Prakrit Vigyana Balpothi Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prakrit Vigyana Balpothi Part 2" by Somchandravijay, published by Rander Road Jain Sangh, based on the scanned pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Prakrit Vigyana Balpothi Part 2" is an educational resource designed to teach the Prakrit language to young learners. It is part of a series of four books aimed at making the study of Prakrit accessible and enjoyable. The book focuses on building foundational knowledge of the language through a systematic approach, incorporating illustrations, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

Author: Acharya Shri Vijay Somchandrasuri M.S.
Inspiration and Guidance:
- P.P. Acharya Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj Saheb
- P.P. Acharya Shrimad Vijay Vignansurishwarji Maharaj Saheb
- P.P. Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Kastursurishwarji Maharaj Saheb (whose birth centenary is celebrated, and who initiated the original work on the "Prakrit Vigyan Balpothi" 36 years prior).
- P.P. Acharya Shri Vijay Chandrodayasurishwarji M.S.
- P.P. Acharya Shri Vijay Ashokchandrasurishwarji M.S.
Co-Editors: Ganini Shri Shrichandravijayji M.S., Muni Shri Jineshdhandravijayji M.S.
Coordinator: Shri Narmadashankar Shastri, M.A. Sahityacharya, Kavyatirtha.
Publisher: Shri Rander Road Jain Sangh, Surat.
Printing: Nehaj Enterprise.
Financial Support: Various Jain Sangh (organizations) and individuals, including a family dedicating the book in memory of their mother, Shrimati Dhanalaxmiben Navinchandra Shah.

Core Educational Philosophy:

The book emphasizes the importance of Prakrit as the "mother tongue" and a vital language for understanding Jain scriptures (Jinaagams and Sutras). It aims to revive the Prakrit language, which has become somewhat forgotten due to the passage of time. The teaching methodology is learner-centric, using:

Visual Aids: Pictures and illustrations to engage young minds.
Gradual Progression: The content is divided into steps (Paglu), systematically introducing new concepts.
Multilingual Approach: Prakrit words are presented with their Sanskrit, Gujarati, and English equivalents, facilitating understanding across language barriers.
Practical Application: The book includes exercises and word-building activities to reinforce learning.

Structure and Content Breakdown (Based on Scanned Pages):

