Nyayavinishchay Vivaranam Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nyayavinishchay Vivaranam Part 2" by Vadirajsuri and Mahendramuni, based on the provided table of contents and introductory material:

Book Title: Nyayavinishchay Vivaranam Part 2 Author(s): Vadirajsuri, Mahendramuni Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Series: Murtidevi Jain Granthmala, Sanskrit Granthank 12

Overview:

This volume, the second part of the Nyayavinishchay Vivaranam, is a detailed commentary by Acharya Vadirajsuri on Acharya Bhattakalankadeva's seminal work, the Nyayavinishchay. The Nyayavinishchay itself is a crucial text in Jain epistemology and logic, aiming to establish the validity of Jain philosophical tenets and refute opposing viewpoints through rigorous argumentation. This second part primarily focuses on the Anumana Prakarana (Treatise on Inference) and the Pravachana Prakarana (Treatise on Speech/Testimony).

Key Themes and Content (as indicated by the Table of Contents and Introductory Sections):

The text is a deep dive into Jain logic and epistemology, engaging with and critically analyzing various philosophical schools of thought prevalent in ancient India, including those of the Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Bauddha (Buddhist), and Charvaka traditions.

I. Anumana Prakarana (Treatise on Inference):

This section forms the core of the volume, elaborating on the Jaina theory of inference (anumana) and its foundational principles, while also dissecting and refuting the inferential arguments of other schools.

Nature of General Concepts: The text begins by defining the nature of universal concepts (samanya) in relation to their role in sign-object apprehension (sanketa graha) and inference. It clarifies the significance of terms like "sadhya" (the predicate to be proved) and "vishesha" (specific characteristics) within the framework of inference.
Refutation of Opposing Views: A significant portion is dedicated to refuting various philosophical positions:
- Non-origination of Sound (Shabdanityasvaniranakaraṇa): Arguments defending the eternality or non-origination of sound, a key point for some Indian philosophical traditions, are presented and countered.
- Challenges to Inference: The text addresses and refutes arguments that attempt to invalidate inference, such as claims that inference is merely based on resemblance or that it cannot establish negation.
- The Nature of "Hetu" (Middle Term/Reason): It explores the nature of the middle term (hetu), including whether it must be located in a specific place (apakshadharmo'pi hetuḥ) and how it functions in establishing existence.
- Critique of Nyaya and Mimamsa: Vadirajsuri engages with and critiques the categories and logical frameworks of the Nyaya and Mimamsa schools, particularly concerning their understanding of general substances and universals.
- Critique of Buddhist Philosophy: A substantial part of the Anumana Prakarana is dedicated to refuting the doctrines of prominent Buddhist logicians like Dignaga and Dharmakirti. This includes analyzing their theories on causation, impermanence (kshanika), the nature of the self (anatman), and their specific logical fallacies (hetvabhasas).
- Critique of Charvaka and Vaisheshika: The text also addresses and refutes the materialistic and atomistic views of the Charvaka and Vaisheshika schools, respectively.
- Jain Epistemological Standpoint: The Jaina perspective on inference is consistently presented, emphasizing syadvada (condi-tional predication) and anekanta (non-absolutism) as core principles that differentiate Jain logic. It highlights how inference operates within this framework to establish Jain doctrines.
Specific Logical Concepts: The text delves into the specifics of valid and invalid inferences (anumana and anumana-abhasas), detailing concepts like:
- The role of analogy (drushtanta) and its fallacies.
- The relationship between cause and effect (karyakaran sambandha).
- The importance of consistency and non-contradiction in argumentation.
- The refutation of various fallacies (dushana), including contradiction (viruddha), fallacies of irrelevant premises (anaikantika), and fallacies of absence (anupalabdhi).
- The logical necessity of certain principles for establishing reality (anyathanupapannatva).

II. Pravachana Prakarana (Treatise on Speech/Testimony):

This section shifts focus to the validity and nature of verbal testimony (agama or shabda), particularly as it relates to Jain scripture (pravachana).

Validity of Scripture (Agama Pramana): The text examines the criteria for valid testimony, emphasizing the qualities of an omniscient and unfailing speaker (sarvajna vakta) as the ultimate source of infallible scripture.
Refutation of Vedapaurushyeya (Non-human origin of Vedas): A significant debate is presented against the claim that the Vedas are uncreated and divinely revealed, arguing for the necessity of a knowing author for any meaningful communication.
Nature of Sound (Shabda): The text likely discusses the nature of sound, its origin, and its relationship to meaning, potentially refuting theories like sphota (a single, indivisible unit of sound that carries meaning) favored by some grammarians and philosophers.
Meaning and Intention: The role of speaker's intention (vivaksha) in language and its relation to truth and falsehood is explored.
Jain Doctrine of Saptabhangi and Syadvada: While not explicitly listed as separate chapters in the provided table of contents, the underlying principles of syadvada (the doctrine of "may be" or conditional predication) and saptabhangi (the seven-fold predicate logic) are likely interwoven throughout the discussion of language and knowledge, as they are fundamental to Jain epistemology.

Editorial and Publication Details:

Editors: Prof. Mahendrakumar Jain (Nyayacharya)
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Edition: Second Edition, 2000
Volume: Part 2 of the Murtidevi Jain Granthmala, Sanskrit Granthank 12.
Preface/Foreword: The introductory sections highlight the meticulous effort by Pt. Mahendrakumar Jain in editing this crucial and complex text, emphasizing its importance for understanding Jain philosophy and its engagement with Buddhist logic. The contributions of the Bharatiya Gyanpith's founder, Sahu Shantiprasadji, and its secretary, Ayodhya Prasad Goyaliya, are also acknowledged for their role in bringing this valuable work to scholars.

Overall Significance:

Nyayavinishchay Vivaranam Part 2 is a scholarly exploration of the intricate logical and epistemological foundations of Jainism. It not only elucidates the Jaina perspective but also provides a critical analysis of competing philosophical systems, making it a vital resource for scholars of Indian philosophy, logic, and religion. The meticulous editing and publication by Bharatiya Gyanpith ensure its accessibility and enduring value.