Rishibhashit Ka Darshanik Adhyayana - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Rishibhashit ka Darshanik Adhyayana" by Sadhvi Pramodkumariji:

Book Title: Rishibhashit ka Darshanik Adhyayana (A Philosophical Study of Rishibhashita) Author: Dr. Sadhvi Pramodkumariji Editor and Guide: Prof. (Dr.) Sagarmal Jain Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.) and Parshvanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi Publication Year: 2009

Overall Summary:

This book, "Rishibhashit ka Darshanik Adhyayana," is a PhD dissertation by Dr. Sadhvi Pramodkumariji, guided by Prof. Sagarmal Jain. It offers a deep philosophical analysis of the Rishibhashita, an ancient Prakrit text revered in Jain tradition. The study highlights Rishibhashita's unique position as a text that compiles the teachings of various Rishis from different Indian philosophical and religious traditions (Jain, Buddhist, Vedic, and other Shramanic), showcasing the religious tolerance and liberality of the Jain tradition during ancient times. The author emphasizes the contemporary relevance of studying such inclusive texts in an era marked by religious intolerance.

The study meticulously examines the philosophical aspects of Rishibhashita, including its epistemology (Jnana Mimamsa), metaphysics (Tattva Mimamsa), ethics (Niti Shastra), psychology, and social thought. The author acknowledges the limitations of Rishibhashita in providing detailed philosophical discussions, noting that it often presents these concepts in a concise or suggestive manner due to its ancient origins. Despite these limitations, the research attempts to elucidate the seeds of various philosophical doctrines present in the text.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The book is structured into nine chapters, each delving into a specific aspect of Rishibhashita:

