Progress Of Prakrit And Jaina Studies - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Progress of Prakrit and Jaina Studies," by Dr. B. J. Sandesara:

Overall Purpose: This presidential address, delivered at the XX All India Oriental Conference in Bhubaneswar in 1959, provides a broad survey of the progress in Prakrit and Jaina studies over the preceding two years (approximately 1957-1959). The author aims to highlight key developments, acknowledge the contributions of scholars, and identify areas requiring further attention and support.

Key Themes and Content:

Tributes to Deceased Scholars:
- The address begins with a somber note, paying tribute to two prominent scholars:
  - Dr. Mahendra Kumar Shastri: A profound scholar of Indian philosophy, particularly Jaina philosophy, and an expert in Nyaya. He was instrumental in reconstructing lost texts like Nyayaviniścaya and Siddhiviniścaya.
  - Mr. Nanalal Chamanlal Mehta: A renowned art historian and connoisseur, recognized as a pioneer in the systematic study of Jaina paintings of Western India (Gujarat School). His work significantly contributed to the history of Indian art.
The Neglected Field of Prakrit Studies:
- Sandesara emphasizes that Prakrit studies have been comparatively neglected in Indology, despite Prakrit being one of the three essential literary mediums of ancient Indian culture (along with Sanskrit and Pali).
- He notes that while Western scholars recognized the importance of Prakrit for understanding ancient Indian history and culture, and its connection to the development of Indo-Aryan languages, the situation in India itself is ironic. Prakrit, the language of the common people, has been historically "looked down upon," a sentiment that persists.
- The drift towards Sanskrit in Jainism from the 8th century onwards, though beneficial for intermingling, led to a decline in Prakrit's prominence even within the Jain community.
- He laments the lack of satisfactory provision for Prakrit teaching in most Indian universities.
Importance of Prakrit:
- Prakrit was the language of the people, used by Mahavira for preaching, and thus forms the canonical literature of Jainism.
- It also served as the medium for significant secular literature, such as the Gathāsaptashati, and later Mahārāstri Prakrit became a respected literary language.
- Crucially, Prakrit and its later form, Apabhramsa, are the direct ancestors of modern Indo-Aryan languages, making them essential for historical linguistic studies.
The Need for a Prakrit Text Society:
- Drawing a parallel with the Pali Text Society, Sandesara highlights the long-standing need for a similar organization for Prakrit. This society would focus on scientifically editing and publishing Prakrit texts, particularly the Jaina Canon, in a uniform manner.
- He acknowledges the establishment of the Prakrit Text Society in 1953 under the patronage of Dr. Rajendra Prasad as a significant event.
- He praises the dedicated work of Muni Sri Punyavijayaji in preserving ancient Jaina manuscripts and preparing critical editions, crediting him with initiating the Prakrit Text Society's work.
Recent Developments and Publications (1957-1959 Survey):
- Canonical Literature:
  - Highlights the publication of Angavijjā by the Prakrit Text Society as its first publication.
  - Notes the ongoing work on critical editions of Sutrakṛtānga Sūtra, Daśavaikālika Sūtra (with a newly discovered Cūrṇi), Ācārānga Sūtra, Nandi Sūtra, Anuyogadvāra Sūtra, Samavāyānga Sūtra, and several Cheda Sūtras by the Prakrit Text Society.
  - Mentions the edition of Oghaniryukti by Muni Manavijayaji.
  - Discusses the significant publication of the Niśitha Sūtra by Upadhyaya Amara Muni and Muni Kanaiyalalji, emphasizing its importance for understanding Jain church history and social conditions.
  - Lists recent publications of the All India Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsi Jaina Śāstroddhāra Samiti (e.g., Kalpasūtra, Aupapālika Sūtra) which include modern Sanskrit commentaries and Hindi-Gujarati translations, while noting some uncritical approaches by various agencies.
  - Mentions papers on Agama studies by scholars like Dr. A. N. Upadhye and Dr. L. Alsdorf.
  - Highlights the completion of the Satkhandāgama with the publication of its seventh volume, emphasizing the exhaustive treatment of the principle of Karma.
  - Discusses the publication of Jambudvipaprajñaptisangraha and the ongoing comparative study of Digambara and Śvetāmbara texts on cosmography.
- Post-Canonical Prakrit Literature:
  - Notes the nearly completed printing of Paumacariya of Vimalasūri by the Prakrit Text Society.
  - Mentions the upcoming publication of Cauppannamahāpurisacariya of Śīlāṅka, a significant source for Hemacandra.
  - Highlights the critical edition of Kuvalayamālā of Udyotanasūri by Dr. A. N. Upadhye.
  - Discusses the publication of Abhyānakamaṇikosa of Merucandra and Nemikariya.
  - Mentions the ongoing work on Kathirāi of Bhadravarasūri.
  - Points out the edition of Viśeṣa Vrtti on Upadeśamālā and the publication of Jambusvāmicarita.
  - Mentions the edition of Mūlaśuddhi Prakaraṇa with commentary.
