Ratnakarand Shravakachar Ki Bhasha Tika Ratnatray Chandrika Part 1

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of "Ratnakarand Shravakachar ki Bhasha Tika Ratnatray Chandrika Part 1" by Khubchand Shastri, published by Digambar Jain Samaj:

Book Title: Ratnakarand Shravakachar ki Bhasha Tika Ratnatray Chandrika Part 1 Author: Khubchand Shastri Publisher: Digambar Jain Samaj Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090398/1

This work is a commentary (Bhasha Tika) titled "Ratnatray Chandrika," Part 1, on the revered Jain text "Ratnakarand Shravakachar" by the esteemed Acharya Samantabhadra Swami. The commentary is written in Hindi by Pandit Khubchand Ji Shastri, a scholar with numerous accolades and known for his Hindi translations of Gommatasar Jivakanda and other significant Jain texts.

Core Subject and Inspiration:

• The book focuses on explaining the essence of "Ratnakarand Shravakachar," which primarily deals with the path to liberation, specifically the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) as practiced by householders (Shravaks).
• The commentary is dedicated to the auspicious occasion of the Panch Kalyanaka Mahotsav of Shri 1008 Vasupujya Swami.
• The inspiration and guiding spirit for this work is Pujya Rishi Ratna, Upasarg Vijeta, Dharmakeshari Digambar Jainacharya Shri 108 Darshan Sagar Ji Maharaj.

Structure and Content of Part 1:

• This first part of the commentary specifically focuses on Samya-darshan (Right Faith), which is the first of the Three Jewels.
• Acharya Samantabhadra Swami, recognizing the foundational importance of Samya-darshan and Samya-gyana for achieving Samvara (restraint) and Nirjara (shedding of karma) leading to Moksha, chose to explain these first.
• Chapter 1 (First Adhyay) details the characteristics, subject matter, virtues, defects, and the ultimate fruits (Moksha and worldly prosperity) of Samya-darshan.
• While Samya-darshan is a vast subject, the Acharya has concisely presented its essential aspects in 41 verses. In contrast, the second chapter, dealing with Samya-gyana (Right Knowledge), is much briefer, comprising only 4 verses, seemingly indicating the Acharya's preference for summarizing profound concepts in a seed-like form, as also seen in his "Mimamsa."

Key Highlights and Insights from the Commentary:

• Author's Approach: Pandit Khubchand Ji Shastri meticulously explains each Karika (verse) by providing its general meaning, then elaborating on its purpose, specific word meanings, detailed interpretation, and finally the underlying intent. He also incorporates examples from other Jain texts to clarify the subject matter.
• Author's Scholarly Persona: The commentary is lauded for Pandit Shastri's deep understanding of Jain philosophy and grammar, which allows him to expand upon the original verses, providing clarity and resolving doubts for the reader.
• Respect for Original Work: The author emphasizes that Bhagwan Samantabhadra Swami's composition is highly significant, even while acknowledging that the themes were discussed by earlier Acharyas like Umaswami. The commentary highlights Samantabhadra's unique blend of poetic skill and logical argumentation.
• The Importance of Samya-darshan: The text strongly emphasizes that neither Samya-gyana nor Samya-charitra can function effectively without Samya-darshan. The latter is described as the illuminating light guiding one from the darkness of delusion (Mithyatva) towards the light of true faith (Samyak-tv).
• Nature of Jain Shastra: The introduction clarifies that Shravakachar is not merely a narrative text with literary embellishments, nor a purely philosophical discourse relying on complex argumentation for every point. Instead, it's a profound summary of essential principles, originating from the foundational Anga, "Upasakadhyayana."
• The Fourfold Division of Jain Agamas: The introduction touches upon the fourfold classification of Jain scriptures: Prathamanuyoga (dealing with Shlaka Purushas), Karananuyoga (cosmology, time, transformations), Charananuyoga (conduct of ascetics and householders), and Dravyanuyoga (substances, their attributes, and categories). "Ratnakarand Shravakachar" is placed within Charananuyoga.
• The Meaning of "Ratnakarand": The title itself, meaning "a treasury of gems," refers to the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) which householders practice in a partial way (Ekdesh) and ascetics practice in its entirety (Sarvadesh).
• The Author's Dedication and Circumstances: Pandit Khubchand Ji Shastri mentions his intention to complete the commentary but laments that due to his passing, only the first part covering Samya-darshan has been published. He expresses gratitude to Shri Lalji for his inspiration and the Shri Shantisagar Jain Siddhant Prakashini Sanstha for their role in publishing this work.

Overall, "Ratnatray Chandrika Part 1" is a scholarly and devotional commentary that aims to illuminate the profound meaning of Samya-darshan within the framework of Jain ethics and philosophy, making the wisdom of Acharya Samantabhadra accessible to Hindi-speaking readers.