Laghuchandrika

This is a summary of the Jain text titled "Laghuchandrika" by Bramhanand Sarasvati and Harihar Shastri, published by Vidya Mudrakshar Shala. The provided text is an introduction and a table of contents for the first part of the work.

Book Title: Laghuchandrika (लघुचन्द्रिका) Author(s): Bramhanand Sarasvati (ब्रह्मानन्द सरस्वती), Harihar Shastri (हरिहर शास्त्री) Publisher: Vidya Mudrakshar Shala (विद्या मुद्रक्षर शाला), Kumbhakonam (कुम्भकोणम्) Publication Date: December 1893

Overview:

"Laghuchandrika" is presented as a commentary or elucidation on the "Advaita Siddhi" (अद्वैतसिद्धि) of Madhusudan Sarasvati, with Bramhanand Sarasvati as the original commentator and Harihar Shastri as the editor. The primary purpose of this work, as stated in the introduction, is to aid seekers of liberation (mumukshu) in firmly establishing the non-dualistic (Advaita) truth, which leads to the removal of all sorrows and the manifestation of supreme bliss. It also aims to uproot those who are inimical to Advaita.

Key Figures and Lineage:

• Bramhanand Sarasvati (ब्रह्मानन्द सरस्वती): The revered guru of Harihar Shastri, who was a disciple of the Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Paramānanda Sarasvati. Bramhanand Sarasvati was instrumental in establishing the philosophy of non-duality.
• Harihar Shastri (हरिहर शास्त्री): The editor of this particular publication, who was a resident of Gosthipura and a disciple of Tyagaraja Makhiraj (also known as Raju Shastry), a renowned scholar. Harihar Shastri compiled and edited this work based on his profound knowledge of Brahmanidya gained through the grace of his guru.
• Tyagaraja Makhiraj (त्यागराज मखिराज): Harihar Shastri's guru, honored with the title Mahamahopadhyaya.
• Adi Shankaracharya (श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवत्पाद): Revered as the principal proponent of Advaita Vedanta, whose teachings have been propagated through his disciples and subsequent commentators.
• Madhusudan Sarasvati (मधुसूदन सरस्वती): Author of the "Advaita Siddhi," whose work is being commented upon by Bramhanand Sarasvati and presented here by Harihar Shastri.
• Narasimha Bharati Swami (नृसिंहभारती खामि): Mentioned as the guru of Sambashiva Shastry.
• Sambashiva Shastry (साम्बशिव शास्त्रि): The proprietor and publisher from Kumbhakonam, who undertook the printing of the "Advaita Manjari" series, of which this work is a part. He is praised for his dedication to propagating Advaita Vedanta.

Context and Purpose of the Publication:

The introduction highlights that Advaita Vedanta, though established by Adi Shankaracharya and propagated by subsequent Acharyas like Vidyaranya and Madhusudan Sarasvati, had become rare in its propagation due to the proliferation of opposing views and the difficulty of writing and copying texts, leading to inaccuracies and scarcity even in manuscripts. To address this, a series called "Advaita Manjari" was initiated to publish important Advaita texts. "Laghuchandrika," a commentary on Bramhanand Sarasvati's explanation of Advaita Siddhi, is part of this series, aiming to make the profound Advaita teachings accessible and beneficial to all. The publication of these texts is seen as a service to humanity and a way to fulfill the purpose of human birth by engaging in the study of spiritual knowledge.

Content of the First Chapter (as per Table of Contents):

The table of contents for the first "Parichchheda" (Chapter) of "Laghuchandrika" outlines the topics covered. These are highly technical philosophical discussions within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, focusing on refuting opposing viewpoints and establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Key topics include:

• Analysis of the Mangala Shloka (auspicious introductory verse).
• The role of contradictory statements in philosophical discourse.
• Examination of the defining characteristic of the thesis being argued (Pakshatāvachchhedaka).
• Detailed refutations of various concepts of "Mithyāṭva" (unreality or falsity).
• Discussions on "Drishyatva" (perceptibility), "Jaḍatva" (inertness), and "Parichchhinnaṭva" (finitude).
• Analysis and refutation of arguments concerning "Ābhāsa Sāmya" (similarity of illusory appearances) and "Pratyaksha Bādha" (refutation of perception).
• Arguments regarding the supremacy of perception, its refutation by inference and scriptural authority, and the invalidity of certain logical arguments.

The Commentary "Laghuchandrika":

The "Laghuchandrika" itself is described as a concise explanation of the essence of Chandrika (likely referring to the larger commentary) by Bramhanand Sarasvati, making it more accessible for aspiring students. The text begins with devotional verses and proceeds into the philosophical exposition, indicating a blend of devotional reverence and rigorous intellectual analysis.

In essence, "Laghuchandrika" is a significant work within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, serving as an accessible commentary on a key text, intended to illuminate the path to liberation by clarifying and defending the principles of non-duality.