  - Refers to Dr. R. Williams' edition of two Prakrit versions of Manipaticaritra.
  - Announces the discovery and upcoming editing of Gāthākośa of Jineśvara Sūri.
  - Mentions the edition of Jayapāhuda.
- Prakrit Grammar and Linguistics:
  - Highlights the "Middle Indo-Aryan Reader" by Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterji and Dr. Sukumar Sen.
  - Discusses the publication of the edition and Gujarati translation of Vararuci's Prakrit Prakāśa by Principal K. P. Trivedi.
  - Mentions the Hindi translation of Dr. Pischel's Grammatik der Prakrit Sprachen by Dr. Hemachandra Joshi and its earlier English translation.
  - Notes Dr. Haradev Bahri's Prakrit aur Usakā Sāhitya, pointing out some errors in factual statements and printing.
  - Mentions the ongoing printing of Prakrit Pingala with commentaries.
- Prakrit Epigraphy:
  - Highlights Dr. Radha Govind Basak's compilation of Ashokan Inscriptions.
  - Discusses the significance of the Khāravela inscription and the unresolved question of Khāravela's absence in Jaina literature.
- Modern Prakrit Compositions:
  - Mentions the philosophical poem Adhyātmatattvāloka by Muni Nyāyavijayaji and Prakrit Vijñānakathā by Acārya Vijaya Kastūrīsurī as examples of modern compositions in Prakrit.
- Key Papers and Linguistic Studies:
  - Notes papers on the etymology of "Prakrit" and "Pali" by Dr. V. Pisani.
  - Mentions comparative studies of Jainism and Buddhism by Dr. Helmuth von Glasenapp.
  - Highlights studies on Middle Indo-Aryan words and the Prakrit word "Thakka" by Dr. L. A. Schwarzschild.
  - Mentions a paper on the Paisāci fragment of the Kuvalayamālā by Dr. T. B. J. Kuiper.
  - Notes papers on Samprasarana, the word "puissa-mūnava," and the word "mallaka."
  - Highlights studies on Jaina logic, philosophy, and comparative religion.
- Apabhramsa Studies:
  - Recalls the pioneering work of Dr. Jacobi on Apabhramsa.
  - Mentions ongoing and upcoming editions of Apabhramsa texts like Sudarsana Caru, Jayānaparaajaya Cariu, Sugandhadaśamī Kathā, and Paūmacariya.
  - Notes Hemacandra's Apabhramsa Grammar and its Hindi translation.
  - Highlights papers on Apabhramsa poets and literature by Dr. H. C. Bhayani.
- Jaina Literature in Sanskrit and Regional Languages:
  - Acknowledges the Jaina contribution to various literary forms in Sanskrit, including Puranas, Campū, Kathas, commentaries on Sanskrit classics, dramas, stotras, and prabandhas.
  - Details numerous publications of Jaina works in Gujarati-Rajasthani, emphasizing their importance for the historical study of these languages.
  - Mentions the significant contributions of Jaina authors in Kannada literature, with recent research and publications.
- Jaina Art:
  - Highlights Dr. U. P. Shah's monograph on Akota bronzes, which sheds light on early Jaina iconography and art schools.
  - Mentions Dr. Klaus Fischer's monograph on Caves and Temples of the Jainas.
  - Discusses Mr. Sarabhai Naval's publications on Kalaka Kathasangraha.
  - Notes studies on Jain contribution to Indian art and illustrated manuscripts by scholars like Dr. Moti Chandra and Dr. U. P. Shah.
- Jaina Philosophy, Culture, and History:
  - Praises the work of Pt. Sukhalalji Sanghvi on the contribution of Haribhadrasuri to Indian philosophy and yoga.
  - Discusses books on Jaina religion, ethics, and the concept of Ahimsa.
  - Mentions works on Jaina Darśana, Hayavāda, and the Bhattaraka Sampradaya.
  - Highlights historical monographs on Jaina Tirthas and the history of Jainism in Bengal and South India.
  - Notes Dr. A. Sangve's sociological study of the Jaina Community.
  - Mentions research on Jainism in Rajasthan and Orissa.
- Bibliographies and Catalogues:
  - Critiques Prakāśita Jaina Sahitya by Pt. Pannalal and Dr. Jyotiprasad for its incompleteness.
  - Announces the upcoming printing of the Descriptive Catalogue of Manuscripts at Jaisalmer by Muni Punyavijayaji, and catalogues from Patan and the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
  - Mentions catalogues from the Vishveshvarananda Vedic Research Institute and the Rajasthan Research Institute.
  - Notes a bibliographical paper on Jaina studies in Germany by Dr. Klaus Brühn.
Call for Greater Scholarly Engagement and Devotion:
- Sandesara concludes by expressing hope for more scholars to engage with Prakrit and Jaina studies, which are still comparatively neglected.
- He stresses that "Prakrit and Jaina studies" and "Jaina scholar" should not imply exclusiveness, as Jainism is an integral part of the broader Indian culture.
- He emphasizes the paramount importance of Bhakti (devotion) to learning for any researcher, stating that lasting work cannot be achieved without this dedication. He invokes the blessings of Srutadevata (Goddess of Learning) for those devoted to knowledge.

In essence, the address is a comprehensive review and advocacy for the field of Prakrit and Jaina studies, acknowledging past achievements, highlighting recent progress, and calling for continued dedication and support to further explore this rich and vital area of Indian cultural heritage.