Prashna Vyakaran Sutra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" (प्रश्नव्याकरण सूत्र), a significant Jain text. The provided text is an excerpt from a publication edited by Amarmuni and published by Sanmati Gyanpith.

The summary covers the following aspects based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

Book Title: Prashna Vyakaran Sutra (प्रश्नव्याकरण सूत्र)
Author/Editor: Amarmuni (अमर मुनि)
Publisher: Sanmati Gyanpith, Agra
Original Commentator: Pt. Shri Hemchandra Ji Maharaj (पं० श्री हेमचन्द्र जी महाराज)
Contributing Editors/Figures: Pt. Padmachandra Ji M.S. (पद्म चन्द्र जी म.सा.), Pt. Amar Muni Ji M.S. (अमर मुनि जी म.सा.)
Occasion of Publication: 25th Nirvana Centenary of Lord Mahavir

2. Nature of the Text:

The "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" is the tenth Anga (main scripture) in the Jain Agam literature.
It is known for its detailed analysis of the five Asravas (passions that lead to karma influx) and the five Samvaras (actions that stop karma influx).
The text aims to provide simple yet profound explanations of fundamental questions related to the seeker's life.
The title itself implies a "grammar of questions," meaning it delves into the principles and explanations of various queries.

3. Content and Significance:

Core Subject: The book deeply discusses Asrava (आश्रव - the inflow of karma) and Samvara (संवर - the stoppage of karma influx).
- Asrava: Explained as the doors through which karmic particles enter the soul. The text specifically mentions the five types of Asravas: Himsa (violence), Mṛṣāvāda (falsehood), Adattādāna (stealing), Abrahmacharya (un-chastity), and Parigraha (possessiveness). These are described as causes of suffering and the cycle of rebirths.
- Samvara: Explained as the means to prevent the influx of karma, leading to liberation. The five Samvaras are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/controlled conduct), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
Historical Context: The introduction mentions that the ancient "Prashna Vyakarana" was a vast Anga scripture with millions of verses, dealing with subjects like mantra-vidya and destiny-prediction. However, the currently available text focuses on the Asrava and Samvara aspects, likely due to changes in transmission or purpose over time. The change in subject matter is attributed to later Acharyas removing potentially misused esoteric knowledge and focusing on core ethical principles.
Purpose: To guide individuals towards understanding the causes of suffering (Asravas) and the path to liberation (Samvara), ultimately leading to the realization of life's true goal.
Structure: The text is divided into ten chapters (Adhyayanas). The content summary indicates a detailed exploration of each of the five Asravas in the first section and then a corresponding explanation of the five Samvaras in the second section. The table of contents lists:
- Upoḍghata (Introduction)
- First Khanda: Āśrava Dwāra (Section on Asrava)
  - First Adhyayana: Hiṃsā-āśrava (Violence)
  - Second Adhyayana: Mṛṣāvāda-āśrava (Falsehood)
  - Third Adhyayana: Adattādāna-āśrava (Stealing)
  - Fourth Adhyayana: Abrahmacharya-āśrava (Unchastity)
  - Fifth Adhyayana: Parigraha-āśrava (Possessiveness)
- Second Khanda: Saṃvara Dwāra (Section on Samvara)
  - Sixth Adhyayana: Ahiṃsā-saṃvara (Non-violence)
  - Seventh Adhyayana: Satya-saṃvara (Truthfulness)
  - Eighth Adhyayana: Achaurya-saṃvara (Non-stealing)
  - Ninth Adhyayana: Brahmacharya-saṃvara (Celibacy/Controlled Conduct)
  - Tenth Adhyayana: Aparigraha-saṃvara (Non-possessiveness)
- Upasaṃhāra (Conclusion)
- Pariśiṣṭa (Appendices)
Language: The primary language of the text is Prakrit (specifically Ardhamagadhi), with Sanskrit explanations and commentary. The Hindi translation and extensive commentary are highlighted as a significant contribution of this edition.
Commentary: The publication includes a very detailed and extensive commentary in Hindi, which is considered unprecedented. It is praised for its analytical depth, logical reasoning, use of examples, and the original intellectual contribution of the commentator, Pt. Hemchandra Ji Maharaj.

3. Editorial and Publication Details:

The text is presented as a valuable spiritual offering in memory of the late Acharya Pt. Shri Padmachandra Ji M.S.
The current edition is highlighted for its comprehensive nature, including the original text, Sanskrit translation, word-by-word meaning, overall meaning, and an extensive detailed commentary in Hindi.
The publisher, Sanmati Gyanpith, and the editor, Pt. Amar Muni Ji, are acknowledged for their significant contribution.
The publication coincides with the 25th Nirvana Centenary of Lord Mahavir.
Special thanks are extended to the Vishnu Printing Press for their printing services despite challenges like electricity shortages.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Acharya Pt. Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj and his disciples, particularly Pt. Hemchandra Ji Maharaj and his disciple Pt. Amar Muni Ji.

4. Life of Pt. Hemchandra Ji Maharaj:

The summary includes a brief biographical sketch of Pt. Hemchandra Ji Maharaj, highlighting his scholarly background in Sanskrit and Prakrit, his deep study of Agams, and his extensive commentaries. He is described as a dedicated disciple of Acharya Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj. His intellectual services are considered invaluable.

5. Key Themes and Concepts:

Karma: The central theme of Jainism revolves around karma, its influx (Asrava), and its stoppage (Samvara). The text deeply explores how actions, driven by passions, lead to suffering and how controlling these passions leads to liberation.
Cause of Suffering: The five Asravas (violence, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and possessiveness) are identified as the primary causes of suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
Path to Liberation: The five Samvaras (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/controlled conduct, and non-possessiveness) are presented as the means to curb the inflow of karma and attain spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Ethical Conduct: The text emphasizes the practical application of ethical principles in daily life, guiding individuals towards a virtuous existence.
Soul's Journey: The underlying philosophy suggests that the soul is eternally bound by karma due to Asravas and can achieve liberation through Samvara practices.

6. Cultural and Historical Insights:

The detailed descriptions within the text, particularly in the Adhyayanas on Asravas like Himsa and Mrigashira, offer glimpses into the social, cultural, and legal practices of ancient India. The examples of punishment for crimes, social structures, and even philosophical debates provide valuable historical context.

In essence, the "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" as presented in this edition is a monumental work that meticulously unpacks the Jain doctrine of Karma through the lens of Asrava and Samvara. It serves as a profound guide for spiritual seekers, offering practical ethical principles and philosophical insights for navigating the cycle of existence towards ultimate liberation. The commentary provided in this edition is lauded for its clarity, depth, and comprehensiveness.