Samaysara Chayanika - Book Summary

This document is the "Samaysara Chayanika" (Selection from Samaysara), edited by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani and published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur, in November 1988.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Samaysara Chayanika" is a curated selection of 160 verses (gathas) from the renowned Jain text "Samaysara" by Acharya Kundakunda. The book aims to make the profound philosophical and spiritual teachings of Samaysara more accessible to readers, particularly those interested in Jain philosophy and the Prakrit language. It includes the original Prakrit verses, their Hindi translations, and a detailed grammatical analysis of each verse.

Key Figures and Background:

Acharya Kundakunda: Described as a great scholar of Jain theological literature and Sauraseni Prakrit, as well as a strong proponent of the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada (non-absolutism). He is revered in the Digambara Jain tradition as a highly influential spiritual leader after Lord Mahavir and Gautam Gandhar. His principal works include Ashtapahud, Niyamasara, Pravacanasara, Panchastikayasara, and Samaysara.
Dr. Kamalchand Sogani: The editor of this selection, he is recognized for his expertise in selecting, arranging, and editing Jain texts. He is a retired Professor of Philosophy and has a long-standing association with Prakrit Bharti Academy, having published several other "Chayanikas" (selections) from important Jain scriptures.
Prakrit Bharti Academy: The publisher, dedicated to promoting Jain literature and the Prakrit language.

Introduction to Samaysara:

Original Name: "Samayapahuda" (Essence of Time/Self). The name "Samayasara" is also found in the text and is more commonly known.
Meaning of "Samayasara":
- "Samaya" (Self) + "Sara" (Essence): Refers to the pure, essential nature of the soul, characterized by the union of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (Ratnatrayi).
- "Samaya" (Principle/Doctrine) + "Sara" (Essence/Summary): Refers to the distilled essence of Jain principles found in the Agamas.
Language and Meter: Written in Sauraseni Prakrit, primarily using the Gatha/Arya meter and its variations.
Structure: The original Samaysara has ten sections/chapters, including Jiva (Soul), Jiva-Ajiva (Soul-Non-soul), Kartr-Karma (Doer-Deed), Punia-Papa (Merit-Sin), Prasrava (Influx of Karma), Samvara (Stoppage of Influx), Nirjara (Shedding of Karma), Bandha (Bondage), Moksha (Liberation), and Vishuddha Jnana (Pure Knowledge).
Philosophical Core: The book emphasizes the analysis of the nature of the nine tattvas (principles) recognized in Jainism, particularly through the lens of the soul's freedom versus its bondage. It highlights the concepts of Nischaya Naya (Absolute Viewpoint) and Vyavahara Naya (Conventional Viewpoint) and how Acharya Kundakunda balances them.
Central Message: Samaysara aims to lead the individual towards self-awareness, liberation from the dependence on senses and external objects, and the realization of the soul's inherent freedom and purity. It addresses the psychological aspect of suffering caused by attachment and the path to mental peace and liberation.

Key Philosophical Themes Explored in the Selection (as per the Preface):

The Nature of Consciousness and Suffering: The preface details the progression of human consciousness from sensory experience to social awareness, and then to spiritual understanding. It explains how attachment to objects and desires leads to mental stress and suffering.
Nischaya Naya vs. Vyavahara Naya: The text emphasizes that the soul's true nature is independent (Nischaya Naya), while its perceived bondage and suffering are due to external factors and attachments (Vyavahara Naya). True liberation comes from understanding and adhering to the Nischaya Naya.
The Soul's Inherent Freedom: The soul is described as inherently pure, formless, and characterized by consciousness. Its bondage is seen as an imposition due to ignorance and attachment, not its intrinsic nature.
Karma and Bondage: The process of karma formation through emotions (kashayas) and actions is discussed. The text clarifies that the soul is the doer of its own mental states (bhava) but not of external karmic particles in the absolute sense. Attachment (raga/asakti) is identified as the root cause of karmic bondage and suffering, not the objects or beings themselves.
Knowledge vs. Ignorance: The distinction between the knowledgeable (gyani) and the ignorant (ajani) is central. The ignorant soul is entangled in external attachments and experiences suffering, while the knowledgeable soul understands the true nature of reality and remains detached, experiencing peace.
The Role of Samyagdarshan (Right Faith): The importance of remembering the soul's inherent freedom, which leads to right faith, is highlighted. This is described as the awakening of the soul's true knowing and seeing nature.
The Path to Liberation: The text advocates for detachment from desires, renunciation of attachments, and the practice of pure conduct (charya) and pure knowledge (jnana). It stresses that external rituals or appearances (vesh) are not the path to liberation; the focus must be on internal transformation and the realization of the soul's true nature.
The Rejection of Superficial Practices: The preface criticizes the pursuit of external penances or outward show without inner understanding, emphasizing that true liberation comes from spiritual insight and self-realization.
The Significance of Grammar: The inclusion of grammatical analysis is intended to help readers not only understand the Prakrit verses but also to learn the language systematically.

Structure of the Book:

The book is organized as follows:

Editorial/Publisher's Note (प्रकाशकीय): Introduces the book and its significance.
Preface (प्रस्तावना): Provides a detailed philosophical introduction to Samaysara and the themes covered in the selection.
Verses and Hindi Translations (समयसार-चयनिका की गाथाएं एव हिन्दी अनुवाद): The core of the book, presenting 160 selected verses from Samaysara with their Hindi translations.
Index of Terms (संकेत सूची): Explains grammatical terms and symbols used in the analysis.
Grammatical Analysis (व्याकरणिक विश्लेषण): A verse-by-verse breakdown of the Prakrit grammar, morphology, and syntax.
Verse Order Comparison (समयसार-चयनिका एव समयसार-गाथाक्रम): A comparative table showing how the selected verses correspond to their original sequence in Samaysara.
Bibliography/Reference Books (सहायक पुस्तकें एव कोष): Lists reference books used for grammar and vocabulary.
Errata (शुद्धि पत्र): Lists any corrections to the text.

In essence, "Samaysara Chayanika" is a scholarly and devotional work designed to guide readers towards understanding the core spiritual teachings of Jainism as expounded by Acharya Kundakunda, with a focus on the soul's eternal freedom and the path to achieving it through detachment and self-knowledge.