Pravachansara Anushilan Part 1 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pravachansara Anushilan Part 1," authored by Hukamchand Bharilla:

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Pravachansara Anushilan Part 1" is an insightful exploration and commentary on the revered Jain scripture, "Pravachanasara," attributed to Acharya Kundakunda. This work aims to elucidate the profound philosophical and spiritual teachings of the "Pravachanasara" in a way that is accessible and beneficial to a wide audience. The author, Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla, is recognized for his extensive contributions to Jain literature, having written and edited numerous works that have achieved significant popularity and reach. This particular book is a continuation of his earlier successful "Samaysara Anushilan," inspired by reader interest and his own scholarly engagement with the text.

Author and Publisher:

Author: Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla (Shastri, Nyaytirtha, Sahityaratna, M.A., Ph.D.)
Publisher: Ravindra Patni Family Charitable Trust, Mumbai, and Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust, Jaipur.
Publication Year: The Hindi version was first published on January 1, 2005, with a Marathi edition also released on the same date.

Structure and Content (Based on the provided pages):

The book is a detailed analysis of the "Pravachanasara," focusing on its three major sections (Mahadhikaras) and the accompanying verses (Gathas) and couplets (Kalashas). The provided text offers a glimpse into the introductory and early sections of the commentary:

Mangaalacharan (Invocation): The book begins with auspicious invocations, paying homage to the enlightened souls (Jinas) and the essence of Jin Vachana (teachings). The author expresses his intention to follow in the footsteps of the great Acharyas and engage in the study (anushilan) of the "Pravachanasara."
Prashishtikiy (Editorial/Foreword): The foreword highlights Dr. Bharilla's prolific literary output and its immense value to Jain spirituality. It mentions that his writings, particularly those published in "Atmadharma" and "Vitraag-Vigyan," have become invaluable treasures. The text notes the widespread translation and publication of his works in various languages, acknowledging his significant contribution to Jain literature and Hindi literature, with over forty lakh copies published in eight languages. It also mentions ongoing research and scholarship on his works, supported by the Ravindra Patni Family Charitable Trust. The foreword also touches upon the arduous yet rewarding nature of studying "Pravachanasara" due to its deep and subtle subject matter, requiring patience and dedication.
Prashthbhumi (Background): This section delves into the significance and structure of the "Pravachanasara."
- Nature of Pravachanasara: It is described as the essence of the teachings of the Jinendras (Arhants), a powerful and well-structured work by Acharya Kundakunda that has been studied for two thousand years. While "Samaysara" is considered paramount among Kundakunda's works, "Pravachanasara" is noted for its broader accessibility, particularly in academic curricula, due to its style of presenting the nature of reality.
- Commentaries: The text discusses prominent commentaries on "Pravachanasara," namely "Tattvapradipika" by Acharya Amritchandra (written about a thousand years after the original) and "Tatparyavritti" by Acharya Jayasena (written about three hundred years after Tattvapradipika). Both are highly regarded and widely studied, with Tattvapradipika praised for its eloquent language and Tatparyavritti for its simple, explanatory style.
- Divisions of the Text: "Pravachanasara" is divided into three major sections (Mahadhikaras). Acharya Amritchandra terms them "Jnanatattva Pragyapan" (exposition of knowledge), "Jneyatattva Pragyapan" (exposition of the knowable), and "Charaananuyogasuchak Choolika" (Concluding remarks on conduct). Acharya Jayasena refers to them as "Samyagjnanaadhikar" (Chapter on Right Knowledge), "Samyagdarshanadhikar" (Chapter on Right Perception), and "Samyak Charitradhikar" (Chapter on Right Conduct).
- Interpretation of Section Names: The text addresses the apparent differences in naming the sections, clarifying that these are not disagreements but rather classifications made by commentators for the convenience of readers, as Acharya Kundakunda himself did not explicitly divide the work. Acharya Jayasena's classification is seen as a respectful acceptance and presentation of Amritchandra's framework.
- Thematic Interpretation: The author proposes an interpretation of the sections in terms of the Dev-Shastra-Guru paradigm:
  - Jnanatattva Pragyapan (Samyagjnanaadhikar): Focuses on the nature of the Dev (God), specifically Arhants and Siddhas, highlighting their attributes of omniscient knowledge and infinite bliss. This section is seen as primarily describing the nature of the Dev.
  - Jneyatattva Pragyapan (Samyagdarshanadhikar): Deals with the nature of the Shastra (Scripture) and the knowable reality, emphasizing the distinction between knowledge and the knowable, and awakening the awareness of self and other.
  - Charanuyogasuchak Choolika (Samyak Charitradhikar): Discusses the nature of the Guru (spiritual guide) and right conduct.
- Mangaalacharan of Tattvapradipika: The summary includes the mangaalacharan of Acharya Amritchandra's Tattvapradipika, which praises the soul as the ultimate reality, characterized by knowledge and bliss, pervading all existence, and realized through self-experience. The author explains the distinction between "Paramatma" (manifested Arhant/Siddha) and "Paratma" (transcendent, eternal cause-soul).
- Definition of Soul's Nature: The soul is described as possessing the nature of knower-seer, with its essence being consciousness (upayog). The text emphasizes that knowledge and bliss are intrinsic qualities of the soul, with the former being the focus in philosophical discussions and the latter in spiritual discourse.
- References: The author indicates the extensive use of various commentaries and works, including those by Pandeya Mararajji, Pandit Manoharlalji, Pandit Himmatlal Jethalal Shah, Kavi Vrindavandasji, and Shri Kanji Swami, to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Anukramanika (Table of Contents): The table of contents indicates that the book is structured around the "Gathas" (verses) and "Kalashas" of the "Pravachanasara," systematically analyzing each section. It lists Gathas from 1-5 up to 73-74, indicating a deep dive into the scriptural content.

Key Themes and Concepts Introduced:

Essence of Jain Teachings: The book aims to reveal the core spiritual essence of Jainism as found in the "Pravachanasara."
Nature of Reality: The commentary likely delves into the Jain understanding of reality, including the distinction between soul and non-soul, and the multifaceted nature of existence (Anekanta).
The Soul (Atma): The nature of the soul as a knower-seer, possessing intrinsic knowledge and bliss, is a central theme.
Right Knowledge, Perception, and Conduct: The division of "Pravachanasara" into these three aspects suggests an exploration of the path to liberation as understood in Jainism.
Commentarial Tradition: The book highlights the importance of scholarly interpretation and the rich tradition of commentaries in understanding classical Jain texts.
Spiritual Practice: The emphasis on "anushilan" (study and contemplation) suggests a practical approach to spiritual realization.

Significance:

"Pravachanasara Anushilan Part 1" serves as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the "Pravachanasara." Dr. Bharilla's lucid explanations and comprehensive referencing make this complex text more approachable, fostering spiritual growth and intellectual engagement with Jain philosophy. The book contributes to making the profound teachings of Acharya Kundakunda accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing the rich heritage of Jain spiritual thought.