Niryukti Sahitya Ek Parichay - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Niryukti Sahitya Ek Parichay" by Dr. Shreeprakash Pandey, in English:

This book, "Niryukti Sahitya Ek Parichay" (An Introduction to Niryukti Literature), by Dr. Shreeprakash Pandey, provides a detailed overview of a crucial branch of Jain interpretive literature.

The Nature and Purpose of Niryuktis:

Niryuktis are considered highly significant interpretive texts within Jainism, aiming to unravel the profound mysteries of the Agam literature. They are essentially metrical commentaries written in Prakrit, and their primary focus is not on explaining each word of the original text but rather on elaborating on technical and philosophical terms (paribhashik shabda).

The interpretive method employed in Niryuktis is known as the "Nikshepa Paddhati" (Method of Categorization/Placement). This method involves exploring multiple possible meanings of a particular term, then systematically negating the irrelevant ones to arrive at the most appropriate meaning for the given context. This approach, favored in Jain dialectics, is first seen in the Anuyogadvara Sutra. Acarya Bhadrabahu, the primary author of many Niryuktis, considered this method the most commendable.

The purpose of a Niryukti is to clarify which meaning of a word is relevant in a specific context, especially in relation to the original teachings of Lord Mahavir. In essence, Niryuktis establish a definitive connection between the sutra (the original text's words) and its artha (meaning), stating that "Niryukti is the connection of the sutra and its meaning" (सूत्रार्थयोः परस्परं निर्योजन सम्बन्धन नियुक्तिः) or a "logic that definitely asserts the meaning" (निश्चयेन अर्थ का प्रतिपादन करने वाली युक्ति को नियुक्ति कहते हैं).

German scholar Shantier describes Niryuktis as serving primarily as indexes to the main texts, providing a concise summary of extensive event narratives.

Classification of Niryuktis:

The Anuyogadvara Sutra categorizes Niryuktis into three types based on their subject matter:

Nikshetra Niryukti: Related to the Nikshepa method.
Upodhata Niryukti: Introductory or preparatory.
Sutra Sparshika Niryukti: Directly touching upon the sutra's words.

Dr. Ghatge further classifies Niryuktis into three categories based on their reception and potential admixtures:

Mul Niryukti: Untainted by later influences (e.g., Niryuktis of Acaranga and Sutrakrtanga).
Vyavachchhedya Niryukti: Those with admixtures of original commentaries but still distinguishable (e.g., Niryuktis of Dashavaikalika and Avasyak).
Admixture Niryukti: Those so thoroughly blended with commentaries (Bhasya or Brihad Bhasya) that separation is difficult (e.g., Niryuktis of Nishitha).

Period of Composition:

Scholars differ on the exact period of Niryukti composition, but it is generally considered to be between 300 to 600 Vikram Samvat.

The Authorship of Niryuktis:

Similar to how Maharshi Yaska wrote the Nirukta to explain Vedic technical terms, Acarya Bhadrabahu II composed Niryuktis to explain the technical terms of Jain Agams. It is crucial to distinguish this Acarya Bhadrabahu II from the fourteenth-purvadhara, Cheda-sutra-kara, Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu. The latter is often saluted by the Niryukti-kara Bhadrabahu in his works, implying they are different individuals. The confusion arises from the existence of more than one Acarya named Bhadrabahu.

According to Shvetambar tradition, Acarya Bhadrabahu (the fourteenth purvadhara) went to Nepal for yogic practices, while Digambar tradition places him in South India. This suggests these two might be different individuals. However, the Niryukti-kara Bhadrabahu is considered a third, distinct person. He is believed to have lived in the sixth century Vikram Samvat and is sometimes considered the brother of the renowned astrologer Varahamihira. Historical evidence within the Niryuktis also points to events that occurred long after Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu.

