Panchadhyayi Purvardha

This document is a Hindi translation and commentary (called "Subodhini") on the Jain text "Panchadhyayi Purvardha" by Makkhanlal Shastri. The commentary provides an extensive explanation of the original text, which is itself a significant Jain philosophical work.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages, covering the Introduction (Bhumika), the first chapter's content and its commentary, and the structure of the entire work:

I. Introduction (Bhumika) - Pages 4-8

• Significance of Panchadhyayi: The introduction highlights Panchadhyayi as a highly advanced and unique text in Jain philosophy, considered a "Granthraj" (King of Texts) by its author.
• Structure of the Original Text: The text, as understood from the introduction, was intended to have five chapters but is currently available in two parts:
  1. Dravya Vibhag (Division of Substance): Discusses fundamental concepts like substance, its qualities, and their relationship (distinct or identical), the process of origination, existence, and dissolution (utpāda, sthiti, vīnāśa), the nature of qualities and modes (paryāya), and detailed explanations of pramana (valid cognition) and nayas (partial viewpoints).
  2. Samyakttva Vibhag (Division of Right Faith): Deals with the nature of the soul, right faith (Samyaktva), the eight limbs of right knowledge, and the eight types of karma. This section is considered more accessible and relevant to the general spiritual seeker due to its focus on self-realization.
• Author of Panchadhyayi: The author of the commentary, Makkhanlal Shastri, notes that the original author of Panchadhyayi is not explicitly mentioned in the incomplete text. However, based on the style of writing, philosophical consistency, and invocations, he strongly infers that the author is Swami Amritchandracharya, a renowned Jain scholar and commentator known for his works like "Samaysar," "Pravachansar," "Panchastikaya," and "Purusharthasiddhi Upaya."
• Purpose of the Commentary: The commentary "Subodhini" aims to make the profound principles of Panchadhyayi accessible to a wider audience, especially through its Hindi explanation.
• Editorial Process: The commentary was based on a version published by the Kolhapur Yantralaya, which the commentator meticulously corrected by comparing it with other manuscripts. He acknowledges minor remaining imperfections in meter and phrasing.
• Inspiration and Gratitude: The commentator expresses gratitude to Brahmachari Shital Prasadji for inspiring him to write the Hindi commentary and to Pandit Umraosinghji Nyayateerth for his scholarly assistance in resolving doubts.
• Translation Approach: The commentator prioritized conveying the essence and spirit of the original verses rather than a word-for-word translation, explaining complex philosophical concepts in accessible language, sometimes drawing references from other Jain texts like "Ashtasahasri" and "Gommatasara."

II. Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi) - Pages 9-13

The extensive table of contents outlines the vast array of topics covered in the "Purvardha" (first part) of Panchadhyayi. Key themes include:

• Metaphysics & Ontology: The nature of reality (tattva), existence (satta), the concept of substance (dravya), qualities (guna), modes/transformations (paryaya), their eternal and non-eternal aspects, and the interdependence of qualities and substance.
• Epistemology & Logic: Detailed exploration of pramana (valid means of knowledge) and nayas (partial viewpoints), including the distinction between valid and invalid nayas.
• Ontological Principles: Discussion on causality, origination, dissolution, permanence (dhrauvya), the nature of unity and multiplicity, and the concepts of anuyin (inherent) and vyatirekin (distinct).
• Philosophical Debates: Addressing and refuting various philosophical viewpoints, particularly those that might lead to simplistic or erroneous conclusions (like eternalism or nihilism).
• Structure of Reality: The text elaborates on the four aspects of reality: Dravya (substance), Kshetra (space), Kaal (time), and Bhava (state/quality).