Chapter 1: Introduction (Vishay Pravesh): This chapter introduces Rishibhashita as a significant ancient Jain Agam text in Prakrit, detailing its historical context and its inclusion in Jain scriptural classifications. It discusses the challenges in its study due to its comprehensive nature, incorporating diverse traditions, and highlights its importance as a representative of Jain tolerance. The chapter also addresses the composition period of Rishibhashita, placing it between the 5th century BCE and the 2nd century CE, and discusses the linguistic and thematic arguments for its antiquity, noting its close resemblance to the language and style of the earliest Jain and Pali texts.
Chapter 2: Epistemology (Rishibhashit mein Pratipadit Gyanvad): The author notes a general lack of detailed epistemological discussion in Rishibhashita. The chapter focuses on the importance and utility of knowledge in life and spiritual practice, as found in the text. It analyzes the usage of terms like "knowing" (janami), "seeing" (pasami), "understanding" (abhisamavami), and "comprehension" (abhisambujjhami), suggesting they represent early stages of Jain epistemology.
Chapter 3: Metaphysics (Rishibhashit mein Pratipadit Tattva Mimamsa): This chapter is divided into two parts:
- Cosmogony: It discusses theories of creation, including the origin from water and an egg, and the rejection of a creator deity (Varuna) and Maya. The text emphasizes the eternal and infinite nature of the universe.
- Metaphysical Concepts: It covers concepts like the theory of the five great elements (Panchamahabhutavad), the soul as body (Dehatmavada), the theory of continuity (Santativada), nihilism (Shunyavada), the theory of immutability of the soul (Atmakutasthata), and the theory of the five existent entities (Panchastikayavad). The study acknowledges that these concepts are presented in their nascent stages, with limited philosophical critique.
Chapter 4: Karma Theory (Rishibhashit mein Varnit Karma Siddhant): This chapter explores the Karma theory as a prerequisite for ethics. It highlights that Rishibhashita, like other Indian traditions, accepts the self-propelling nature of karma and the concept of karmic continuity. It discusses the causes of karmic bondage (like delusion, lack of restraint, negligence, passions, and activities), the eight types of karmic knots, and the various states of karma. The central idea is that karma is the root of bondage, and liberation comes from transcending karma.
Chapter 5: Psychology (Rishibhashit mein Pratipadita Manovigyan): The study delves into the psychological aspects presented in Rishibhashita, including the complexity of the human mind, the duality of personality, the importance of sensory control, and the nature of passions like anger. It emphasizes self-observation and inner purification as means to overcome psychological duality and achieve spiritual peace.
Chapter 6: Moral Philosophy (Rishibhashit ka Naitik Darshan): This chapter discusses Rishibhashita's spiritual life vision and its attempt to harmonize determinism (Niyativada) and self-effort (Purusharthavada). It analyzes the moral standards and evaluation principles, emphasizing inner intent over external actions. The text advocates for a life of detachment and renunciation, where actions are performed with detachment from their fruits, leading to spiritual liberation.
Chapter 7: The Path of Sadhana (Rishibhashit ka Sadhana Marg): This extensive chapter details the diverse paths of spiritual practice and liberation as taught by the 45 Rishis mentioned in Rishibhashita. It covers various approaches, including knowledge (Jnana), meditation (Dhyana), ethics (Achara), restraint (Samyama), detachment (Vairagya), and overcoming passions (Kashaya Jay). The chapter also discusses the ethical codes like Chaturvyama (Four Vows) and Panchamahavratas (Five Great Vows), Panchasamitis (Five Disciplines), and Triguptis (Three Restraints), highlighting their importance in the spiritual journey.
Chapter 8: Social Philosophy and Thought (Rishibhashit mein Varnit Samajik Darshan aur Chintan): This chapter examines Rishibhashita's views on society, emphasizing the belief that societal reform stems from individual reform. It discusses the duality of social and personal life, the importance of sincerity, and critiques the tendency towards hypocrisy. The chapter also addresses the roles of men and women, family relationships, and the concept of Varna (caste) system, advocating for a merit-based rather than birth-based social order, and emphasizes that spiritual liberation is accessible to all, irrespective of their social standing.
Chapter 9: Conclusion (Upsanhar): The concluding chapter summarizes the key findings of the research, reiterating the significance of Rishibhashita as an ancient and inclusive text reflecting Jain tolerance. It highlights the text's contribution to understanding early Indian philosophical and ethical thought. The author acknowledges the support received and expresses hope for further development of studies on Rishibhashita.

Rishibhashita's Philosophical Contributions:

Religious Tolerance and Inclusivity: Rishibhashita is lauded for its compilation of teachings from diverse religious traditions, promoting a message of universal brotherhood and acceptance.
Emphasis on Inner Purity: The text consistently prioritizes inner purification, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline over mere external rituals or sectarian divisions.
Primacy of Knowledge and Wisdom: While acknowledging the importance of sensory experience, Rishibhashita underscores the transformative power of knowledge, particularly self-knowledge, in overcoming suffering and achieving liberation.
Karma Theory and Ethical Framework: The detailed exposition of the Karma theory provides a robust ethical framework, emphasizing individual responsibility for actions and the potential for liberation through the transcendence of karma.
Psychological Insight: The text offers nuanced insights into human psychology, addressing issues like mental duality, the nature of desires, and the control of passions.
Balanced Approach to Asceticism: While advocating for detachment and renunciation, Rishibhashita also offers a balanced perspective on life, suggesting the importance of prudent engagement with worldly affairs for spiritual progress, particularly in the context of sensory control and ethical conduct.
Foundation for Jain Philosophy: The study identifies Rishibhashita as a foundational text for key Jain philosophical concepts like Panchastikaya and the nuanced understanding of karma.

Overall Significance:

"Rishibhashit ka Darshanik Adhyayana" serves as a crucial scholarly work that brings to light the rich philosophical and ethical dimensions of the Rishibhashita. It not only makes this ancient text accessible to a wider audience but also highlights its enduring message of tolerance, wisdom, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation, making it relevant for contemporary readers seeking to understand the depth of Indian philosophical heritage.