Sambodhi

This document is a collection of articles published in Sambodhi, a quarterly journal of the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, in its Volume 9, Nos. 1-4, covering April 1980 to January 1981. The journal was edited by Dalsukh Malvania, Dr. H. C. Bhayani, and Nagin J. Shah.

The content of the volume is presented as a table of contents, followed by the full text of several articles.

Key Articles and Their Themes:

The document starts with a table of contents listing various articles covering a wide range of topics within Indian studies, with a significant focus on Jainism and related philosophical and religious traditions. Some of the prominent articles include:

• Haribhadra's Synthesis of Yoga by Shantilal M. Desai: This article delves into the philosophical approach of the 8th-century scholar Haribhadra to synthesize various yoga traditions. It discusses his integral approach, the eight factors for an integrated approach, and his interpretation of key yogic concepts. The article also analyzes Haribhadra's works like Yogabindu and Yogadrstisamuccaya, highlighting his attempts to find common ground in philosophical concepts and his categorization of sadhakas (spiritual practitioners).

• The Buddhist and Jaina Concepts of Man and Society as Revealed in Their Religious Literature by Padmanabh S. Jaini: This article provides a comparative analysis of Buddhist and Jaina philosophies, focusing on their rejection of Vedic authority, their emphasis on individual effort for salvation over divine grace, and their views on renunciation. It contrasts these with Brahmanical traditions and discusses the societal implications of the Shramana (Buddhist and Jaina) emphasis on renunciation, including their relationship with social responsibilities and the caste system.

• Haoma as a Plant in The Avestan Text by S. N. Ghosal: This piece examines the dual nature of Haoma in Avestan texts, recognized both as a deified god and as a plant. It draws parallels with the Vedic concept of Soma and details the plant-like attributes of Haoma mentioned in the verses, such as its color, sprouts, roots, growth locations, and the preparation of its juice.

• The Main Features of Mahāvīra's Contributions by Suzuko Ohira: This article discusses the contributions of Mahāvira, particularly in reforming Pārśva's doctrine and establishing a new sect. It analyzes the concept of non-violence (anārambha / ahimsā) supported by the vow of non-possession (aparigraha) as Mahāvira's central ethical principle. The article explores the pre-Mahāvīra doctrine of non-violence, its animistic and vaira (retribution) foundations, and how Mahāvira systematized these ideas within the context of the karma theory prevalent at that time.

• A Note on Āyāramga-Sutta 1.2.6.3 by Michihiko Yajima: This is a philological and interpretative study of a specific verse from the Āyāramga-sutta, comparing its usage of the verb 'sah' with its presence in Pali canonical texts. The author suggests a possible original reading and interpretation of the verse, highlighting its semantic uniqueness within Jain and Buddhist canonical literature.

• Uttarajjhayana and Socio-Religious Formalism by Ram Prakash Poddar: This article critiques the socio-religious formalism prevalent in ancient India, such as ceremonial sacrifices, the caste system, and ritualistic purifications. It examines how the Uttarajjhayana, a Jain text, challenges these formalistic practices by emphasizing the essence of religion through good conduct and austerities. The article discusses specific legends and teachings from the text that question the efficacy of rituals and the caste system, advocating for a more ethical and spiritual approach.

• Ājñāpatra and Sanskrit Works on Polity : A Comparison by Ganesh Thite: This paper compares the medieval Marathi work Ājñāpatra with Sanskrit works on polity, such as the Mahābhārata, Mānasollāsa, and Śivatattvaratnākara. It highlights similarities in the divine origin of kingship and the qualifications of ministers, but also points out the unique focus of Ājñāpatra on contemporary political realities, the absence of magical or superstitious rituals, and a simpler lifestyle for the king compared to the more indulgent approach found in some Sanskrit texts. The article also notes the Ājñāpatra's distinctive treatment of the navy and its awareness of contemporary European merchants.

