Prakirnak Sahitya Ek Parichay

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakirnak Sahitya Ek Parichay" by Sushma Singhvi, based on the provided PDF pages:

This book, "Prakirnak Sahitya Ek Parichay" (An Introduction to Prakirnak Literature), authored by Dr. Sushma Singhvi, serves as a valuable guide to a significant part of Jain scriptural literature. The author, a scholar of Jainism and Director of the Udaipur Centre of Kota Open University, presents an in-depth analysis of Prakirnak literature.

What is Prakirnak Literature?

• Definition: Prakirnak literature is described as a "jewel" within the Jain Agam canon. Each Prakirnak work typically focuses on a primary theme and elaborates on it.
• Scope: Historically, all Jain scriptures beyond the Ang Agams were categorized as Prakirnak. This highlights their crucial position in the Jain Agam canon.
• Creation: Prakirnaks are texts created by learned monks and nuns, inspired by the teachings of the Arhats (Tirthankaras). They were composed out of devotion and faith, aiming to convey Jain philosophical and ethical principles to the general populace and to facilitate karma nirjara (shedding of karmas).
• Key Characteristic: Each Prakirnak is characterized by a well-organized and specific subject matter, adhering to the principles laid out in the Agam sutras.

Historical Context and Classification:

• Early Period: From Lord Rishabhdev to Lord Mahavir, scholars and elder monks composed Prakirnaks to make Jain teachings accessible and to achieve spiritual liberation.
• Numerical Significance: The Nandi Sutra mentions 84,000 Prakirnaks composed by the 84,000 disciples of Lord Rishabhdev. Similarly, the Sthanaang Sutra and Vyavahar Sutra also list names and numbers of Prakirnaks. The number of Prakirnaks is said to correspond to the number of enlightened disciples of each Tirthankara. For Lord Mahavir, this number is stated to be fourteen thousand.
• Evolving Lists: The lists of Prakirnaks found in various scriptures like the Nandi Sutra, Sthanaang Sutra, Vyavahar Sutra, Pakshik Sutra, and Dhavala commentary of Shatkhanda Agama show some variations and additions over time. Some works were lost, while new scriptures were added to the Prakirnak category.
• Distinction from Ang Agams: Unlike the Ang Agams (like Acharanga, Sutrakritanga, etc.), which are considered core scriptures, Prakirnaks were external to these. Works like Uttaradhyayana, Dashavaikalika, and Rishibhashita were also considered Prakirnaks in some contexts.
• The First Classification: Acharya Jinaprabha, in his work Vidhimargaprappa, is credited with the first systematic classification of Agams into categories like Anga, Upanga, Cheda, Mula, Chulika, and Prakirnak.
• Kalika and Utkalika: The Nandi Sutra further divides Prakirnaks, along with Ang Agams and Acharanga, into two temporal categories: Kalika (timely) and Utkalika (untimely), based on their relevance to the time of study.
  • Kalika Prakirnaks mentioned: Rishibhashita and Dwipsagar Pragnyapti.
  • Utkalika Prakirnaks mentioned: Devendra Stava, Tandul Vaicharik, Chandravadhyaka, Ganividya, Atur Pratyyakhyan, Mahapratyakhyan, and Marana Vibhakti.
• Schism and Categorization: The Shvetambara tradition further categorized Prakirnaks: 12 Prakirnaks were equated with Upanga Sutras, 6 with Cheda Sutras, and 6 with Mula Sutras. The remaining were simply called Prakirnak-Agams. Different Shvetambara sub-sects (Mandirmargi and Sthanakvasi) have different counts of recognized Agams. The Digambara tradition considers the Ang Agams largely lost, relying on scriptures like Kashayapahuda and Shatkhandagama, which are based on the twelfth Ang, Drishtivada.

Key Views on Prakirnak Literature:

• Professor Sagar Mal Jain: Considers the recognition of ten Prakirnaks as a later development. He argues that all literature outside the Ang Agams should be considered Prakirnak, interpreting "Prakirnak" as "miscellaneous texts."
• Johari Mal Parakh: Emphasizes that "Prakirnak" is a technical term, and texts so named generally possess a well-defined subject matter. He rejects the notion of Prakirnak as merely "diverse" or "mixed."

Disagreement on the Number of Prakirnaks:

There is no consensus on the exact number of Prakirnaks. While the Mandirmargi Shvetambara tradition accepts 10, there is debate on which specific texts should be included.

Prominent Prakirnaks Discussed:

The book then provides detailed introductions to several key Prakirnak works:

1. Devendra Stava (Devedattaka):

   • Composed of 311 verses, it describes the praise of Siddhas by even powerful celestial beings.
   • It details the worlds of devas and the dwellings of Indra.
   • The text includes a dialogue between a pious layman and his wife, discussing 32 types of Devendras (celestial lords), their abodes, life spans, and characteristics.
   • It also describes the Ishatpragbhara Earth and the spiritual states and bliss of the Siddhas.
   • The author is identified as Rishipalita Sthavira (Isivaliya).

2. Tandul Vaicharik:

   • A mix of prose and verse, with elements possibly borrowed from the Bhagavati Sutra.
   • It defines "Tandul Vaicharik" as a numerical analysis of substances consumed daily by a 100-year-old human, using the amount of rice as an analogy.
   • It discusses aspects of embryology, fetal development, conception, and the stages of human life.
   • It details the division of a human lifespan into ten stages, emphasizing spiritual practice in each.
   • The text provides calculations for food consumption, clothing, and time measurements (like 'avalika').
   • It also discusses the impermanence of the body, its unappealing aspects, and the female form to induce renunciation.
   • Scholars date it between the 1st and 5th centuries CE.

