Panchastikay Parishilan - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchastikay Parishilan" by Ratanchand Bharilla, based on the provided text fragments.

Book Title: Panchastikay Parishilan Author: Ratanchand Bharilla Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala, Jaipur Original Text: Panchastikaya by Acharya Kundakunda

Overview:

"Panchastikay Parishilan" is a detailed commentary and analysis of the "Panchastikaya," a foundational Jain scripture composed by Acharya Kundakunda. The author, Ratanchand Bharilla, aims to make the profound philosophical concepts within this text accessible to a wider audience. The work includes the original Prakrit verses, their Hindi translation, and a scholarly analysis, often referencing the commentaries of Acharya Amritchandra and Acharya Jayasena, as well as the spiritual insights of Shri Kanji Swami. The book delves into the intricacies of the six Dravyas (substances) and the nine Padarthas (categories) as expounded in Jain philosophy, with a particular focus on understanding the nature of the soul and the path to liberation.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book follows the structure of Acharya Kundakunda's "Panchastikaya," systematically explaining each astikaya (category of substances). The "Parishilan" (analysis) provides elaborate explanations, drawing from various commentaries and spiritual traditions within Jainism.

The summary can be broken down by the major sections and themes covered:

1. Introduction and Author's Intent (Pages 1-4):

Author and Publisher: Ratanchand Bharilla, published by Todarmal Granthamala, Jaipur.
Inspiration: The author was inspired by Shri Saubhagyamalji Patni to undertake the detailed analysis of "Panchastikaya," recognizing its significance alongside other major Kundakunda works like "Samaysar" and "Pravachansar."
Purpose: To provide a deep study of the "Panchastikaya," making its complex spiritual and philosophical ideas clear.
Methodology: The book includes the original verses (Gathas), their meaning, a Hindi poetic translation by the author, clarification of Acharya Amritchandra's commentary, and mentions of Acharya Jayasena's views. It also incorporates the essence of Shri Kanji Swami's discourses.
Author's Background: Ratanchand Bharilla is recognized as a prolific writer and translator of Jain religious literature, with numerous popular works to his credit. His significant contribution includes adapting Shri Kanji Swami's Gujarati discourses on "Samaysar" into Hindi.
Dedication: The author dedicates the book to the memory of Shri Saubhagyamalji Patni, fulfilling his expressed wish.

2. The "Panchastikaya" - Core Subject Matter (Pages 5-34):

Significance of Kundakunda: Acharya Kundakunda is highlighted as a preeminent figure in the Digambara Jain tradition, whose works are deeply revered.
The Six Dravyas and Panchastikayas: The fundamental Jain concept of six Dravyas (Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala) is central. The "Panchastikaya" primarily deals with the five "astikayas" (substances possessing existence and dimensionality/body) – Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha – with Kala (time) being a non-astikaya substance.
Structure of the Text: The "Panchastikaya" is divided into two main "Shrutakandhas" (sections):
- First Shrutakandha (Gathas 1-104): Focuses on the nature of the six Dravyas and the five Astikayas, establishing the foundation of Jain metaphysics. It discusses concepts like "Utpad-Vyaya-Dhruva" (origination, decay, permanence) and "Guna-Paryaya" (attributes and modes).
- Second Shrutakandha (Gathas 105-173): Deals with the nine Padarthas (essential realities) leading to the path of liberation (Mokshamarga), covering concepts like Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, and Moksha.
The Role of Commentaries: The importance of Acharya Amritchandra's "Samayavyakhya" and Acharya Jayasena's "Tattvapradeepika" is emphasized for their profound exposition of Kundakunda's original text.
Central Principle of Object Independence (Vastu Swatantrya): The text underscores the Jain philosophical principle that each substance exists and functions independently according to its own nature, a core concept that liberates from the idea of an external creator or controller.

