Nibandh Nichay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nibandh Nichay" by Kalyanvijay Gani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nibandh Nichay (निबन्ध-निचय) Author: P. Kalyanvijay Gani (पं० कल्याणविजयजी गणि) Publisher: Shri Kalyanvijay Shastra-Sangrah Samiti, Jalor Assisted by: Shri Kandanmalji Talaji and Shri Chhaganrajji Talaji Dantewadia of Mandavala for financial support. Year of Publication: Samvat 2461 V. (2021 AD / 1995 AD). First Edition, 1000 copies. Price: ₹30/-

Overview:

"Nibandh Nichay" is a collection of diverse essays and critical reviews by Muni Kalyanvijay Gani, covering various aspects of Jain literature, history, and philosophy. The essays are broadly categorized into Shvetambar Jain literature and historical/critical reviews, followed by a section on Digambar Jain literature and Vedic literature. The author aims to provide valuable information, clarify historical uncertainties, and critically analyze the authenticity and content of various Jain and non-Jain works.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is meticulously structured, with each essay (Nibandh) focusing on specific texts, subjects, or historical periods. The author engages in detailed literary criticism, historical investigation, and comparative analysis.

Part 1: Shvetambar Jain Literature (श्वेताम्बर जैन साहित्य का अवलोकन)

This section comprises critical reviews of numerous Shvetambar Jain texts and concepts. Some prominent essays include:

• Literary Criticism of Texts:

  • Anekaant Jaypataka by Haribhadra Suri: Analyzes the work and its commentary, discussing the use of various Jain and non-Jain authors' references, including Dharmakirti, Patanjali, and Bhartrihari. The author also attempts to deduce Haribhadra Suri's likely lifespan based on his references.
  • Yog Bindu (Satik) by Haribhadra Suri: Examines the Karikas and the commentary, raising questions about the commentary's authenticity as Haribhadra's own.
  • Yog Drishti Samuchchay (Satik): Discusses the work attributed to Haribhadra Suri, noting the presence of Upanishadic references and questioning the authenticity of its commentary.
  • Jain Tark Vartik by Shantiyacharya: Critically analyzes the work, clarifying that Shantiyacharya is the author of both the Vartika and its commentary, and discusses the influence of Jain and Buddhist logic. The author also engages in a discussion about the identity of the author Shantiyacharya.
  • Upadesh Prasad by Vijay Lakshmi Suri: Reviews this didactic work, commenting on its structure, language, and the author's potential lack of deep knowledge in architectural principles.
  • Shrimad Shripal Katha: Analyzes the narrative of King Shripal, highlighting its origin in the Shvetambar tradition and its potential Digambar influences. The author critically examines the historical and religious context of the story.
  • Siddhachakra Mahapuja (Siddhachakra Yantrodhar Pujan Vidhi): This extensive review delves into the authenticity and origin of this popular ritual. The author argues that the "Siddhachakra Mahapuja" is a syncretic work, blending Shvetambar, Digambar, and Puranic elements, and is likely a later compilation.
  • Shri Namaskar Mahatmya by Siddhasenacharya: Critiques the work, suggesting it is a later creation influenced by Digambar Bhattarakas and possibly dating to the 15th century.
  • Vijaydev Mahatmya by Shrivallabh Pathak: Examines this historical biography, discussing the author's lineage, the religious and political context of Vijaydev Suri's life, and critically evaluates the poet's scholarship and historical accuracy.
  • Gurutatva Vinishchay by Upadhyay Yashovijayji: Praises this significant work on the nature and importance of the Guru, noting its comprehensive scope and the author's profound philosophical insights.
  • Adhyatm-Mat-Pariksha by Upadhyay Yashovijayji: Analyzes this work that critically examines the "Adhyatmik Mandal" movement, refuting its foundational principles from a Shvetambar perspective.
  • Yukti-Prabodh by Upadhyay Meghavijayji: Discusses this work as a response to the Adhyatmik Mandal movement, highlighting its use of logic and scriptural evidence from both Jain and non-Jain sources to defend Shvetambar principles.
  • Shri Dharmasangraha by Upadhyay Manavijayji: Reviews this compilation, criticizing its extensive nature and the author's tendency to include unnecesssary details and personal interpretations.
  • Krutrim Krutiyan (Artificial Creations): This section critically examines several texts deemed "artificial" or inauthentic, including:
    • Mahanishith Sutra: Argues that the current Mahanishith is a later creation, possibly from the 9th century, with content contrary to Jain Agamas.
    • Sambodh Prakaran: Debunks the attribution of this collection of verses to Haribhadra Suri, citing its compilation nature and later additions.
    • Shri Shatrunjaya Mahatmya: Questions the traditional attribution to Dhaneshar Suri and the historical accuracy of its narrative.
    • Vyavahar-Choolika, Vanga-Chuliya, Agama-Ashtottari, Prashna-Vyakaran, Gachchachara Painnay, Vivaha-Chuliya, Dharma-Pariksha, Prashna-Paddhati, Puja-Pratirnaka (Puja Painnay), Vandana-Pratirnaka (Vandana Painnay), Jinapratimaadhikar 2: These essays critically analyze various texts, questioning their authenticity, authorship, and adherence to Jain principles, often highlighting later interpolations or fabrications.
  • Jinapratimaadhikar 2: A detailed analysis of a text concerning image worship, questioning its authenticity and the author's intentions.