Niryukti-kara Bhadrabahu II, who lived around 562 Vikram Samvat, was also an expert in Ashtanga Nimitta (eightfold divination) and mantra vidya. In a spirit of religious competition with his brother, he composed the "Bhadrabahu Samhita" and "Upsargahara Stotra."

The Ten Niryuktis by Acarya Bhadrabahu:

Acarya Bhadrabahu is credited with composing the following ten Niryuktis, in the order they were promised in the Avasyak Niryukti:

Avasyak Niryukti
Dashavaikalika Niryukti
Uttaradhyayana Niryukti
Acaranga Niryukti
Sutrakrtanga Niryukti
Dashashrutaskandha Niryukti
Kalpa (Brihatkalpa) Niryukti
Vyavahara Niryukti
Surya Prajnapti Niryukti (Currently unavailable)
Rishi Bhasita Niryukti (Currently unavailable)

Supplementary Niryuktis:

Ogha Niryukti, Pinda Niryukti, Pancha Kalpa Niryukti, and Nishitha Niryukti are considered complementary to Avasyak, Dashavaikalika, Brihatkalpa, and Acaranga Niryuktis, respectively. Samsakta Niryukti is also a supplement to the first four and is believed to be by a later Acarya. Govindacharya Niryukti is also unavailable.

Detailed Analysis of Key Niryuktis:

