Pravachansar Parmagam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pravachansara Parmagam" by Nathuram Premi, based on the provided pages:

Title: Shri Pravachansara Parmagam Author: Kavi Shri Vrindavan Das Ji (with research and editing by Shri Nathuram Premi) Publisher: Vrat. Dulichand Jain Granthmala, Songadh (Saurashtra) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010769/1

This document is a summary and exposition of the "Pravachansara Parmagam," a significant Jain scripture authored by Acharya Kundakunda. The version presented here is a Hindi translation (in verse) by Kavi Vrindavan Das Ji, based on the Sanskrit commentary by Shri Amritchand Suri and the vernacular commentary (Vachanika) by Pandit Hemraj Ji. The research and editing for this publication were done by Shri Nathuram Premi.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Authorship and Lineage:

   • The original work, "Pravachansara," is attributed to Acharya Kundakunda, who is believed to have existed around Vikram Samvat 49.
   • Acharya Kundakunda is renowned for his 84 "Pramrita" (Pahuda) works, with "Panchastikaya," "Natak Samaysara," and "Pravachansara" being the most famous. These three are considered to belong to the "Dwitiya Siddhanta" or "Dwitiya Shrutaskandha."
   • The summary highlights that these works primarily focus on the "Shuddha Nischayanaya" (Pure Reality Aspect).
   • Shri Amritchandracharya (active around Vikram Samvat 962) wrote the Sanskrit commentary "Tattvadiipika" on Kundakunda's works.
   • Pandit Hemraj Ji of Agra (Vikram Samvat 1709) created a vernacular commentary ("Bhasha-Vachanika") based on Tattvadiipika.
   • Kavi Vrindavan Das Ji of Kashi then composed this metrical translation/commentary ("padyabaddh tika") based on Pandit Hemraj Ji's Vachanika. This verse commentary was completed around Vikram Samvat 1905.

2. Editorial Notes and Methodology:

   • Shri Nathuram Premi explains that the text was collated from two handwritten manuscripts. One was the first copy written by Kavi Vrindavan Das Ji himself, obtained from the Saraswati Bhandar in Kashi. The second was provided by Pandit Dharma Sahay Ji of Karhal.
   • Premi acknowledges and discusses the variations in Vrindavan Das Ji's spelling and writing style (e.g., variations in words like 'mein', 'hai', 'ke', 'nahin', 'hohi', 'lon', 'tyon', 'kasho', 'vishe', 'vi'). He notes that Vrindavan Das Ji seemed to consider variations acceptable, especially where poetic meter and alliteration were concerned.
   • Premi explains his editorial decision to correct certain spellings (like 'sh' vs. 's') based on standard contemporary writing, where it did not harm the meter or alliteration. He mentions that some variations were retained, and efforts were made for consistency.
   • Premi also addresses the use of feminine gender where masculine might be expected in Vrindavan Das Ji's language, noting that he chose not to alter these instances to preserve the linguistic context of the author's time and region. He believes such changes would alter the original creator's work rather than correct transcription errors.
   • The original plan was to publish the text with Sanskrit commentary and Vachanika, but due to delays in the commentary's preparation and a lack of interest from other parties, this separate publication of the Hindi verse commentary was undertaken.
   • Premi regrets that the introductory verses ("Utthaniika") from the Sanskrit commentaries could not be included as many forms had already been printed, but promises to include them in a future edition if it becomes possible.

3. Content of the "Pravachansara Parmagam":

   • The text itself is a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, focusing on the Nishchaya Naya (Real Aspect).
   • It emphasizes the importance of understanding Nishchaya (Absolute Truth) and Vyavahara (Conventional Truth) in their proper context to avoid misinterpretations. The preface warns that misunderstanding these could lead to misinterpretations similar to how Banarasidas misinterpreted Samaysara.
   • The core subject matter revolves around the nature of the soul, karma, the path to liberation, and the means to achieve it.
   • The summary mentions the structure of the book includes chapters or sections like:
     • Dhyana (Meditation)
     • Jnana (Knowledge)
     • Sukha (Happiness)
     • Jnana-Tattva (Principle of Knowledge)
     • Geya-Tattva (Principle of the Knowable)
     • Vishesh Geya-Tattva (Special Knowable Principle)
     • Vyavaharik Jiva-Tattva (Practical Soul Principle)
     • Charitra (Conduct)
     • Ekagra-Rupa Moksha-Marga (Concentrated Path to Liberation)
     • Shubh-Upayoga-Rupa Muni-Pada (Munihood as Pure Application)
     • Pancharatna (Five Jewels)
     • Author's Biography and Genealogy

4. Key Philosophical Themes Covered in the Summary:

   • Nayas (Standpoints): The importance of Nayas, particularly Nishchaya and Vyavahara, is repeatedly stressed for understanding reality.
   • Anekanta (Non-absolutism): The text upholds the principle of Anekanta, stating that truth is multifaceted and cannot be grasped from a single viewpoint.
   • Nature of the Soul: The soul is described as inherently pure, possessing infinite knowledge, bliss, and consciousness, distinct from the physical body and karmic matter.
   • Liberation (Moksha): Liberation is achieved through the annihilation of karmas by following the path of Samyag Darshan (Right Faith), Samyag Jnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct), often referred to as the "Ratnatraya" (Three Jewels).
   • Karma: The text implicitly deals with the nature of karma and its influence on the soul, leading to transmigration and suffering.
   • Efficacy of Devotion and Austerity: While the ultimate path is the soul's inherent nature, devotional practices and austerities are presented as supporting means, particularly in the context of Vyavahara.
   • Distinction between True and False Asceticism: The work distinguishes between genuine ascetics and those who merely adopt the external symbols of asceticism without internal realization.

5. Author's Humble Plea and Dedication:

   • Kavi Vrindavan Das Ji expresses humility regarding his attempt to render the profound teachings of Kundakunda into verse, comparing his effort to a child reaching for the moon or a crow attempting to sing like a cuckoo.
   • The publication is dedicated to the propagation of knowledge, funded by a donation.
   • The editors express hope that the reader will benefit from the work and overlook any remaining errors. They also lament the lack of widespread appreciation for such profound texts within the Jain community, which makes the prospect of a second edition uncertain.

In essence, this document is a valuable resource providing a poetic and accessible rendering of Acharya Kundakunda's "Pravachansara" into Hindi, making its profound philosophical insights available to a wider audience, with meticulous research and careful editing by Nathuram Premi.