Samyaggyanchandrika

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Samyaggyanchandrika," based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Samyaggyanchandrika (सम्यग्ज्ञानचन्द्रिका) Author(s): Yashpal Jain (Editor), Yashpal Jain (Translator/Commentator), Acharya Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti (Original Author of Gommatasara Jivakanda) Publisher: Sahitya Prakashan evam Prachar Vibhag, Shri Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Teerth Suraksha Trust, Jaipur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090410/1

Overall Context: The text "Samyaggyanchandrika" is the first volume of a commentary on Acharya Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti's "Gommatasara Jivakanda" (गोम्मटसार जीवकाण्ड). This particular volume focuses on the "Jivakanda" (जीवकाण्ड - the section dealing with soul and its states) and its commentary by Pandit Todarmalji. The publication is by Shri Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Teerth Suraksha Trust, Jaipur, edited by Yashpal Jain. The text is in Hindi, as it is a commentary (Bhasha Teeka) on the original Prakrit work.

Key Aspects from the Provided Pages:

1. Origin and Purpose:

   • The "Samyaggyanchandrika" is a commentary (Bhasha Teeka) by the esteemed scholar Pandit Todarmalji on Acharya Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti's works, specifically Gommatasara Jivakanda and Karmakanda, and also Lissara and Ksharpasara.
   • Pandit Todarmalji himself merged these four commentaries into a single work named "Samyaggyanchandrika" because they were mutually supportive.
   • The publisher expresses the historical significance of this publication, noting that the previous edition by Jain Siddhanta Prakashini Sabha, Calcutta, was unavailable.
   • The goal of this publication is to preserve and make accessible this crucial text on Karananuyoga (करणानुयोग - the branch of Jain scriptures dealing with cause and effect, karma, etc.).

2. Editor's Note on the Edition:

   • The editor, Yashpal Jain, highlights the laborious nature of this publication and thanks Brahmachari Yashpal ji for his dedication.
   • He details the editorial process, including comparing six handwritten manuscripts. The primary basis was the published edition by Jain Siddhanta Prakashini Sabha, Calcutta, edited by Pandit Gangadhar Lal Jain and Shri Lal Jain.
   • Specific editorial decisions made for clarity and study include:
     • Footnoting variant readings from manuscripts.
     • Adding section titles in the introductory preface (Peethika).
     • Dividing large paragraphs into smaller ones for easier study.
     • Placing topic-introducing sentences before the Gathas (verses) to aid comprehension.
     • Using bold type for original Sanskrit/Prakrit verses within the commentary.
     • Mentioning references to Dhavala and other texts in footnotes where relevant.
   • The editor expresses gratitude to Dr. Hukumchandji Bharill for guidance, Shri Saubhagmalji Bohra for manuscript comparison, and other contributors.

3. Pandit Todarmalji's Preface (Peethika - पीठिका):

   • The preface itself is considered a foundational text in Hindi scholarly writing, comparable to Mahakavi Pandit Banarasidas's "Ardhakathanak" (अर्द्धकथानक) in Hindi autobiographical literature.
   • It begins with mangalacharan (auspicious invocation).
   • General Discussion (Samanya Prakaran - सामान्य प्रकरण): This section is extensive and addresses potential objections or questions from readers about the commentary:
     • Necessity of Commentary: Todarmalji explains why he felt compelled to write the commentary despite the complexity of the original text, comparing it to a student trying to explain a lesson to others who are less knowledgeable. He emphasizes his desire to shed light on the meaning for the benefit of his less-intelligent contemporaries.
     • Authority and Accuracy: He acknowledges his own limitations but relies on the teachings of the Jinas. He addresses concerns about potential errors, seeking the understanding of wise readers, while acknowledging that detractors might mock him. He explains that his intention is to spread the knowledge of the Jinas, not for personal glory.
     • Language Choice (Hindi vs. Sanskrit): He defends the use of Hindi for the commentary, stating that while Sanskrit is profound, a clear explanation in the vernacular is necessary for widespread understanding, especially in the Kali Yuga (age of spiritual decline).
     • Addressing Different Philosophical Viewpoints (Pakshapati ka Nirakaran - पक्षपाती का निराकरण): A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to systematically addressing and refuting the narrow viewpoints of proponents of:
       • Prathamanuyoga (first part of scriptural study): Those who rely solely on narratives and stories. Todarmalji argues that while inspirational, these lack the detailed philosophical and ethical framework of Karananuyoga.
       • Charanauyoga (practice of conduct): Those who focus only on rituals, austerities, and external practices without understanding the underlying principles of karma and soul. He argues that true practice stems from right knowledge.
       • Dravyanuyoga (essence of substances): Those who focus solely on abstract philosophical principles of the soul's pure nature, neglecting the practical aspects of karma and spiritual progress through stages. He stresses the importance of understanding the soul's journey through the stages of spiritual development (Gunsthanas).
       • Other Sects (Anyamati - अन्यमती): He also addresses proponents of other philosophical systems (e.g., Vedanta) and scriptural methodologies (e.g., grammar, logic), arguing that Jain scriptures are unique in their comprehensive and accurate portrayal of reality and the path to liberation.
     • Importance of Shastra Abhyasa (Study of Scriptures): He extols the virtues of scripture study, highlighting its immediate benefits like calming anger, controlling senses, focusing the mind, preventing sins, imparting wisdom, and ultimately leading to self-realization and liberation.
     • Durlabhata of Opportunity (दुर्लभता): He emphasizes the rarity of the human birth, the opportunity for spiritual study, and the specific favorable conditions required for such practice, urging readers to utilize this precious time wisely.
     • Mathematics (Ganita - गणित): He stresses the necessity of mathematical knowledge for understanding Karananuyoga, particularly the "Parikarmaashtaka" (परिकर्माष्टक - eight types of mathematical operations) as a foundational tool for scriptural study. He briefly explains these operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squaring, cubing, square root, cube root) and their relevance to understanding the vast numbers and intricate calculations found in Jain cosmology and karma theory.

