Samaysar - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samaysar" by Manoharlal Shastri, based on the provided catalog link and pages:

Book Title: Samaysar Author: Pt. Manoharlal Shastri Publisher: Jain Granth Uddhar Karyalay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022398/1

Introduction and Context:

The book "Samaysar" (also known as "Samayaprabhrit") is a highly revered Jain text attributed to Acharya Kundakunda. This particular edition, edited and published by Pt. Manoharlal Shastri and the Jain Granth Uddhar Karyalay (associated with Raychandra Jain Shastramala), is presented with three commentaries: two in Sanskrit ("Atmakhyati" by Acharya Amritchandra and "Tatparya Vritti" by Acharya Jayasen) and one in vernacular Hindi (by Pt. Jaychandraji, which has been adapted into current Hindi). The preface highlights the profound importance of Samaysar within Jainism, describing it as a discourse on the prominence of Right Knowledge and as part of the "Natak Trayi" (Three Dramas). It's considered part of the second "Shrutskandh" and is held in high esteem.

Core Teachings of Samaysar:

The central theme of Samaysar, as emphasized by the editor's preface and the content, revolves around the distinction between the pure, liberated self (Atman) and the impure, conditioned self. This is achieved through the understanding and practice of pure knowledge (Shuddha Nay), which reveals the self as distinct from karmic matter and all other substances. The text is a profound exposition of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, and Samyak Charitra (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct), leading to liberation (Moksha).

Key Concepts and Themes:

Dravya and Paryay (Substance and Modification): The text, like other Jain philosophical works, operates on the fundamental principles of Dravya (substance) and Paryay (modification). The pure self is understood as a substance that is eternal and unchanging (Dravya), while worldly experiences, emotions, and karmic attachments are modifications (Paryay). The focus is on realizing the pure, unchanging essence of the self.
Nayas (Standpoints): Samaysar extensively discusses the concept of Nayas, particularly Nishchay Nay (Absolute or Ultimate Standpoint) and Vyavahar Nay (Conventional or Practical Standpoint).
- Nishchay Nay (Shuddha Nay): This is the standpoint of pure knowledge, revealing the self as purely soul-substance, characterized by knowledge, consciousness, and bliss, free from all karmic influences and external substances. It asserts the self's inherent purity and eternality.
- Vyavahar Nay (Ashuddha Nay): This is the conventional standpoint, which describes the empirical reality of the self, influenced by karmic interactions. It acknowledges the conventional reality of the self being bound, experiencing worldly pleasures and pains, and engaging in actions. Vyavahar Nay is considered "Asatyartha" (unreal) from the ultimate perspective but serves as a stepping stone towards Nishchay Nay.
The True Self (Atman): The text emphasizes that the true self is the pure, omniscient, omnipotent, blissful, and conscious soul (Jiva). It is the witness to all modifications but is itself unaffected by them. It is the knower (Jayak) and not the known.
Karmic Bondage: Samaysar explains how karmic bondage occurs through passions (Kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which are triggered by worldly attachments and mistaken notions about the self. These passions attract karmic particles, which obscure the soul's true nature.
Liberation (Moksha): Liberation is described as the complete cessation of karmic influx and the manifestation of the soul's inherent pure, blissful, and conscious nature. This is achieved by eradicating passions and attachments through the realization of the self as pure knowledge and by living in accordance with Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
The Importance of Knowledge: The text strongly emphasizes the power of true knowledge (Samyak Gyan) in achieving liberation. It's through accurate knowledge of the self and the universe, particularly the distinction between the self and non-self, that one can overcome ignorance and passions.
Rejection of Externalism: While acknowledging conventional practices (like penance, austerities, or external rituals), the text ultimately points towards the internal realization of the pure self as the true path to liberation, suggesting that mere external actions without the underlying pure knowledge are insufficient.
Critique of Other Philosophies: The preface and text subtly refute other philosophical viewpoints that might misinterpret the nature of the soul, its relation to the body, or the path to liberation, particularly highlighting the Jain perspective of non-absolutism (Syadvada) and the emphasis on the soul's inherent nature.

Commentaries and Editorial Value:

The presence of three commentaries (Atmakhyati, Tatparya Vritti, and the Hindi Bhasha Vachanika) underscores the depth and complexity of the original text. The editor, Pt. Manoharlal Shastri, aimed to make this profound scripture accessible to a wider audience by providing a clear vernacular explanation and ensuring the availability of the Sanskrit commentaries, making the entire work valuable for serious students of Jainism. The publication by Raychandra Jain Shastramala further indicates its significance in promoting Jain scriptures.

Summary of the Hindi Preface (Key Points):

The preface by Pt. Manoharlal Shastri provides crucial context:

It establishes the authoritative nature of Samaysar, authored by Acharya Kundakunda, a direct disciple in the lineage of Shrutakevalis.
It explains the historical context of the decay of scriptural knowledge and the rise of different interpretations, emphasizing the need for clear explanations.
It clarifies that Samaysar primarily follows the Shuddha Naya (Pure Standpoint), which views the soul as pure consciousness, and Vyavahar Naya (Conventional Standpoint) is considered secondary and instrumental.
The editor expresses his motivation to provide a vernacular commentary to dispel misconceptions and guide seekers towards the true spiritual path.
He acknowledges potential inaccuracies due to his limited intellect and seeks forgiveness from learned readers, emphasizing the importance of the original text.
The preface also thanks those who supported the publication, including the Shree Paramashruta Prabhavak Jain Mandal and Seth Bherudanji Ladnun.

In essence, "Samaysar" by Acharya Kundakunda, as presented in this edition, is a spiritual guide for Jains, offering a profound philosophical and practical framework for realizing the soul's inherent purity and achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death through the exclusive focus on pure knowledge and the self. The editorial work by Pt. Manoharlal Shastri is instrumental in making this complex text understandable and accessible.