Nay Rahasya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Naya Rahasya" by Yashovijay Gani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Naya Rahasya (नय रहस्य) Author: Mahopadhyaya Nyayavisharad Nyayacharya Jain Dharma Pravak Sri Yashovijay Ganivarya Publisher: Andheri Gujarati Jain Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022472/1

Core Concept: The Nature of Reality and Knowledge (Naya and Pramana)

The fundamental premise of Jain philosophy, as elaborated in this text, is that reality is multifaceted and cannot be fully grasped through a single, exclusive viewpoint. All philosophies that do not accept the existence of mutually contradictory attributes within a single object are considered ekanta (one-sided or absolute). These one-sided views rely solely on the logic of pramana (valid cognition) to understand reality.

However, Jainism's approach is different. To comprehend the true nature of an object, it must be examined from various perspectives. This leads to the Jain concept of anekanta (non-absolutism or manifoldness). Through anekanta, it is understood that a single object can simultaneously possess seemingly contradictory attributes, such as permanence and impermanence, existence and non-existence, when viewed from different apēkṣā (perspectives).

A naya (viewpoint or partial perspective) is the knowledge gained when the nature of an object is explained from one specific perspective. While each naya can be ekanta (one-sided), it does not negate the attributes discoverable through other nayā. Pramana (valid cognition), on the other hand, is the comprehensive understanding of an object's entire nature, derived from the synthesis of all valid nayā. This is why Jain philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding nayā alongside pramana.

The Significance of Naya Rahasya:

The text "Naya Rahasya" is published by the Andheri Gujarati Jain Sangh with the aim of making the complex topic of nayā accessible. The preface highlights that understanding the true nature of nayā is difficult, especially given that Mahopadhyaya Yashovijay Gani extensively uses the principles of Navya Nyaya (new logic) in his explanation, making it challenging for a general reader. This edition includes a commentary (vivechan) to aid understanding.

The Commentary and Publication Journey:

The Hindi commentary was initiated by Pandit Sri Durgānath Jha, inspired by Panyas Shrimad Jayaghosh Vijay Ganivarya. Pujya Panyasji Maharaj provided the necessary Jain and non-Jain logical texts. Panditji completed the commentary in a year and dedicated it to Pujya Panyasji Maharaj, who then passed it to his disciple Muni Sri Jayasundar Vijayji for revision and editing. The Gujarati Jain Sangh was then granted the opportunity to publish this valuable work. Panditji's commentary is praised for its thoroughness and dedication to clarifying the core ideas of the original text.

Yashovijay Gani's Contribution:

The text is by the renowned Jain scholar Mahopadhyaya Yashovijay Gani (16th-17th century). He was a prolific writer on both Jain and non-Jain subjects, a master of Navya Nyaya, and influential in spreading Jain teachings. He was honored with the title Nyayavisharad and Nyayacharya. His works, like Naya Pradip, Jain Tark Paribhasha, and Anekanta Vyavastha, are highly regarded for their pedagogical value in explaining complex philosophical concepts. "Naya Rahasya" is considered more detailed than Naya Pradip and Nayo.padesha, making it suitable for those seeking deeper knowledge.

Key Features of the Text "Naya Rahasya":

• Focus on Seven Nayā: While various classifications of nayā exist (e.g., five, six, seven), this text focuses on the seven nayā: Naigama, Saṃgraha, Vyavahāra, Rjū-sūtra, Śabdā, Samabhirūḍha, and Evabhūta. These are detailed due to their popularity and importance in Jain scriptures.
• Methodology: The text explains the general characteristic of nayā, leading to the understanding of durnaya (fallacious naya). It then discusses synonyms for naya, resolves doubts about vipratipatti (contradiction) among nayā, and explains the use of jatiyāntara (difference of category) to resolve apparent contradictions.
• Illustrative Examples: The text uses well-known examples like Pradeśa (point-space), Prasthaka (a measure), and Vasati (dwelling) to illustrate the progressive refinement and distinctions between the nayā.
• Application to Reality: The principles of the seven nayā are applied to core Jain ontological categories such as Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Nō-jiva, and Jiva (this latter classification isn't fully clear from the provided text snippet).
• Hierarchy of Nayā: The text discusses the relative strength (balavān) and weakness (nirbala) of nayā, emphasizing that this depends on the perspective (apēkṣā). The critique of kriyā-naya (action-viewpoint) and its focus on the ultimate cause is highlighted.
• Structure: The text is structured logically, starting with the essence of naya, its classification, and its application to exemplify reality.

The Meaning and Purpose of Naya:

• Naya as a Tool: Nayā are not intended to present an absolute truth but to highlight specific aspects of reality. They are linguistic and conceptual tools to understand the manifold nature of existence.
• Avoiding One-Sidedness: The Jain emphasis on nayā aims to prevent the error of ekanta-vāda (one-sided dogma). By considering multiple nayā, one can approach a more holistic understanding.
• The Goal: The ultimate goal of understanding nayā is to achieve right faith (samya-darśana) and progress on the path to liberation (mokṣa).

Historical Context and Transmission:

The text references several ancient Jain scriptures like Sūtra-kṛtāṅga, Sthānāṅga, Samavāyāṅga, and Bhagavatī Sūtra for the origin of nayā. It also mentions later works like Anuyogadvāra Sūtra, Sammati Sūtra, Dvādaśāra Naya Chakra, and others, indicating a rich tradition of discourse on nayā within both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.

Commentary and Accessibility:

The inclusion of a Hindi commentary is crucial for making Yashovijay Gani's text, which uses complex logical terminology, accessible to a wider audience. The publisher's efforts are geared towards disseminating this profound Jain wisdom.

In essence, "Naya Rahasya" delves into the sophisticated Jain epistemological framework, explaining how different viewpoints (nayā) contribute to a comprehensive understanding of reality (anekanta), guided by the ultimate principle of pramana. It emphasizes the subtle distinctions between these viewpoints and their importance in achieving spiritual liberation.