4. Content Outline (Vishay Soochi - विषय-सूची):

   • The detailed table of contents for the "Jivakanda" ( जीवकाण्ड) reveals the structure of the original work and the commentary. It covers 22 chapters (Adhikaras - अधिकार), including:
     • Gunathana Prarupana (गुणस्थान प्ररूपणा - description of spiritual stages)
     • Jivasamaasa Prarupana (जीवसमास प्ररूपणा - description of soul aggregates)
     • Paryapti Prarupana (पर्याप्ति प्ररूपणा - description of vital capacities)
     • Prana Prarupana (प्राण प्ररूपणा - description of vital breaths/energies)
     • Samjna Prarupana (संज्ञा प्ररूपणा - description of innate tendencies/motivations)
     • Margana Prarupana (मार्गणा प्ररूपणा - description of paths/categories of existence)
     • Indriya Margana (इन्द्रिय मार्गणा - description of sensory organs)
     • Kaya Margana (काय मार्गणा - description of body types)
     • Yoga Margana (योग मार्गणा - description of activities of mind, speech, and body)
     • Veda Margana (वेद मार्गणा - description of sensual dispositions)
     • Kashaya Margana (कषाय मार्गणा - description of passions/attachments)
     • Jnana Margana (ज्ञान मार्गणा - description of knowledge)
     • Samayama Margana (संयम मार्गणा - description of self-control)
     • Darsana Margana (दर्शन मार्गणा - description of perception)
     • Leshya Margana (लेश्या मार्गणा - description of subtle karmic colors/dispositions)
     • Bhavya Margana (भव्य मार्गणा - description of potential for liberation)
     • Samyaktva Margana (सम्यक्त्व मार्गणा - description of right faith)
     • Samshi Margana (संशी मार्गणा - description of beings with mind)
     • Aahara Margana (आहार मार्गणा - description of assimilation)
     • Upayoga Prarupana (उपयोग प्ररूपणा - description of consciousness/awareness)
     • Antarbhava Adhikara (अंतर्भाव अधिकार - description of inclusion/containment)
     • Alap Paddhati (आलाप पद्धति - description of modes of expression/discussion)
   • It also outlines the structure for the "Gommatasara Karmakanda" (गोम्मटसार कर्मकाण्ड), covering its nine chapters.

5. Thematic Emphasis:

   • The entire preface and the introductory sections strongly emphasize the importance of Samyagyan (सम्यग्ज्ञान - right knowledge) as the foundation for all spiritual progress.
   • It advocates for a systematic and comprehensive study of scriptures, particularly the Karananuyoga texts.
   • It highlights the effort and scholarship involved in making these profound Jain teachings accessible through a clear and well-edited commentary in Hindi.
   • The text celebrates the lineage of Jain Acharyas and commentators, from Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti to Pandit Todarmalji and the modern editors, underscoring the continuous transmission of spiritual wisdom.

This summary captures the essence of the provided text, focusing on its introduction, purpose, editorial context, and the vast scope of the scriptures it aims to explain.