Introduction/Editorial (Pages 10-12):
- Highlights the significance of Prakrit and its connection to Jainism.
- Explains the origin of the "Prakrit Vigyan Balpothi" by Acharya Vijay Kastursurishwarji 36 years prior.
- Mentions the completion of the work on the occasion of his birth centenary.
- Details the structure of the four-part series, covering Jain symbols, letters, vocabulary, grammar, and usage.
- Expresses hope that the book will aid in learning Prakrit and lead to spiritual happiness.
Alphabet and Number Knowledge (Pages 13-14):
- Number Learning (Ankgnan): Presents numbers from one to ten in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Gujarati, and English.
- Letter and Word Knowledge (Aksharagnan): Introduces basic Prakrit words with their Sanskrit, Gujarati, and English translations, often accompanied by relevant images (e.g., Kamal, Gagan, Ghaṭa, Shankha). This section starts building vocabulary from simple words.
Vocabulary and Word Building (Pages 15-21, 28-36, etc.):
- The bulk of the book consists of introducing Prakrit words for various categories:
  - Objects: Temple (Chaitya), Shelter (Chhata), Water (Jala), Shell (Sankha), Pot (Ghaṭa), Tank (Tanki), Flag (Dhaja), Tree (Taru), Fort (Durga), Mountain (Parvaya), Fruit (Phala), Bullock (Baila), Soldier (Bhada), Moon (Mayanka), Chariot (Raha), Tree (Vachchha), Shop (Hattigaa), Cloud (Abhha), Sun (Aichcha), God (Isara), Sheep (Urana), Holy Elephant (Eraavana), Medicine (Osadha), Blind (Andha), etc.
  - Animals: Bullocks (Baila), Tigers (Vaggaha), Bears (Richchha), Scorpions (Vinchhia), Deer (Harina), Foxes (Siala), Monkeys (Vanara), Elephants (Gaya), Rabbits (Sasa), Peacocks (Maura), Crows (Kaga), Cuckoos (Koila), Parrots (Sua), Pigeons (Parava), Sparrows (Chadagaa), Owls (Ghua), Butterflies (Payanga), Wasps (Chhappa), Crocodiles (Magara), Fish (Sahari), Cranes (Baga), Frogs (Daddura), Swans (Hansa), Cows (Dhenu), Horses (Haya), Cats (Majjar), Mice (Musa), Camels (Utta), Dogs (Saana), Buffaloes (Mahisi), Donkeys (Rasaha), Goats (Ajaa), Snakes (Sappa), Lions (Singha), Tigers (Vaggaha), Bears (Richchha).
  - Nature: Trees (Vad, Limb, Narila), Fruits (Amba, Tal, Daḍim, Bor, Jambu, Kayalphal), Flowers (Juia, Pauma, Aichchhamuhi, Champa, Kiusua).
  - Parts of the Body: Head (Matthaya), Eyebrow (Bhamaara), Nose (Nakka), Mouth (Maha), Neck (Kanththa), Chest (Ura), Stomach (Kachchhi), Finger (Anguli), Forehead (Lalaada), Eyes (Nayana), Ears (Kanna), Teeth (Dasana), Heart (Hiaya), Hands (Hatththa), Legs (Paaya).
  - Professions/Roles: Goldsmith (Suvannagara), Blacksmith (Lohayaar), Cobbler (Charmagaara), Carpenter (Tachchaan), Barber (Navia), Servant (Kinkar), Labourer (Bhaarhara), Potter (Kumbhaara), Cook (Paayaga), Copper Smith (Thatththaara), Craftsman (Sippi), Oilman (Ghūsara), Farmer (Haalia), Painter (Chittagaara), Gardener (Maalaara).
  - Family Members: Son (Putta), Daughter (Duhia), Mother (Maata), Father (Pita), Uncle (Piyumaayara), Aunt (Maataamaahi), Sister-in-law (Bhaaujaayaa), Daughter-in-law (Sunhaa), Husband (Bhattaara), Wife (Patni), Sister (Bahana), Brother (Bhaayara), etc.
  - Abstract Concepts: Knowledge (Naana), Dignity (Vinaya), Welfare (Kallaana), Respect (Sajjhaaya), etc.
Grammar and Sentence Construction (Pages 22-23, 43-66):
- Mangala Mantra (Navkar Mantra): The Panch Namukkar is presented with its Prakrit, Sanskrit, and English transliterations and meanings.
- Verb Conjugations: The book systematically introduces Prakrit verbs and their conjugation in different persons (I, You, He/She/It, We, You all, They) and numbers (singular, plural). Examples include:
  - To do: Karemi, Karasi, Karai, Karāma, Karāha, Karanti.
  - To eat: Jemami, Jemasi, Jemai, Jemāma, Jemāha, Jemade.
  - To go: Gachchhami, Gachchasi, Gachchai, Gachchhāma, Gachchhāha, Gachchhanti.
  - To say: Kahami, Kahasi, Kahai, Kahama, Kahaha, Kahanti.
  - To drink: Pivemi, Pivesi, Pivei, Pivema, Piveha, Pivate.
  - To bow: Vande, Vandasi, Vandai, Vandāma, Vandāha, Vandae.
  - To know: Jaṇāmi, Jaṇasi, Jaṇai, Jaṇāma, Jaṇāha, Jaṇanti.
  - To study: Bhaṇami, Bhaṇasi, Bhaṇai, Bhaṇāma, Bhaṇāha, Bhaṇanti.
- Pronouns and Demonstratives: Introduces pronouns like "Aham" (I), "Tumam" (You), "Eso" (This), "Eā" (This - feminine), "Ea" (These).
- Sentence Structure: Demonstrates how to form simple sentences by combining nouns and verbs, often presented in a question-answer format or as simple statements (e.g., "Eso SISO" - This is a student; "Siso namai" - The student bows).
Special Sections:
- Counting: The concept of counting is introduced (Gana, Ganaya).
- Animals and their Actions: The book shows how to describe actions of animals (e.g., "Kutaro bhase chhe" - The dog barks).
- Family Relationships: Extensive lists of family members in Prakrit with their Sanskrit and Gujarati equivalents.

Overall Presentation:

The book is visually appealing with clear headings, well-organized sections, and consistent formatting. The use of bold text for Prakrit words and parallel columns for Sanskrit, Gujarati, and English translations makes it easy for learners to follow. The inclusion of simple illustrations enhances the learning experience for children.

In essence, "Prakrit Vigyana Balpothi Part 2" is a valuable pedagogical tool aimed at fostering an early appreciation and understanding of the Prakrit language within the Jain tradition. It serves as a bridge to the rich heritage of Jain literature and philosophy.