3. Chandravadhyaka:

   • Also known as Chandravadhyaka, this work contains 175 verses.
   • Its title is derived from the archery skill of "Radha-vedha" (piercing the eye of a target, often depicted as a revolving doll), symbolizing the utmost caution and mindfulness needed for spiritual practice, especially at the time of death.
   • It is structured around seven "gates" or virtues: Vinaya (humility/discipline), Guru (teacher), Shishya (disciple), Vinaya-nigraha (control of discipline), Jnana (knowledge), Charitra (conduct), and Marana (death).
   • The text emphasizes the importance of humility, respecting teachers, the qualities of disciples, the efficacy of knowledge, and the necessity of correct conduct.
   • It strongly advocates for diligence and effort in the spiritual path, comparing it to the precision required in archery.

4. Ganividya:

   • This Prakirnak deals with astrological and calendrical knowledge.
   • It defines "Gani" as the leader of a community of monks and "Vidya" as knowledge. Ganividya is the knowledge of auspicious timing for religious activities.
   • It outlines various auspicious times and events for religious observances, including initiation, vows, teachings, and movements.
   • The nine subjects covered are: date, stars, conjunctions (Karana), planets, auspicious timings (Muhurta), omens, ascendant (Lagna), and destiny (Nimitta).
   • It provides guidance for daily life, travel, study, and religious ceremonies based on these astrological factors.

5. Marana Vibhakti (Marana Samadhi):

   • This is considered the largest among the traditionally recognized ten Prakirnaks, containing 661 verses.
   • It elaborates on the practice of "Samadhi Marana" (peaceful and mindful death).
   • It discusses the two types of death: auspicious and inauspicious.
   • The text is based on eight ancient scriptures, including Marana Vibhakti, Marana Vishuddhi, Marana Samadhi, Sanlekhana Shruta, Bhakta Parigraha, Atur Pratyyakhyan, Mahapratyakhyan, and Aradhana.
   • It details the fourteen "doors" or methods leading to Samadhi Marana, including confession, penance, forgiveness, detachment, meditation, meditation stages (Leshya), right faith, and the final surrender (Padopagaman).
   • It discusses the importance of renouncing attachment to the body, overcoming afflictions (Parishaha), and avoiding negative thoughts.
   • Numerous examples of individuals who achieved Samadhi Marana through various trials and tribulations are presented, drawing from figures like Dharmashreshthi, Chandravartansak, Dhanashali, and the Pandavas.
   • It includes detailed explanations of the twelve reflections (Dravya, Kshetra, Kaala, Bhava) leading to detachment and spiritual insight.

6. Atur Pratyyakhyan:

   • The text refers to three different Prakirnaks named Atur Pratyyakhyan, with the last one, by Veerabhadra, containing 71 verses.
   • This work, also called Antakal Prakirnak or Brihat Atur Pratyyakhyan, discusses the three types of death: Bal-marana (childish death), Bal-pandit-marana (partially knowledgeable death), and Pandit-marana (wise death).
   • It emphasizes contemplation of solitude, repentance, confession, and forgiveness.
   • It defines Atur Pratyyakhyan as the practice where a knowledgeable monk guides a seriously ill monk to progressively reduce their food intake and ultimately renounce it, achieving detachment.

7. Mahapratyakhyan:

   • This Prakirnak, with 142 verses, describes the "Anashan Vrata" (fast unto death) undertaken by elder monks who are unable to move.
   • It covers various aspects of renunciation, including promises of renouncing bad conduct, universal forgiveness, self-criticism, detachment from possessions, understanding the nature of dharma, condemning the violation of basic and secondary vows, contemplation of solitude, renouncing false beliefs and deceit, the role of the confessor, and the importance of Aradhana (spiritual practice).
   • Key themes include forgiveness towards all beings, praise of a calm death, and the fruits of renunciation.

8. Rishibhashita:

   • Considered one of the oldest Prakirnak texts, it comprises 45 chapters, each containing the teachings of 45 Rishis.
   • These Rishis are identified as Pratyeka Buddhas who lived during the times of Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir.
   • The teachings cover various philosophical and ethical principles, including the four purities (ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession), the role of karma, purification of mind, conquest of passions, renunciation of desires, and the importance of spiritual practice.
   • It features teachings from prominent figures like Narada, Vatsiyaputra, Asita Devala, Angiras Bharadvaja, Pushpshalaputra, Kuma-putra, Ketliputra, Mahakashyapa, Tetliputra, Mankhaliputra, and many others.
   • The text is noted for its blend of teachings from Jain, Buddhist, and other Vedic traditions.

9. Dwipsagar Pragnyapti Sangrahani Gatha:

   • This Prakirnak consists of 225 verses that describe the structure of the Middle World, including the human realm (Jambudvipa) and the surrounding islands and oceans.
   • It also mentions the number of suns and moons in relation to the expansion of these islands and oceans.

10. Veerastava:

    • Composed of 43 verses, this Prakirnak glorifies Lord Mahavir through praise using his 26 names.
    • Each name is explained with its contextual meaning.
    • The verses also include auspicious beginnings and introductions.

Conclusion:

The book emphasizes that Prakirnak literature, by often focusing on a single, well-defined subject, is highly useful for study. The references to Prakirnak verses found in the Ang Agams, other Agams, recognized ancient texts of both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, commentaries, and even non-Jain scriptures, highlight its role in unifying diverse spiritual traditions and philosophies. The author's ongoing work on translating and editing Marana Vibhakti further underscores the significance of this literature.