Avasyak Niryukti: This is considered the first and most important Niryukti by Acarya Bhadrabahu, offering a comprehensive and systematic explanation of many crucial topics. Later Niryuktis often refer back to it for detailed explanations. It is a metrical Prakrit commentary on the Avasyak Sutra, which has six studies (Samayika, Chaturvimsati Stava, Vandana, Pratikramana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyana).
- Upodhata: The introductory section of Avasyak Niryukti (880 gathas) discusses various types of knowledge (Abhinibodhika, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), their classifications, sensory organs, and fourteen types of nikshepas for shruta knowledge. It also details the nature of Avadhi and Manahparyaya knowledge.
- Samayika: The first study, considered essential for ascetics. The text discusses the balanced importance of knowledge and conduct for liberation, the qualifications of an ascetic, the process of karma dissipation, and stages of spiritual progress. It elaborates on Samayika using twenty-six nikshepas, including details about Lord Mahavir's life, his eleven ganadharas, and the Namaskara Mantra.
- Chaturvimsati Stava: Explains the term "Chaturvimsati" using six nikshepas and "Stava" using four. It focuses on the mantra "Lokassoijoyagare" and explains terms like Loka, Udyota, Shramana Dharma, Tirtha, Jina, and Arhanta, culminating in a nikshepa-based explanation of the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
- Vandana: Discusses five synonyms for Vandana (vandanakarman, chitakarma, kritikarman, pujakarma, vinayakarma) and explores it through nine questions concerning who, by whom, when, how often, the number of prostrations, and the purpose of bowing. It emphasizes that those who are devoted to knowledge, perception, conduct, austerity, and humility are worthy of Vandana.
- Pratikramana: Defines Pratikramana as the soul's return to its proper state after straying due to negligence. It lists synonyms and discusses it from the perspectives of the action, the doer, and the object (karma). It details various types of Pratikramana and the necessity of performing it after specific actions or transgressions.
- Kayotsarga: Before explaining Kayotsarga, the text outlines ten types of penance. Kayotsarga is synonymous with Vyutsarga and refers to the healing of wounds, with two types: Kayottha (self-inflicted) and Parottha (other-inflicted). It provides twelve nikshepas for "Kaya" and six for "Utsarga." It describes two forms: Cheshta Kayotsarga (during alms-seeking) and Abhibhava Kayotsarga (during difficulties), with details on their duration, defects, and results.
- Pratyakhyana: Analyzes Pratyakhyana from six perspectives (pratyakhyana, pratyakhyata, pratyakhyeya, parishad, kathanvidhi, phala) and describes six types of Pratyakhyana. It highlights that Pratyakhyana stops the inflow of karma and leads to equanimity. The eligible person for Pratyakhyana is described as disciplined and attentive.
Dashavaikalika Niryukti: This Niryukti explains the Dashavaikalika Sutra, noting that "Dash" refers to its ten studies and "Kaal" to its composition during or after the fourth part of the day (Paurushi). It is attributed to Acarya Shayambhu for his disciple Manaka. The text details the ten studies, including Drupuspika and Pindeshana, and discusses various aspects of Dharma, conduct, self-control, and ethics.
Uttaradhyayana Niryukti: This Niryukti, with 607 gathas, explains the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which contains Lord Jinendra's teachings in 36 studies. "Uttar" means sequential, and "Adhyayana" means a study that aids in understanding substances and achieving desired goals, thereby purifying karma. It discusses Shrutaskandha and the 36 studies, highlighting the presence of instructive narratives about various individuals. It also includes insightful sayings like "non-violence and renunciation of possession is the true renunciation" (भावाम्म उ पव्वज्जा आरम्भपरिग्गहच्चाओ).
Acaranga Niryukti: Composed before Sutrakrtanga Niryukti, this Niryukti is based on both sections of the Acaranga Sutra and contains 347 gathas. It emphasizes that Acaranga is the first among the twelve Angas because it expounds the path to liberation, the essence of all teachings. It details the nine studies of Acaranga, focusing on self-control, victory over karma, tolerance of pleasure and pain, steadfastness in right faith, detachment, and renunciation. The second section discusses elements like earth through nikshepa, and the nature of violence.
Sutrakrtanga Niryukti: This Niryukti, with 205 gathas, explains the Sutrakrtanga Sutra. It lists fifteen types of Paramadharmikas and mentions 363 different philosophical viewpoints (kriyavadi, akriyavadi, ajnanavadi, vainayika), along with classifications of disciples and teachers.
Dashashrutaskandha Niryukti: This Niryukti is based on the Cheda-sutra named Dashashrutaskandha. It begins with salutations to Acarya Bhadrabahu, the composer of Dasha, Kalpa, and Vyavahara Shrutas. It then describes the ten studies, including Asamadhishthana, Shabala, Ashatana, Ganisampada, Chittasamadhishthana, Upaasakapratima, Bhikshupratima, Pardushana Kalpa, Mohaniya Sthana, and Ajati Sthana.
Brihatkalpa Niryukti: This Niryukti is found in a mixed state with commentary. It discusses knowledge and auspiciousness, categorizing auspiciousness into four types. It also touches upon dietary and lifestyle practices of different ascetic groups and the faults incurred by wandering outside Arya-kshetra, using the example of Skandakacharya.
Vyavahara Niryukti: This Niryukti covers similar topics as the Brihatkalpa Niryukti, focusing on ascetic life and the principles of Utsarga (general rules) and Apavada (exceptions), making them complementary texts.

Unavailable Niryuktis:

Surya Prajnapti Niryukti and Rishi Bhasita Niryukti are currently unavailable but are briefly discussed.
Samsakta Niryukti: Its subject Agam is not specified, and its authorship is debated.
Nishitha Niryukti: Considered part of Acaranga Niryukti, it is integrated into Nishitha Bhasya and primarily deals with ascetic conduct.
Govinda Niryukti: Authored by Acarya Govinda for the spiritual advancement of one-sensed beings, it is a free-standing work but is currently unavailable.
Aradhana Niryukti: Also unavailable, it might be related to the Agam "Aradhana Pataka."
Rishi Bhasita Niryukti: Although an Agam exists by this name, the Niryuktis written by Bhadrabahu are unavailable.

Conclusion:

The book highlights the unique and invaluable service rendered by Bhadrabahu through the creation of Niryukti literature, which meticulously explains specific technical terms in Jain tradition. These explanations formed the foundation for later commentaries by Bhasyakaras, Churnikaras, and Vrttikaras, making Niryuktis an unforgettable contribution to Jain Agamic scholarship.