Naykarnika - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Nayakarnika," focusing on its core concepts and explanations as presented in the text:

Book Title: Nayakarnika (नय-कर्णिका) Author: Upadhyaya Shri Vinayvijay Ji (उपाध्याय श्री विनयविजय जी) Commentator: Muni Shri Sureshchandra, Shastri, Sahityaratna (मुनि श्री सुरेशचन्द्र, "शास्त्री ", " साहित्यरत्न") Publisher: Sanmati Gyanpith, Agra (सन्मति-ज्ञान-पीठ, आगरा)

Core Concept: Nayavada (नयवाद) in Jainism

The central theme of "Nayakarnika" is the exposition of Nayavada, a fundamental doctrine in Jain philosophy. The text emphasizes that Nayavada is Jainism's unique contribution to understanding reality. It posits that every object possesses infinite aspects or characteristics, referred to as "dharma" (धर्म) in Jain terminology. To grasp the true nature of reality, one must acknowledge and consider all these infinite aspects.

The Nature of Knowledge and Nayas

Incompleteness of Partial Knowledge: The book explains that any knowledge limited to a single aspect of an object is incomplete and cannot represent the object's true form. An assertion or thought is not absolutely true in isolation; it requires considering other perspectives.
Pramana vs. Nay:
- Pramana (प्रमाण): Refers to complete, holistic knowledge that encompasses all infinite aspects of an object. This is akin to "sakala-desha" (सकलादेश), meaning the entire statement or view. Only "Kevala-jnana" (केवलज्ञान - omniscience) can achieve this perfect knowledge.
- Naya (नय): Represents partial, relative, and conditional knowledge that focuses on a specific aspect or "dharma" of an object. This is termed "vikala-desha" (विकलादेश), meaning a partial statement or view. Nayas are considered true within their specific context and do not negate other perspectives. They are "apoorna" (अपूर्ण - incomplete) and "sāpeksha" (सापेक्ष - relative). The text clarifies that Nayas do not deny other aspects but remain indifferent to them as they do not serve their specific purpose.
Apekshavada (अपेक्षावाद): Nayavada is also called Apekshavada because its truth is dependent on the specific perspective or "apeksha" (अपेक्षा) from which an object is viewed.

The Importance and Purpose of Nayavada

Foundation for Right Action and Goal Attainment: The text asserts that true knowledge of reality (Naya) is the basis for right conduct and the ultimate attainment of spiritual goals (Dhyeya). Ignorant or flawed knowledge leads to incorrect actions, hindering progress.
Overcoming One-Sidedness ("Kanepana" - कानेपन): Nayavada combats the "one-eyedness" of thought. Just as a person with one eye can only see half the picture, philosophies that cling to a single perspective ("ekanta" - एकान्त) miss other valid aspects of reality. Nayavada encourages looking at all sides, from others' viewpoints as well.
Resolving Conflict and Promoting Harmony: The book argues that the root of conflict, disputes, and animosity in families, society, religion, and international relations stems from an inability to understand or appreciate different viewpoints, a failure to incorporate Nayavada. It promotes tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation.
Distinction Between "Hi" (ही) and "Bhi" (भी): A key characteristic highlighted is the difference between asserting something as only that ("hi") and asserting it as also that ("bhi"). "Hi" represents a partial and exclusive view, leading to conflict. "Bhi" acknowledges that aspect as one of many valid perspectives, fostering harmony and acceptance.

The Seven Nayas (सात नय)

The text details the traditional seven Nayas, classifying all possible thought processes and linguistic expressions. These are presented as a comprehensive framework for understanding reality:

Naigama Naya (नैगम नय): Considers an object from both general (samanya) and specific (vishesha) perspectives, acknowledging the interdependence of both. It can also refer to ideas rooted in conventional usage or "loka-rudhi" (लोकरूढ़ि).
Sangraha Naya (संग्रह नय): Focuses primarily on the general or common aspects of an object, grouping diverse things under a unifying category. It emphasizes the "universals" and sees particulars as inseparable from these universals.
Vyavahara Naya (व्यवहार नय): Deals with the specific, distinguishing features of an object. It asserts that the general aspect without specifics is non-existent, like a "donkey's horn" (खरविषाणवत्). It is crucial for practical worldly transactions.
Rijusutra Naya (ऋजुसूत्र नय): Primarily focuses on the present, momentary aspect of reality, disregarding the past and future. It believes that only the present state is causally effective.
Shabda Naya (शब्दनय): Acknowledges that different words (synonyms) can refer to the same object, but it also recognizes that variations in grammar (gender, tense, case, prefixes) can subtly alter the meaning or context.
Samabhirudha Naya (समभिरूढ़ नय): Extends Shabda Naya by asserting that differences in etymology or derivation (vyutpatti) of words can lead to distinct meanings, even for synonyms.
Evambhuta Naya (एवंभूत नय): The most refined Naya, it insists that a word can only truly refer to an object when that object is actively performing the function or exhibiting the quality implied by its name. For example, a king is only a "king" when actively reigning.

Classification and Interrelation of Nayas

Increasing Refinement: The text highlights that the Nayas become progressively more subtle and refined from Naigama to Evambhuta.
Seven Hundred Variations: Each of the seven main Nayas can be further divided into a hundred sub-variations, leading to a total of seven hundred Nayas.
Two Main Categories: The seven Nayas are ultimately classified into two primary perspectives:
- Dravyastika Naya (द्रव्यास्तिक नय): Focuses on the substance or essence, the general, unchanging aspect of reality. Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, and Rijusutra are generally considered to fall under this category.
- Paryayastika Naya (पर्यायास्तिक नय): Focuses on the modifications, attributes, or transient aspects of reality. Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhuta are placed under this category.

The Author and Purpose of the Book

The book is presented as a simplified and concise explanation of these seven Nayas, intended to be easily understood and memorized. Upadhyaya Vinayvijay Ji, a renowned scholar of Jainism, wrote "Nayakarnika" as an offering and a form of worship to Lord Mahavir, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of his teachings. The commentator, Muni Sureshchandra, aimed to make this essential knowledge accessible to Hindi readers. The text also briefly touches upon the life and works of Upadhyaya Vinayvijay Ji, noting his scholarly contributions.

In essence, "Nayakarnika" serves as a guide to understanding the Jain approach to knowledge and reality, emphasizing the power of Nayavada to resolve contradictions, promote tolerance, and lead to a more complete and harmonious understanding of existence.