Prakrit Bhasha Ke Prachar Prasar Me Acharya Ka Yogadan - Book Summary

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Book Title: Prakrit Bhasha ke Prachar Prasar me Acharya Ka Yogadan (The Contribution of Acharya in the Propagation and Promotion of Prakrit Language) Author: Badrinarayan Shukla Publisher: Z_Anandrushi_Abhinandan_Granth_012013.pdf Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211409/1

This document highlights the significant contributions of Acharya Anandrishi Ji Maharaj to the propagation and promotion of the Prakrit language. The author, Badrinarayan Shukla, details Acharya Anandrishi's journey and the initiatives he spearheaded to revive and spread interest in Prakrit.

Acharya Anandrishi, who embraced monastic life in his youth, received a high-quality education in ancient Indian languages like Prakrit and Sanskrit from renowned scholars. Possessing natural linguistic talent, he also easily mastered regional languages, enabling him to deeply understand the nuances of language.

His attention was drawn to a significant disparity: while both Shramanic (Jain and Buddhist) and Brahmanic traditions possessed vast literary bodies in Sanskrit, Prakrit faced considerable neglect despite its importance. Acharya Anandrishi recognized that Lord Mahavir and Mahatma Buddha had delivered their teachings for the welfare of the masses in the prevalent folk languages of their time, namely Ardhamagadhi and Pali Prakrit. He understood that the study and teaching of these languages were crucial to disseminate these valuable teachings to the general public. In the current materialistic and violence-prone era, presenting the spiritual knowledge derived from ancient seers (Arsha) through Prakrit could serve as a means of public welfare.

Key Initiatives Spearheaded by Acharya Anandrishi Ji Maharaj:

Establishment of the 'Shri Tilok Ratna Sthanakvasi Jain Dharmik Pariksha Board' (1936):
- Recognizing the need for a structured approach, Acharya Anandrishi consulted with educationists and conceived of establishing an examination board.
- This board aimed to facilitate the publication of numerous unpublished ancient Prakrit texts and newly authored books, as well as promote previously published works by using its curriculum as a medium.
- The curriculum included various Prakrit texts on grammar, poetry, essays, and agamas.
- While the curriculum saw some additions of Prakrit works over approximately 30 years, it was observed that the specific texts representing the diverse branches of Prakrit were not adequately represented.
Establishment of the 'Prakrit Bhasha Prachar Samiti' (1966):
- To address the need for a more focused effort on Prakrit, a decision was made to organize a council of specialized Prakrit scholars to conduct independent examinations in Prakrit.
- Consequently, the 'Prakrit Bhasha Prachar Samiti' was founded.
- Recognizing the utility of this organization, prominent members of society provided valuable support, strengthening its financial stability in a short period.
- Following the advice of a scholarly council, three key plans were devised to achieve the Samiti's objectives:
  - Publication Scheme: This involved publishing various works, including "Subodh Prakrit Vyakaran" (Parts 1, 2, and 3), "Prakrit Vyakaranam Acharya Hemchandra Chhatra Sanskaran," "Paiyarachnavali" (Parts 1 and 2), "Paiyakusumavali," "Pali Kusumavali," "Kummaputta Chariyam," "Bamhdatto," and "Kavyaparimalo."
  - Training Scheme: This scheme aimed to encourage teachers of Ardhamagadhi, Prakrit, and other Prakrit languages in various schools and colleges by providing them with honorariums. The number of such teachers reached 27. The scheme also involved felicitating distinguished Prakrit scholars and making arrangements for research work. Seminars were organized in suitable locations to promote lectures by eminent Prakrit scholars and their teaching methodologies.
  - Examination Scheme: This involved organizing Prakrit language examinations at different levels: Prakrit Prathama, Prakrit Dwitiya, Prakrit Prajna, Prakrit Praveen, and Prakrit Prabhakar. Currently, five such examinations are in place. Candidates from various centers participate in these examinations. Successful candidates are awarded certificates along with prizes and rewards.

The document also notes that many Sanskrit scholars study Prakrit under the guidance of Acharya Anandrishi Ji Maharaj, commending his exceptional teaching skills.

In essence, the text celebrates Acharya Anandrishi Ji Maharaj as a luminary whose dedication, strategic planning, and practical initiatives played a pivotal role in revitalizing the study and dissemination of the Prakrit language, thereby preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Jain philosophy and literature.