Pt Mahendrakumar Sampadit Shaddarshan Samucchay Ki Samiksha

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pt Mahendrakumar Sampadit Shaddarshan Samucchay ki Samiksha" by Sagarmal Jain, focusing on Pandit Mahendrakumar's work:

This review by Sagarmal Jain analyzes Pandit Mahendrakumar Ji's scholarly contribution in editing and translating Haribhadra Suri's "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" (Collection of Six Philosophies) along with Gunaratna Suri's commentary. The book, published by Bharatiya Jnanpith, is highlighted as a significant work that showcases Pandit Mahendrakumar's intellect and personality through his extensive literary output.

The review emphasizes that Haribhadra Suri was a pioneering figure in Indian philosophy for compiling the principles of major contemporary Indian philosophies in one authentic text with impartiality. Unlike other philosophical compendiums like Mallavadi's "Dvadasarnayachakra," Shankara's "Sarvasiddhantasangraha," or Madhvacharya's "Sarvadarshanasangraha," which primarily aimed to refute opposing views and establish the superiority of their own doctrines, Haribhadra's "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" is characterized by its impartial and respectful presentation of other philosophies. This broad and generous outlook, free from sectarian bias, is a unique feature of Haribhadra's work, as also seen in his "Shastravartasamucchaya."

While Gunaratna Suri's commentary is also acknowledged as important, the review notes that it doesn't fully maintain the original author's impartial spirit. Gunaratna's commentary, particularly in its fourth section, includes a critique of other schools after presenting Jainism, with over half of the commentary dedicated to Jain philosophy, thereby lacking the balance found in Haribhadra's original text.

The review then focuses on Pandit Mahendrakumar's monumental task of editing and translating this work. Although earlier editions of "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" with commentaries existed, Pandit Mahendrakumar's edition is praised for its scientific editing and Hindi translation, which is considered unparalleled to date. The review highlights the immense effort and challenges involved in collating multiple manuscripts and ensuring accuracy in the editing process. Despite the unfortunate absence of his own preface to the published work, information from manuscripts indicates that he completed the translation of the original and Gunaratna's commentary on June 25, 1940, and continued to revise and add notes until his death in June 1959, demonstrating his deep commitment. He unfortunately did not live to see his work published or write his own preface.

The reviewer particularly commends Pandit Mahendrakumar's translation style, describing it as exceptionally simple and easily understandable, far surpassing the original text and its commentary in clarity. This ability to simplify complex philosophical texts is attributed to his deep understanding and assimilation of the subject matter, rather than just linguistic prowess. He expanded upon the meaning from the original commentary, not by translating word-for-word, but by clarifying the subject matter. His use of accessible vocabulary, avoiding jargon, and incorporating everyday language makes the philosophical concepts relatable to the common reader. He even used his own examples to further elucidate the points.

The reviewer contrasts Pandit Mahendrakumar's approach with other translations of Sanskrit philosophical works, which are often dense and difficult to comprehend, sometimes making the original text easier to understand. Pandit Mahendrakumar's translations are described as independent explanations rather than mere literal translations, making complex philosophical arguments readily accessible. A key feature of his translation is the clear demarcation of prior arguments (purvapaksha) and counter-arguments (uttarapaksha) through the use of subheadings, aiding reader comprehension.

The language used in his translation is simple and draws from commonly spoken vocabulary, with occasional judicious use of Urdu and English words to enhance understanding. Examples provided, such as "this web of the world" (yah jagat jal bichhaya hai), "a manager who follows the dictates of karma" (karmaon ke hukum ko bajane wala manager), and analogies from everyday life, illustrate this point.

The reviewer concludes by stating that Pandit Mahendrakumar's expertise is evident in his ability to provide such a clear and insightful commentary on a text as complex as "Shaddarshan Samucchaya." His scholarship extends beyond a single philosophical school, demonstrating a mastery of all the philosophies discussed. His scientific editing methodology is further evidenced by his extensive citations from numerous Jain and non-Jain texts, often numbering over a hundred, presented as comparative notes or supportive arguments, showcasing his broad and multifaceted intellect. The inclusion of appendices such as the "Laghu-vritti" by Manibhadra, the "Avachurni," the verses, an index, and explanatory notes, confirms his proficiency in scientific editing and his comprehensive scholarly approach.

In essence, Sagarmal Jain hails Pandit Mahendrakumar Ji's Hindi commentary on Gunaratna Suri's critique of "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" as a significant contribution to Indian philosophy, ensuring that his legacy as a scholar capable of making profound subjects understandable will be remembered.