Prakrit Agam Evam Jain Granth Sambandhit Aalekh

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Book Title: Prakrit Agam evam Jain Granth Sambandhit Aalekh (Articles Related to Prakrit Agamas and Other Jain Texts in Prakrit) Author: Sagarmal Jain Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.) Publication Year: 2014-15

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book is a collection of scholarly articles by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, a renowned scholar of Jainology and Indian studies. The compilation aims to bring together Dr. Jain's extensive writings, which have been scattered across various periodicals and introductions to other works over the past 50 years. This particular volume (Volume 3 of the "Sagarmal Jain Aalekh Sangrah") specifically focuses on Prakrit Agamas and other Jain texts written in Prakrit. The collection highlights Dr. Jain's deep engagement with the scriptural heritage of Jainism, particularly its early foundational texts.

Key Themes and Areas of Focus (Based on the Table of Contents and Article Snippets):

The articles delve into a critical and analytical examination of various important Prakrit Jain Agamas and related literature. The core focus is on understanding their content, linguistic aspects, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings, often through a comparative lens with other Indian traditions.

• Analysis of Acharyanga Sutra: Several articles are dedicated to Acharyanga Sutra, considered one of the oldest Jain Agamas. Dr. Jain explores its linguistic nuances, including the differences between its first and second Shrutaskandhas and the influence of Maharashtri Prakrit. He also highlights the text's psychological and philosophical insights, particularly its emphasis on:

  • Psychological Basis of Conduct: Acharyanga's exploration of the psychological foundations for ethical principles and rules.
  • The Fundamental Question of Existence: The Sutra's commencement with inquiries into the soul's existence and continuity.
  • The Role of Doubt in Truth Seeking: Acharyanga's recognition of doubt as a crucial step in the pursuit of truth, contrasting with blind faith.
  • The Nature of the Soul: The emphasis on knowledge as the essence of the soul (Vijnata Swarupa).
  • The Importance of Understanding the Mind: Mind purification as the first stage of spiritual practice, aligning with modern psychological concepts like introspection and psychoanalysis.
  • The Psychological Explanation of Bondage and Liberation: The internal, mental nature of bondage and liberation.
  • The Psychological Interpretation of Ahimsa: Ahimsa being rooted in the innate desire for life and happiness, and the concept of equating one's pain with others'.
  • The Psychological Explanation of Dharma: Dharma being explained as Samata (equanimity) and Ahimsa, aligning with principles of dynamic equilibrium.
  • The Psychological Method of Mind Purification: The role of witnessing mental states and overcoming attachments.

• Textual Criticism and Historical Analysis:

  • Ramaputra/Ramgupta: An article critically examines the identity of Ramaputra/Ramgupta mentioned in Sutrakrtanga, refuting the identification with the Gupta emperor Ramgupta and suggesting a connection with Udakaramaputra from Pali literature, emphasizing the non-Jain origin of some figures in early texts.
  • Antakraddasha Sutra: A detailed analysis of the Antakraddasha Sutra, its structure (eight vargas), the individuals whose lives are depicted (many from Krishna's lineage, and others connected to Mahavira's era), and the discrepancies between its historical mentions in texts like Sthānāṅga and Samavāyāṅga, suggesting a purposeful change in its content over time.
  • Prashnavyakarana Sutra: A thorough investigation into the evolution and changing content of the Prashnavyakarana Sutra. It discusses the origin of its name, its early themes (including Rishi Bhasita, Acharya Bhasita, Mahavira Bhasita), its later incorporation of Naimittika Shastra (science of omens/divination), and the eventual removal of early ethical teachings to make way for a more specialized Naimittika focus. The article also highlights the eventual reintroduction of ethical themes (Ashrava and Samvara) in the current version. It also traces the likely influence and integration of parts of Rishi Bhasita and other texts into later works like Uttaradhyayana.
  • Rishi Bhasita: A significant focus is placed on Rishi Bhasita, considered one of the oldest Prakrit Agamas. The articles discuss its classification within the Jain canon, its comparative age relative to other Agamas and Buddhist texts (like Sutta Nipata), its liberal inclusion of teachings from non-Jain Rishis (indicating an early period of less sectarianism), and its linguistic and philosophical connections to early Indian thought. The articles delve into the authenticity and preservation of the teachings attributed to various Rishis within Rishi Bhasita and how these might have been integrated or adapted into Jain traditions. It also highlights the historical significance of Rishi Bhasita in preserving the ethical and philosophical views of various ascetics.

