Nayvimarsh Dwatrinshika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nayavimarsh Dwatrinshika" by Sushilsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Nayavimarsh Dwatrinshika (नयविमर्श-द्वात्रिंशिका) Author: Pujyapada Acharya Shri Vijay Sushil Suri (पूज्यपादाचार्यदेव श्रीमद्विजय सुशील सूरिः) Publisher: Acharya Shri Sushil Suri Jain Gyanmandir, Shantinagar, Sirohi (Rajasthan) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022450/1

Core Subject: The book, "Nayavimarsh Dwatrinshika," is a concise exposition and commentary on the seven principal Nayas (standpoints or perspectives) in Jain philosophy. It aims to provide a clear understanding of these fundamental concepts.

Introduction and Purpose: The preface highlights that Jainism is a unique and unparalleled philosophy that deeply explores concepts like Syadvada, Nayavada, Karma, and Atma. Nayavada is presented as a crucial contribution of Jain philosophy, stating that every aspect of reality can only be understood by considering these Nayas. The text emphasizes that without understanding Nayas, even extensive ascetic practices might not lead to liberation, as quoted from Acharya Hemchandrasuri.

Definition of Nayas: The book provides several definitions of a "Naya" from various authoritative Jain texts:

• Anuyogadvara Vritti: A Naya is the perception that grasps a single aspect of an object that possesses infinite qualities.
• Pravachanasaroddhara Vritti: A Naya is a special viewpoint of the knower that, without fully defining an object with infinite attributes, establishes it through one attribute (like eternity) and thus brings it to one's understanding.
• Nayachakrasara: A Naya is the knowledge that highlights one attribute of an object that has infinite attributes.
• Nyayavatara Vritti: A Naya is that which, from an object endowed with infinite attributes, leads the perception to a single intended attribute.
• Pramanunayatatvatankara: A Naya is a special viewpoint of the recipient that grasps one part of the meaning established by the scriptural proof (Shruta Pramana) while remaining indifferent to other parts.

Analogies for Nayas: Nayas are described through various analogies, highlighting their importance:

• A "key" to unlock the treasure of spiritual knowledge.
• A "lamp" to illuminate the foundations of individual and social behavior.
• The "alphabet" to unravel complex questions.
• "Rainfall" that nurtures the vine of tolerance.
• A "royal decree" that banishes dissatisfaction and misunderstanding.
• A "foundation" for achieving goals.
• The "exponent" and "root" of the process of true knowledge.

Universality and Classification of Nayas: The text asserts the comprehensive nature of Nayas, stating that all forms of speech fall under the category of Nayas, implying their infinity. However, learned Jain scholars have classified all these into seven principal Nayas to encapsulate a vast philosophical understanding. These seven Nayas are:

1. Naigama Naya (नैगमनय): The Naya that perceives both general and specific aspects.
2. Sangraha Naya (संग्रहनय): The Naya that focuses solely on the general attributes.
3. Vyavahara Naya (व्यवहारनय): The Naya that emphasizes specific attributes for practical dealings.
4. Rijusutra Naya (ऋजुसूत्रनय): The Naya that acknowledges only the present moment, disregarding past and future.
5. Shabda Naya (शब्दनय): The Naya that considers synonymous words to represent the same meaning.
6. Samabhiruḍha Naya (समभिरूढ़नय): The Naya that distinguishes meanings based on etymology and specific usage of words.
7. Evambhuta Naya (एवंभूतनय): The Naya that recognizes a word's meaning only when the object truly embodies the attribute indicated by its etymology or function.

Utility of Nayas: Nayas are beneficial because they don't claim exclusivity for any aspect of an object. They use the word "also" rather than "only," acknowledging that a thing can be perceived in multiple ways. This perspective fosters tolerance and harmony, resolving conflicts and misunderstandings. True knowledge of reality is achieved through Nayas, as they allow viewing an object from various angles without negating other perspectives.

