Nyayakumudchandra Part 2 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Nyaya Kumudchandra Part 2, authored by Mahendramuni and published by Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti. The text is a commentary on Bhattakalankadeva's Laghiyastraya and was edited by Pt. Mahendrakumar.

The provided pages cover the introductory sections of the book, including:

Publisher's Information: Details about the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala, its founding in memory of Seth Manik Chandra Hira Chandra JP, and its mission to publish critical editions of Jain literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsa. The founding year is given as V.E. 1972 (1915 AD).
Editorial and Publication Details: The book is the 36th publication of the Granthamala. It is described as an adornment to Bhattakalankadeva's Laghiyastraya with its commentary (Kha-vivruti). The editor, Pt. Mahendrakumar Nyayacharya, has enriched it with introductions, annotations, comparative studies of Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic philosophies, variant readings, and indexes. The publisher is Pandit Nathu Ram Premi, and it was printed at the Benares Hindu University Press. The publication year is V.N. 2467 (1941 AD), with a first edition of 600 copies.
Dedication: A Sanskrit verse dedicates the work to a scholar of Jain principles and logic.
Publisher's Note (Page 9): The publisher, Nathu Ram Premi, expresses his satisfaction in presenting the second part of Nyaya Kumudchandra after twenty years. He praises the editor, Pt. Mahendra Kumar, for his diligent and scholarly work in editing and revising the text, comparing it with numerous other works. He highlights the importance of a comparative and historical approach to studying Indian philosophy. He also mentions the financial challenges faced by the Granthamala.
Introduction (Page 11-13) by Dr. Mangaldev Shastri: Shastri introduces the vast history of Indian philosophy, emphasizing Jain philosophy's unique contribution through its independent analysis of philosophical principles, rather than adhering to tradition. He highlights the concept of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) as the bedrock of Jain philosophy, advocating for mutual understanding and peace among different philosophical schools. He draws parallels between Anekantavada and the Vedic concept of diverse interpretations of truth and the ethical principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). He praises the editor, Pt. Mahendra Kumar Shastri, for his scholarly approach in editing Jain literature, particularly Nyaya Kumudchandra, through comparative analysis.
Foreword (Page 14-22) by Pt. Sukhlalji: Sukhlalji reflects on the meaning of "Darshan" (philosophy/view), suggesting it goes beyond mere "tattvasakshatkar" (realization of truth) in a way that eliminates doubt. He notes the contradictions and conflicts between various sectarian philosophies. He proposes that while the core spiritual principles like rebirth, its causes, the self-relying entity, and the cessation of causes through specific means are universally accepted, the detailed elaborations differ widely. He views "Darshan" as "sabalapratiti" (strong conviction) rather than just realization. He discusses the role of traditions (sampradaya) in Indian thought, acknowledging their contribution to intellectual development but also their potential for narrowness and dogma. He stresses the importance of historical and comparative study to overcome sectarianism and gain a broader understanding of philosophical evolution. He commends the editor's meticulous annotations and introductions.
Editor's Note (Page 23-40): The editor, Pt. Mahendra Kumar, explains that the first part of Nyaya Kumudchandra was published in September 1938. He expresses his joy in completing the second part, which he feels is more refined and enriched with material. He acknowledges the valuable contribution of various scholars and the use of rare manuscripts. He discusses the philosophical significance of Jainism, particularly its Anekantavada and Ahimsa as contributions to Indian culture. He elaborates on the editor's method of comparative analysis, linking Nyaya Kumudchandra to various Vedic and non-Vedic philosophical systems, including Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Buddhism, and other Jain traditions.
Detailed Analysis of Sources and Influences (Page 40-89): This section is a significant portion of the provided text, detailing the editor's research and the work's context. It includes:
- Dating of Akalankadeva: The editor presents arguments regarding the period of Akalankadeva, suggesting a connection with Haribhadra Suri and indicating they were contemporaries.
- Dating of Prabhachandra Acharya: This is a major focus. The editor discusses various theories and scholarly debates about Prabhachandra's time, critically examining the historical evidence from inscriptions and literary references. He places Prabhachandra in the latter half of the 11th century and the early part of the 12th century.
- Prabhachandra's Works: The editor lists and discusses Prabhachandra's known works, including commentaries (tika) on texts like Tattvartha, Pravachanasara, Samadhitantra, Ratnakaranda, and Mahapurana, suggesting that many previously attributed to other Prabhachandras might actually belong to him.
- Comparative Study of Philosophies: The editor meticulously compares Jain philosophical concepts with Vedic (Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, Vyasa, Patanjali, etc.) and non-Vedic (Buddhism, Jainism - Digambara and Shvetambara) traditions, highlighting Prabhachandra's engagement with these diverse schools of thought. This includes discussing Prabhachandra's utilization of arguments and concepts from figures like:
  - Vedic Thinkers: Manu, Yajnavalkya, Vyasa, Patanjali, Ishvarakrishna, Vatsyayana, Uddyotakara, Jayanta Bhatta, Vachaspati Mishra, Shabara, Kumarila Bhatta, Prabhakara, Shankara Acharya, Bhamaha, Bana, Magha.
  - Buddhist Thinkers: Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Dignaga, Dharmakirti, Chandragomin, Shantarakshita, Kamalashila, Jayananda Bhatta, Arghata, Dharmottara, Prajnakaragupta, Karnakagomi, Jayanagarjita.
  - Other Jain Acharyas: Kundakunda, Samantabhadra, Pujyapada, Dhananjaya, Raviishishya Anantavarya, Vidyānanda, Anantakirti, Shakatayana, Abhayandi, Nemichandra Siddhantachakravarti, Devaseana, Shruta Kirti, Siddhasena Divakara, Dharmadasagani, Dharmakirti, Shvetambara Jain monks like Malla-vadi, Pushpadanta, Haribhadra, Siddharshi, Abhayadeva Suri, Mallisena Suri, Hemachandra, Malayagiri, Gunaratna Suri, Yashovijaya Upadhyaya.
- Chronological Debates: The editor delves into the complexities of dating ancient Indian philosophers and their works, engaging with various scholarly opinions and offering his own reasoned conclusions based on internal and external evidence.
- Specific Philosophical Discussions: The editor's notes and introduction touch upon key concepts such as Anekantavada, Ahimsa, the nature of perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), testimony (shabda), analogy (upamana), implication (arthapatti), non-cognition (anupalabdhi), the eternity of sound (shabdanityatva), the self (atman), God (Ishvara), the reality of apoha (exclusion), the nature of vidhi (injunction), and niyoga (prescribed duty).
- Methodology: The editor highlights his use of comparative analysis, tracing the evolution of philosophical ideas across different schools and citing numerous primary and secondary sources.
- Specific Debates: The editor engages with the debates surrounding the interpretation of ancient texts, such as the meaning of "Vikramarka Shaka" in a verse related to Akalanka, and the authenticity of certain praise verses for Prabhachandra.

In essence, Nyaya Kumudchandra Part 2 is a scholarly work that delves deeply into the philosophical landscape of ancient India, with a particular focus on Jain logic and epistemology. It not only explains Prabhachandra Acharya's commentary but also situates it within the broader context of Indian philosophical discourse, offering critical analysis and historical insights. The editor's dedication to rigorous scholarship and comparative study is evident throughout the text.