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Pravachansara

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Pravachansara

Summary

The provided text is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pravachansara" by Acharya Kundakunda, with commentary and translation by Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla. The text itself is a commentary on the original work by Acharya Amritchandra, titled "Tattvapradipika". The publisher is Todarmal Granthamala, Jaipur.

Here's a breakdown of the content presented, chapter by chapter, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pravachansara (प्रवचनसार) Author (Original): Acharya Kundakunda (श्रीमद् भगवत्कुन्दकुन्दाचार्यदेव) Author (Hindi Commentary & Translation): Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla (डॉ. हुकमचन्द भारिल्ल) Publisher: Pandit Todarmal Sarvodaya Trust, Jaipur (पण्डित टोडरमल सर्वोदय ट्रस्ट)

Overall Structure:

The book is divided into four main sections:

  1. Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar (ज्ञानतत्त्वप्रज्ञापन महाधिकार): This section focuses on the nature of knowledge. It is further divided into:

    • Shuddhopayogadhikar (शुद्धोपयोगाधिकार) - 8 pages (Gathas 13-20)
    • Gyanadhikar (ज्ञानाधिकार) - 32 pages (Gathas 21-52)
    • Sukhādhikar (सुखाधिकार) - 16 pages (Gathas 53-68)
    • Shubhparinamadhikar (शुभपरिणामाधिकार) - 50 pages (Gathas 69-92)

  2. Gyetattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar (ज्ञेयतत्त्वप्रज्ञापन महाधिकार): This section deals with the nature of the knowable. It is divided into:

    • Dravya Samanya Pragyapan Adhikar (द्रव्यसामान्य प्रज्ञापन अधिकार) - 62 pages (Gathas 93-126)
    • Dravya Vishesh Pragyapan Adhikar (द्रव्यविशेष प्रज्ञापन अधिकार) - 18 pages (Gathas 127-144)
    • Gyanagya Vibhāgādhikār (ज्ञानज्ञेयविभागाधिकार) - 56 pages (Gathas 145-200)

  3. Charananuyoga Suchak Chulika Mahadhikar (चरणानुयोगसूचकचूलिका महाधिकार): This section serves as an appendix indicating the path of conduct. It is divided into:

    • Acharan Pragyapan Adhikar (आचरणप्रज्ञापनाधिकार) - 35 pages (Gathas 201-231)
    • Mokshamarga Pragyapan Adhikar (मोक्षमार्गप्रज्ञापनाधिकार) - 16 pages (Gathas 232-244)
    • Shubhupayoga Pragyapan Adhikar (शुभोपयोगप्रज्ञापनाधिकार) - 27 pages (Gathas 245-270)
    • Pancharatna Adhikar (पंचरत्न अधिकार) - 7 pages (Gathas 271-275)

  4. Parishishta (परिशिष्ट): This section contains supplementary material, including a detailed explanation of the "Forty-Seven Nayas" (सैंतालीस नय).

Key Features of the Commentary (as highlighted in the Prakashakiya - Foreword):

  • Simple and Lucid Language: The Hindi commentary is described as easy to understand, flowing, and clear.
  • Conceptual Translation: Instead of a literal word-for-word translation of Acharya Amritchandra's Sanskrit commentary, a conceptual translation (bhavanuvad) has been provided for better comprehension by general readers.
  • Poetic Translation: The verses (Gathas) and verses of praise (Kalashas) have been translated into Hindi poetry that reads almost like prose, requiring no further grammatical reconstruction (anvay).
  • Detailed Explanations: The Hindi commentator, Dr. Bharilla, provides his own special clarifications that elucidate the essence of the verses and Kalashas.
  • Inclusion of Additional Verses: Verses from Acharya Jayasena's "Tattvavritti" commentary, which are not found in "Tattvapradipika," have been included along with their prose and poetic translations and explanations.
  • Unique Poetic Translations: This edition is unique in providing poetic translations of the Gathas and Kalashas done by the commentator himself, which are not available in other Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, or Kannada commentaries.
  • Clear Explanation of Nayas: The explanation of the forty-seven Nayas (philosophical standpoints) is particularly clear in this work compared to previous commentaries.
  • Illustrative Examples: To clarify complex subjects, Dr. Bharilla has incorporated his own examples.
  • Accessibility for Beginners: The work is designed to facilitate an understanding of the core spiritual principles for those new to Jainism or spirituality.
  • Sequential Presentation: The beginning of each section includes a brief recap of the preceding topic, aiding in understanding the flow of ideas.
  • Affordable Pricing: The book is made available at a subsidized price (selling price of 50 rupees for a cost price of 95 rupees) due to the generosity of donors, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Artistic Presentation: The book utilizes seven different types of fonts for clarity and aesthetic appeal, distinguishing the original verses, Sanskrit commentary, Hindi translation, poetic translation, and the commentator's explanations.

