Nyayavataravartikvrutti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the introduction to "Nyayavataravartikvrutti":

This text is an introduction to the work "Nyayavataravartikvrutti," published by Singhijain Granthamala. The author of the introduction highlights the significant value and utility of this compilation from multiple perspectives.

The book is a collection of works by three different authors. Its foundational text is "Nyayavatara," a concise, verse-based treatise by Siddhasena Divakara, who is considered a pioneer of Jain logic. Two further commentaries on "Nyayavatara" are included: a verse-based "Vartika" and a prose "Vritti" by Shantyacharya.

A major contribution of the presented book, and the focus of the introduction, is the extensive work of its editor, Shri Dalsukhbhai Malavaniya. His contribution includes:

In-depth Annotations (Tippan): These are insightful and learned notes that analyze and discuss many of the important doctrines found in the original text and its commentaries. These annotations are presented from both a historical and comparative perspective.
Comprehensive Introduction (Prastavna): This detailed introduction provides an overview of the entire work.
Thirteen Appendices (Parishisht): These appendices serve as gateways to understanding the original commentary or for reviewing the text.

The editor, Shri Malavaniya, is described as a student, co-editor, colleague, and friend of the author of the introduction. The author of the introduction, having closely observed Shri Malavaniya's work from its inception to completion, vouches for the quality and rarity of the material collected and analyzed. He states that the content is a rare, almost unobtainable, resource for scholars of Indian philosophy, particularly those studying epistemology and logic (pramanashastra).

While the commentary and annotations are centered around the Jain tradition, Shri Malavaniya has undertaken a neutral and thorough comparative analysis of almost all Indian philosophical schools wherever possible. This comparative approach makes the discussion beneficial for scholars of any philosophical tradition. The introduction notes that even professors from different philosophical backgrounds who reviewed the drafts found the material highly supportive of this claim.

The introduction emphasizes that the annotations and introduction offer valuable assistance for the teaching and writing of Indian epistemology. Specifically, it suggests that a significant portion of the annotations and the entire introduction are essential reading for advanced students of Jain epistemology, as they broaden the scope of knowledge, expand perspectives, and foster an unbiased pursuit of truth, which is considered the core of philosophical inquiry.

The discussions within the annotations and introduction span different historical periods. The annotations primarily cover philosophical thought from the 5th century to the 17th century CE, while the introduction focuses on the development of epistemological thought from approximately the millennium before Christ to the 5th century CE. Thus, the work comprehensively presents about 2,500 years of philosophical discourse, encompassing both Jain and non-Jain traditions.

The editor's scholarship is characterized by his extensive knowledge (bahushrutata), impartiality (tatasthata), and a keen philosophical insight that seeks to uncover the root of any issue. His work demonstrates a developmental harmony with the original author, Divakara.

A critical point is raised regarding the publication of Jain scriptures. The author of the introduction laments that many publications, despite being from various Jain sects and denominations, are often driven by sectarian narrow-mindedness and dogmatism rather than a genuine pursuit of truth, equanimity (sambhava), and the multifaceted view (anekanta) that are central to Jainism. The editor, Shri Malavaniya, is praised for consciously avoiding any such biased approach. This aligns with the ethos of the Singhijain Granthamala and the contemporary spirit of extensive knowledge exploration.

The author of the introduction also addresses the issue of intellectual dishonesty or "theft of ideas" (chauravritti) that sometimes plagues even the noble work of publishing philosophical literature. While acknowledging that such practices existed even in ancient times, he emphasizes that those claiming to follow truth-oriented philosophy and religion should not allow their thoughts and writings to be corrupted by such actions, which are considered utterly despicable. The editor is commended for his diligent effort to avoid such reprehensible behavior, clearly citing the names of authors and their works whenever even a small portion is borrowed. He is recognized for his integrity in not claiming credit for the efforts of others, which is considered a key attribute of a true editor.

The introduction mentions that while Hindi is the national language, and Shri Malavaniya, whose mother tongue is Gujarati, has written extensively in Hindi for the first time in this form, the primary focus is on philosophical content rather than literary style. The work is intended for those who are serious students and authorities in philosophy and epistemology. For such individuals, the language is secondary to the thought itself. The editor's extensive contribution in Hindi, despite it not being his mother tongue, makes the material widely accessible.

The introduction concludes by contextualizing this publication within other significant works on Jain epistemology, such as "Sanmatitarka," "Pramananyaya," "Gyanbindu," "Akalanka Granthatray," and "Nyayakumudachandra." It states that studying "NyayavataraVartikaVritti" in conjunction with these works will help understand the position of Jain epistemology within the broader landscape of Indian epistemology and illuminate the philosophical tenets of various non-Jain traditions.

Finally, the introduction praises the Singhijain Granthamala for its founder's broad and truth-seeking, rather than sectarian, perspective. The current chief editor, Acharya Shrijin Vijayji, is highlighted for his broad intellectual pursuit, free from narrow-mindedness. The Grantha Mala's commitment to intellectual freedom and fearless pursuit of truth empowers its editors, and in turn, the Grantha Mala grows stronger and more relevant through their contributions. The presented work is seen as a testament to this ongoing legacy.