Sahityik Avdan - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sahityik Avdan" by Bhagchandra Jain:

Overall Theme:

The book "Sahityik Avdan" (Literary Contribution) by Bhagchandra Jain is a detailed exploration of the vast and diverse literary contributions of Jain scholars and ascetics across various Indian languages and historical periods. It highlights how Jainism, through its literature, has profoundly influenced Indian culture, philosophy, and linguistics.

Key Arguments and Content:

Literature as a Mirror of Culture: The book begins by establishing literature as a fundamental element of culture, reflecting its every facet. Jain literature, with its diversity and clarity, is presented as a key to understanding Jain culture.
Jain Scholars' Adaptability in Language: Jain Acharyas (scholars/ascetics) embraced local languages like Prakrit and Apabhramsha for their expressions, aligning themselves with the common people. When necessary, they also wholeheartedly adopted Sanskrit. The work presents a survey of Jain literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and modern Indian languages as their unique contribution.
Language and Literature as Cultural Pillars: Language and literature are described as inseparable parts of culture, serving as inexhaustible sources of thought and expression. They are the mediums that capture the evolution of society, its changes, and its stories over centuries. Language, as a reflection of thought, makes events vivid for the reader.
Prakrit Literature and its Revolutionary Ideas:
- Prakrit literature is characterized by its sense of experience and curiosity.
- It often challenges outdated and superstitious doctrines.
- It disseminates the message of eternal spirituality, guiding beings lost in the suffering of the world towards right understanding (samyak-drishti).
- It criticizes cultures that define violence and non-violence primarily through Vedic rituals (Yajña).
- Prakrit literature championed progressive social and spiritual values such as equality, self-reliance, the dignity of labor, the integrated nourishment of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, the blissful state of Nirvana as the soul's inherent power, moral responsibility, holistic societal upliftment, classless revolution, and the logical transformation of myths.
- Because of this, Prakrit literature is considered an integral and ever-new part of Indian literature.
Prakrit Language and Aryan Languages:
- Linguistic Connection: Linguistically, Prakrit is linked to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Indo-Aryan branch.
- Language Evolution: The development of the Indo-Aryan language family is divided into three periods:
  - Ancient Indian Aryan Language (1600 BCE - 600 BCE)
  - Medieval Indian Aryan Language (600 BCE - 1000 CE)
  - Modern Indian Aryan Language (1000 CE - Present)
- Prakrit as Vernacular: Prakrit languages represent the common vernaculars of ancient times.
- Influence of Dravidian and Austroasiatic: The influence of Dravidian and Austroasiatic groups is evident in the medieval Aryan language period, contributing to retroflex sounds and the 'l' sound in Prakrit, which influenced Sanskrit.
Prakrit vs. Chandas Language:
- The text argues that Prakrit evolved from the vernacular of the Ancient Indian Aryan period (Chandas language), which was the spoken language of that era.
- While Chandas was a refined literary form, Prakrit retained its vernacular character and continued to evolve.
- Prakrit is described as a "flowing river" (bahata neer), while Sanskrit is a "bound lake" (baddha sarovar) due to its strict grammatical rules.
- From ancient Prakrit, medieval Prakrit developed, which then evolved into Apabhramsha, and subsequently into modern Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati.
Prakrit as a Vernacular Language:
- Debate on Origin: A debate exists on whether Prakrit originated from Sanskrit or an ancient vernacular.
- Jain Grammarians' Views: Various Jain grammarians like Hemachandra and Markandeya define Prakrit as derived from Sanskrit.
- Counter-Argument: However, the text posits that Prakrit was originally the natural speech of all beings, refined through grammar to become Sanskrit. It emphasizes that Prakrit was the underlying source for Sanskrit and Apabhramsha.
- Evidence: The text points to the evolution of Prakrit as a continuous development from vernacular to literary forms, influencing even Sanskrit. Sanskrit was adopted by the educated elite, while Prakrit remained the language of the common people, as seen in the dialogue of common characters in Sanskrit dramas.
- Dr. Pischel's View: Dr. Pischel refuted the idea that Prakrit's sole origin was Sanskrit, asserting that Prakrit languages are rooted in the vernaculars of the people.
Historical Development of Prakrit:
- Level 1 (1600 BCE - 600 BCE): The vernacular of this period is found in Vedic or Chandas texts.
