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Naychakradi Sangraha

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Naychakradi Sangraha

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Naychakradi Sangraha" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Naychakradi Sangraha Author(s): Devsen Acharya, Bansidhar Pandit Publisher: Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti Publication Year: 1920 AD (Vir Nirvana Samvat 2446, Vikram Samvat 1977)

Overview:

The "Naychakradi Sangraha" is a compilation of important Jain texts, primarily focusing on the concept of Naya (standpoints or perspectives) in Jain philosophy. The primary text within this collection is Nayachakra itself, attributed to Acharya Devsen. The collection also includes Laghunayachakra and Brihannayachakra, with the latter being identified as Dravyasvabhavaprakash.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is divided into several sections and features the following:

  1. Introduction and Editorial Note:

    • The book's origins are traced back to a work called "Dravyasvabhavaprakash" in couplets, which was later re-authored in gatha (verse) form by Mahilladev.
    • Acharya Devsen is credited with re-authoring the Nayachakra after the original was lost, possibly due to the "wind of the sixth era" (a metaphor for difficult times).
    • The text cites numerous sayings from earlier Acharyas like Samantabhadra.
    • The publication details include the publisher, date, and the editor, Bansidhar Pandit.

  2. Table of Contents (Adhikara Suchi):

    • The book covers a wide range of topics related to Jain philosophy, including:
      • Introduction (Pithika)
      • Discussions on substances (Dravya), qualities (Guna), and modes/states (Paryaya)
      • The Five Existents (Panchastikaya)
      • The Seven Truths (Tattvartha)
      • Means of valid knowledge (Pramana)
      • Standpoints (Naya)
      • Categories of classification (Nikshetra)
      • Perceptions (Darshan)
      • Knowledge (Jnana)
      • Passionate conduct (Saraga Charitra)
      • Passionless conduct (Vitaraga Charitra)
      • Certainty of conduct (Nischaya Charitra)
      • Introductory materials (Upo'dhat)

  3. Discussion on Nayachakra and Acharya Devsen:

    • The text refers to Acharya Vidyanand's Lokavartika (a commentary on Tattvarthasutra), where he suggests referring to "Nayachakra" for detailed explanations of Nayas. This indicates that a comprehensive work on Nayas existed before Vidyanand.
    • The current Nayachakra by Devsen is described as relatively short (87 gathas), suggesting that the "Nayachakra" mentioned by Vidyanand might have been a different, larger text.
    • The existence of a Dvadashar Nayachakra by the Shvetambara Acharya Mallavadi is also noted, which was a massive work with a commentary of 18,000 shlokas. It's speculated that Vidyanand might have referred to this text.
    • The text highlights the possibility of Devsen's work being a concise version or re-creation of an earlier, lost Nayachakra that was destroyed by the "wind of the sixth era."

  4. The Three Nayachakra Texts Published:

    • The collection includes three prominent texts named "Nayachakra":
      • Alap Paddhati: Written in Sanskrit by Devsen, it's described as a prose summary of the Nayachakra, presented in a question-and-answer format for ease of understanding. It is also sometimes referred to as "Nayachakra" in catalogues.
      • Laghunayachakra: Identified as Devsen Suri's actual Nayachakra, its name "Laghu" (short) is given in contrast to the larger Brihannayachakra. The text clarifies that its original name might have been "Dravyasvabhava Prakash" by Mahilladhaval. It is considered a standalone work.
      • Brihannayachakra: This is identified as Dravyasvabhava Prakash or Dravyasvabhavaprakasha Nayachakra. It's a compilation work that includes verses and ideas from texts like Kundakundacharya's Panchastikaya and Pravachanasara, and even incorporates the Nayachakra of Devsen, including its introductory and concluding verses. The title "Brihannayachakra" seems to have arisen due to the inclusion of the shorter Nayachakra.

  5. Authorship and Dating:

    • Acharya Devsen:
      • He was a disciple of Shri Vimalsen Ganadhar.
      • He composed the Darshansara in Dhara Nagari in Vikram Samvat 990 (933 AD), placing him in the 10th century AD.
      • The text suggests he belonged to the Mulasangha and followed the lineage of Acharya Kundakund.
      • He also authored Bhavasangraha and AradhanaSara, and possibly Tattvasara and Dharmasangraha.
    • Mahilladev (Mahiladhaval):
      • He is credited with composing "Dravyasvabhava Prakash" in gatha form, based on an earlier doha version.
    • Bansidhar Pandit:
      • He served as the editor and compiler of this collection.

  6. Content of Laghunayachakra (Devsen's Nayachakra):

    • The text begins with salutations to Vira Jinendra and then proceeds to explain the nature of Naya.
    • It emphasizes that Nayas are essential for understanding the doctrine of Syadvada (many-sidedness) and for overcoming one-sided viewpoints (ekanta).
    • It describes the fundamental Nayas as Dravyarhtika (substance-oriented) and Paryayarhtika (mode-oriented).
    • It then outlines the nine Nayas: Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rjñsutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhuta, along with their Upanayas (sub-standpoints).
    • The text details the characteristics and subject matter of each Naya, explaining how they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of reality.
    • It highlights the importance of correct understanding of Nayas to achieve right faith (samyakdarshan), right knowledge (samyakjnana), and right conduct (samyakcharitra).

  7. Content of Brihannayachakra (Dravyasvabhava Prakash):

    • This section delves deeply into the nature of substances (Dravya), their inherent qualities (Guna), and their transient states (Paryaya).
    • It discusses the five existent categories (Panchastikaya) and the seven truths (Saptatattva).
    • It analyzes the means of valid knowledge (Pramana) and the different Nayas and Nikshetra (categories of classification).
    • It expounds on the path to liberation through right perception, knowledge, and conduct (Ratnatraya).
    • The text emphasizes the principle of anekantavada (non-absolutism) and how different Nayas provide complementary perspectives on reality.
    • It elaborates on the nature of karma, its bondage, and the process of liberation.

  8. Indices:

    • The book includes indices of quoted sayings (Uddhrita Vachananm Suchi) and an alphabetical index of root verses (Mul Sutranam Akarady Anukram Suchi).

Significance:

The "Naychakradi Sangraha" is a valuable resource for understanding the intricate philosophical framework of Jainism, particularly the nuanced concept of Naya. It provides a systematic exposition of the various standpoints through which reality can be viewed, emphasizing that a complete understanding requires considering multiple perspectives without falling into absolutism. Acharya Devsen's work, especially the Laghunayachakra, serves as a foundational text for this understanding, while the compilation itself offers a broader exploration of related Jain doctrines.