Pravachansaroddhar Part 1

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pravachansaroddhar Part 1" by Nemichandrasuri, based on the extracted pages:

Book Title: Pravachansaroddhar Part 1 (प्रवचनसारोद्धारः प्रथमः खण्डः) Author: Nemichandrasuri (श्रीमन्नेमिचन्द्रसूरिप्रवर) Commentary Author: Siddhasenasuri (श्रीमद्दे भद्रान्तिच्छ्रीमसिद्धसेन सूरि) Publisher: Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti, Pindwara (भारतीय प्राच्यत्तत्त्व प्रकाशन समिति, पिंडवाड़ा)

Overall Purpose: The book "Pravachansaroddhar Part 1" is presented as a refined and edited compilation, based on ancient handwritten manuscripts and other relevant materials. It aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of Jain principles, likely focusing on the core teachings ("Pravachan") of Jainism, with an "Uddhar" (essence, extract, or summary) of what is important. The text is a commentary on a foundational Jain work, with Siddhasenasuri providing the detailed commentary titled "Tattvajnyanavikashini Teeka" (तत्वज्ञानविकाशिनीटीका).

Key Highlights from the Provided Pages:

• Invocation and Blessings: The text begins with multiple invocations and blessings to Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshvanath (श्री शंखेश्वर पार्श्वनाथाय नमः) and Lord Mahavir (श्री महावीराय नमः), as well as to the lineage of revered Jain Acharyas (Gurus). This signifies the auspicious and devotional nature of the work.

• Editorial Introduction (Prastavanam / Prakathanam - प्राक्कथनम्):

  • The preface explains that the first volume, containing 97 (likely a typo, as the content goes much further) sections of the "Pravachansaroddhar," annotated with the "Tattvajnyanavikashini Teeka" by Acharya Siddhasenasuri, has been compiled and edited from various ancient manuscripts.
  • Author's Lineage: Extensive details are provided about the guru-parampara (lineage of gurus) of Acharya Nemichandrasuri, tracing it back through the Brihadgaccha lineage. This lineage includes prominent figures like Devsurisuri, Ajit Devsurisuri, Anandasuri, and then Nemichandrasuri himself, followed by other disciples. The text cites the "Anantanathcharit" (अनन्तनाथचरित) as a source for this information. It's noted that while the life details of Nemichandrasuri are not fully available, his period of influence is estimated to be the 12th-13th century based on the inscription of his work "Anantanathcharit" in Vikrama Samvat 1216.
  • Commentator's Lineage: Information is also provided about the commentator, Acharya Siddhasenasuri, belonging to the Chandragaccha. His guru lineage is also detailed, and the completion of his commentary is mentioned in Vikrama Samvat 1248 (or 1278 according to another source, with a note about the interpretation of "Sagar" in dating). The commentary itself is known as "Tattvajnyanavikashini" (तत्वप्रकाशिनी).
  • Other Works: The commentary mentions other works by the commentator, suchs as "Stutipushpa" (स्तुतिपु), "Shri Panprabhcharitra" (श्रीपद्मप्रभचरित्र), and a "Samachari" (सामाचारी), which are currently not found in printed form.
  • Manuscript Sources: The preface lists several handwritten manuscripts used for the present edition, indicating their origin (e.g., Jaisalmer Jain Bhandar, Patan Jain Bhandar, Ahmedabad Jain Vidyashala) and providing details about their condition (palm-leaf, paper, completeness, size, script, illustrations). This highlights the scholarly effort involved in the publication.
  • Purpose of Re-publication: The re-editing and publication of this "rare" text are deemed necessary, undertaken with the inspiration of Acharya Jayaghoshvijayji Maharaj and the support of the Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti.

• Subject Matter (Vishayanukramah - विषयानुक्रमः): This section provides an extensive table of contents, listing numerous topics covered in the book. These topics are highly detailed and cover a vast range of Jain philosophy, ethics, practices, and history, including:

  • Core Practices: Various types of Chaityavandan (चेत्यवन्दन), Pratikraman (प्रतिक्रमण), Pratyakhyan (प्रत्याख्यान - vows/renunciations), Samiti (समिति - carefulness), Gupti (गुप्तयः - restraint), Tapa (तपः - asceticism), etc.
  • Spiritual Concepts: Knowledge (ज्ञान), Perception (दर्शन), Conduct (चारित्र), Stages of Conduct (गुणस्थान), Soul (जीव), Non-soul (अजीव), Karma (कर्म), Liberation (मोक्ष), etc.
  • Jain History & Figures: Names of Tirthankaras, Chakravartins, Vasudevas, Kevalins, Ganadharas, Acharyas, their lifespans, residences, and the succession of spiritual masters.
  • Cosmology & Geography: Descriptions of Jambu Dweep, Bharat Kshetra, Airavat Kshetra, Maha videhakshetra, various heavens, hells, and mountains.
  • Ethical Principles: Doshas (दोषाः - faults/vices) and Ashatanas (आशातनाः - offenses/disrespects), Vows (महाव्रत), Shiksha Vratas (शिक्षाव्रत), etc.
  • Ascetic Practices: Details about different types of conduct, austerities, and their classification.
  • Specific Terms & Concepts: Explanation of various Jain terms, rituals, symbols (like Laanchanani - लाञ्छनानि), and classifications of beings.

• Detailed Topics (Examples from Vishayanukramah):

  • "Chaitravandan" (चैत्यवन्दन) - worship of shrines/temples.
  • "Pratikraman" (प्रतिक्रमण) - the process of confession and repentance.
  • "Pratyakhyan" (प्रत्याख्यान) - vows of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
  • "Dhyana" (ध्यान) - meditation.
  • "Karma" (कर्म) - the law of action and its effects.
  • "Samsara" (संसार) - the cycle of birth and death.
  • "Moksha" (मोक्ष) - liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • "Sthanani" (स्थानानि) - various spiritual states or locations.
  • "Gunah" (गुणाः) - virtues or qualities.
  • "Dosha" (दोषाः) - faults or vices.
  • "Ashatanas" (आशातनाः) - offenses against the teachings or the community.
  • "Vratas" (व्रत) - vows.
  • "Maha-vrata" (महाव्रत) - the great vows of ascetics.
  • "Shiksha Vratas" (शिक्षाव्रत) - subsidiary vows for lay followers.
  • "Upadana" (उपादान) - materials or items used by ascetics.
  • Detailed lists of names of Tirthankaras, Ganadharas, mothers, fathers, Yakshas, Yakshinis, etc.
  • Information about different types of Siddhas (liberated souls), their lifespans, and locations.
  • Discussions on various conduct rules, daily routines, and ritualistic practices.

• Correction Sheet (Shuddhipatrakam - शुद्धिपत्रकम्): This section indicates that the editors have identified and corrected errors found in the manuscripts, including those present in the "Devchand Lalbhai" edition. This further underscores the meticulous editorial process.

In essence, "Pravachansaroddhar Part 1" by Nemichandrasuri, with the commentary of Siddhasenasuri, is a voluminous and detailed exposition of Jain doctrine, practice, and history. The provided pages offer a glimpse into the extensive scope of this work, highlighting its scholarly approach to preserving and presenting classical Jain literature.