Niryukti Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Niryukti Sangraha" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Niryukti Sangraha (निर्युक्ति-सङ्ग्रहः) Author(s): Bhadrabahuswami (attributed), Jinendrasuri (editor/reviser) Publisher: Shri Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, Lakhabaawal - Shantipuri (Saurashtra) Publication Year: 1989 (Vikram Samvat 2045)

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Niryukti Sangraha" is a collection of Niryuktis (commentaries or exegetical explanations) attributed to the revered Jain scholar Shrutakevali Bhadrabahuswami. The text serves as a foundational commentary on various Jain Agamas, aiming to clarify their intricate meanings and philosophical underp1nnings. It is presented as a compilation of these essential Niryuktis to provide concise yet comprehensive knowledge about the Agamas.

Key Information from the Provided Pages:

• Authorship and Editorship: The work is attributed to Shrutakevali Shri Bhadrabahuswami. The specific edition provided is edited and researched by Pujyacharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Jinendrasurishwarji, under the guidance and benevolent patronage of Tapomurti Pujyacharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Karpoorsurishwarji and Param Shasan Prabhavak Vyakaranaacharya Shrimad Vijay Ramchandsurishwarji Maharaj. The publication is supported by the Shri Shripal Nagar Jain Shwetamber Murti Pujak Derasar Trust in Mumbai.

• Structure and Content: The compilation includes Niryuktis for several key Agamas:

  • Shri Aacharang Sutar Niryukti (श्री आचारांगनियुक्ति)
  • Aavashyak Niryukti (आवश्यकनियुक्ति) - This is a substantial part of the collection, with detailed sections covering its various chapters (adhyayana) and their respective niryuktis.
  • Uttaradhyayan Niryukti (उत्तराध्ययननियुक्ति)
  • Brihat Kalpa Niryukti (बृहत्कल्पनियुक्ति) - Not found in the collection as it's believed to be merged with the Vyavahar Niryukti.
  • Dashavaikalik Niryukti (दशवैकालिकनियुक्ति)
  • Dashashruta Niryukti (दशाश्रुतस्कन्धनियुक्ति) - Including Paryushanakalpa Niryukti (पर्युषणाकल्पनियुक्ति).
  • Sutrakritanga Niryukti (सूत्रकृताङ्गनियुक्ति)
  • Surya Prajnapti Niryukti (सूर्यप्रज्ञप्तिनियुक्ति) - Not found in the collection.
  • Rishi Bhashit Niryukti (ऋषिभाषितनियुक्ति) - Not found in the collection.

  The text mentions that the original list of Niryuktis by Bhadrabahuswami was ten. However, Brihat Kalpa and Surya Prajnapti are not included. Vyavahar Niryukti is mentioned as being merged into the Vyavahar Niryukti Bhashya. The collection therefore contains the remaining six original Niryuktis plus three additional ones: Ogha Niryukti (ओघ नियुक्ति), Pind Niryukti (पिण्डनिर्युक्ति), and Paryushanakalpa Niryukti (पर्युषणाकल्प). In total, nine Niryuktis are included, amounting to approximately 6917 verses (granthagra).

• Purpose of Niryuktis: The text explains that Niryuktis are created to briefly explain the essence of the Agamas, while Bhashyas provide more detailed explanations, and Chunnis delve into minute details. Tikas (commentaries) further elaborate on the meaning and import of the Agam Sutras.

• Significance and Use: The Niryuktis are valuable for understanding the Agamas comprehensively and concisely. They are particularly useful for monks and ascetics who study them to grasp the essence of the scriptures and apply their teachings in their conduct and spiritual practice. The collection is intended to make this knowledge accessible.

• Editorial Effort: The editor highlights the difficulty of compiling and editing these ancient texts, which were scattered across various Agamas. The inclusion of an alphabetical index of Niryukti verses (Niryukti Gathano Akaraadikram) is noted as a significant and useful addition for students, which delayed the publication.

• Jain Philosophy: The introductory remarks emphasize the core Jain principles of striving for liberation (bhava mukti) from the cycle of birth and death, and the importance of detachment from worldly desires (ajivani ashā). It also highlights the hierarchy of Jain scriptural knowledge, starting from the Agamas, then Niryuktis, Bhashyas, Chunnis, and finally Tikas.

• Content Breakdown (Examples): The table of contents shows the extensive coverage of the Aavashyak Niryukti, detailing its various sections like Samayika Adhyayana, Uposhuddh Niryukti, Namaskara Niryukti, Prakramana Niryukti, etc. This level of detail extends to other Niryuktis as well, indicating a thorough approach to the compilation.

• Correction Slip (Shuddhipatraka): The inclusion of a correction slip (Shuddhipatraka) at the end indicates the meticulous effort put into ensuring the accuracy of the text during publication.

In essence, the "Niryukti Sangraha" is a scholarly and devotional compilation of essential Jain commentaries that aims to preserve and disseminate the profound wisdom of the Agamas, making them accessible for study and practice.