• Some Special Aspects of Jain Philosophy as a School of Indian Philosophy by Arvind Sharma: This note focuses on less commonly known unique aspects of Jain philosophy. It discusses the variable size of the Jiva (soul) in its empirical state, the Jain concept of Kevalajñāna (omniscience) as the culmination of knowledge through the removal of sensory and mental impediments, and the materialistic metaphysics where even actions are considered substances. The article also touches upon Jain views on causation, the classification of five-sensed beings, the concept of nigoda (subtle plants with infinite souls), and the assertion that nigoda is not subject to Karma.

• A Paramāra Sculpture in the British Museum : Vāgdevi or Yakshi Ambikā? by Kirit Mankodi: This article re-examines the identification of a sculpture in the British Museum. While previously identified as Vāgdevi (Sarasvati) based on an inscription mentioning King Bhoja and Vāgdevi, the author argues that the iconography strongly suggests it is the Jaina Yakshi Ambikā. The article provides a detailed description of the sculpture, compares its features with known images of Ambikā and Sarasvati, and suggests a new interpretation of the inscription that supports the Ambikā identification. It also touches upon the patronage of Jainism by the Paramāra kings.

The document also includes Reviews of various books:

• Aagama- Shabdkosh (Angasuttani Shabdasuchi) Bhag 1 edited by Acharya Tulsi, compiled by Yuva Acharya Mahapragya.
• Baudh-Darshan Ki Prishthabhoomi Mein Nyayashastriya Ishvaravada by Dr. Kishornath Jha.
• Vardhamana Jivan-kosa compiled by Mohanlal Banthia and Shrichand Choradia.
• Ludwig Alsdorf's Kleine Schriften edited by Albrecht Wezier.
• Mahavira and His Teachings: Editors A. N. Upadhye, D. Malvania and others.
• Vakrokti-Jivita of Kuntaka Critically edited with variants, introduction and English translation by K. Krishnamoorthy.
• Nagarjuna's Letter to King Gautamiputra (trans. by ven. Lozang Jamspal, ven, NIS. Chopel and P. D. Santina).
• The Ritual of Founding a Brahmin Village by Dr. G. C. Tripathi.
• Yoga Philosophy and Religion by Surendranath Dasgupta.
• A Hand-book of Virasaivism by S. C. Nandimath.
• Buddhist Wisdom - The Mystery of the Self by George Grimm.
• Gautama : the Nyāya Philosophy by N. S. Junankar.

Additionally, there are articles on:

• Jain Karma Siddhanta: Bandhan aur Mukti ki Prakriya by Sagar Mal Jain, discussing the Jain theory of Karma, its binding and liberation processes, the nature of Karma, its stages, and the causal factors.
• Jain Yakshi Ajita (ya Rohini) ka Pratimanirupan by Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, focusing on the iconography of the Yakshi Ajita/Rohini, associated with the 16th Tirthankara Ajitnath, and discussing its literary and sculptural evolution across different traditions.
• Paaiya-Sah-Mahannavo mein Anupalabdha Vasudevahindi ki Shabdavali (2) by K. R. Chandra, a glossary of unfamiliar words found in Vasudevahindi.
• Ranankapur ka Prachintam Ullekh by Ram Pallabh Somani, discussing the earliest references to Ranankapur.
• Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji Maharajni Rachili Karmaprakrti-Tikani Ek Amulya Hastaprati by Muni Shilachandra Vijay, describing a valuable manuscript of a commentary on Karmaprakrti by Yashovijayji.
• Shri Nyayasiddhantapravesakanthika edited by Muni Shilachandra Vijay, a partial edition of a work on Nyaya philosophy.
• Panchakhyan ke Sanshodhak Purnabhadra Suri Kharatar Purnabhadra Nahi The by Agarchand Nahata, clarifying the identity of Purnabhadra associated with the revision of Panchakhyan.
• Kavivar Nayasundar ki Ek Ajnat Rachana - Nemianath Vasanta Vilas by Agarchand Nahata, introducing an unknown work by the poet Nayasundar.

The document also includes introductory pages for the journal, its editors, and a statement about ownership. The bulk of the text comprises the detailed articles and book reviews.