Prashnamala Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashnamala Stavan" by Gyansundarvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prashnamala Stavan Author: Gyansundarvijay Publisher: Jain Pathshala, Phalodi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032012/1

Overall Purpose:

The "Prashnamala Stavan" is a polemical and argumentative text that challenges a specific sect within Jainism, referred to as "32 Sutra Mananewala" (those who accept only the 32 Sutras), often identified with the Dhundhiya or Terapanthi groups. The author, Gyansundarvijay, argues vehemently against their exclusionary approach to Jain scriptures and advocates for the acceptance of the "Panchangi" (the five Agamas or compilations of scriptures), which they believe are essential for understanding the true meaning and nuances of the original Jain canon.

Key Arguments and Content:

1. The Issue of "32 Sutras" vs. "Panchangi":

   • The introduction highlights a division within the Jain community, where some, termed "name-only Jains," restrict their scriptural authority to a set of "32 Sutras."
   • The author criticizes this stance, stating that these 32 Sutras are often associated with the rejection of idol worship.
   • The core of the argument is that adhering only to the 32 Sutras without the context and explanations provided by the "Panchangi" (which includes commentaries, enumerations, and other scriptural compilations) leads to a superficial and incomplete understanding of Jain teachings.

2. The Importance of the "Panchangi":

   • Gyansundarvijay asserts that the "Panchangi" is crucial for understanding the depth and complexity of the original scriptures (like the 32 Sutras). He claims that the "Panchangi" was established by revered ancient scholars to clarify the meaning and resolve apparent contradictions or ambiguities in the earlier texts.
   • He argues that many important concepts and details within the original scriptures cannot be understood or explained without the supplementary information found in the "Panchangi."

3. The Challenge (Prashnamala):

   • The "Prashnamala Stavan" itself is a series of questions posed to the proponents of the "32 Sutras" only.
   • The author presents numerous examples (verses 1-108) where there appear to be discrepancies or differences in details between the "32 Sutras" (or other foundational texts) and the "Panchangi" (which the author refers to as "Panchangi Parman" or "Panchangi ko kam").
   • Examples of presented discrepancies:
     • Numbers of omniscience (Kevali) or lifespan of beings (e.g., verses 1, 2, 3, 4).
     • Details about divine beings, celestial realms, and austerities (verses 5, 6, 7).
     • Practices related to karma, death, and spiritual attainment (verses 8, 9, 10, 11).
     • The nature of souls, languages, and ascetic practices (verses 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).
     • Specific rules for ascetics regarding food, possessions, and conduct (verses 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31).
     • Details about Tirthankaras, their enlightenment, and ascetic lives (verses 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37).
     • Rules about cohabitation of ascetics, and prohibitions regarding donations (verses 38, 39).
     • Geographical and cosmological details, distances, and measurements (verses 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96).
   • The author presents these as examples where the "32 Sutras" alone cannot provide a satisfactory or consistent answer, and the "Panchangi" offers the necessary clarification.

4. The Accusation of Inconsistency and Ignorance:

   • The author accuses those who reject the "Panchangi" of being ignorant of the "Syadvada" (the doctrine of manifold predicaments) and the profound style of the ancient scholars.
   • He implies that their rejection is based on misunderstanding and a stubborn adherence to a limited view, leading them to dismiss or "uphold" the words of past Acharyas.
   • He directly challenges them to provide answers to these questions using only the 32 Sutras. If they cannot, their stance of accepting only the 32 Sutras is deemed baseless and potentially a trap for "innocent beings."

5. The Author's Plea for Reconciliation and Understanding:

   • The author states that if one wishes for their own spiritual well-being, they should accept the Jain Agamas in their complete form, including the "Panchangi."
   • He urges them not to distort or misinterpret the original scriptures to fit their limited viewpoint.
   • He concludes by stating that their "deception" or "ignorance" is no longer hidden and that they should either answer the questions from the 32 Sutras themselves or accept the broader scriptural tradition.

6. Author's Identity and Publication:

   • The text is authored by Munishri Gyansundarvijay of the Upkesh (Kavala) Gachchha.
   • It was published by Jain Pathshala, Phalodi.
   • The first edition was published in Veer Samvat 2442 / Vikram Samvat 1973, printed at "Shri Vidya Vijay" Mudralay in Bhavnagar.
   • The price was very nominal (0-1-0), indicating an effort to disseminate this message widely.

In essence, the "Prashnamala Stavan" is a strong defense of the comprehensive scriptural tradition in Jainism against a perceived narrow and potentially heretical interpretation. It uses a question-and-answer format to highlight what the author believes are contradictions and gaps in a limited view of scriptures, asserting the indispensable role of the "Panchangi" for true Jain understanding.