The Book's Structure and Content:

• The author, Shri Vijay Sushil Suri, was inspired by Shri Vinay Vijayji's "Nayakaranaka" and created this "Nayavimarsh Dwatrinshika."
• The book presents the seven Nayas in Sanskrit verses, followed by explanations in Sanskrit, and then a poetic translation, a conceptual translation (Bhavanuvada), and a simple explanation (Saralartha) in Hindi.
• The first 23 verses briefly describe the seven Nayas.
• Verses 24 to 32 are dedicatory and celebratory (Prashasti).

Key Sections and Their Content:

• Mangalacharan & Subject: Begins with salutations to Lord Mahavir and introduces the subject of Nayas.
• Names of Nayas: Lists the seven Nayas sequentially.
• Dual Nature of Objects: Explains that all objects possess both general (common) and specific (distinctive) attributes.
• Examples of General & Specific: Illustrates this concept with examples like "potness" in multiple pots (general) and their individual characteristics (specific).
• Naigama Naya: Explains this Naya as perceiving both general and specific aspects of an object simultaneously.
• Sangraha Naya: Focuses on the Naya that emphasizes only the general attributes, considering specific attributes as non-existent like a sky-flower.
• Explanation of Sangraha Naya: Uses analogies like the general "plant" versus specific "neem" or "mango" trees, and fingers being inseparable from the hand, to illustrate the dominance of the general.
• Vyavahara Naya: Highlights this Naya's focus on specific attributes for practical worldly transactions, deeming general attributes without specifics as meaningless like a donkey's horn.
• Explanation of Vyavahara Naya: Uses the example of calling for "vegetation" versus "mango" to show that specific terms are essential for practical actions.
• Rijusutra Naya: Describes this Naya as only recognizing the present moment, ignoring the past and future.
• Explanation of Rijusutra Naya: Explains that past and future are inconsequential for present actions, comparing them to sky-flowers. It asserts that only the current form of an object is relevant.
• Rijusutra Naya and Nichepa (Categories): States that Rijusutra Naya, along with the subsequent three Nayas (Shabda, Samabhirudha, Evambhuta), primarily accepts the "Bhava Nichepa" (real state), discarding Name, Establishment, and Substance Nichepas.
• Shabda Naya: Explains this Naya's view that synonymous words, despite minor variations in spelling or context, refer to the same core meaning.
• Samabhiruḍha Naya: Differentiates this from Shabda Naya by stating that it recognizes distinct meanings based on the etymological root and specific usage of each word, meaning no two words are truly synonymous in their full import.
• Confirmation of Samabhiruḍha Naya: Uses the contrast between general acceptance of synonyms and the specific etymological differences in words like "Kumbha" (pot) and "Patta" (cloth) to validate this Naya.
• Evambhuta Naya: Explains this Naya's stringent requirement that a word's meaning is only valid when the object actually embodies the attribute indicated by its etymology or function at that very moment.
• Confirmation of Evambhuta Naya: Illustrates this by stating a "pot" can only be called a "pot" when it is performing the function of holding water.
• Hierarchy and Nuance of Nayas: Emphasizes that each subsequent Naya becomes more subtle and specific than the previous one, leading to a vast number of sub-categories.
• Alternative Classification: Mentions a view where Samabhirudha and Evambhuta Nayas are subsumed within Shabda Naya, reducing the principal Nayas to five.
• Two Main Categories: Classifies the seven Nayas into two broader categories: Dravvastika Nayas (Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rijusutra) which focus on substance and generalities, and Paryayastika Nayas (Shabda, Samabhirudha, Evambhuta) which focus on attributes and specifics.
• Harmony of Nayas: Concludes by stating that despite their differing perspectives, all Nayas collectively serve Jain scripture, much like an army uniting under a king for victory. They are not contradictory but complementary in revealing the multifaceted truth of Jain doctrine.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Lord Mahavir and is presented with reverence by Acharya Shri Vijay Sushil Suri.
• Prashasti: Includes verses praising the lineage of Gurus who preceded the author, tracing back to Acharya Shri Nemi Suri, Shri Lavanya Suri, and Shri Daksha Suri, and mentions the occasion of the book's creation during a temple consecration ceremony.

In essence, "Nayavimarsh Dwatrinshika" serves as an accessible guide to understanding the foundational Nayas of Jainism, explaining their definitions, importance, and interrelationships, thereby illuminating the path to deeper spiritual knowledge.