Praman Manjari

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Praman Manjari" by Pattambhiram Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Praman Manjari Author: Sarvadeva Acharya Commentators/Tika-kars: Balabhadra Mishra, Advayaranya Yogi, Vamana Bhatta Editor: Pattambhiram Shastri Publisher: Rajasthan Puratattva Mandir, Jaipur Publication Year: V.S. 2010 (1953 CE) Series: Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala (Sanskrit-Prakrit Literature Series), Book No. 4

Overview and Significance:

"Praman Manjari" is presented as a foundational and ancient text within the Vaishēṣika philosophy. While the original text had been published previously (in 1937 in Mumbai), this edition is significant for being the first to present the original text along with three distinct commentaries. This signifies a major effort to revive and make accessible a text that was likely not widely known among modern scholars, highlighting its importance in the history of Indian philosophical thought, particularly within the Jain tradition's engagement with Nyaya-Vaisheshika. The text was likely composed in the 10th century CE, with its influence extending to the 15th century CE based on mentions in other contemporary works. Its original home is speculated to be Kashmir.

Key Contents and Philosophical Focus:

The "Praman Manjari" deals with the core concepts of the Vaisheshika system, with a particular focus on the seven categories (padārthas), which is a departure from the earlier Vaisheshika sutras that discussed six. The text, along with its commentaries, elaborates on:

• Pramāṇa (Valid Means of Knowledge): The text likely explores the nature and types of valid knowledge.
• Padārtha (Categories): It systematically defines and categorizes entities, which are central to Vaisheshika. The commentary suggests a focus on elucidating the definitions and divisions of these categories, aiming for clarity for students.
• Specific Categories Discussed (as indicated by the detailed Index):
  • Dravya (Substance): Discusses its definition and nine types (earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, direction, soul, and mind).
  • Prithivi (Earth): Explores its characteristics and divisions, including the concept of earth atoms (paramanu) and binary units (dvyāṇuka).
  • Jala (Water), Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air): Similar detailed discussions on their characteristics, atomic structures, and role in forming bodies and senses.
  • Akasha (Ether): Its properties, particularly its connection to sound and its role as an organ of perception (shrotra).
  • Kala (Time) and Disha (Direction): Their nature, measurement, and role as pervading substances.
  • Atma (Soul): Its nature, divisions (Ishvara and individual souls), and characteristics.
  • Manas (Mind): Its atomic nature and role in cognition.
  • Buddhi (Intellect): Differentiating between permanent (eternal) and impermanent (temporary) intellect, and further classifying it into ignorant (avidya) and knowledgeable (vidya) states.
  • Guna (Quality): Its definition, twenty-four types, and detailed discussion of specific qualities like form, taste, smell, touch, number, magnitude, separation, conjunction, disjunction, priority, posteriority, gravity, fluidity, oleosity, impression, virtue, vice, and sound.
  • Karma (Action): Its definition, nature, and perceptual qualities.
  • Samanya (Generality): Discusses its existence and types.
  • Vishesha (Particularity): Its nature and role in distinguishing eternal substances.
  • Samavaya (Inherence): Its definition and necessity for explaining the relationship between substances and their qualities.
  • Abhava (Non-existence): Its types and nature.
  • Moksha (Liberation): Likely discussed as the ultimate goal.

The Commentaries:

The publication includes three commentaries, each offering a unique perspective and depth:

• Balabhadra Mishra's Commentary: Described as concise yet beautiful, it is noted for its detailed analysis. The editor notes that Balabhadra Mishra's time is not definitively known but places him after Keshav Mishra (around 1300 CE), likely before 1600 CE based on manuscript dating.
• Advayaranya Yogi's Commentary: This commentary is noted for its extensive and detailed explanations, contributing significantly to the understanding of the original text's profundity.
• Vamana Bhatta's Commentary (Bhava Deepika): This commentary is described as a summary of Advayaranya's work, offering a more condensed yet insightful explanation. Vamana Bhatta himself indicates his period to be around the 15th century CE.

Editorial Work and Publication:

The edition was meticulously prepared by Pandit Pattabhiram Shastri, a scholar of Mimamsa and renowned editor. He consulted numerous ancient manuscripts from various libraries and collections in India to ensure accuracy and completeness. The Rajasthan government, through the Rajasthan Archaeological Department (Rajasthan Puratattva Mandir), sponsored this publication as part of its initiative to preserve and promote ancient Indian literature, particularly from the Rajasthan region. The publication aims to bring to light valuable texts that were otherwise lost or neglected.

Overall Contribution:

This edition of "Praman Manjari" is crucial for its multi-commentary approach, offering a rich academic resource for scholars and students of Vaisheshika and Jain philosophy. It bridges the gap in the availability of the original text with detailed explanations, contributing to a deeper understanding of Sarvadeva Acharya's philosophical insights and the rich interpretive tradition that followed. The publication is a testament to the dedication of scholars and institutions in safeguarding India's intellectual heritage.