Prashna Vyakaran - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashna Vyakaran" by Purnanandvijay, based on the provided pages:

Title: Prashna Vyakaran (Question Grammar)

Author: Nyaya Vyakarana Kavya Teerth Tirth Upadhyay Muni Purnanandvijayji (Kumar Shraman), disciple of Shasan Deepak Muniraj Shri Vidyavijayji Maharaj.

Publisher: Sanghvi Jagjivan Das Kasturchal Shah, c/o Shri Vidyavijayji Granthmala, Sathamba (Sabarkantha).

Publication Details:

Veer Samvat 2511, Dharma Samvat 63
Vikram Samvat 2041, Gregorian Year 1984
Copies: 1000 (published with financial assistance from Devkaran Mulji Trust)
Printed at Sadhana Mudranalaya, Bhavnagar.

Dedication: The book is dedicated to the author's Guru, Shasan Deepak Muniraj Shri 1008 Shrimad Vidyavijayji Maharaj. The author expresses immense gratitude for his Guru's guidance, likening his own transformation to a stone carved by a sculptor. He dedicates this work, a treasure trove of Agamic knowledge on the principles of Ashrav (influx of karmas) and Samvar (cessation of karmas), to his Guru.

Core Theme and Purpose: The "Prashna Vyakaran" is a significant Agamic text within the Dvadashangi (the twelve limbs of Jain scripture), considered the tenth limb. Its primary purpose is to elucidate the Jain philosophical concepts of Ashrav (the influx of karmic matter into the soul, driven by passions and actions) and Samvar (the cessation of the influx of karmic matter, achieved through self-control and virtuous conduct). The text aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of these principles, particularly focusing on the "why" and "how" of these processes, making complex philosophical ideas accessible to a wider audience, including scholars, renunciates, and householders.

Author's Motivation and Journey: The author, Purnanandvijayji, recounts his initial hesitation to write after completing his commentary on the Bhagvati Sutra. However, driven by a desire for continued literary service and the inspiration from his well-wishers and guiding acharyas, he embarked on this project. Despite personal health challenges, his inherent inclination towards writing and reading fueled his efforts. He chose Prashna Vyakaran for its foundational importance in the Dvadashangi, particularly for explaining Ashrav and Samvar. The work was undertaken during the monsoon seasons of 2038 and 2039 (Vikram Samvat), with the manuscript completed in Vareli. The publication was made possible through the generous support of various Jain sanghas in Mumbai and fortunate individuals.

Key Concepts and Content:

Dvadashangi and Prashna Vyakaran's Place: The text highlights the tradition of Jain scripture, emphasizing that the knowledge originates from the Tirthankaras and is preserved through the Ganadharas (chief disciples). The Dvadashangi, composed by the Ganadharas in their respective languages, holds the essence of Tirthankara teachings. Prashna Vyakaran is identified as the tenth Anga, dealing with questions and answers, specifically related to Ashrav and Samvar.
Ashrav (Influx of Karmas): The first part of the Prashna Vyakaran (first Shrutskandh) details the five types of Ashrav:
- Pranatipata (Violence/Harm to living beings): Described through various forms, causes, consequences, and even the characteristics of beings involved in violence. The text explains the nuances of Dravya Hinsa (physical harm) and Bhava Hinsa (mental violence), the types of violence, and the suffering it causes, including vivid descriptions of hellish realms and the experiences of beings there.
- Mrushavada (Falsehood/Lying): Explores the nature of falsehood, the motivations behind it (fear, greed, desire for praise), its various forms, and its karmic consequences, including philosophical refutations of nihilistic views.
- Adattadan (Stealing/Unrightful Appropriation): Details the act of taking what is not given, its various forms, and the severe repercussions for such actions.
- Abrahma (Sensual Indulgences/Unchastity): Discusses the dangers of unrestrained desires, the attachment to sensual pleasures, and the deep impact of such conduct on the soul's journey. It explains how even divine beings are not immune to these desires, leading to suffering and karmic bondage.
- Parigraha (Attachment/Accumulation): Covers the excessive desire for possessions, wealth, and even subtle mental attachments, explaining how it fuels further karmic bondage and prevents liberation.
Samvar (Cessation of Karmas): The second part of the Prashna Vyakaran (second Shrutskandh) focuses on the principles of Samvar, which counter Ashrav. The five main types of Samvar are:
- Ahinsa (Non-violence): Elaborated as the foundational principle, encompassing not just physical violence but also mental and verbal harm. It is described as the path to liberation and the means to attain inner peace and spiritual purity.
- Satya (Truthfulness): The importance of speaking truthfully, avoiding even white lies, and the virtues associated with adherence to truth.
- Achaurya (Non-stealing): The principle of taking only what is given and respecting others' property.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Spiritual Purity): The control of senses and desires, leading to spiritual strength and purity of thought and action.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Contentment): The practice of detachment from worldly possessions and desires, leading to inner freedom and peace.
Detailed Explanations and Examples: The text provides meticulous explanations of each principle, often using metaphors, analogies, and detailed descriptions of consequences. For instance, the descriptions of hellish suffering, the characteristics of violent humans, the impact of lying, the varied forms of greed, and the spiritual benefits of Brahmacharya are elaborated upon to create a profound impact on the reader.
Emphasis on Practical Application: While deeply philosophical, the text emphasizes the practical application of these principles in daily life. It aims to guide individuals towards spiritual purification and eventual liberation (moksha).
Author's Commitment and Faith: Purnanandvijayji's writing is characterized by his deep faith in Jain principles, his dedication to his Guru's teachings, and his commitment to making the Agamic knowledge accessible to all. He expresses his faith that the book will provide valuable insights for readers, speakers, thinkers, and even himself.
Praise and Testimonials: The introductory and concluding sections include blessings and endorsements from prominent Jain Acharyas, highlighting the book's significance and the author's scholarly contributions. They commend his ability to explain complex scriptures in accessible language and encourage his continued service to Jain literature.

Overall Significance: "Prashna Vyakaran" by Purnanandvijay is presented as an authoritative and comprehensive commentary on a crucial Jain scripture. It serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the path to liberation by detailing the causes of karmic bondage (Ashrav) and the means to achieve spiritual liberation (Samvar). The author's dedication, scholarly approach, and the text's devotional tone make it a valuable resource for the Jain community.