3. Detailed Explanation of the Dravyas and Concepts (Gathas 1-173):

The book systematically analyzes the "Panchastikaya" gathas, explaining:

Mangalacharan (Gathas 1-26): The initial gathas typically involve invocations and introductions, setting the stage for the profound philosophical discourse. The concept of "Syadvada" (the doctrine of conditioned predication) is often discussed in relation to the nature of reality.
Jiva Dravya (Gathas 27-73): This is a major section, detailing the nature of the soul. It explores the soul's attributes like consciousness (Chetana), cognition (Upayog), omnipotence, authorship, experience, formlessness, and its connection to karma. The distinction between the soul's pure state (Nishchaya Naya) and its mundane state (Vyavahara Naya) is elucidated.
Pudgala Dravya (Gathas 74-82): Pudgala (matter) is described as the only tangible substance, characterized by touch, taste, smell, and color. Its manifestations like atoms (Paramanu), their aggregations (Skandha), and their subdivisions (Desha, Pradesha) are explained. The concept of "Varnavastavigandha" (color, taste, smell, touch) and the absence of "Shabda" (sound) in atoms are detailed.
Dharma and Adharma Dravyas (Gathas 83-89): Dharma (principle of motion) and Adharma (principle of rest) are described as unique substances that facilitate motion and rest for other substances. They are considered omnipresent within the mundane world (Loka) and are crucial for understanding the universe's dynamics. Their intangible, formless nature is highlighted.
Akasha Dravya (Gathas 90-96): Akasha (space) is explained as the all-pervading substance that provides accommodation for all other substances. It is described as infinite and formless. The distinction between Lokakasha (mundane space containing substances) and Alokakasha (non-mundane space beyond the universe) is made.
Kala Dravya (Gathas 97-102): Kala (time) is described as a fundamental substance that enables change and transformation. It is discussed in terms of its eternal (Nishchaya) and perishable (Vyavahara) aspects, where Vyavahara kala is perceived through the changes in other substances.
Panchaastikaya and the Universe: The interrelationship and co-existence of these five Astikayas form the universe (Loka). The text emphasizes their independent existence and interaction.
Naya (Standpoints): The crucial Jain principle of Naya (standpoints) is applied to understand reality. Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional truth) are used to explain complex concepts, highlighting that seemingly contradictory descriptions of reality are resolved by understanding the perspective.
Anu-Mahanta and Kayatva: The concept of "Kayatva" (having a body or dimensionality) is linked to "Anu-Mahanta" (being either atomic or multi-dimensional).
Substance and Modes (Dravya and Paryaya): The fundamental distinction between the eternal substance and its ever-changing modes is a recurring theme.
The Path to Moksha (Gathas 105-173): This section focuses on the practical application of the metaphysical understanding for spiritual liberation.
- Navapada: The nine essential realities (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha) are explained as the building blocks of the spiritual path.
- Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samayaktva, Samyagjnana, Samyagcharitra): These are presented as the core components of the path to Moksha, emphasizing the eradication of passions (Raga, Dwesha, Moha).
- The Role of Karma: The interaction of the soul with karma, its bondage, and its eventual liberation are discussed in detail.
- States of the Soul: The text describes various soul states, including the bondage of the soul to karma, the process of purification, and the ultimate liberated state (Siddhashila).
- Concentration and Meditation (Dhyana): The importance of focused meditation on the soul's pure nature is highlighted as a means of achieving spiritual progress and eliminating karma.
- The Nature of the Liberated Soul (Siddha): The state of Moksha is described as one of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power, free from all worldly existence and suffering.

4. Key Jain Principles Elaborated:

Anekantavada: The doctrine of manifold predicaments, acknowledging that reality can be viewed from multiple perspectives.
Syadvada: The doctrine of conditioned predication, using "Syat" (perhaps, in a certain sense) to qualify statements about reality.
Vastu Swatantrya (Object Independence): The principle that each substance operates according to its own nature without dependence on external factors. This is a crucial concept for understanding the soul's independence and liberation.
Naya (Standpoints): The critical use of Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional truth) to reconcile seemingly contradictory statements and grasp the full reality.
Karma Theory: The detailed explanation of how karma adheres to the soul, its types, and the means to shed it for liberation.

5. The Author's Contribution:

Clarity and Accessibility: Bharilla's work is praised for its lucid explanations, making the complex philosophical ideas of "Panchastikaya" understandable.
Integration of Traditions: The commentary effectively blends the textual analysis with the practical spiritual teachings of Shri Kanji Swami, offering a holistic perspective.
Translation and Poetic Rendering: The author's skill in translating and providing poetic renderings of the verses enhances the text's appeal and comprehension.

In essence, "Panchastikaya Parishilan" serves as an extensive guide to understanding the fundamental Jain metaphysical framework presented in Acharya Kundakunda's "Panchastikaya." It breaks down the complex concepts of Dravyas, Astikayas, Padarthas, Karma, and the path to liberation, making it an invaluable resource for Jain scholars and practitioners.