Pravachan Sara Tika Athwa Part 01 Gyantattvadipika

This document is the first volume, titled "Gyantattvadipika," of a commentary (Tika) on the Pravachan Sar, a foundational text in Jainism authored by Acharya Kundakunda. The commentary itself is written by Shitalprasad and published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, focusing on its content and structure:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Book Title: Pravachan Sara Tika athwa Part 01 Gyantattvadipika (Pravachan Sar Commentary, or Part 01: Lamp of Knowledge Element)
• Author of Original Text: Shrimat Kundakundacharya
• Author of Commentary (Tika): Shriman Jain Dharmabhushan Pandit Shitalprasad
• Publisher: Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, Surat
• Key Point: This volume focuses on the Jnana Tattva (Knowledge Element) section of the Pravachan Sar.

2. Introduction (Bhumika):

• Significance of Pravachan Sar: It is described as the essence of all Jain scriptures (Jainagam). It contains a profound discussion on knowledge (Jnana) and conduct (Charitra).
• Structure of Pravachan Sar: It has three sections: Jnana Tattva (Knowledge), Jneya Tattva (Knowable), and Charitra (Conduct). This volume specifically deals with the Jnana Tattva section.
• Commentarial Tradition: The original Pravachan Sar is in Prakrit. There are two Sanskrit commentaries: one by Acharya Amritchandra and another by Acharya Jayasena. This Hindi translation is based on the commentary of Acharya Jayasena, whose Hindi translation was previously unavailable.
• Purpose of the Commentary: To make the profound teachings accessible to those who understand Hindi. The translator acknowledges potential errors and encourages readers to refer to the original text for correction.
• Translator's Efforts: The translator (Shitalprasad) has included an analysis of each verse (Anvay) and elaborated on the meaning, explaining the commentator's viewpoint and then providing the essence (Bhavartha).
• Historical Context: Acharya Kundakunda is placed around Vikram Samvat 19 (1st century CE). His disciple, Acharya Umashwami (author of Tattvartha Sutra), is also mentioned with reverence, indicating Kundakunda's high status within Jain tradition.
• Call to Action: Readers are urged to study the book thoroughly to appreciate the effort and to propagate its teachings through discourse.

3. Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi):

The detailed table of contents outlines the key themes covered in this volume, primarily related to knowledge, the nature of the self, liberation, and the path to it. Some significant topics include:

• Nature of Knowledge: Different types of contemplation (Upayoga), the results of pure contemplation (Shuddhōpayoga), the nature of omniscience (Sarvajña), self-created (Swayambhu), the attributes of the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), the relationship between knowledge and the knowable (Jnana-Jneya), and the difference between definitive (Nishchaya) and conventional (Vyavahara) perspectives.
• Spiritual Path: The fruit of pure contemplation, the characteristics of the pure contemplator, the path to liberation, the necessity of scriptural study (Shastra Adhyayan), and the importance of discrimination (Bhed Vigyan).
• The Self and Reality: The true nature of the soul, the cause of bondage (Karma), the teachings of the omniscient, the absence of physical needs for the liberated soul, and the distinction between sensory and non-sensory knowledge.
• Ethical and Spiritual Principles: The nature of auspicious contemplation (Shubhōpayoga), its fruits, the equivalence of auspicious and inauspicious contemplation, the role of actions (Karma) in attaining higher states, the nature of desire, and the suffering inherent in sensory pleasures.
• Key Concepts: The text emphasizes the concept of "Shuddhōpayoga" (Pure Contemplation) as the direct path to liberation and "Jñana" (Knowledge) as fundamental to spiritual realization.

4. Detailed Content Summary (Based on Gaatha Numbers and Descriptions):

The text systematically presents the teachings of Kundakunda through the commentary. The summary of the content reveals a progression of ideas:

• Mangalācharaṇa (Invocation/Benediction): The text begins with verses of salutation, honoring deities, gurus, and the Jain tradition.
• Nature of the Self and Knowledge: Several verses discuss the soul's inherent nature, its relationship with knowledge, and how true knowledge (omniscience) is attained. It distinguishes between sensory knowledge and the pure, inherent knowledge of the soul.
• The Path to Liberation: The text emphasizes that only through pure contemplation (Shuddhōpayoga), detachment from sensory pleasures, and the elimination of passions (Kashayas) like attachment (Raga) and aversion (Dvesha) can liberation be achieved.
• Critique of Sensory Experience: A significant portion of the text focuses on debunking the idea that sensory pleasures or worldly possessions lead to happiness. It argues that these are inherently flawed, impermanent, and ultimately lead to suffering and bondage.
• The State of the Liberated Soul: Descriptions of the liberated soul (Siddha) highlight its infinite knowledge, bliss, and power, free from all worldly limitations and attachments.
• The Role of Scriptures and Gurus: The importance of studying Jain scriptures (Agam) and following the teachings of enlightened beings (Gurus) is stressed as essential for understanding the path and achieving the goal.
• Distinction between Real and Unreal: The text draws a clear line between the transient, sensory world (which is ultimately painful) and the eternal, pure nature of the soul (which is the source of true bliss).
• The Purpose of Life: The ultimate purpose of human existence is presented as the attainment of self-realization and liberation through the practice of pure contemplation and detachment.

5. Supplementary Information:

• Biographical Note on Seth Girdharilalji: A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to the life and philanthropy of Seth Girdharilalji of Calcutta, who supported the publication of this book in memory of his father. His generosity and charitable activities are highlighted.
• Corrections (Shuddhyashuddhi): Several pages are dedicated to listing corrections and clarifications, indicating the meticulousness of the publication process.

Overall Theme:

The primary theme of Gyantattvadipika is the exploration of Jnana Tattva (the element of knowledge) within the Pravachan Sar. It argues that true knowledge is not derived from the senses or external objects but is an intrinsic quality of the soul. The path to realizing this pure, omniscient knowledge is through Shuddhōpayoga (Pure Contemplation), which involves detachment from sensory pleasures and passions, and a deep understanding of the soul's true nature, free from the influence of worldly attachments and karma. The text systematically contrasts the temporary and ultimately suffering-filled nature of sensory experience with the eternal, blissful, and liberating nature of pure self-knowledge.