Niyamsara Prabhrut - Book Summary

This document is a Jain text titled Niyamsara Prabhrut, authored by Kundkundacharya and presented with commentary by Aaryika Shri Gyanmati Mataji. The publisher is Digambar Jain Trilok Shodh Sansthan, Hastinapur.

The text is a detailed explanation of Kundkundacharya's Niyamsara, a significant Jain scripture that elaborates on the path to liberation (Moksha). Here's a breakdown of the key points from the provided pages:

Overall Theme:

Niyamsara (The Essence of Rules): The book emphasizes Samyagdarshan (Right Faith), Samyagjnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyagcharitra (Right Conduct) as the "Niyamsara" – the essential path to liberation. The term "Sara" (essence) signifies the removal of opposite (wrong) tendencies.
Path and its Fruit: The text describes the path (Moksha Marga) and its fruit (Nirvana).
Dual Perspective: The teachings are presented from both Nishcaya Naya (Absolute/Realist View) and Vyavahara Naya (Conventional/Practical View).

Structure of the Niyamsara:

The book is divided into 12 chapters (Adhikaras), covering the path and its ultimate fruit:

Jiva (Soul): Discusses the soul, its nature, and the path to right faith. It elaborates on the concepts of Aptas (perfect beings), Agamas (scriptures), and Tattvartha (truths).
Ajiva (Non-Soul): Details the nature of non-soul substances like Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
Shuddha Bhava (Pure States): Focuses on the pure spiritual states of the soul, explained from the Nishcaya viewpoint.
Vyavahara Charitra (Conventional Conduct): Describes the practice of the five great vows (Mahavratas), five carefulnesses (Samitis), and three controls (Guptis) as part of practical conduct.
Paramartha Pratikkramana (Absolute Self-Reflection): Discusses the profound act of self-reflection and repentance.
Nishcaya Pratyakhyana (Absolute Renunciation): Elaborates on the absolute renunciation of all worldly attachments.
Param Alochana (Absolute Confession/Self-Criticism): Details the profound process of self-criticism and confession.
Shuddha Nishcaya Prayashchitta (Pure Absolute Atonement): Explains the ultimate form of atonement through pure self-awareness.
Param Samadhi (Absolute Concentration/Equanimity): Describes the state of perfect concentration and equanimity.
Param Bhakti (Absolute Devotion): Covers the concept of ultimate devotion.
Nishcaya Param Avasyaka (Absolute Essential Duty): Discusses the essential duties from an absolute perspective.
Shuddha Upayoga (Pure Consciousness): Concludes with the description of pure consciousness, the nature of Kevali (omniscient) and Siddha (liberated) beings, and the ultimate fruit of the path.

Commentary by Aaryika Gyanmati Mataji:

Syadvada Chandrika (Moonlight of Syadvada): The commentary by Aaryika Gyanmati Mataji is named "Syadvada Chandrika." It aims to clarify the text by referring to previous Acharyas' works, explaining the nuances of Nayas (perspectives), and relating the concepts to the stages of spiritual progress (Gunsthanas).
Respect for Preceptors: The commentary highlights the respect and veneration shown to previous Acharyas, spiritual mentors, and the lineage of Jain saints.
Holistic Approach: The commentary strives to explain the philosophical depth of the text, often citing references from other Jain scriptures to support its interpretations. It emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in daily life and spiritual practice.

Key Concepts Highlighted in the Introduction:

मार्ग (Marga) and मार्ग का फल (Phal): Path and its fruit.
रत्नत्रय (Ratnatraya): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
व्यवहार (Vyavahara) and निश्चय (Nishcaya): Conventional and Absolute truths.
गौण (Gauṇa) and मुख्य (Mukhya): Secondary and Primary aspects.
गुणस्थान (Guṇasthāna): Stages of spiritual progress.
नय (Naya): Perspectives or viewpoints.

Specific Details from the Pages:

Page 1-2: Introduces the book, its author, commentator, publisher, and the first chapter (Jiva Adhikara), mentioning the veneration of Lord Mahavir and the division of the path into two types: the way and its fruit. It states that the path refers to the Ratnatraya, which is further divided into Vyavahara and Nishcaya Ratnatraya.
Page 3: Continues the description of the Nishcaya and Vyavahara paths, emphasizing the importance of the soul (Atma) as the ultimate reality. It also begins to detail the content of the first chapter, focusing on the nature of the soul.
Page 4-10: These pages outline the structure of the Niyamsara, listing the titles of the 12 chapters and briefly summarizing the content of each. The commentary of Aaryika Gyanmati Mataji is also introduced, highlighting its foundation in the works of previous Acharyas and the application of Nayas and Gunsthanas. The introduction of the commentary itself is presented, with salutations to Jinendra, Saraswati, Ganadhar, and Kundakundacharya.
Page 11-12: Discusses the significance of the commentary, its title "Syadvada Chandrika," and the unique contributions of Aaryika Gyanmati Mataji. It also touches upon the completion of the commentary and its auspicious timing.
Page 13-18: This section delves into the biography of Acharya Kundakund, listing his various names, his debates with Shvetambaras, his miraculous feats, his spiritual path, his compositions, his gurus, his birthplace, and his time period. It emphasizes his profound spiritual insight and his ability to reconcile different Nayas.
Page 19-40: These pages begin the detailed commentary on each chapter of the Niyamsara. It starts with the Mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) and the first chapter (Jiva Adhikara), explaining the concepts of the path, the meaning of "Niyamsara," and the initial description of the soul and other substances from both Vyavahara and Nishcaya perspectives. It meticulously breaks down the meaning of the first few verses and introduces the importance of understanding Nayas.

In essence, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the Niyamsara text and its detailed, scholarly commentary by Aaryika Gyanmati Mataji, aiming to make the profound Jain teachings accessible to a wider audience.