Samaysar Natak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samaysar Natak," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samaysar Natak Author(s): Banarsidas Pandit, Nana Ramchandra Publisher: Banarsidas Pandit Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010586/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

"Samaysar Natak" is a poetic rendition in Hindi of the spiritual teachings of Jainism, specifically focusing on the "Samaysar" philosophy. The text is presented in a narrative and devotional style, aiming to explain the essence of the soul and the path to liberation through the lens of Jain principles. It is structured as a dramatic play (Natak), making complex philosophical concepts more accessible through verses, dialogues, and descriptive narratives.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Author and Context:

   • The text is a Hindi poetic composition by Banarsidas Pandit (a lay follower, Grihastha, of the Sirimal community), who was both a great scholar and a poet.
   • The work is praised for its lyrical beauty, profound meaning, and skillful use of poetic devices (Alankar).
   • The text is spiritual in nature, primarily focusing on the "pure essence of the soul" (Shuddha Atmatattva). While the main sentiment is peace (Shant Ras), other emotions (Rasa) appear as the narrative progresses.
   • The provided edition includes a Hindi commentary (Vachanika) written by Nana Ramchandra Naga, who published it in Mumbai. He mentions potential errors due to his native language being Marathi and seeks corrections from knowledgeable individuals.
   • The book was published in 1914, corresponding to Jain Nirvana Samvat 2440 and Shak Samvat 1836.

2. Inspiration and Lineage of Teachings:

   • The work is based on the "Samaysar" originally composed in gathas (verses) by Acharya Kundakunda (around Vikram Samvat 49).
   • Subsequently, Acharya Amritachandra wrote a Sanskrit commentary (in Anushtubh meter) on Kundakunda's work around Vikram Samvat 962.
   • Pandit Rajmall later wrote a simple Hindi commentary (Balbodh) on the Sanskrit text around Vikram Samvat 1605.
   • Banarsidas built upon the work of Pandit Rajmall, composing this poetic "Natak" in Hindi around Vikram Samvat 1693, aiming to instill spiritual awakening.
   • Banarsidas emphasizes that he has not created something entirely new but rather interpreted profound, eternal truths.

3. Glory of Samaysar Natak:

   • The text is described as a "paramagam" (supreme scripture).
   • Studying it is likened to good omens leading to success in the path to liberation (Moksha).
   • It is compared to medicine that removes the "phlegm" of karma, allowing scholars to "dissolve" like salt in its essence.
   • It is a treasury of virtues (Sammyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra) and a clear path to the unattached (Nirguna) state of liberation.
   • Its glory is so immense that even Indra cannot fully describe it.
   • Followers of this text "fly in the sky of knowledge," while opponents are trapped in the "net of the world."
   • It is pure like gold among metals and its meaning is as vast as Vishnu Kumar's Virat form.
   • Reciting it opens the gates of the heart, leading to self-realization.

4. Structure and Contents:

   • The book is structured into twelve chapters or "Dwar" (gates), covering essential Jain principles:
     • Jiva (Soul) - Chapter 1
     • Ajiva (Non-Soul) - Chapter 2
     • Kartta-Karma (Agent-Action) - Chapter 3
     • Punya-Papa (Merit-Demerit) - Chapter 4
     • Ashrava (Inflow of Karma) - Chapter 5
     • Samvara (Cessation of Karma) - Chapter 6
     • Nirjara (Shedding of Karma) - Chapter 7
     • Bandha (Bondage of Karma) - Chapter 8
     • Moksha (Liberation) - Chapter 9
     • Sarva Vishuddhi (Complete Purity) - Chapter 10
     • Syadvada (The Jain doctrine of conditioned predication) - Chapter 11
     • SadhyaSadhak (The Goal and the Means) - Chapter 12
   • It also includes discussions on the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthanas), which are elaborated upon separately from page 131 to 151.
   • The text contains sections like "Namamala Suchinika" (Index of Names) listing various synonyms for soul, soul in transmigration, space, time, merit, demerit, karma, liberation, intellect, wise persons, monks, vision, knowledge, conduct, truth, falsehood, etc.

5. Devotional Content (Mangalacharan):

   • The text begins with prayers and praises to Lord Parshvanath, highlighting his attributes such as conquering desires, dispelling darkness, showing the path to salvation, and his miraculous powers (like turning lead into gold).
   • It also includes prayers to Lord Siddha (the liberated souls), acknowledging their perfect, eternal, and victorious nature.
   • Praise is offered to the Sadhus (monks) for their detached nature, knowledge, and practice of virtue.
   • The text extols the qualities of a Samyag-drishti (one with right vision) and contrasts them with the characteristics of a Mithya-drishti (one with wrong vision).

6. Core Jain Philosophy Explained:

   • Soul (Jiva): Described as conscious, infinite in qualities, omnipresent, and eternal. The text differentiates between the pure, liberated soul (Siddha) and the soul in worldly bondage (Samsari Jiva).
   • Non-Soul (Ajiva): Covers the nature of matter (Pudgala), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
   • Karma: The text explains the processes of Ashrava (influx), Samvara (stoppage), Nirjara (shedding), and Bandha (bondage) of karma. It emphasizes that karma is fundamentally material (Pudgala) and its bondage is due to ignorance and passions (Kashaya).
   • Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal is described as the state of absolute purity, freedom from all karma, and the attainment of the soul's inherent nature of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
   • Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Ratna Traya): These are presented as the means to achieve liberation, achieved through proper understanding (Samya Darshan), discrimination (Gyan), and virtuous action (Charitra).
   • Syadvada: This doctrine is highlighted as a crucial aspect of Jainism, emphasizing that truth is multifaceted and can be viewed from different perspectives. It is presented as the way to resolve contradictions and understand reality without falling into extreme views.
   • Gunasthanas (Stages of Spiritual Progress): The text outlines the fourteen stages, detailing the gradual spiritual purification of the soul, from the lowest stage of delusion (Mithyatva) to the highest stage of the Omniscient and Omnipresent liberated soul (Yogin). The descriptions of these stages explain the soul's journey and the shedding of karmic obstructions.

7. Poetic and Devotional Quality:

   • Banarsidas's poetry is noted for its accessibility, beauty, and depth.
   • The text employs metaphors and similes from nature and daily life to illustrate spiritual concepts.
   • There are numerous invocations and praises to Jain Tirthankaras and the teachings, reflecting a devotional tone.

In essence, "Samaysar Natak" by Banarsidas, with the commentary by Nana Ramchandra Naga, is a profound and beautifully crafted Jain scripture that aims to guide the reader towards self-realization and liberation by expounding the eternal truths of the soul's nature, its bondage to karma, and the path of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, all presented in an engaging poetic narrative.