Nayamrutam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nayamrutam" (Nayamṛta), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nayamrutam (नयामतम्) Author: Munishri Vairagyarativijayji Publisher: Pravachan Prakashan, Pune (published in 2002) Series: Shri Vijayamahodayasuri Granthamala - 4 Sponsor: Shri Bherulalji Kanaiyalalji Kothari Religious Trust, Mumbai

Overall Purpose: "Nayamrutam" is a compilation of discussions and analyses on the Jain concept of Naya (नय). A Naya is a specific viewpoint or perspective used to understand the multifaceted nature of reality, as described in Jain philosophy. The book aims to provide a clear and accessible understanding of these viewpoints.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Importance of Naya:

   • Jainism emphasizes that reality is infinite-natured (anantdharmatmaka). Since the limited knowledge of a soul (chhadmastha) cannot grasp all these infinite natures simultaneously, Naya is essential.
   • Each Naya focuses on a particular aspect or characteristic of an object (vastu) from a specific angle.
   • The text highlights that without the proper understanding of Nayas, one can fall into one-sided or partial views, which are termed Naya-bhas (नयाभास) or fallacious viewpoints.
   • True understanding (samvadita) arises from the interconnectedness and relativity (sapekshabhav) of different Nayas.

2. The Seven Primary Nayas: The book elaborately discusses the seven fundamental Nayas, which are presented as crucial tools for comprehending Jain ontology and epistemology. These are:

   • Naigama Naya (नैगम नय): This Naya grasps various aspects of reality in a general, non-discriminatory way, often combining the principal and secondary. It is considered an "essence-grasping" Naya. It acknowledges both the general and the specific.
   • Sangraha Naya (संग्रह नय): This Naya focuses on the general or universal aspect of things, grouping diverse entities based on shared characteristics. It emphasizes unity and collection. It is also an "essence-grasping" Naya.
   • Vyavahara Naya (व्यवहार नय): This Naya deals with practical, conventional worldly dealings and understanding. It is also an "essence-grasping" Naya. It considers aspects relevant to everyday interactions.
   • Rijusutra Naya (ऋजुसूत्र नय): This Naya grasps the present and direct nature of an object, excluding the past and future as non-existent in the present moment. It is an "essence-grasping" Naya, focusing solely on the current state or form.
   • Shabda Naya (शब्द नय): This is a "word-grasping" Naya. It accepts that words can have multiple meanings and that different words can refer to the same essence. It emphasizes the power of words to denote various entities.
   • Samabhirudha Naya (समभिरूढ नय): This Naya asserts that each word has a specific, independent denotative power based on its etymology or inherent meaning. It distinguishes meanings even when words refer to similar entities.
   • Evambhuta Naya (एवम्भूत नय): This is the most subtle and precise Naya. It states that a word is truly applicable only when the object possesses the specific characteristic or performs the specific action denoted by that word at that particular time. It emphasizes the actual state or function.

3. Structure of the Compilation: The book is structured as a compilation of various classical Jain texts that expound on Nayas. The table of contents (Page 7) lists these ten works, forming the "nectar of Nayas" as the title suggests:

   • Nayanuyoga (नयानुयोग) from Anuyogadvara Sutra (authored by Shri Aryarakshit Suriji) - considered the most ancient and foundational text on Nayas.
   • Nayakarnika (नयकर्णिका) by Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinayvijayji.
   • Nayarahasya (नयरहस्य) by Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji.
   • Anekaanta-Vyavastha (अनेकान्त-व्यवस्था) by Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji.
   • Nayad Higama (नयाधिगम) from Tattvartha Adhigama Sutra by Vachak Shri Umaswatiji.
   • Nayopadesha (नयोपदेश) by Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji.
   • Nayaparichheda (नयपरिच्छेद) from Pramananaya Tattvalok by Shri Vadideva Suriji.
   • Naya Prakash Stava (नयप्रकाशस्तवः) by Pandit Shri Padmasagar Gani.
   • Naya Chakra Alapa Paddhati (नयचक्रालापपद्धतिः) by Pandit Shri Devsen Gani.
   • Naya Chakra Sara (नयचक्रसारः) by Shri Devchandraji.

4. Editorial and Sponsorship Information:

   • The book is part of the 'Acharya Shri Vijayamahodayasuri Granthamala'.
   • The main inspiration for this series is Acharya Shri Vijay Hemabhushansurishwarji.
   • The primary editors are Munishri Vairagyarativijayji and Munishri Prashamrativijayji.
   • The publication of "Nayamrutam" was generously supported by the Shri Bherulalji Kanaiyalalji Kothari Religious Trust, Mumbai.
   • The book was published by Pravachan Prakashan, Pune, in 2002.

5. Detailed Explanations:

   • The subsequent pages (starting from Page 16) provide detailed explanations of each Naya, often quoting verses from the original texts and offering commentary.
   • The text clarifies the subtle differences between the Nayas, their areas of application, and how they relate to each other.
   • The concept of Syadvada (स्याद्वाद) and Saptabhangi (सप्तभङ्गी - the sevenfold predication) is also discussed as a manifestation of the anekantavada (अनेकान्तवाद - doctrine of manifold aspects) understood through Nayas.
   • The preface (Prakaran) and introduction (Aamukh) by Vijaymitranand Suri and the editor, respectively, provide context and praise for the compilation and the author's efforts.

In essence, "Nayamrutam" is a scholarly work in Jainism that serves as a guide to understanding the complex system of Nayas, presenting them through the wisdom of various esteemed Jain scholars and authors, making the profound philosophy accessible to a wider audience.