Life Of Hemchandracharya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Life of Hemacandrācārya" by Professor G. Bühler, translated by Prof. Dr. Manilal Patel:

This book is the English translation of Professor G. Bühler's German treatise on the life of Hemacandrācārya, a prominent Svetambara Jain monk and scholar of medieval Gujarat (1086-1173 AD). Hemacandrācārya significantly influenced the Jain faith in Gujarat, gaining influence over King Jayasimha Siddharaja and converting his successor, King Kumarapala. He is also recognized as a great Indian scholar in fields like grammar, lexicography, poetics, and metrics.

The book delves into the life of Hemacandrācārya through a detailed examination of various sources, critically evaluating their reliability and historical value.

Key Chapters and Their Content:

Chapter I: The Sources: Bühler discusses the scarcity of detailed biographical information and highlights the importance of Prabandha works (like Prabhavakacaritra, Prabandhacintamani, and Prabandhakosa) and Hemacandra's own writings. He notes that while these works are valuable, they are often sectarian, written long after Hemacandra's time, and contain embellishments and legends. He emphasizes the need for critical analysis and comparison with authentic sources like inscriptions.
Chapter II: Hemacandra's Youth: This chapter details Hemacandra's birth in Dhandhuka in 1088/1089 AD to merchant parents. It explores the stories surrounding his early childhood, his name changes (Cāngadeva to Somacandra to Hemacandra), and his formal ordination into the Jain monastic order under his teacher Devacandra. Bühler critically analyzes the different accounts of his initiation, highlighting discrepancies in dates and events, and ultimately favoring the version where his mother, Pāhini, entrusts him to Devacandra. He also discusses Hemacandra's education, noting his mastery of various subjects, including Jain theology and Brahmanical sciences.
Chapter III: Hemacandra and Jayasimha-Siddharāja: This section focuses on Hemacandra's initial interactions with King Jayasimha-Siddharaja. Bühler examines the differing accounts of their first meeting, discussing the plausibility of the "bazaar encounter" story versus the more likely scenario of Hemacandra being introduced at the king's triumphal procession. He discusses Hemacandra's role in the compilation of his seminal work, the Siddhahemacandra grammar, commissioned by Jayasimha. Bühler also touches upon other literary works that may have been initiated during Jayasimha's reign.
Chapter IV: The Accounts Regarding the First Acquaintance of Kumarapala and Hemacandra: This chapter shifts focus to the relationship between Hemacandra and Kumarapala, Jayasimha's successor. It outlines Kumarapala's tumultuous path to the throne, including his flight from Jayasimha's persecution. Bühler analyzes the Prabandha accounts that portray Hemacandra as Kumarapala's protector and prophet during his exile, finding them largely legendary but indicative of Hemacandra's eventual influence.
Chapter V: The Stories Regarding Kumarapala's Conversion: This chapter scrutinizes the various narratives concerning Kumarapala's conversion to Jainism. Bühler contrasts the accounts from the Prabhavakacaritra (which suggests conversion due to divine intervention during a war) and Merutunga (which provides a more romanticized version involving Hemacandra's personal revenge and strategic maneuvering). He also considers Jinamaṇḍana's attempt to harmonize these accounts.
Chapter VI: Hemacandra's Own Account of Kumarapala's Conversion: This is a crucial chapter where Bühler analyzes Hemacandra's own statements in his works, particularly the Mahaviracarita. Hemacandra's account suggests a later acquaintance with Kumarapala, initiated by a Jaina minister (likely Vagbhata), and a conversion based on religious teaching rather than miraculous intervention. Bühler uses these autobiographical statements to critically assess the Prabandha narratives, concluding that many earlier stories are likely embellishments. He pinpoints the year 1216 AD as the probable date of Kumarapala's conversion.
Chapter VII: The Consequences of Kumarapala's Conversion: This chapter explores the practical impact of Kumarapala's conversion on Gujarat. Bühler details the royal edicts promoting Jain principles, such as the prohibition of animal slaughter, meat-eating, and intoxicants. He discusses the abolition of the confiscation of property from childless merchants, a law particularly beneficial to the Jain community. The chapter also examines the temple-building activities and the promotion of Jain rituals, while acknowledging Kumarapala's continued respect for his ancestral Śivaite faith, suggesting a syncretic approach rather than a complete abandonment of old traditions.
Chapter VIII: Hemacandra's Literary Works after Kumarapala's Conversion: This section surveys Hemacandra's prolific literary output during the period of his greatest influence. It highlights major works like the Trisastiśalākāpuruṣacarita (a vast epic on Jain figures) and its appendix, the Parisistaparvan, the Yogasastra, and the commentaries on his lexicons (Abhidhanacintamani and Anekārthakosa). Bühler also discusses the Prakrit Dvyasrayakāvya, which illustrates his grammars.
Chapter IX: Stories about the Intercourse between Hemacandra and Kumarapala, and about their End: This chapter presents further anecdotes concerning Hemacandra's interactions with Kumarapala, showcasing his wisdom, prophetic abilities, and perceived supernatural powers. Bühler critically examines these stories, distinguishing between those that highlight Hemacandra's intellectual prowess and those that emphasize Kumarapala's devotion. He also discusses the accounts of their deaths, noting the conflicting details and the likely historical core of Hemacandra's passing around 1173 AD.
Notes and Errata: The book includes extensive notes that provide critical commentary on the sources, textual variants, and historical context, along with an index and errata.

Overall Significance:

"Life of Hemacandrācārya" is presented as a seminal scholarly work that meticulously reconstructs the life and achievements of a pivotal figure in Jain history and Indian literature. It highlights the challenges of historical research based on Prabandha literature, demonstrating how to critically engage with legends and traditions to extract historical facts. The book underscores Hemacandrācārya's multifaceted contributions as a religious leader, scholar, and cultural influencer, shaping the religious and intellectual landscape of medieval Gujarat.