- Level 2 (600 BCE - 1000 CE): Literature written in Prakrit is divided into three periods:
  - Early Period (600 BCE - 500 CE): Ardha Prakrit (Pali, Ardhamagadhi, Jain Shauraseni), Inscriptional Prakrit, etc.
  - Second Period (1st Century - 12th Century): Prakrits used in rhetoric, grammar, poetry, and drama (Maharashtri, Shauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachi).
  - Third Period (5th Century - 15th Century): Apabhramsha.
Jain Acharyas' Dual Mastery of Prakrit and Sanskrit: Jain Acharyas were proficient in both Prakrit and Sanskrit, recognizing the need to communicate with both common people and the elite. Many identified themselves as "ubhayabhashachakravarti" (masters of both languages).
Apabhramsha and Modern Indian Languages: Prakrit evolved into Apabhramsha, which then gave rise to modern Indian languages. The text outlines the lineage of languages from different Apabhramsha forms (e.g., Shauraseni leading to Western Hindi, Paishachi to Punjabi, Maharashtri to Marathi).
Prakrit Literature's Characteristics:
- Simplification: A general trend of simplification is observed, including vowel and consonant changes, loss of dual number, and simplification of conjunct consonants.
- Language of Propagation: Prakrit was the primary medium for spreading Jain principles by Mahavir and Buddha.
- Agama Tradition: Most surviving Prakrit literature is related to Jainism and its tradition, originating from the Agamas, which were preserved orally for a long time before being compiled.
Classification of Jain Literature (Primarily Prakrit):
- Agama Literature: This forms the core and is divided into Anga and Upanga.
  - Anga: The twelve Angas (e.g., Acharanga, Sutrakritanga) and their content are described. The text notes discrepancies between the original intent and current versions.
  - Upanga: The twelve Upangas are described, many of which are considered later compositions.
- Mulā-sūtras: Fundamental texts like Uttaradhyayana, Avasyaka, and Dashavaikalika are discussed.
- Cheda-sūtras: Texts dealing with disciplinary rules and penances.
- Chūlikā-sūtras: Appendices like Nandi and Anuyogadvara.
- Prakīrṇaka: Miscellaneous texts, including those compiled during the Valabhi council.
- Agamic Commentary Literature: Explanations in the form of Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, and Teeka.
- Karma Literature: Texts focusing on karma theory, with significant works like Shatkhandagama and Kashayaprabhuta.
- Siddhanta Literature: Philosophical treatises and texts on Jain principles.
- Achara Literature: Texts detailing the conduct of monks and laypeople.
- Vidhi-vidhan and Bhakti Literature: Rituals, worship, and devotional literature.
- Katha Literature: Narratives, moral stories, and didactic tales.
- Lakshanika Literature: Grammars, lexicons, prosody, astrology, and sciences.
Sanskrit Literature: Jain Acharyas also made significant contributions to Sanskrit literature, covering similar genres as their Prakrit works:
- Commentaries (Churni and Teeka): Extensive Sanskrit commentaries on Prakrit Agamas and other works.
- Karma Literature: Sanskrit commentaries on Prakrit karma texts, along with original Sanskrit works.
- Siddhanta Literature: Original Sanskrit philosophical works and commentaries on Prakrit texts.
- Upadesha Literature: Didactic and ethical literature.
- Nyaya Literature: Jain logical and philosophical arguments, forming a cornerstone of Indian philosophy.
- Yoga Literature: Texts on spiritual practices and meditation.
- Achara Literature: Sanskrit texts on conduct and ethics.
- Bhakti Literature: Devotional hymns and prayers.
- Mythological and Historical Epic Literature: Narratives based on Jain mythology and historical figures.
- Katha Literature: Stories with moral and spiritual lessons.
- Lalita Sahitya (Belles-lettres): Epics, lyrical poems, plays, etc.
Apabhramsha Literature: Jain authors were instrumental in developing Apabhramsha literature, characterized by folk tales and literature for public utility, including puranas, character sketches, stories, Rasas, and Phagus.
Jain Literature in Other Indian Languages: The book also briefly touches upon Jain literary contributions in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Gujarati, highlighting Jain writers as pioneers in the development of many of these languages.
Enduring Legacy: The text concludes by emphasizing that Jain literature has continuously flowed for 2500 years, adapting to societal changes and movements. Jain authors are often considered the originators of many literary genres, and their contribution to Indian culture, philosophy, linguistics, and literature is profound and continues to be a fertile ground for research.

In essence, "Sahityik Avdan" serves as a comprehensive testament to the immense and multifaceted literary legacy of Jainism, showcasing its deep integration with and influence on the broader Indian cultural and intellectual landscape.