Content Summary of the Initial Sections (Based on Gathas 1-12):

The initial pages focus on the introductory aspects and mangalacharana (auspicious invocations) of the text.

  • Mangalacharana (Pages 6-7):

    • The text begins with invocations to the perfected souls (Arihants and Siddhas) and righteous monks (Sadhus).
    • It describes the nature of the liberated souls (Siddhas) as devoid of eight kinds of karma, possessing eight auspicious qualities, embodiment of pure consciousness, free from bodies, and residing in an eternal abode of infinite bliss.
    • It praises the monks who are devoted to scriptural study and practice, and who have reached the end of the ocean of worldly existence.
    • "Pravachansara" itself is described as the essence of Jin-pravachans (teachings of the Jinas), whose study and contemplation leads to self-knowledge.
    • The text promises to explain the principles of 'Gyanatattva' (nature of knowledge) and 'Gyetattva' (nature of the knowable) and the path of conduct (Charananuyoga).
    • It emphasizes the realization of the self as the ultimate goal, understanding the distinction between the self (Gyanatattva) and the knowable (Gyetattva), and the call to embrace the self-knowledge.
    • Acharya Kundakunda's teachings are presented as beneficial and leading to the crossing of the terrifying ocean of worldly existence.
    • The author humbly states that this commentary is a product of deep contemplation of Kundakunda's teachings, aiming to bring these profound truths to the hearts of the people.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Introduction (Page 8):

    • "Pravachansara" is identified as the essence of the teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras, a potent and universally acclaimed work by Acharya Kundakunda.
    • This "immortal" scripture, which presents the entire universe as 'Gyanatattva' and 'Gyetattva,' has been continuously studied for two thousand years and is still included in university curricula.
    • While "Samaysara" is considered supreme among Kundakunda's works for its purely spiritual content, "Pravachansara," with its unique style of explaining the nature of reality, has wide acceptance.
    • Acharya Kundakunda emerges in this work not just as a spiritual saint but also as a profound philosopher, expounding the principles of 'Pramana' (means of knowledge) and 'Prameya' (knowable objects).
    • According to Acharya Jayasena, if "Panchastikaya" was for disciples with brief interest, then "Pravachansara" was composed for disciples with moderate interest.
    • Despite numerous commentaries in various languages, Acharya Amritchandra's "Tattvapradipika" and Acharya Jayasena's "Tatparyavritti," written approximately a thousand years and seven hundred years ago respectively, are the most prevalent Sanskrit commentaries.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Mangalacharana (Gathas 1-5) & Tattvapradipika Commentary (Pages 9-14):

    • The commentary begins with Acharya Amritchandra's invocation, paying homage to the supreme soul (Para-atma) who is the embodiment of consciousness, knowledge, and infinite bliss. This soul is described as pervading everywhere, yet distinct, residing in its own nature, and illuminating the universe with the light of anekānta (non-absolutism).
    • The purpose of composing this commentary is stated to be for the benefit of virtuous beings seeking the nectar of eternal bliss.
    • The text starts with the verses of Acharya Kundakunda himself, invoking the Pancha Parameshthis (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus), with special reverence for Lord Mahavir as the present Tirthankara. This invocation is presented as a means to achieve the path of liberation and attain equanimity, which leads to Nirvana.
    • The verses emphasize the importance of pure vision and knowledge ('Vishuddha Darshan-Gyan') as the foundation for this equanimity and liberation.
    • The commentary explains that achieving this pure state involves transcending worldly attachments and desires, which are the cause of karmic bondage.
    • It highlights the concept of 'Samata' (equanimity) achieved through pure spiritual practice as the direct path to liberation.
    • The author reiterates the goal of attaining the state of absolute equanimity that leads to Nirvana.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 6 (Page 15):