• Historical and Critical Analysis:

  • Prachin Jain Tirth (Ancient Jain Tirths): Identifies and describes ten important ancient Jain tirthas mentioned in the Agamas and other scriptures, including Ashtapad, Ujjayant (Girnar), Gajagrapada, Dharmachakra, Ahichhatra-Parshvanath, Rathavarta, Chamrotpaata, Shatrunjaya, Sammeta Shikhar, and Mathura's Dev-Nirmit Stupa.
  • Marwad ki Sabse Prachin Jain Murtian (The Oldest Jain Idols of Marwad): Discusses the discovery and historical significance of ancient Jain idols found in Marwad, particularly in Pindwara and Vasantgarh, dating some of them to the 8th century.
  • Pratishthacharya (The Consecrator): Analyzes the qualifications, role, and historical evolution of the Pratishthacharya (the priest who performs consecration ceremonies), discussing the impact of changing traditions and the decline of true scholarship.
  • Kya Kriyoddharkon se Shasan ki Hani Hoti Hai? (Does Kriyoddhara Harm the Jain Order?): Critically engages with an article by Muni Gyansundarji, defending the practice of "Kriyoddhara" (re-establishment of pure conduct) as essential for the preservation of Jainism and refuting the notion that it causes harm.
  • Jain Sangh ke Bandharan ki Ashastriya Rooprekha (The Unscientific Outline of Jain Sangha Organization): Critiques a booklet on Jain Sangha organization, arguing that its proposals are not based on scriptural principles and that the author's understanding of Jain tradition is flawed.
  • Bandhaniya Shista ke Himayatitron ko: Addresses those who advocate for strict adherence to traditions, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation and understanding the historical context of practices.
  • Tithi Charcha par Sinhavalokan (A Review of the Date Discussion): Provides a detailed historical and critical analysis of the ongoing debate regarding the correct dates for religious observances, particularly the Saavatsarik Parva, highlighting the schisms and differing interpretations within the community.
  • Siddhachakra Yantra aur Navpad Mandal Ek Nahi (Siddhachakra Yantra and Navapad Mandala are Not the Same): Discusses the distinct nature of the Siddhachakra Yantra and the Navapad Mandala in Jain worship.
  • Aitihasik Drishti se Siddhachakra Pujan Vidhi (Siddhachakra Pujan Vidhi from a Historical Perspective): Critically examines the historical evolution of Siddhachakra worship, tracing its origins and the influences that shaped its practices.

