Matruka Prakaran Ek Mahattvapurna Abhayasaniya Kruti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Matruka Prakaran: Ek Mahattvapurna Abhayasaniya Kruti" by Shilchandrasuri and H C Bhayani:

This text, "Matruka Prakaran," is a unique and significant work focusing primarily on the grammar of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, with a special emphasis on the "Varnamnaya" (alphabetical order/science). It attempts to systematize the "Loka-sampradaya" (worldly tradition) of language, which is often mentioned as a known aspect in Sanskrit grammars but not explicitly detailed.

Key Features and Content:

• Structure: The author has adopted a "Shlokatmaka Sutra" (verse-based sutra) methodology. Each sutra is followed by an example. The work contains a total of 322 sutras, including a "Prashasti" (invocation/dedication).
• Sanskrit Grammar (Sutras 1-208): This section delves deeply into various aspects of Sanskrit grammar, including:
  • Chhandas (meters)
  • Asyaprayatna (articulation efforts)
  • Jodaksharoniprakriya (process of conjunct consonants) The explanations are presented in a profound, subtle, and even enigmatic style, making even simple matters appear shrouded in mystery.
• Unique Approach to Vowels: The author, adhering to the Jain tradition, classifies the number of vowels (199) and applies the principles of "Dravya-Paryaya" (substance-attribute) and "Jaghanya-Utkrushta" (inferior-superior) to this classification. This is considered an extraordinary feat, showcasing the author's exceptional talent.
• Prakrit Dialects: The book then moves on to discuss Prakrit languages:
  • General Prakrit and Shauraseni: Sutras 210-224
  • Magadhi: Sutras 226-231
  • Paishachi: Sutras 232-235
  • Chula-Paishachi: Sutras 236-239
  • Apabhramsha: Sutras 240-249
• Six Languages and "Hansalipi": In Sutra 249, six languages are listed: Prakriti (Sanskrit), Prakrit, Shauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachi, and Apabhramsha. The author identifies these as "Shadang" (six-limbed) speech and refers to their script as "Hansalipi" (or Hanslipipi), which is thought-provoking for researchers.
• Examples and Analogies: The author provides examples for the rules of each language. Notably, specific sutras (e.g., 41, 211, 220, 227, 237, 243) are highlighted for their exemplary illustrations. To explain the "Varnamnaya" and its special characteristics, the author uses pithy proverbs and apt analogies, demonstrating their imaginative and logical prowess. Several examples are provided in the text, illustrating the brilliance of the author's comparisons.
• "Sarasvatidharma": The author refers to all language types, from Sanskrit to Chula-Paishachika, as "Sarasvatidharma" (the nature/characteristic of Sarasvati, the goddess of learning), as stated in the concluding remarks of each section.

Second Section: "Vidya Nirupana" (Description of Knowledge/Scripts)

• After discussing "Varnamnaya" and language, the second section focuses on "Vidya." This section describes "Bhautiya" (related to ghosts/elements), "Yakshiya" (related to Yakshas), "Nakshatriya" (related to stars), and "Muladeviya" (related to root deities) Vidyas.
• It is understood that the author is referring to different scripts in the context of these Vidyas. For example, "Bhutlipi" (ghost script) in Sutra 250 likely refers to the "Varnamnaya" within that specific script. The "Varnamnaya" of seed mantras in Yaksha script is evident, and the presiding deities or controllers of these mantra-syllables are also indicated. "Nakshatriya" is identified as "Udhlipi" (Sutra 283).
• The author concludes this section by describing 18 script names and the Brahmi script. A very significant point is made: "Everything becomes easy if there is practice and knowledge of the Amnaya (language system). We do not need artificial crookedness and dullness born solely from uncalled-for affection towards oneself when one dislikes something."

Third Section: "Mimansa" (Critical Analysis/Inquiry)

• The third section presents a "Mimansa" or critical inquiry, which also centers around "Varnamnaya." From the perspective of logic and philosophy, the author analyzes the "Varnamnaya," discussing issues related to word-meaning differentiation based on substance, place, etc. ("dravyakshetradi bhed"), the concept of "anekanta" (non-absolutism), and the four "nikshepas" (categories of classification) in a logical style.

Overall Impression:

The "Matruka Prakaran" is perceived as a work that can be studied by both grammarians and practitioners of mantra science. To grasp its essence fully, knowledge of both linguistics and mantra science is beneficial.

Author and Publisher:

• Author: Vachak Akshaya Chandra Gani, a disciple of Vachak Ramchandra Gani, who was a disciple of Acharya Shri Parshwachandra Suriji, the founder of the Nagpuriya Brihattapagachcha (also known as Parshwachandra Gachcha).
• Time Period: The author likely lived in the 16th century or the early part of the 17th century Vikram Samvat. The author is described as possessing immense brilliance and mastery over numerous branches of knowledge, including logic, grammar, literature, mantra shastra, Jinagama, and the six schools of Indian philosophy.
• Dedication: The author remembers his guru and two other benefactors, Shri Yashaschandra and Shri Ratnachandra.
• Current Edition/Editor: The text was worked upon years ago by Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani, who made a copy and started an English translation, but the project remained incomplete due to his other commitments. Recently, Dr. Bhayani handed over his material to the current editor, who then prepared this version. The editor has referenced Dr. Bhayani's copy and made improvements where necessary, also noting the source of the used manuscript.
• Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan.

Significance:

The "Matruka Prakaran" is considered a highly valuable text that bridges the fields of language and mantra science. The editor expresses hope that an expert scholar will undertake a detailed study of this significant work.