Naymargopdeshika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Naymargopdeshika" by Shankarlal Dahyabhai Kapadia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Naymargopdeshika (નયમાર્ગોપદેશિકા) Author: Shankarlal Dahyabhai Kapadia Publisher: Shankarlal Dahyabhai Kapadia Series: Kanti Jain Tattvagnan Series (કાન્તિ જૈન તત્ત્વજ્ઞાન સિરિઝ) - Pushpa 2

Overall Purpose and Theme:

"Naymargopdeshika" is a Jain philosophical treatise aimed at explaining the concept of Nayavada (the doctrine of perspective or manifold viewpoints) within Jainism. It serves as a guide to understanding the different Nayas (perspectives) that are crucial for grasping the multifaceted nature of reality as taught in Jain philosophy. The book emphasizes that understanding these Nayas is essential for a true Jain perspective and for navigating the complexities of Jain thought.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The book is divided into two main sections:

1. Nay Rekhadarshan (નય રેખાદર્શન) - A Glimpse of Nayas (For General Knowledge): This section aims to provide a foundational understanding of Nayas for a general audience. It is presented in a question-and-answer format, making it accessible and easy to comprehend.
2. Naya Swaroop Darshan (નયસ્વરૂપદર્શન) - Vision of the True Nature of Nayas (For Higher Knowledge): This section delves deeper into the subject, offering a more advanced and detailed exploration of the Nayas for those seeking a higher level of philosophical understanding.

Core Jain Philosophical Principles Discussed:

• Nayavada (નયવાદ): The central theme revolves around the understanding of Nayas, which are partial or relative viewpoints. The text highlights that reality is complex and can only be understood through multiple perspectives.
• Syadvada (સ્યાદ્વાદ): While the primary focus is on Nayas, the book implicitly connects to Syadvada (the doctrine of "perhaps" or conditional predication), which is the broader framework for understanding Nayas. Syadvada allows for multiple seemingly contradictory statements to coexist when viewed from different Nayas.
• Anekantavada (અનેકાંતવાદ): The concept of non-absolutism is fundamental. Nayas are the tools through which Anekantavada is apprehended, leading to a balanced and comprehensive understanding of reality.
• Pramana (પ્રમાણ) and Nay (નય): The book references the Jain principle that knowledge of reality is gained through both Pramana (direct or valid means of knowledge) and Nay (perspective). The text mentions the famous dictum from Umaswati's Tattvartha Sutra: "Praman nayam vadham" (પ્રમાણનવૈધામ), indicating that both are necessary for complete understanding.

Key Nayas Explained (with examples):

The book systematically explains various Nayas, categorizing them and providing definitions and examples. A significant portion is dedicated to the seven Nayas, which are broadly classified into two categories:

• Dravyarthika Naya (દ્રવ્યાર્થિક નય) - Substance-oriented Nayas (4 Nayas): These Nayas focus on the underlying substance or essence of things, often dealing with universals or general characteristics.

  • Naigama Naya (નૈગમ નય): This Naya considers both the general (commonality) and specific (particularity) aspects of an object, or even hypothetical/conceptual aspects, often influenced by popular usage or intent. It can also focus on a part as if it were the whole, or a cause as if it were the effect. Examples include calling someone who is going to the market for spices "going to the market for spices" even though they haven't reached it yet.
  • Sangraha Naya (સંગ્રહ નય): This Naya focuses on the universal or common essence, gathering all things under a general category. It emphasizes the underlying unity or "being" of things. Example: All beings are "living beings."
  • Vyavahara Naya (વ્યવહાર નય): This Naya focuses on the particular aspects and practical conventions of the world, differentiating things based on specific characteristics and common usage. It differentiates what Sangraha Naya has grouped together. Example: While Sangraha Naya says "living being," Vyavahara Naya differentiates them into humans, animals, etc.
  • Rijusutra Naya (ઋજુસૂત્ર નય): This Naya focuses solely on the present moment, considering only the current state or modification of an object, and disregarding the past and future as irrelevant to the present reality. Example: If a substance was black yesterday, is red today, and will be yellow tomorrow, this Naya considers it only as red today.

