Prakrit Evam Sanskrit Sahitya Me Gunsthan Ki Avadharana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakrit evam Sanskrit Sahitya me Gunsthan ki Avadharana" by Darshankalashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prakrit evam Sanskrit Sahitya me Gunsthan ki Avadharana (The Concept of Gunasthana in Prakrit and Sanskrit Literature) Author: Sadhvi Dr. Darshankalashreeji Publisher: Shri Rajrajendra Prakashan Trust, Mohankheda, MP

Overall Summary:

This book, authored by Sadhvi Dr. Darshankalashreeji and published by Rajrajendra Prakashan Trust, is a PhD dissertation that delves into the concept of Gunasthana (stages of spiritual development) as presented in Prakrit and Sanskrit Jain literature. The work aims to provide a historical and comparative analysis of how this crucial Jain doctrine has been explained and evolved across various Jain texts and traditions. The book is a significant contribution to Jain literature, offering a detailed and scholarly examination of the Gunasthana theory, its origins, development, and interrelation with other Jain concepts.

Key Aspects and Themes:

1. The Concept of Gunasthana:

   • The book defines Gunasthana as stages of spiritual development, a measure or thermometer to gauge the progress of the soul towards liberation.
   • It highlights the fourteen Gunasthana stages, from Mithyatva (delusion) to Ayogi Kevali (absolutely Jina state without activity), as a progressive journey of spiritual purification.
   • The author emphasizes that understanding Gunasthana is essential for comprehending various Jaina philosophical and practical concepts like the theory of karma.

2. Origin and Development of the Concept:

   • The book traces the historical development of the Gunasthana doctrine. It suggests that while the concept of spiritual progress is ancient and present in early Indian traditions, the structured fourteen Gunasthana theory likely emerged in its developed form after the 5th century CE.
   • The author meticulously examines early Jain texts, including Prakrit Agamas (like Acharaanga, Sutrakritanga, Samavayanga, Bhagavati) and their commentaries (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tika).
   • It notes that while early Agamas like Acharaanga and Sutrakritanga contain terms like 'pramatta,' 'apramatta,' 'virata,' 'avirata,' and 'upashanta,' these are often used in a general sense and not within the specific framework of fourteen Gunasthana.
   • The Samavayanga Sutra is highlighted as a significant early text that lists fourteen Jivasthana (life-states), which are closely related to Gunasthana, although the term 'Gunasthana' itself is not explicitly used in this context.
   • The author discusses the role of later texts like Jiva Samasa (identified as a key Śvetāmbara text for presenting the concept) and Shatkhandagama (identified as a key Digambara text for detailed exposition) in the systematic development of the Gunasthana theory.
   • The book also points out the differing emphasis between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions in the discussion of Gunasthana, with the Digambara tradition generally offering more detailed and systematic explanations, particularly in texts like Shatkhandagama and commentaries on Tattvartha Sutra.

3. Literary Sources Examined:

   • Prakrit Literature: The author analyzes early Prakrit Agamas such as:
     • Acharaanga Sutra (and its Churni)
     • Sutrakritanga Sutra
     • Sthananga Sutra
     • Samavayanga Sutra (highlighted for its mention of fourteen Jivasthana)
     • Bhagavati Sutra (notes the presence of terms like mithyādr̥ṣṭi, samyag-mithyādr̥ṣṭi, samyag-dr̥ṣṭi, avirata, viratāvirata, pramatta-saṃyata, apramatta-saṃyata, apūrvakaraṇa, anivṛttikaraṇa, sūkṣmasampary, upaśāntamoha, kṣīṇamoha, sayogikevalī, ayogikevalī, but often in general contexts rather than a systematic Gunasthana treatise).
     • Upaanga Agamas like Jivajivabhigama, Pragnapana Sutra (noted for detailing states related to spiritual development), and others.
     • Chhed Sutras like Dashavaikalika Sutra, Niryukti (especially Acharaanga Niryukti and its discussion of ten karmic stages), Brihat Kalpa, Vyavahara, Nishedha, and Mahānishedha.
     • Prakrit commentaries like Acharya Kunda-kunda's works (mentioned as familiar with the concept of Gunasthana, Jivasthana, and Margaṇasthana, but focusing more on the soul's pure nature), Kashaypahud (analyzed for its early conceptual seeds), and Prakrit Panchasangraha.
   • Sanskrit Literature: The book also covers Sanskrit literature, including:
     • Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati (and its commentaries like Sarvarthasiddhi by Pujyapada Devanandi, Rajavartika by Akalanka, and Shlokavartika by Vidyanandi, which offer detailed analysis of Gunasthana).
     • Sanskrit commentaries on Prakrit Agamas by authors like Haribhadra Suri and Abhayadeva Suri.
     • Other philosophical works like Yoga Vashistha (which discusses stages of spiritual development).

4. Scholarly Analysis and Comparison:

   • The author, Sadhvi Dr. Darshankalashreeji, guided by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, conducted thorough research, analyzing original texts and their commentaries.
   • The book engages in comparative analysis, not only within Jain traditions (Śvetāmbara and Digambara) but also briefly touching upon parallels in other Indian philosophical traditions (like Yoga Vashistha) to understand the broader context of spiritual progression.
   • It addresses scholarly debates regarding the dating of texts and the precise origin of the Gunasthana doctrine, acknowledging different viewpoints.

5. Structure and Content:

   • The book is organized into chapters that systematically explore the concept:
     • Chapter 1: Defines the term Gunasthana, its etymology, and the conceptual evolution. It traces the initial seeds of the concept in early Agamas.
     • Chapter 2: Focuses on the presence of Gunasthana related concepts within Prakrit Agamas and their commentaries, noting the scarcity of explicit mention of Gunasthana in early Agamas but the presence of related terms and stages.
     • Chapter 3: Examines the Gunasthana concept in Shauraseni Prakrit literature, particularly in texts like Kashaypahud, Shatkhandagama (highly significant for its detailed analysis), and Mulaachara, highlighting the Digambara tradition's comprehensive treatment.
     • Chapter 4: Analyzes the Gunasthana concept in Tattvartha Sutra and its influential commentaries like Sarvarthasiddhi, Rajavartika, and Shlokavartika, which provide extensive explanations and classifications.
     • It also covers other relevant texts like Gyanarnava and Yoga Sutra.

6. Key Findings and Contributions:

   • The book meticulously demonstrates that while the Gunasthana concept in its fully structured form might be a later development, the foundational ideas of progressive spiritual purification and stages of spiritual development are deeply embedded in early Jain literature.
   • It clarifies the relationship between Gunasthana, Jivasthana (life-states), and Margana-sthana (categories of exploration).
   • The work highlights the author's dedication to rigorous research, drawing upon primary sources to present a nuanced understanding of the doctrine's evolution across different Jain traditions and literary periods.
   • The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners of Jainism interested in the intricacies of Jain spiritual philosophy.

In essence, Sadhvi Dr. Darshankalashreeji's book provides an exhaustive exploration of the Gunasthana doctrine in Prakrit and Sanskrit Jain literature, tracing its roots, development, and textual presence, thereby enriching the scholarly understanding of this pivotal concept in Jain spiritual science.