand Shravakachar
• Shri Samaysara (with commentary)
• Shri Sarvasiddhi
• Shri Mulachara
• Shri Uttar Purana
• Shri Angar Dharmamrita
• Shri Sagar Dharmamrita
• Ashtapahuda
• Shravakachar Sangraha (Volumes 1-5)
• Shri Aadi Purana (by Acharya Jinasena)
• Mahapurana, Vol. 1
• Bhagwan Mahavir's Teachings Tradition
• Arthaprakashika
• Laghu Tattvasphot
• Samaysara (Volumes 1-2)
• Shatkhandagama
• Smritigandha
• Biography of Param Pujya Shantisagarji Maharaj
• Shri Mahadhavala
• The publication itself, "Kundakunda Bharti"

The Life and Works of Acharya Kundkund:

A significant portion of "Kundakunda Bharti" is dedicated to introducing Acharya Kundkund and his profound philosophical contributions.

• Influence and Reverence: Kundkundacharya holds a supreme position among Digambar Jain Acharyas, with his name frequently appearing in inscriptions and historical records with great reverence. He is often referred to alongside Lord Mahavir and Lord Gautama as a figure of auspiciousness.
• Vidyasvadavada: His teachings are characterized by the profound exploration of "Syadvada," the doctrine of conditioned predication, which forms the bedrock of Jain philosophy.
• Atma Tattva: Kundkundacharya's works, particularly "Samaysara," "Panchastikaya," and "Pravachanasara," are renowned for their detailed and insightful descriptions of the soul (Atma) as distinct from all external substances (Aparigraha). His spiritual discourses flowing through these texts offer solace and eternal peace to those weary of the cycle of rebirth.
• Videh Gaman Legend: The text discusses the prevalent belief that Acharya Kundkund journeyed to Videh Kshetra to receive direct teachings from Lord Simandhar Swami, the Tirthankara of that region. This belief is supported by mentions in the works of later Acharyas like Devsenacharya and Jayasenacharya.
• Authorship and Names: The text enumerates the various names associated with Kundkundacharya, including Padmanandi, Vakragrivacharya, Elacharya, and Griddhpichhacharya, citing inscriptions and monastic lineages.
• Birthplace and Guru: While his birthplace is believed to be Kundkundpur (possibly Konakundal in South India), his guru is identified as Kumar Nandi Siddhanta Deva, though he also reverentially refers to Bhadrabahu as his lineage guru.
• Time Period: The precise time period of Acharya Kundkund is a subject of scholarly debate, with some scholars placing him in the 1st century CE and others in the 2nd or 3rd century CE.
• Literary Style and Significance: Kundkundacharya's works are celebrated for their concise, impactful, and philosophical style, using the Gatha meter primarily, with occasional use of Anushtubh and Upajati meters. His verses have a direct impact on the heart, conveying profound spiritual truths without unnecessary verbosity.
• Major Works: The text lists the indisputably authored works of Kundkundacharya as: Panchastikaya, Samaysara, Pravachanasara, Niyamasara, Ashtapahuda (comprising eight parts), Varasanupekkha, and Bhaktisangraha. The authenticity of "Ratnasara" is questioned due to textual variations.

Philosophical Depth - Naya System:

A significant portion of the introductory material delves into the complex Naya system of Jain philosophy, contrasting "Shastriya Drishti" (Classical Perspective) with "Adhyatmik Drishti" (Spiritual Perspective):

• Shastriya Drishti: This perspective analyzes objects by dissecting them, valuing both instrumental causes (nimitta karan) and material causes (upadan karan) equally. It views all states, whether naturally occurring or caused by external factors, as equally real. In this view, soul, non-soul, influx, bondage, control, exhaustion, merit, demerit, and liberation are all considered real and essential for a complete understanding of reality.
• Adhyatmik Drishti: This perspective focuses on the soul itself, considering only the soul as the ultimate reality and all else as empirical or conventional truth. It primarily utilizes the concepts of "Nischaya Naya" (Real/Ultimate Perspective) and "Vyavahara Naya" (Conventional/Empirical Perspective). Nischaya Naya reveals the pure soul, while Vyavahara Naya describes its conditioned states. For the spiritual seeker, Nischaya Naya is paramount for liberation.

Kundkundacharya masterfully employs both perspectives, particularly in works like "Panchastikaya" and "Pravachanasara," to elucidate the nature of reality and the path to liberation. He emphasizes that while Vyavahara Naya is essential for conveying spiritual truths and guiding the mundane being, the ultimate goal is to transcend it and realize the Nischaya Naya, the pure soul.

Detailed Overview of Works (as described in the text):

The book provides a detailed synopsis of the key works attributed to Acharya Kundkund, including:

• Panchastikaya: Discusses the five astikayas (soul, matter, time, space, and principles of motion/rest) and their characteristics, highlighting the soul's essential nature.
• Samaysara: Explores the nature of the soul, its distinction from matter, the concepts of Nischaya and Vyavahara Naya, and the path to liberation through self-realization.
• Pravachanasara: Delves into the essence of Jain teachings, detailing the nature of soul, karma, the path to liberation, and the various states of consciousness.
• Niyamasara: Focuses on the principles of right conduct, emphasizing self-discipline, detachment, and the attainment of the soul's inherent pure state.
• Ashtapahuda: A collection of eight profound treatises covering aspects of right faith (Darshana), conduct (Charitra), scripture (Sutra), wisdom (Bodha), states of being (Bhava), liberation (Moksha), conduct (Shila), and conduct (Ling).
• Dvadashanuprksha (Barasanupeksha): Discusses twelve contemplations (reflections on impermanence, suffering, the soul, etc.) essential for developing detachment and spiritual insight.
• Bhaktisangraha: A collection of devotional hymns praising the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, and other revered beings.

Overall Significance:

"Kundakunda Bharti" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Acharya Kundkund and the dedication of the Jinwani Jirnoddharak Sanstha. It not only preserves invaluable ancient scriptures but also illuminates the philosophical depth and practical spiritual guidance embedded within Kundkundacharya's teachings. The publication serves as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to understand the core tenets of Jainism, particularly the path to self-realization and liberation as expounded by this seminal Acharya.