Part 2: Digambar Jain Literature (दिगम्बर जैन साहित्य मीमांसा)

This section focuses on the critical analysis of Digambar Jain scriptures:

• Shat Khanda Agama: Discusses the origin and authorship of this fundamental Digambar text, critically evaluating the traditional accounts of Pushpadanta and Bhutabali, and suggesting a later date for its composition. The author also analyzes the commentary by Virasen.
• Dhavala's Prashasti: Examines the introductory verses of the Dhavala commentary, questioning the clarity of the historical information provided and the consistency of the author's (Bhattaraka Virasen) self-description.
• Mulaachara (Satik): Analyzes this significant Digambar work, discussing its structure, authorship (Vattaker), and the commentary by Vasunandi. The author expresses skepticism regarding the authorship of both the original text and the commentary, suggesting they might be later compilations or influenced by Shvetambar works.
• Panch Sangraha Granth: Reviews different versions of the Panch Sangraha, comparing Shvetambar and Digambar traditions and critiquing the scholarly accuracy of various compilations and commentaries.
• Akalanka Granth Tray (The Three Works of Akalanka): Discusses Akalanka's contributions, particularly the Lagh Tresaya, highlighting the philosophical discussions and the influence of Vedanta on early Jain works.
• Pramana Sangraha: Reviews this work attributed to Akalanka, noting its engagement with various philosophical schools.
• Tattvartha Shlok Vartik by Vidyānandi: Analyzes this extensive commentary on Tattvarthasutra, evaluating its philosophical arguments and its critical engagement with various non-Jain schools of thought.
• Prapta-Pariksha and Patra-Pariksha by Vidyānandi: Discusses these works on epistemology, focusing on the author's analysis of valid means of knowledge and the use of debate in philosophical discourse.
• Apta-Mimansa by Samantabhadra: Explores this seminal work on the nature of the "Apta" (the perfected being), highlighting Samantabhadra's philosophical arguments and the commentaries by Vasunandi and Akalanka.
• Pramana-Pariksha by Vidyānandi: Examines this work on logic and epistemology, noting its critical assessment of different philosophical positions.
• Prameya Kamala Martanda by Prabhachandra: Reviews this monumental work of Jain philosophy, analyzing its structure, arguments, and its author's interaction with various philosophical traditions.
• Bhadra Bahu Samhita: Critiques this text, deeming it very late and possibly from the 15th century due to its language and apparent lack of scholarly rigor.
• Harivansh Purana and its Author Acharya Jinsen: A detailed and critical analysis of the Harivansh Purana, questioning its traditional attribution, authorship, historical accuracy, and the author's potential affiliation with the Yapaniya Sangha. The author meticulously examines the text's reliance on Shvetambar sources and its historical inconsistencies.

Part 3: Vedic Literature Observation (वैदिक साहित्य अवलोकन)

This section offers critical reviews of important Vedic and philosophical works from a Jain perspective:

• Shri Kautiliya Arthashastra by Chanakya: Analyzes this treatise on statecraft, discussing its political and economic insights, its structure, and its interaction with earlier political thought.
• Sankhya Karika by Ishwarkrishna: Examines this foundational text of Sankhya philosophy, discussing its core principles, its commentary by Mathara, and the author's critical evaluation of its philosophical stance.
• Brahma Sutra Shankara Bhashya by Shankaracharya: Critically reviews Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discussing its philosophical arguments, its engagement with other schools of thought, and its historical placement within the intellectual landscape.
• Smriti Samuchchaya: Reviews a collection of various Smritis, providing brief descriptions and critical observations on their antiquity and content.
• Ahnik Sutravali: Discusses a collection of daily ritualistic texts, noting the inclusion of various practices and their scriptural basis.

Overall Significance:

"Nibandh Nichay" is a scholarly work that demonstrates Muni Kalyanvijay Gani's extensive knowledge of Jain scriptures and philosophical traditions. The author's critical approach, while sometimes sharp, is aimed at promoting a deeper understanding and accurate preservation of Jain heritage. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jainism, offering in-depth analyses of key texts and historical debates within both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. The author's thoroughness in examining manuscripts, historical claims, and philosophical arguments makes this work a significant contribution to Jain scholarship.