Labdhisar Kshapanasar Ek Anushilan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the discussion around the "Labdhisar-Kshapanasar Ek Anushilan" and its commentaries:

The provided text is an excerpt from a publication celebrating Acharya Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri. It delves into the Jain philosophical text "Labdhisar-Kshapanasar" and its various commentaries, particularly highlighting the contributions of Pandit Todarmal and Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri himself.

Key Themes and Discussions:

• Understanding "Upachara" (Treating one thing as another): The text begins by addressing a query about the characteristic of "Upachara" (a conventional or imputed designation). It explains that "Upachara" arises from the relationship with something else, giving the example of calling a clay pot a ghee pot. Similarly, calling a soul as having colors or other physical attributes is considered "Upachara." This is contrasted with "Nishchaya Naya" (ultimate truth), which speaks of the inherent nature of things. The concept is further elaborated by stating that attributing different doers and objects (karta-karma) to an object is "Vyavahara" (conventional truth), while attributing the same doer-object is "Nishchaya." The term "cause" is used in "Upachara" because there's an external connection to the effect, even if the true cause is internal. This distinction between "Vyavahara" (unreal) and "Nishchaya" (real) is crucial for understanding Jain philosophy.

• The Significance of Khania Tattvacharcha: The text emphasizes that resolving many controversial philosophical points requires a calm and impartial approach, as advocated by Acharya Shri Shivasagar Maharaj. The "Khania Tattvacharcha" is presented as a platform where the profound knowledge of Pandit Phoolchandra Ji Siddhantashastri across all four "Anuyogas" (branches of Jain scripture) was evident. It is recommended for those seeking true knowledge of reality.

• "Labdhisar-Kshapanasar": A Study:

  • Core Subject: The text asserts that Jain scriptures primarily describe the soul and its purification. "Labdhisar" is highlighted as a work that, drawing from the "Karananuyoga" (the scriptural branch dealing with the mechanism of liberation), comprehensively discusses right faith (Samyakdarshan), right conduct (Samyakcharitra), and the fruits of their attainment.
  • Essence of Samyakdarshan: The purification of the soul is identified as the main essence of all three types of right faith: "Aupashamik" (suppressed), "Kshayopashamik" (suppressed-destructive), and "Kshayik" (destructive). These are considered "Upachara" (conventional) classifications, based on the causal factors.
  • Meaning of "Labdhisar": The name "Labdhisar" (essence of attainment) is explained as being meaningful due to the text's detailed exposition of "Labdhi" (attainment) – the potential for the soul's inherent qualities of perception and conduct to manifest.
  • Structure: The book primarily focuses on "Darshanlabdhi" (attainment of right faith) and "Charitralabdhi" (attainment of right conduct), describing their nature, divisions, and causal factors across six chapters.
  • Inclusion of "Kshapanasar": "Kshapanasar" is not an independent work but is integrated within "Labdhisar." The entire exposition of "Labdhisar," comprising 653 verses, is noted to be a concise summary of the 60,000-verse "Jayadhavala" commentary on the "Kashayaprahrita" (Kasaayapaahuda). This exemplifies the achievement of condensing vast knowledge into a smaller form.

• Foundation in Ancient Texts: The composition of "Labdhisar" is based on original Jain scriptures like "Shatkhandagama" and "Kashayaprahrita." The Sanskrit commentary on "Labdhisar" further confirms its adherence to the original scriptural principles. The text mentions that works like "Mahakarmapradipata" (dealing with eight karmas) and "Pejjadoshaprahrita" (dealing with delusion karma) are foundational. Acharya Nemichandra Siddhantachakravarti, the author of "Labdhisar," also wrote "Gommatasara" and "Trilokasara" based on these foundational texts.

• Commentaries:

  • Sanskrit Commentaries: The significance of "Labdhisar" is evident from the existence of Sanskrit commentaries, with Keshavavarni's being particularly famous. However, Sanskrit commentaries are only available up to the fifth chapter (on the suppression of delusory karma).
  • "Kshapanasar" Commentary: The clarification of the verses related to karma destruction ("Kshapanasar") is done according to the Sanskrit prose work "Kshapanasar" by Madhavachandra Vidyadeva.
  • "Samyagjnana Chandrika" by Pandit Todarmal: This commentary is described as a lucid and comprehensive explanation that follows the original scriptures. It is highly praised for making the difficult subject matter of "Karananuyoga" accessible, even to scholars. Pandit Todarmal's commentary is credited with illuminating the path of spiritual knowledge for future generations. The text draws a parallel between Acharya Nemichandra's feat of composing "Labdhisar" in verses and Pandit Todarmal's achievement of explaining it in a vernacular language.
  • Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri's Editorial Contribution: The edition of "Labdhisar" (with "Kshapanasar") by Pandit Phoolchandra Ji Siddhantashastri, published in 1980, includes Pandit Todarmal's "Samyagjnana Chandrika" with a Hindi commentary. Pandit Phoolchandra's contribution is significant because he provided "Vishesh" (special explanations) and annotations in Hindi, clarifying points in Pandit Todarmal's commentary and linking them to original scriptures like "Jayadhavala." He aimed to explain the underlying principles and the foundational scriptural sources used by Acharya Nemichandra.
  • Pandit Phoolchandra's Explanations:
    • Clarification of Complex Concepts: Pandit Phoolchandra's "Vishesh" clarifies intricate concepts like the stages of "Karan" (actions leading to liberation), the nature of "Abhibhagapraticcheda" (indivisible atom), "Varga" (aggregation of atoms), and "Vargana" (aggregation of similar "Vargas").
    • Detailed Analysis: His explanations provide detailed analysis of scriptural verses, often referencing "Jayadhavala," "Churna Sutras," and Sanskrit commentaries. He highlights discrepancies and clarifies meanings, as seen in the example of explaining the term "Vishuddha" in relation to different stages of spiritual progress.
    • Comparative Study: Pandit Phoolchandra's work excels in presenting a comparative study of different scriptural interpretations, exemplified by his discussion on the "leshyas" (subtle colors of the soul) involved in the initial stages of right faith.
    • Editorial Purity: He meticulously edited the original verses, adapting Sanskrit words to their Prakrit equivalents based on his understanding and discretion, a fact mentioned in his preface.
    • Filling Gaps: He also filled in missing sections of commentaries, as in the case of Verse 167, and clarified the meaning of incomplete verses, such as Verse 475, by referring to "Jayadhavala."
    • Establishing Standards: Pandit Phoolchandra's meticulous editing and insightful annotations are presented as setting a benchmark for scholarly work in the field of textual analysis and commentary.

Overall Significance:

The text underscores the importance of "Labdhisar-Kshapanasar" as a key text in Jain philosophy, particularly in the "Karananuyoga." It emphasizes the crucial role of commentaries in making these profound teachings accessible. The contributions of Pandit Todarmal and, even more so, Pandit Phoolchandra Shastri are celebrated for their scholarly rigor, clarity, and dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain wisdom. Pandit Phoolchandra's work is presented as a vital resource for both scholars and aspiring students of Jain philosophy, facilitating a deeper and more nuanced understanding of these complex doctrines.