Nyaya Sangraha

This Jain text, titled "Nyaya Sangraha" by Ratnavallabhvijay, is a commentary and translation of a work by Hemhansasuri, which itself is based on Hemchandracharya's seminal work on Jain grammar, the "Siddhhem Shabdanushasan." The text focuses on "Nyayas" (logical principles or aphorisms) relevant to grammar.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

• Book Title: Nyaya Sangraha (ન્યાયસંગ્રહ)
• Author of Commentary/Translation: Muni Ratnavallabhvijay (મુનિ રત્નવલ્લભવિજય), disciple of Pu. P. Panyas Pravar Gurudev Shri Chandrashekharvijay M. Saheb.
• Original Work's Authority (Compiler of Nyayas): Pu. P. Hemhansasuri (પૂ. પ. હેમહંસગણિવર્ય).
• Grammatical Foundation: Based on Kalikal Sarvagnya Acharya Bhagwant Shri Hemchandrasurishwarji's "Siddhhem Shabd-anusasan" (સિદ્ધહેમશબ્દાનુશાસન).
• Publisher: Acharyashri Kharsuri Aradhana Bhavan, Surat.
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005716/1

2. Content and Structure: The book presents the "Nyaya Sangraha" which is a collection of 141 "Nyayas" (logical principles/rules). The text includes:

• The original Sanskrit text of the "Nyaya Sangraha."
• A commentary on the "Nyaya Sangraha" titled "Nyayartha Manjusha" (ન્યાયાર્થ મંજુષા) by Hemhansasuri.
• A "Swopadnya Nyas" (સ્વોપજ્ઞન્યાસ) by Hemhansasuri, which is an explanation of certain difficult points in his commentary.
• A Gujarati translation, commentary ("Vimarsh"), and analysis of these works by Muni Ratnavallabhvijay.

3. Purpose and Significance:

• Accessibility: The primary goal of this publication is to make the study of the "Nyaya Sangraha" and its associated commentaries more accessible and understandable to students and scholars, particularly through the Gujarati translation and commentary.
• Importance of Grammar: The text emphasizes the foundational importance of grammar (Vyakarana) for understanding Jain scriptures and achieving spiritual liberation (Moksha). It states: "From grammar, the perfection of words arises; from the perfection of words, the decision of meaning arises. From meaning, the knowledge of truth arises, and from the knowledge of truth, the ultimate welfare (liberation) arises." (Page 5, citing Vyakarana).
• Preservation of Knowledge: The preface expresses concern about the declining interest in studying texts like Siddhhem Shabd-anusasan and Navya Nyaya, emphasizing the need to preserve the profound knowledge contained in these works by scholars like Upadhyay Hemhansasuri.
• Historical Context: The preface provides a historical account of the creation of Hemchandracharya's Siddhhem Shabd-anusasan, linking it to King Siddharaj's desire for a comprehensive grammar for Gujarat.

4. Key Figures and Their Contributions:

• Acharya Hemchandracharya: The foundational figure whose grammar (Siddhhem Shabd-anusasan) forms the basis of this work.
• Upadhyay Hemhansasuri: The compiler of the 141 Nyayas in the "Nyaya Sangraha" and the author of the detailed commentary ("Nyayartha Manjusha") and "Swopadnya Nyas" on these Nyayas. He is praised for his profound scholarship and clarity.
• Muni Ratnavallabhvijay: The contemporary author who undertook the extensive work of translating, elaborating, and commenting on Hemhansasuri's works into Gujarati, making this complex subject accessible to a wider audience. His dedication and hard work are highlighted.
• Pu. P. Pt. Shri Chandrashekhar Vijay M. Saheb: The spiritual guide and inspiration for Muni Ratnavallabhvijay, whose blessings and guidance were instrumental in completing the work.

5. Structure of the Gujarati Translation/Commentary: The Gujarati publication is divided into three main sections:

1. Gujarati Translation of "Nyayartha Manjusha" (बृहद्वृत्ति): This section provides the detailed commentary on the Nyayas.
2. Gujarati Translation of "Swopadnya Nyas": This part offers the author's (Hemhansasuri's) own clarifications on specific difficult points.
3. "Paramarsh" (પરામર્શ) - Critical Commentary/Analysis: This section provides Muni Ratnavallabhvijay's own critical insights, discussions, and comparisons with other grammatical traditions or explanations, often referencing primary texts like Siddhhem's Briddh-vritti and the Nyas.

6. Content of the Nyayas (as indicated in the index and introduction): The Nyayas themselves deal with complex principles of Sanskrit grammar, including:

• Word Formation: Rules for forming words, including the application of suffixes, roots, and particles.
• Grammatical Categories: Discussions on gender, number, case (vibhakti), and their application.
• Interpretation of Sutras: Principles for understanding the intended meaning of grammatical aphorisms, including rules of interpretation and exceptions.
• Anityata (अ नित्यता): The concept of impermanence or occasional applicability of certain rules, a recurring theme in the detailed index.
• Balabalokti (बलाबलॉक्ति): Principles determining which rule takes precedence when multiple rules seem applicable.
• Naimittika (नैमित्तिक): The concept of rules that apply based on specific causes or conditions.
• Niravakalsha (निरवकाश): Rules that have a specific, limited scope of application.
• Pratyaya (प्रत्यय): The role and application of various grammatical suffixes.

7. Overall Impression: The "Nyaya Sangraha" translated and commented upon by Muni Ratnavallabhvijay is a significant contribution to Jain literature and the study of Sanskrit grammar within the Jain tradition. It demonstrates the immense dedication of the Muni and his spiritual lineage to preserving and propagating ancient knowledge, making complex grammatical principles accessible through a detailed Gujarati translation and insightful commentary. The extensive index (Page 29 onwards) reveals the depth and breadth of the topics covered, showcasing the intricate rules and discussions within Sanskrit grammar.