• Comparative Studies of Jain and Other Traditions:

  • Jain, Buddhist, and Upanishadic Rishis: The compilation emphasizes Rishi Bhasita as an early collection of teachings from Rishis across various Indian traditions, including Jain, Buddhist, and Upanishadic influences, indicating a period of intellectual exchange.
  • Chakravaka Philosophy: Several articles analyze the presentation and critique of Chakravaka (Lokayata/Charvaka) philosophy within Acharyanga, Sutrakrtanga, Rishi Bhasita, and Rajprashniya. It notes the early attempts to present and refute materialistic and nihilistic viewpoints within Jain scriptures, highlighting the nuanced approach taken, particularly in Rishi Bhasita and Rajprashniya, where Charvaka's ethical aspects are also considered.

• Socio-Cultural Information from Anga and Upanga Literature:

  • Social and Cultural Content of Upanga Literature: A significant portion of the work is dedicated to extracting and presenting the rich socio-cultural data embedded within Upanga literature like Aupapatika Sutra, Rajprashniya Sutra, Jambu-dwipa Prajnapti, and Jiva-ajiva-bhigama. This includes detailed descriptions of:
    • Punishments and Tortures: Various forms of capital punishment and torture mentioned in the texts.
    • Ascetic Practices: Descriptions of different types of ascetics, Vanaprasthis, hermits, and their varied lifestyles and beliefs (e.g., vegetarianism, adherence to rituals, dietary practices).
    • Social Structure: The mention of various professions, guilds, social strata, and the classification of Aryas and Mlechas.
    • Arts and Entertainment: Details about musical instruments, dance forms, theatrical performances, and the arts of adornment.
    • Daily Life: Information on housing, urban planning, hygiene, customs, festivals, and the various arts and sciences known at the time.
    • Religious Practices: Descriptions of Jain rituals, temple architecture, idol worship, and the veneration of Tirthankaras and other revered figures.
    • Legal and Administrative Terms: Various administrative roles and legal concepts.
    • Beliefs about Life and Death: The text explores different philosophical views on life, death, rebirth, and the nature of the soul.
    • Flora and Fauna: Detailed lists of plants and animals.
    • Minerals and Metals: Mentions of various precious stones and metals.
    • Liquors and Foods: Descriptions of different types of alcoholic beverages and culinary practices.
    • Scripts and Languages: The mention of various scripts and languages prevalent at the time.
    • Time Measurement: Various units of time measurement.

• The Importance of Mulaachara: An article discusses the significance of Mulaachara, particularly in the Digambara tradition, highlighting its role as a text akin to Acharyanga in the Shvetambara tradition. It also analyzes its likely origin within the Yapaniya tradition, a mediating school between Shvetambara and Digambara, due to its emphasis on asceticism, shared textual material with Shvetambara works, and acceptance of female monastic liberation, which contrasts with strict Digambara views.

• The Development of the Namaskara Mantra: A detailed study of the evolution of the Namaskara Mantra, tracing its origins from single-pada (e.g., Namo 'rahantanam) and dwipada (Namo 'rahantanam, Namo 'savva siddhanam) forms found in early inscriptions (like Khāravela's Hathigumpha) and texts like Angavijja, to its more developed tripada and panchapadā forms in later works like Bhagavati Sutra, Prajnapana, and Angavijja itself. The article discusses the textual variations and the chronological development of the mantra, including the role of the mula mantra and its chulika.

Dr. Sagarmal Jain's Contribution:

Dr. Jain's scholarly approach is characterized by meticulous textual analysis, critical evaluation of sources, and insightful comparative studies. He aims to reconstruct the early history and philosophical development of Jainism by examining its foundational texts. His work provides a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jainism, Prakrit literature, and ancient Indian culture and philosophy. The publication of these collected articles is a significant effort to make his profound knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

In essence, this volume is a scholarly testament to the depth and breadth of Dr. Sagarmal Jain's research on the foundational Prakrit texts of Jainism, offering a nuanced understanding of their historical, linguistic, philosophical, and socio-cultural significance.