Niryukti Sahitya Ek Parichay - Book Summary

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

This work, "Niryukti Sahitya Ek Parichay" (An Introduction to Niryukti Literature), by Dr. Shreeprakash Pandey, serves as a detailed exploration of a significant genre within Jain Agam literature: the Niryuktis. These Niryuktis are essentially metrical commentaries written in Prakrit, which explain the technical terms and complex concepts found in the original Agam texts.

Key Aspects of Niryuktis:

Purpose: Niryuktis aim to clarify the specialized vocabulary of the Agams. They focus on defining and explaining the meaning of specific terms within their context, distinguishing them from simple commentaries that might explain entire passages.
Methodology: The primary method employed is the Nikṣepa (placement/classification) system. This involves presenting multiple possible interpretations of a word or concept and then systematically negating the irrelevant ones to arrive at the correct, contextually appropriate meaning. This method, first seen in the Anuyogadvāra Sūtra, was highly favored in Jain logic and exegesis.
Etymology and Definition: The text defines Niryukti as the process of "connecting the sutra (original text) and its meaning" (sūtrārthayoḥ parasparaṁ niryojanaṁ sambandhanaṁ niryuktiḥ). Another definition suggests it is the "logic that establishes the meaning." German scholar Schantier is quoted as stating that Niryuktis primarily function as indexes, summarizing extensive events concisely.

Classification of Niryuktis:

The text, drawing from the Anuyogadvāra Sūtra, categorizes Niryuktis into three types based on their subject matter:

Nikṣepa-niryukti
Upodghāta-niryukti
Sūtra-sparśika-niryukti

Dr. Ghatge is mentioned as having a slightly different classification, but the book focuses on the former.

Dating and Authorship:

Authorship: The most prominent author of Niryuktis is Acharya Bhadrabahu II. It is crucial to distinguish him from the fourteenth-purvadhara Acharya Bhadrabahu, the author of the Chedasūtras. The author points to the fact that the Niryukti-author Bhadrabahu frequently pays homage to the Chedasūtra-author Bhadrabahu, which would be unnecessary if they were the same person. This suggests there were multiple Acharyas named Bhadrabahu. Acharya Bhadrabahu II is believed to have lived in the 6th century CE and was also known for his expertise in astrology and mnemonic sciences, and was the brother of the famous astrologer Varahamihira.
Dating: While there is no complete consensus, the Niryuktis are generally dated between 300 BCE and 100 CE (Vikram Samvat).

Key Niryuktis and Their Contents:

The book details ten Niryuktis attributed to Acharya Bhadrabahu, listing them in the order they were composed, based on the Niryukti-rachana-pratigya (oath to compose Niryuktis):