III. First Chapter (Pratham Adhyay) - Key Concepts and Commentary (Pages 20 onwards)

The provided text delves into the fundamental principles of Jain ontology and epistemology, as explained by Makkhanlal Shastri's "Subodhini" commentary:

1. Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with prayers to Mahavir Swami, other Tirthankaras, and Siddhas, as well as to the Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, setting a devotional tone. The author expresses the intention to elucidate the Jain teachings for the benefit of all.
2. Author's Intent (Aashay): The author of Panchadhyayi states his intention to compose a "Granthraj" of five chapters, aiming to cover the essence of Jain philosophy.
3. Nature of Reality (Tattva ka Swaroop):
   • Reality is defined as "Sat" (existent, being), possessing existence as its characteristic.
   • It is self-established, beginningless, endless, and self-reliant.
   • It is also described as "Nirvikalpa" (beyond conceptualization).
   • The commentary emphasizes that reality is not created by an external force but is self-existent.
4. The Problem of Existence (Satta Vichar):
   • The text refutes the notion of an independent, absolute "Satta" (existence) as proposed by some other philosophical schools.
   • Jainism posits that existence is intrinsically linked to the substance and its qualities, not an independent entity.
   • The commentator explains that existence is not arbitrary but has "pratipakshata" (mutual opposition) with non-existence, arising from the analysis of different viewpoints (nayas).
5. The Paradox of Unity and Multiplicity (Anekant):
   • The text grapples with how reality can be simultaneously one and many.
   • It introduces the concept of "Amshas" (parts or aspects) within a substance. Even an apparently indivisible substance (like a point or a space-point) can be conceptually divided into "Niransha Amsha" (indivisible parts) which, when considered collectively, form the substance.
   • This leads to the understanding that qualities and modes (paryaya) are like these aspects, contributing to the substance's identity and change.
6. Substance (Dravya) and Quality (Guna):
   • The text defines substance as that which possesses qualities and modes.
   • A crucial point is that qualities are inseparable from the substance ("Guna Gunino se juda nahin hai"). They are not external additions but are constitutive of the substance.
   • The commentator illustrates this with the example of cloth (tantu) and its whiteness (shukla), where whiteness is not separate from the cloth but is its inherent characteristic.
7. The Nature of Qualities (Guna) and Modes (Paryaya):
   • Qualities are described as "Vishesha" (specifics) within the substance, but they are also "Nirvishesha" (without further division or specific parts themselves).
   • Qualities are considered eternal (nitya) in their essence, but their manifestations or states (paryaya) are non-eternal (anitya).
   • The text explains the concept of "Amsha" (aspects or parts) within qualities, illustrating this with the varying degrees of whiteness in cloth or the varying degrees of knowledge in a soul.
8. The Interplay of Permanence and Change (Nityanitya):
   • The core of Jain philosophy is explained through the concept of "Anekantavada" (non-absolutism). Reality is simultaneously permanent (dravya) and subject to change (paryaya).
   • The introduction and the first chapter lay the groundwork for understanding how a substance remains the same in its essence (dhrauvya) while undergoing constant modifications in its states (paryaya). This is the foundation for explaining the paradox of permanence and change.
9. Nayas (Partial Viewpoints): The text introduces the crucial concept of nayas, which are different perspectives used to understand reality. These are essential tools for reconciling apparently contradictory attributes like permanence and change, unity and multiplicity. The commentary highlights the importance of understanding these nayas to grasp the full picture.

IV. The Commentary's Structure and Style (Subodhini)

• Elaborative Explanations: Makkhanlal Shastri's commentary provides detailed explanations, breaking down the complex Sanskrit verses into understandable Hindi.
• Use of Analogies and Examples: To clarify abstract philosophical concepts, the commentator uses numerous analogies from everyday life (like cloth and whiteness, pot and clay, lamp and light, or even the example of the musician and the lyre mentioned later) and logic.
• Addressing Counter-Arguments: The commentary often anticipates and addresses potential doubts or counter-arguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the philosophical discourse.
• Respect for the Original: While elaborating, the commentator maintains deep respect for the original text and its author's profound insights.

In essence, the provided pages offer a deep dive into the foundational ontological and epistemological principles of Jainism, as presented in the Panchadhyayi and elucidated by Makkhanlal Shastri's Subodhini commentary, strongly attributing the original work to Swami Amritchandracharya. The focus is on understanding the nature of reality as simultaneously permanent and changing, unified and manifold, grasped through multiple partial viewpoints.