    • This Gatha explains the fruit of 'Charitra' (conduct). It states that from 'Darshan-Gyan Pradhan Charitra' (conduct based on right vision and knowledge), liberation is attained, along with divine wealth. However, if this conduct is 'Saraga' (with attachment/passion), it leads to worldly bondage and attainment of divine realms.
    • Therefore, 'Vitaraga Charitra' (conduct free from passion) is desirable, while 'Saraga Charitra' is to be relinquished.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 7 (Pages 15-16):

    • Gatha 7 defines the essence of true conduct ('Charitra') as 'Dharma' (virtue), which is equated with 'Samata' (equanimity). This equanimity is described as a state of mind free from delusion (Moha) and agitation (Kshobha).
    • The commentary emphasizes that conduct is not external action but an internal transformation of the soul, free from the disturbances of delusion and passion.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 8 (Pages 16-17):

    • Gatha 8 asserts that a substance is identified by its state of transformation. Therefore, the soul that transforms into the state of Dharma (virtue) is itself Dharma (conduct).
    • This highlights the identity of the soul with its own inherent nature, meaning the soul is its own conduct and virtuous transformations.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 9 (Pages 17-19):

    • Gatha 9 states that the soul, by transforming into a pure state, becomes pure; by transforming into a good state, becomes good; and by transforming into an impure state, becomes impure. This establishes that the soul's nature is its states of transformation.
    • The commentary uses the analogy of a crystal taking on the color of a flower (like hibiscus or sandalwood) to illustrate how the soul reflects the qualities of its transformations (states of consciousness) due to its inherent purity and capacity for transformation. The key is that the soul itself is not the color but the transparency that reflects it.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 10 (Pages 19-20):

    • Gatha 10 emphasizes the inseparable relationship between substance ('Artha') and transformation ('Parinama'). It states that neither exists without the other. The substance is constituted by its attributes (Guna) and transformations (Paryaya), and its existence is defined by this interplay.
    • The commentary clarifies that the substance is the underlying reality that possesses attributes and undergoes transformations. It's the substratum of all changes.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 11 (Pages 20-22):

    • Gatha 11 elucidates the fruits of different types of consciousness. It states that the soul progressing in pure consciousness ('Shuddhopayoga') attains liberation ('Nirvana-sukha'), while the soul engaged in auspicious outcomes ('Shubhupayoga') attains heavenly bliss ('Swarga-sukha').
    • The commentary clarifies that while auspicious activities can lead to favorable rebirths, the ultimate goal of liberation is attained only through pure, passion-free consciousness.

  • Gyanatattva Pragyapan Mahadhikar - Gatha 12 (Page 22):

    • Gatha 12 discusses the consequence of inauspicious consciousness ('Ashubhupayoga'). It states that such consciousness leads to the cycle of suffering, resulting in births as lowly beings (Kuner), animals (Tiryañch), or hellish beings (Nairayik), constantly afflicted by immense suffering.
    • This highlights the importance of abandoning inauspicious states of mind as they are the root cause of continued transmigration and suffering.

  • Shuddhopayoga Adhikar - Introduction and Gatha 13 (Pages 23-24):

    • The text transitions to the section on Pure Consciousness ('Shuddhopayoga'), which is presented as the path to liberation.
    • Gatha 13 describes the bliss derived from pure consciousness. This bliss is characterized as exceptional, originating from the self, beyond the senses, incomparable, infinite, uninterrupted, and ultimately the true goal.
    • The commentary explains that this bliss is experienced by those who have attained the fullness of pure consciousness, referring to the enlightened ones like Arhants and Siddhas. It's a state of divine, unbroken happiness, distinct from fleeting sensory pleasures.

Overall Theme:

The provided text is the beginning of a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, specifically focusing on the nature of reality as explained by Acharya Kundakunda. It aims to guide seekers towards liberation by detailing the path of right knowledge, right vision, and right conduct, emphasizing the ultimate reality of the soul and the means to attain its pure, liberated state through 'Shuddhopayoga' (pure consciousness). The commentary by Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla is noted for its clarity, accessibility, and comprehensiveness, making this ancient wisdom available to a modern audience.