Nihnavavad

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Nihnavavad" (નિહ્નવવાદ), authored by Dhirajlal Dahyalal Mehta and published by Shri Jain Dharm Prasaran Trust. The book is based on the "Shri Visheshavashyak Bhashya" (શ્રી વિશેષાવશ્યકભાષ્ય) by Acharya Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman Suri.

The text discusses the concept of "Nihnav" (નિહ્નવ) in Jainism, which refers to individuals who hide, distort, or reject the teachings of Lord Mahavir. According to the text, there were eight such Nihnavs during the time of Lord Mahavir's teachings. Seven of them are considered "Desh Nihnav" (દેશ નિહ્નવ) because they rejected only one aspect of the teachings, while one is considered "Sarva Nihnav" (સર્વ નિહ્નવ) because they rejected many teachings.

The book provides a detailed analysis of the views of these eight Nihnavs, elaborating on their philosophies and the arguments presented against them, based on the verses 2300 to 2609 of the "Visheshavashyak Bhashya." The author has expanded this analysis in Gujarati, covering verses 2294 to 2620, to make it accessible to spiritual seekers and students of Jain philosophy.

The summary then details each of the eight Nihnavs:

1. Jamali (જમાલિ): Considered the first Nihnav, who disagreed with the principle of speaking about an action as completed when it is still in progress (e.g., calling a partially laid mat as "laid").
2. Tishyagupta (તિષ્યગુપ્ત): Believed that only the final, ultimate point-moment (pradesh) of the soul constitutes the soul itself.
3. Ashadhbhuti (આષાઢાભૂતિ): Caused doubt among his disciples by claiming to be a divine being and thus questioning the need for reverence towards monks, leading to the cessation of mutual salutations within the order.
4. Ashvimitra (અશ્વમિત્ર): Propounded the doctrine of "Samuchchhedvad" (સમુચ્છેદવાદ), believing that all beings are annihilated at the end of each moment.
5. Aryaganga (આર્યગંગ): Believed in "Dvikriyavad" (ક્રિયાતવાદ), the idea that two actions can occur simultaneously, which contradicts the Jain principle of one action at a time.
6. Rohagupta (રોહગુપ્ત) / Shadoluk (ષડુલુક): Advocated for the belief in "Trairashikmat" (ત્રરાશિકમત), dividing existence into three categories: Jiva (जीव), Ajiva (અજીવ), and Naojiva (નોજીવ).
7. Goshthamahil (ગોષ્ઠામાહિલ): Propounded the doctrine of "Abaddhik" (અબદ્ધિક), believing that karma touches the soul but does not bind it.
8. Botik (બોટિક): The eighth Nihnav, often associated with the Digambara tradition, who is considered "Sarva Nihnav" (સર્વ નિહ્નવ) as they rejected many of Lord Mahavir's teachings, particularly regarding attire and conduct. The text details Shambhuti's disagreement with his guru and the subsequent development of the Digambara viewpoint.

The book aims to help readers understand these different philosophical viewpoints within Jainism, differentiate them from the true teachings, and strengthen their own correct understanding (Samayaktva). The author expresses gratitude to Bharat Graphics for their assistance in printing the book. The text also lists other publications by the author and the publisher.