Prashnottar Mohanmala Uttararddha

The book "Prashnottar Mohanmala Uttararddha" (શ્રી પ્રશ્નોત્તર મોહનમાળા ઊત્તરાદ્ધ), authored by Mohanlalmuni and published by Prem Jinagam Samiti, Mumbai, is a comprehensive Jain text that delves into various philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism through a question-and-answer format. The book is presented in eleven parts, with the "Uttararddha" (later half) being the focus of this summary.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and topics covered, based on the provided table of contents and introductory sections:

Core Principles and Jain Philosophy:

• Jijñāsā (Curiosity/Desire for Knowledge): The text emphasizes that curiosity is the root of knowledge. It draws from the Ācārāṅga Sūtra to state that those who understand doubt understand the nature of the world, and those who don't, don't understand the world. True knowledge arises from resolving doubt, and unfounded doubt is detrimental to peace.
• Samsaya (Doubt) and Nirnaya (Decision/Conclusion): The book highlights the importance of resolving doubts through inquiry. It cites the example of Gautama, the chief disciple of Lord Mahāvīra, who attained knowledge after clarifying his doubts by questioning the Lord.
• Pancha Parameṣṭhi: The initial parts discuss the Panch Parameṣṭhi (Arihanta, Siddha, Ācārya, Upādhyāya, Sādhu), their nature, and the means to attain these exalted states.
• Nature of Siddhas: The text refutes the notions of other religions regarding the creation and sustenance of the world, asserting that beings are self-reliant. It explains that while Siddhas are beyond worldly activities, their meditation and remembrance can purify the soul, just as fire, even from a distance, provides warmth.
• Anekāntavāda (Doctrine of Manifold Aspects): This principle is evident in reconciling seemingly contradictory ideas, such as Siddhas potentially aiding in welfare through their meditation, even while being detached from worldly actions.

Key Topics and Debates Addressed:

The Uttararddha, spread across eleven parts, covers a wide range of subjects, often engaging with and refuting non-Jain beliefs:

• Purity and Cleanliness (Shaucha): The book strongly advocates for inner purity (Bhāva Shaucha) over mere external (Dravya Shaucha) cleanliness. It explains that bathing, particularly with water containing numerous life forms, is prohibited for monks due to the principle of ahiṁsā (non-violence). The text refutes the idea that bathing purifies the soul, stating that saṁyama (restraint) is the true path to inner purity.
• Language and Scriptures: The text discusses the significance of Ardhamāgadhi as the language of the Jain Āgamas, asserting that all Jain scriptures are not in Sanskrit or other Prākṛta dialects but specifically in Ardhamāgadhi. It also touches upon the importance of understanding the true meaning of scriptures, warning against misinterpretations due to lack of knowledge.
• Monastic Conduct (Vihāra): The book details the specific disciplines (kalpa) for monks and nuns, including the practice of ekalavihāra (wandering alone). It critiques the inappropriate practice of solitary wandering for those lacking the necessary eight virtues, while commending it for those who possess them. The text also discusses the importance of adherence to monastic rules and the dangers of straying from the path of the spiritual preceptors (gurukulvās).
• Knowledge and Ignorance: The sixteen arts of knowledge are discussed, along with the characteristics of the soul, including its eleven attributes like knowledge, perception, happiness, suffering, conduct, penance, and energy.
• Types of Samyak Tva (Right Faith): The text elaborates on the fifteen types of Samyak Tva, including Tattvārtha Samyak Tva, Bhāva Samyak Tva, Nishcaya Samyak Tva, Vyavahāra Samyak Tva, Nisarga Samyak Tva, Upadeśa Samyak Tva, Kārak Samyak Tva, Rechaka Samyak Tva, Dīpaka Samyak Tva, Kṣayaśamaka Samyak Tva, Upashama Samyak Tva, Kṣāyika Samyak Tva, Sāsvādana Samyak Tva, and Védaka Samyak Tva.
• Debate on Various Philosophical Views: A significant portion of the book addresses and refutes various philosophical viewpoints prevalent at the time, including:
  • Kāla Vāda (Time Determinism): The belief that all events are dictated by time.
  • Svabhāva Vāda (Naturalism): The belief that all actions occur by inherent nature.
  • Niyati Vāda (Fatalism): The belief that what is destined to happen will happen.
  • Karma Vāda (Karmic Determinism): The belief that all creation is governed by karma.
  • Udyama Vāda (Effort/Action Determinism): The belief that all actions are achieved through effort. The text resolves these debates through the lens of Syādvāda (Seven-valued logic), emphasizing that reality is often a combination of these factors, not solely dictated by one.
• Specific Jain Concepts: The book touches upon various concepts like Samavaśaraṇa (the divine assembly), Aṣṭamahāprātihārya (eight auspicious signs), Śrāvaka Kālpa, and other behavioral aspects.
• Critique of Non-Jain Practices: The text often contrasts Jain principles with those of other religions, particularly regarding rituals, idol worship, and beliefs about salvation (e.g., refuting salvation through ritualistic bathing in holy rivers).
• Importance of Guru-Shishya Parampara: The text underscores the indispensable role of the Guru in understanding spiritual truths and emphasizes that knowledge of scriptures is attained through direct guidance from a Guru (guru-gamya).
• Language of Scriptures: The book engages in a detailed discussion about the language of Jain scriptures, asserting Ardhamāgadhi as the primary language while acknowledging the presence and purpose of other languages like Sanskrit in commentaries and subsequent works.
• Interpretation of Terms: The text addresses potential ambiguities in scriptural language, clarifying that certain terms might have broader or context-specific meanings. For instance, the term "māṁsa" (meat) is discussed in relation to specific plants like māṁsa kanda or matsya kanda, distinguishing it from animal flesh.

Publisher and Context:

The publication by Prem Jinagam Samiti, Mumbai, and the mention of "Jain Education International for Private and Personal Use Only" suggests a focus on disseminating Jain teachings and knowledge. The book's second edition and its extensive table of contents across eleven volumes indicate its depth and popularity. The introduction also highlights the role of Pujya Mohanlalji Maharaj and the research efforts of Jhaverchand Jadavji Kamdar. The preface by Bhadra P. Hemani from Shramani Vidyapeeth further contextualizes the book's value in clarifying complex Jain doctrines and resolving doubts for aspiring scholars.

In essence, "Prashnottar Mohanmala Uttararddha" aims to be a comprehensive guide for Jain seekers, addressing a vast array of questions related to philosophy, ethics, monastic discipline, and scriptural interpretation, often providing detailed explanations and refutations of alternative viewpoints.