Āvashyak-niryukti: This is considered the most important and was composed first. It provides an extensive and systematic explanation of the Āvashyak Sūtra (a fundamental text dealing with the six essential duties of a Jain monk).
- Upo-ghāta (Introduction): This section, comprising 880 gāthās (verses), functions as the preface. It elaborates on the five types of knowledge (ābhini-bodhika, śruta, avadhi, manah-paryaya, kevala), their subdivisions, time spans, the five senses, and various nikṣepas related to ābhini-bodhika knowledge. It also details śruta knowledge, its nature and types, and the nature of avadhi and manah-paryaya knowledge. This section is also known as the Jnana-adhikāra.
- Sāmayika (First Duty): The Āvashyak-niryukti begins by explaining Sāmayika, emphasizing its importance as the first and essential duty for a monk. It discusses the qualifications for Sāmayika, its developmental stages, and how liberation is attained through the balance of knowledge and conduct.
- Vandanā (Second Duty): This section explains the five forms of worship (vandanā-karma, citikarma, kritikarama, pūjā-karma, vinaya-karma) and analyzes vandanā from nine perspectives (who should worship, by whom, when, how many times, how low to bow, how many times to bow the head, with how many essential duties to be purified, from how many faults to be free, and why worship is done). It concludes that those engaged in knowledge, perception, conduct, austerity, and humility are worthy of veneration and spread the Jin-pravacana.
- Pratikramaṇa (Third Duty): This covers the act of returning to one's original state after straying due to negligence. It defines pratikramaṇa as correcting faults, describes different types of pratikramaṇa (daily, nightly, intermittent, etc.), and discusses the qualifications of the one performing it.
- Chaturvimsati-stava (Fourth Duty): This explains the twenty-four Stavas (praises) of the Tirthankaras, with a focus on the nikṣepa methodology applied to the words "chaturvimsati" and "stava."
- Kāyotsarga (Fifth Duty): This section details Kāyotsarga (standing in meditation, renouncing the body), its types, qualities, forms of meditation, and transgressions.
- Pratyākhyāna (Sixth Duty): This explains Pratyākhyāna (renunciation) from six perspectives, including its types, the one who renounces, what is renounced, the assembly, the method of telling, and the fruit. It highlights that true renunciation leads to the cessation of āsrava (influx of karma) and immersion in equanimity.
Dashavaikalika-niryukti: Explains the Dashavaikalika Sūtra, which comprises ten studies. The name "Dashavaikalika" is derived from the fact that its studies were derived from ten different Agam texts and composed during the purushi time, or in the afternoon. It mentions the author as Acharya Shambhav. It contains poetic and engaging narratives.
Uttarādhyayana-niryukti: A commentary on the Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, which contains the teachings of Lord Jinendra in 36 studies. The term "Uttara" signifies "subsequent" or "later," and "adhyayana" refers to studies that lead to the acquisition of knowledge about substances or the swift achievement of desired results. It details the six śruta-skandhas and discusses various instructive stories.
Āchārāṅga-niryukti: This Niryukti covers both śruta-skandhas of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra. It explains that the Āchārāṅga was the first among the twelve Angas because it details the means to liberation, which is the essence of all Jain teachings. It discusses nine studies, eighteen thousand terms, and five cūlikās (supplements) within the Āchārāṅga.
Sūtkṛtāṅga-niryukti: This Niryukti explains the Sūtkṛtāṅga Sūtra. It lists fifteen Paramādharmikas (great transgressors) and mentions that Acharya Bhadrabahu indicated 363 different philosophical viewpoints discussed in the text, categorized into actionists, inactionists, ignoramuses, and traditionalists. It also analyzes the four types of right faith (samyak-darśana, samyak-jnana, samyak-tapa, samyak-chāritra) and the six essences of the world.
Daśāśruta-skandha-niryukti: This commentary is on the Daśāśruta-skandha text, part of the Cheda-sūtras. It addresses the ten studies of the Daśāśruta-skandha, focusing on topics like samādhisthāna (places of concentration), śabala (mixed states), āśātanā (offences), gaṇi-sampadā (qualities of a spiritual leader and prosperity), chittasāmadhisthāna (concentration of mind), upāsaka-pratimā (vow stages for lay followers), bhiksu-pratimā (stages for mendicants), paryusana-kalpa (monsoon retreat), mohanīya-sthāna (karmas causing delusion), and ajāti-sthāna (state of non-birth, i.e., liberation).
Br̥hatkalpa-niryukti: This Niryukti is found mixed with the Br̥hatkalpa Bhāṣya. It pays homage to the Tirthankaras and discusses the nature of knowledge and auspiciousness. It also details the dietary and behavioral practices of those following the utsarga (strict) and apavāda (relaxed) paths, and the faults incurred by wandering outside the ārya-kṣetra (sacred territory).
Vyavahāra-niryukti: This Niryukti is closely related to the Br̥hatkalpa-niryukti, as it covers many of the same topics concerning monastic life and the principles of utsarga and apavāda. The two are considered complementary.

Unavailable Niryuktis:

Sūryaprajñapti-niryukti and R̥ṣibhāṣita-niryukti are currently unavailable, although their names are mentioned in the commentaries of Acharyas like Malayagiri. The Sūryaprajñapti is known for its astronomical descriptions.

Other Related Niryuktis:

Saṁsakta-niryukti: Its original Agam is not specified, and scholars differ on its author.
Niśītha-niryukti: Considered a part of the Āchārāṅga-niryukti, it is now integrated into the Niśītha Bhāṣya and focuses on monastic conduct.
Govinda-niryukti: Focused on philosophical viewpoints, especially concerning monadic beings. Its author was Acharya Govinda. It is not currently available but is referenced in other texts.
Ārādhanā-niryukti: Also unavailable, possibly related to the Agam "Ārādhanā-patākā."

The Significance of Niryukti Literature:

The book concludes by emphasizing the immense and unforgettable service rendered by Acharya Bhadrabahu in creating Niryukti literature. These works provided the foundational clarifications of specialized Jain terminology, which later commentators, Bhāṣyakāras, Cūrṇikāras, and Vr̥ttikāras, relied upon for their own commentaries and creations. The Niryuktis are seen as indispensable for understanding the depth and complexity of Jain Agam literature.