Parikshamukham - Book Summary | JainGPT

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Book Title: Parikshamukham (परीक्षामुखम्) Author: Acharya Manikyanandi (आचार्य माणिक्यनन्दि) Publisher: Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan, Beena (म.प्र.) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007147/1

Overview:

"Parikshamukham" is a seminal work in Jain logic and epistemology, authored by the esteemed Acharya Manikyanandi. The presented edition is a Sanskrit text with Hindi commentary (Vicharana) and a simple question-answer section, making it accessible to a wider audience. It has been translated by Kshullak Vivekanandsagar and edited by Bra. Sandip 'Saral'. Published by Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan, Beena, this book is the ninth publication in their "Anekant Granthamala" series.

Core Purpose and Content:

The book serves as an introductory text to Jain logic (Nyaya), aiming to provide a clear and concise understanding of its fundamental principles. Acharya Manikyanandi, through 208 concise sutras, has encapsulated the vast ocean of Jain logical concepts within this "Parikshamukham" (literally, "gate to examination" or "gateway to knowledge"). The text primarily focuses on Pramana (valid means of knowledge) and Pramanasabha (fallacious means of knowledge).

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured into six chapters or "Paricchedas" (परिच्छेद), each delving into specific aspects of Jain logic:

Pratham Paricched (First Chapter): Deals with the general definition and characteristics of Pramana (valid knowledge). It establishes the foundational principles of what constitutes valid knowledge.
Dwitiya Paricched (Second Chapter): Focuses on Pratyaksha Pramana (Direct Perception), detailing its nature and classification, distinguishing it from other forms of knowledge.
Tritiya Paricched (Third Chapter): Explores Paroksha Pramana (Indirect Knowledge), which includes various forms of inferential and testimonial knowledge like Smriti (memory), Pratyabhijna (recognition), Tark (reasoning), Anumana (inference), and Agama (scriptural testimony).
Chaturtha Paricched (Fourth Chapter): Discusses the Vishaya (Object) of Pramana, analyzing the nature of general and specific aspects of reality that can be known through valid means.
Panchama Paricched (Fifth Chapter): Expounds on the Phala (Result or Fruit) of Pramana, which includes the removal of ignorance and the subsequent actions of abandonment, acceptance, or indifference.
Shashtha Paricched (Sixth Chapter): This extensive chapter is dedicated to Pramanasabha (Fallacious Means of Knowledge), categorizing and explaining various types of fallacies that can arise in the process of knowing.

Key Themes and Contributions:

Accessibility: The Hindi commentary and question-answer format by Kshullak Vivekanandsagar and the editorial work of Bra. Sandip 'Saral' have made this complex subject accessible to a broader audience, including students and those new to Jain philosophy.
Foundation of Jain Nyaya: "Parikshamukham" is considered the foundational text for studying Jain logic, similar to how the "Tattvartha Sutra" is for Jain philosophy in general. Without understanding "Parikshamukham," delving into other Jain logical texts is difficult.
Conciseness and Depth: Despite its limited number of sutras (208), the text covers all essential principles of Jain logic, truly embodying the saying "a drop containing the ocean."
Systematic Approach: The book systematically dismantles various philosophical viewpoints on knowledge and fallacies, presenting the Jain perspective with logical rigor.
Contribution to Jain Scholarship: The Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan, through its various initiatives like manuscript preservation, library development, and publication of journals and books, plays a crucial role in promoting Jain knowledge. "Parikshamukham" is a significant contribution to this effort.

The Publisher's Endeavor (Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan):

The introductory pages highlight the commendable work of the Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan, established in 1992 under the blessings of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. Their activities include:

Manuscript Museum: Preserving and collecting ancient Jain manuscripts.
Research Library: Housing printed Jain texts and research journals.
Manuscript Conservation Center: Restoring and preserving fragile manuscripts.
Publication of 'Anekant Darpan': A quarterly journal.
'Anekant Granthamala': Publishing valuable Jain literature.
Manuscript Exhibitions: Showcasing handwritten manuscripts across the country.

Significance of this Edition:

This is the third revised edition, indicating its popularity and continued demand among scholars and students of Jain Nyaya. The effort to present the original Sanskrit sutras with simple Hindi explanations, commentary, and a question-and-answer section is highly praised for making the profound subject of Jain logic understandable to the general populace. The publication is supported by generous donors, emphasizing the Jain tradition of knowledge dissemination without commercial profit.

In essence, "Parikshamukham" by Acharya Manikyanandi, as presented by Anekant Gyanmandir Shodh Sansthan, is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the epistemological and logical framework of Jainism, presented in an accessible and scholarly manner.