• Paryayarthika Naya (પર્યાયાસ્તિક નય) - Modification/State-oriented Nayas (3 Nayas): These Nayas focus on the specific states, qualities, or modifications of an object.

  • Shabd Naya (શબ્દ નય): This Naya emphasizes the different meanings derived from linguistic variations, synonyms, gender, tense, and number, even if the underlying referent is the same. It recognizes that different words can convey subtly different nuances. Example: Words like 'Raja', 'Nrup', 'Bupati' referring to a king, or 'Indra', 'Shakra', 'Purandar' referring to Indra, are analyzed for their distinct etymological meanings.
  • Samabhirudha Naya (સમભિરૂઢ નય): This Naya goes further than Shabd Naya by considering the specific etymological root and intended meaning of a word, establishing a distinct meaning for each word based on its origin. Example: While 'Indra' might be seen as one entity, Shabd Naya might acknowledge synonyms. Samabhirudha Naya would differentiate based on the etymology: 'Indra' (powerful), 'Shakra' (capable), 'Purandar' (destroyer of cities).
  • Evambhuta Naya (એવંભૂત નય): This is the most specific Naya, stating that a thing should only be called by a name if it is currently performing the action or embodying the quality indicated by that name. Example: A pot is only a 'pot' when it is being used to carry water; if it's just sitting there, it's not a pot in its functional sense. Similarly, someone is called a 'king' only when they are performing kingly duties.

Structure and Content of the Two Divisions:

• Division One (Nay Rekhadarshan):

  • Starts with a general definition of Naya as a partial truth.
  • Explains that Nayas are not absolute truths.
  • Introduces the concept of Nayasabhas (fallacious Nayas) where one aspect is accepted while others are completely denied.
  • Lists the seven Nayas: Nigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rijusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhuta.
  • Categorizes the first four as Dravyarthika and the last three as Paryayarthika.
  • Provides detailed explanations and examples for each of the seven Nayas, often in a Q&A format.

• Division Two (Naya Swaroop Darshan):

  • Offers a more refined definition of Naya, emphasizing the non-rejection of other aspects.
  • Reiterates the importance of the seven Nayas for the completeness of Jain scripture (Jinvani).
  • Discusses the classification of Nayas into Dravyarthika and Paryayarthika, linking them to the seven Nayas.
  • Explains the necessity of Nayas for overcoming limited knowledge and prejudice, highlighting how misunderstanding Nayas can lead to conflict.
  • Provides in-depth analysis and examples for each of the seven Nayas, often with finer distinctions and philosophical nuances. It delves into sub-classifications of Nayas like different types of Upachara (figurative usage) within Vyavahara Naya.
  • Discusses the concept of Nayavada as a system of harmonizing thoughts and Nayashastra as the science that reconciles seemingly contradictory viewpoints.
  • Explains the relative scope of each Naya, with earlier Nayas having broader scope and later Nayas having narrower, more specific scope.
  • Illustrates how each Naya applies to the concept of "Dharma" (righteousness/duty) and "Siddha" (liberated soul).

Key Takeaways and Significance:

• Essential for Jain Understanding: The book strongly emphasizes that understanding Nayas is not optional but fundamental for anyone who wishes to be a true Jain or to grasp the depth of Jain philosophy. Without it, one remains trapped in absolutist views.
• Overcoming Absolutism: The primary function of Nayas is to counter Ekantavada (absolutism or one-sided views), which is considered detrimental in Jainism.
• Interconnectedness of Nayas: While distinct, the Nayas are presented as interconnected and complementary, working together to reveal the complete truth.
• Practical Application: The book offers practical examples to make these abstract philosophical concepts relatable to everyday life and spiritual practice.
• Guidance for Deeper Study: The book serves as an introduction and guide for those who wish to engage with more advanced Jain philosophical texts on Nayas and Syadvada.

In essence, "Naymargopdeshika" is a crucial text for understanding the Jain epistemological framework, providing a structured and accessible explanation of how to approach the complex reality of existence through the lens of diverse, yet complementary, perspectives.