Niryukti Sahitya Ek Punarchintan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Niryukti Sahitya Ek Punarchintan" by Sagarmal Jain:

This book is a scholarly exploration and re-evaluation of Niryukti Sahitya (literature of Niryuktis) within the Jain tradition. Niryuktis are considered the earliest form of commentary on the Jain Agamas (scriptures), aiming to clarify the meaning of words and concepts used in these sacred texts.

Key Points:

• Purpose of Niryuktis: The primary function of Niryuktis is to explain the technical and specialized vocabulary of the Jain Agamas. In Jainism, many words are not used in their literal, etymological sense but in their specific, defined meanings within philosophical contexts (e.g., 'dharma' and 'adharma' in the context of Astikayas, or 'karma' in karma theory). The meaning of a word can vary significantly depending on its context within different Agamas, making Niryuktis crucial for accurate interpretation.
• Methodology: Niryuktis primarily employ the Nikshepa (classification or projection) method. Nikshepa involves analyzing a concept or word through four lenses:
  1. Nama (Name): The literal name given to something.
  2. Sthapana (Establishment/Representation): A symbolic representation or an established convention.
  3. Dravya (Substance/Real Entity): The actual, existing entity.
  4. Bhava (State/Quality): The abstract quality or state of being. By applying these Nikshepas, Niryuktis explore the potential meanings of a word, often negating irrelevant meanings and affirming the relevant ones within the specific context.
• Structure and Content: Niryuktis often serve as a concise summary or index of the Agamas' subject matter, providing a roadmap for deeper study in commentaries (Bhashyas) and sub-commentaries (Churnis). They may also include synonyms for key terms and offer brief overviews of different sections (Adhyayanas) and themes within the Agamas.
• Categorization of Niryuktis: Scholars have categorized Niryuktis based on their composition and purity:
  • Pure Niryuktis: Those relatively untouched by later additions or influences (e.g., Niryuktis for Acharaanga and Sutrakritanga).
  • Mixed but Separable Niryuktis: Those that have some admixture of later commentaries but can still be distinguished (e.g., Niryuktis for Dashavaikalika and Avasyaka).
  • Bhashya-Mixed Niryuktis: Those that have become so integrated with later commentaries that separation is difficult (e.g., Niryuktis for Nishiitha).
• The Ten Major Niryuktis: The book identifies and discusses ten principal Niryuktis, which are traditionally believed to have been composed by a single author:
  1. Avasyaka Niryukti
  2. Dashavaikalika Niryukti
  3. Uttaradhyayana Niryukti
  4. Acharaanga Niryukti
  5. Sutrakritanga Niryukti
  6. Dashashrutaskandha Niryukti
  7. Brihat Kalpa Niryukti
  8. Vyavahara Niryukti
  9. Surya Prajnapti Niryukti
  10. Rishi Bhashita Niryukti The author discusses the existence and potential content of these, noting that some, like Surya Prajnapti and Rishi Bhashita Niryuktis, are of uncertain existence or have not been found.
• Authorship and Chronology: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to a critical examination of the authorship and dating of these Niryuktis.
  • The Tradition: The prevailing tradition attributes these Niryuktis to Bhadrabahu I, the last Shruta Kevali (omniscient scholar) and author of the Cheda Sutras.
  • Scholarly Debate: However, the author, Sagarmal Jain, presents compelling arguments that challenge this traditional attribution.
    • Evidence Against Bhadrabahu I: The presence of references to later events, schisms (like the seven Nihnavas and the Botika sect), and specific post-Bhadrabahu I Acharyas (like Kalaka, Padaliptasuri, Samitasuri) within the Niryuktis suggests they could not have been authored by Bhadrabahu I.
    • Alternative Candidates: The author explores other possibilities, including:
      • Naimittika Bhadrabahu: A brother of the astronomer Varahamihira (6th century CE). The presence of astronomical and ritualistic elements, as well as a later dating for the Niryuktis themselves, makes this a plausible candidate. However, the author finds issues with this theory as well, particularly concerning the development of the concept of Gunasthana (stages of spiritual development) and the absence of references to the Valabhi recension if Naimittika Bhadrabahu was the author.
      • Arya Bhadragupta: A disciple of Arya Shivabhuti, and potentially a proponent of the Achalata (non-clad) tradition. The author finds this a more likely candidate, citing his lineage, potential adherence to Achalata which explains the partial acceptance of Niryuktis in the Yapaniya tradition, and the possible interpretation of certain verses that could link him to the Niryuktis.
      • Gautama gotriya Arya Bhadra: A disciple of Arya Kalkacharya and a contemporary of the Valabhi recension. This is also considered a possibility, as the Niryuktis predate the Valabhi recension.
  • The "Bhadra" Connection: The author concludes that the author of the Niryuktis was likely a "Bhadra" named Acharya, who lived around the 3rd-4th century CE, predating the clear schisms between Shvetambara, Yapaniya, and Digambara traditions. This timeframe aligns with the existence of Niryuktis mentioned in earlier texts like Nandi Sutra and Pakshika Sutra.
• Prakshipta (Interpolated) Material: The book argues that some sections, particularly those mentioning the seven Nihnavas, the Botika sect, and specific events related to later Acharyas, are later interpolations in the Niryuktis, rather than original content.
• Significance: The book emphasizes that despite debates on authorship and chronology, Niryuktis are invaluable for understanding the historical development of Jain literature and philosophy. They represent a crucial stage in the interpretation and preservation of the Jain Agamas, bridging the gap between the original scriptures and later detailed commentaries.

In essence, "Niryukti Sahitya Ek Punarchintan" is a critical and meticulous study that seeks to demystify the origins and evolution of Jain Niryuktis, offering a reasoned analysis of traditional beliefs and proposing alternative theories based on textual evidence and historical context.