Prayaschitta Sangraha

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prayaschitta Sangraha" by Pannalal Soni, published by Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthmala Samiti. The book is the 18th publication in the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthmala series.

Overall Content:

The "Prayaschitta Sangraha" is a collection of four important Jain texts dealing with the concept of Prayaschitta (penance, expiation, or atonement) for various offenses committed by monks and lay followers. The editor and researcher of this compilation is Pandit Pannalal Soni. The publisher is the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthmala Samiti. The publication date is Shravan, Veer Nirvana Era 2447 / Vikram Era 1978. This is the first edition.

The Four Texts Included:

The collection comprises the following four works, with "Cheda" being a synonym for "Prayaschitta":

1. Chedapinda (छेदपिण्ड):

   • Language: Prakrit.
   • Commentary/Translation: A Sanskrit translation was provided by Shriyut Pandit Pannalalji Soni.
   • Content: This text deals with the principles of penance. It is believed to be either the fourth chapter or a part of the "Indranandi Samhita." The original text aimed for 333 verses and 420 verses in the Anushtubh meter, but the current version has 362 verses. Some variations in verse count might be due to textual discrepancies or errors in transcription.
   • Authorship and Dating: The author is Indranandi Yogindra, possibly an Acharya of the Nandisangha. His exact period and guru's name are unknown. Based on references in the "Jineendrakalyanabhudaya" by Ayyaarya (circa Shak Samvat 1241 / Vikram Samvat 1376), Indranandi's work on rituals or puja predates Ayyaarya. Further analysis of the "Indranandi Samhita" suggests the possibility of an earlier Indranandi Samhita and a puja text by Indranandi. The dating of the "Chedapinda" author is placed before the 14th century Vikram Era. The presence of names like Vasunandi (circa 12th century Vikram), Eka Sandhi (later than Vasunandi), and Maghanandi (possibly the author of "Maghanandi Shravakachar," dated around 13th-14th century Vikram) in related texts helps to establish a timeframe. The author of "Chedapinda" is firmly placed no earlier than the 13th century Vikram Era.
   • Research: The text was edited from two manuscripts: one from the Patodi temple in Jaipur (mostly accurate) and another from the Deccan College Research Institute in Pune (highly inaccurate). A third manuscript, Indranandi Samhita, was received later but was also found to be inaccurate.

2. Chedashastra (छेदशास्त्र):

   • Alternative Name: Chedanavati (due to having 90 verses).
   • Language: Prakrit.
   • Content: This text, along with a brief commentary, deals with penance.
   • Authorship and Dating: The author of the main text and the commentator are unknown, making its dating impossible.
   • Research: The text was edited from a single, very old (400-500 years) but mostly pure manuscript of a gutka from a Terapanthi temple in Mumbai. No other copy could be found. A Sanskrit translation was provided by Pandit Pannalalji Soni.

3. Prayaschitta Chulika (प्रायश्चित्त चूलिका):

   • Language: Sanskrit.
   • Content: This is a precise and detailed text on penance.
   • Authorship and Dating: The original text is attributed to Shri Gurudas, and the commentary is by Shri Nandiguru. Shri Gurudas is an unknown author. The commentary suggests the possibility that the original author might have been an anonymous "servant of Shri Guru." The date of the commentary is estimated to be around the 11th century Vikram Era, based on the possibility that its author, Shri Nandiguru, might be the same Shri Nandi mentioned as a disciple of Sagar Sena and an ancestor of Vasunandi.
   • Research: The text was published based on a single manuscript from the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune, dating from Vikram Samvat 1942. This manuscript was reportedly inaccurate, and no other copies were available.

4. Prayaschitta Granth (प्रायश्चित्त ग्रन्थ):

   • Authorship: Attributed to Shrimad Bhattakalankadeva. However, the editor suggests this is likely a different scholar named Akalankadeva, possibly the author of "Akalanka-pratishthapath," who lived after the 15th century Vikram Era. This is based on stylistic analysis and the use of vernacular words.
   • Content: This work focuses on the penances for lay followers (shravakas). It contains 88 verses.
   • Dating and Style: The text is considered relatively recent and lacks the scholarly depth of works by the famous Akalankadeva. The use of the word "Mokkula" (meaning abundance or greatness, used in contexts like "Mokkula Abhishek" meaning "great Abhishek") is considered a vernacular term found in texts like "Bhadra Bahu Samhita." This word's usage is deemed inconsistent with the style of the Karnataka-based Bhatt Akalankadeva. The text also prescribes punishments like cattle donation and betel nut donation for certain offenses, which might indicate its later origin. Importantly, it presents different penance amounts for the same offenses compared to the other three texts in the collection, highlighting scholarly debates on the subject.

Editor's Note (Nathuram Premi):

Nathuram Premi, in his concluding remarks, expresses his effort to determine the chronology of the authors based on his understanding. He acknowledges the possibility of errors in his estimations and welcomes corrections. He emphasizes that his intention is not to artificially place any author in an ancient or modern period, considering such attempts reprehensible.

Manikchand Jain Granthmala:

The book also includes information about the Manikchand Jain Granthmala, established in memory of the generous Seth Manikchand Hirachandji for the revival of Jain literature. It aims to publish rare Sanskrit and Prakrit works of the Digambara Jain tradition at cost price to make them accessible to everyone. The series has published 18 books so far, and the continued support of religious patrons is crucial for the publication of many more valuable works. The text encourages readers to purchase, donate, and distribute these books.

Index:

The book also provides a detailed index of the chapters and topics covered within the "Chedapinda" text, indicating its extensive coverage of various penances related to the ethical conduct of monks and nuns.

In essence, the "Prayaschitta Sangraha" is a significant compilation that brings together foundational texts on Jain penance, offering valuable insights into the practical aspects of ethical conduct and spiritual discipline within Jainism, along with scholarly discussions on their origins and interpretations.