Nikshepvad Ek Anvikshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nikshepvad: Ek Anvikshan" by Rameshmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nikshepvad: Ek Anvikshan (Nikshepvad: An Investigation) Author: Rameshmuni Publisher: Z_Munidway_Abhinandan_Granth_012006.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211268/1

Core Concept: The Necessity and Function of Nikshep

The text begins by emphasizing the crucial role of language as a medium for expressing thoughts and emotions. It states that without language, internal feelings remain unmanifest. However, language, composed of words, can lead to misunderstanding because a single word can have multiple meanings. To resolve these potential misinterpretations and to express the intended meaning precisely, the concept of Nikshep (निक्षेप) is introduced. Nikshep is described as a beautiful process that allows for the expression of multiple meanings based on purpose and context.

Definition and Synonyms of Nikshep

Nikshep is defined as the attribution of meaning to a word to convey a particular sense. A synonym for Nikshep is Nyas (न्यास). It is further elaborated as a specific arrangement of words and meanings to prevent misunderstanding (apratipatti) and to establish things in their proper place according to context (prakaranadi). In essence, Nikshep involves arranging or classifying by various categories like "nama" (name), "sthapan" (establishment), "dravya" (substance), and "bhava" (state/quality). It is also described as a way to elaborate on meaning with definitions and regulations.

Classification and Importance of Nikshep

The author draws an analogy to the concept of Nayas (नय) in Jainism, stating that just as there are infinite possible viewpoints or Nayas, there can also be infinite types of Nikshep. However, similar to how all Nayas are broadly classified into two main types (Dravyanthik and Paryayanthik, with Bhavarthik sometimes used interchangeably with Paryayanthik), all forms of Nikshep are encompassed within four primary categories.

These four primary Nikshep are:

Nama (नाम): Name
Sthapana (स्थापना): Establishment
Dravya (द्रव्य): Substance/Essence
Bhava (भाव): State/Quality/Actual Form

These four Nikshep are considered primary because many other specific types of Nikshep found in Jain scriptures can be included within them.

Examples of Nikshep in Jain Scriptures

The text provides numerous examples of how Nikshep is applied to different words and concepts in various Jain Agamas:

"Sarva" (सर्व - All): Four types of Nikshep are mentioned: Nama-sarva, Upana-sarva, Aadesha-sarva, and Niravasesha-sarva. Nama and Sthapana are considered "verbal" while Dravya and Bhava are "meaning-based."
"Purva" (पूर्व - Previous/Former): Thirteen Nikshep are mentioned, including Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra (area), Kaal (time), Dig (direction), Tapa (penance), Pragyaapak (instructor), Purva, Vastu (thing), Prabhoot (much), Atiprabhoot (very much), and Bhava.
"Samaya" (समय - Time): Twelve Nikshep are listed, including Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra, Kaal, Krutirth (accomplished tīrtha), Sangraha (collection), Kula (lineage), Gana (group), Sankara (mixture), Gandi (level), and Bhava.
"Sthan" (स्थान - Place): Fifteen Nikshep are presented, including Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra, Arddha (half), Urdhva (up), Uparati (abstinence), Vasati (residence), Samyama (restraint), Pragraha (support), Yodha (warrior), Achala (immovable), Ganana (counting), Sandhana (connection), and Bhava.
"Eka" (एक - One): Seven Nikshep are described: Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Matrukapad (mother-term), Sangraha, Paryaya (state), and Bhava.
"Samayik" (सामायिक - Equanimity): Six Nikshep are noted.

The author reiterates that while many specific Nikshep exist, the four primary ones (Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Bhava) are most significant due to their inclusive nature.

Detailed Explanation of the Four Primary Nikshep:

Nama Nikshep (Name Nikshep): This involves naming something without regard to its inherent qualities, caste, substance, or actions. It's about assigning a name for practical or conventional reasons, even if the actual attributes don't match the etymological meaning of the name. For instance, naming a child "Indraraj" even if they don't possess the qualities of Indra. The etymological meaning is not the primary consideration.
Sthapana Nikshep (Establishment Nikshep): This occurs when a representation of an object (with or without similar form) is used to represent the original object. For example, calling a picture of the sun "Sun" or a wooden horse a "horse." It's about establishing something in place of another, where the representation conveys the intended meaning or stands for the original. It's more than just a name; it implies representation.
Dravya Nikshep (Substance/Essence Nikshep): This involves relating to an object based on its past or future states, even if the present state lacks those qualities. It's about referring to the underlying substance that persists through different states. Examples include calling someone an "teacher" even if they are no longer teaching but were in the past, or referring to an empty pot as a "water pot" because it's meant for water or was previously used for water. It encompasses treating the cause as the effect or the effect as the cause in practical usage.
Bhava Nikshep (State/Quality/Actual Form Nikshep): This is when an object is described or referred to strictly according to its present state or actual form. The word used must clearly reflect the actual attributes of the object. For example, calling something "coal" when it is coal, "ash" when it is ash, or a "priest" while performing worship. This is the most direct and accurate representation where the meaning of the word is evident in the object's current state. It aligns with the "pure view" (shuddha naya) where the present reality is paramount.

The Utility of Nikshep

The text concludes by summarizing that Nikshep creates a harmonious connection between a word and its referent. It highlights the utility of this system in using qualifiers or implicit understandings that denote the presence of meaning behind a suggestive word, even if the qualifier is not explicitly stated.

In essence, "Nikshepvad: Ek Anvikshan" meticulously explains the Jain concept of Nikshep as a vital tool for precise communication and understanding, highlighting its various forms and their application in interpreting Jain scriptures and everyday language.