Prathamanuyog Shastra Ane Tena Praneta Sthavir Aryakalaka

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

The provided text, "Prathamanuyog Shastra ane tena Praneta Sthavir Aryakalaka" by Punyavijay, is an exploration of the Jain Prathamanuyog Shastra (the first exposition or commentary) and its proponent, Sthavir Aryakalaka. The document, sourced from the Acharya Vijayavallabhsuri Smarak Granth, delves into the nature of Prathamanuyog, its historical context, and the significant role of Sthavir Aryakalaka in its preservation and re-establishment.

What is Prathamanuyog?

The text explains that Prathamanuyog is a crucial part of Jain scripture, focusing on the biographical accounts and lives of significant figures. It is further divided into:

• Mula Prathamanuyog (Original Prathamanuyog): This refers to the foundational text that contained detailed biographies of the Tirthankaras, their previous lives, their births, ascensions to divine realms, renunciations, austerities, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), propagation of Dharma, and other associated details like their lineage, physical attributes, disciples, and the structure of the monastic order. It also includes accounts of Chakravartis (universal emperors) and Dasharas (a lineage of kings).
• Gandikanuyog: This part elaborates on the genealogies and lives of various significant individuals and periods, including Kulakaras (progenitors), Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Dasharas, Vasudevas, Harivamsas, Bhadrabahus, ascetics, and the cycles of time (Utsarpini and Avasarpini).

The Role of Sthavir Aryakalaka:

The central theme of the text is the re-establishment and propagation of Prathamanuyog by Sthavir Aryakalaka. The text highlights:

• Original Text's Loss: The original Prathamanuyog text had been lost or corrupted over time.
• Aryakalaka's Revival: Sthavir Aryakalaka undertook the task of reconstructing and reviving Prathamanuyog based on available fragments and his own understanding. This revival effort is also referred to as Prakatapakalpa, which involves the restoration of lost or damaged scriptures. He also composed Sangrahani Granthas (compendia) for those with weaker memories.
• Learning from Ajivikas: To regain knowledge of certain lost sciences, particularly Ashtanga Nimitta Vidya (the science of eight branches of prognostication), Aryakalaka studied with the Ajivikas, a sect that held this knowledge. This was necessary as the practice of such sciences was discouraged by Lord Mahavir.
• Contribution to other Texts: Besides Prathamanuyog, Aryakalaka is credited with reviving Gandikanuyog and composing Sangrahani works for various Jain Agamas (scriptures).
• Contemporary of King Shalivahana: The text strongly suggests that Sthavir Aryakalaka was a contemporary of King Shalivahana. This is supported by an account where King Shalivahana poses three questions to Aryakalaka, and is rewarded for his insightful answers. This interaction led to the king's religious inclination. The text also mentions Aryakalaka observing the Samvatsari festival on the fourth day of Bhadrapada instead of the fifth, possibly due to this association with the king.

Content of Prathamanuyog:

The text cites various sources like Vasudevahindi, Avashyak Churni, Anuyogdwar Sutra, and Samavayanga Sutra to illustrate the contents of Prathamanuyog. These include:

• Biographies of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, and Dasharas, including their previous lives.
• Details about their ascension to heavens, births, coronations, renunciations, austerities, attainment of omniscience, and propagation of Jainism.
• Information on their physical characteristics, lifespan, and disciples.
• The structure and size of the monastic order (Sangha).
• The number of souls who attained liberation (Siddhas) after various penances.
• The text also references the inclusion of the "five great clouds" (Pancha Mahameghas) in the context of Prathamanuyog, suggesting a broader scope of information.

Historical Significance and Later Interpretations:

• Distinction between Original and Revived Text: The text clarifies that when scriptures like Nandisutra and Samavayanga Sutra refer to "Mula Prathamanuyog," they are likely referencing the original text before its loss. The Prathamanuyog revived by Aryakalaka is the one mentioned in later commentaries.
• Scope of Biographies: While some sources suggest Prathamanuyog primarily contained Tirthankara biographies, the text argues that it must have also included the lives of allied figures like Chakravartis and Vasudevas, as their lives are intricately linked. It is suggested that Aryakalaka's revival likely resembled later works like the Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra.
• Lost Nature and Legends: The text acknowledges that Prathamanuyog has been lost for a long time. It also mentions legends of the text being kept in secret places and revealed by deities to certain acharyas, although the author expresses skepticism about the veracity of such accounts.

Panchakalpa Mahabhashya:

The text also briefly touches upon the "Panchakalpa Mahabhashya," clarifying that it is a commentary section separated from the "Kalpa Bhashya" and its original sutra can be traced back to the Brihatkalpa Sutra.

In essence, the document aims to inform the reader about the ancient Jain scripture Prathamanuyog, its content, its historical disappearance, and the significant effort of Sthavir Aryakalaka in its rediscovery and re-establishment, thereby preserving a vital aspect of Jain religious and historical literature.