Sandeh Samucchay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sandeh Samucchay" (Collection of Doubts) by Manikyasagarsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Sandeh Samucchay (सन्देहसमुच्चयः) Author: Shri Gyankalashsurishvar (a disciple of Shri Vadidevsuri and follower of the Vriddha Gachchha tradition) Researched/Edited by: Acharya Shriman Manikyasagarsuri Publisher: Ramanlal Jaychand Shah Published under: Shri Agamoddharak Granthamala (Ninth Gem) Published in: Samvat 2011 (and possibly a reprint in 2015)

Overall Purpose and Theme:

"Sandeh Samucchay" is a significant Jain text that aims to address and resolve various doubts and apparent contradictions found within Vedic scriptures, Puranas, Smritis, and other religious texts. The author, Shri Gyankalashsurishvar, through this work, seeks to clarify these discrepancies, often highlighting how they seem to conflict with the core principles of Jainism, particularly the path to liberation taught by Lord Mahavir (Vitrag). The book is essentially a critical examination of these external traditions from a Jain philosophical perspective, posing questions and offering Jain interpretations or refutations.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Compilation of Doubts: The core of the book is a systematic compilation of perplexing questions (sandeh) that arise from the narratives and teachings found in non-Jain scriptures. These questions often pertain to the actions, character, and philosophical underpinnings of deities and figures described in the Vedas, Puranas, and Smritis.

2. Critique of Vedic and Puranic Narratives: The text extensively quotes or alludes to various stories and pronouncements from these traditions. It then scrutinizes them by pointing out perceived inconsistencies, moral ambiguities, or philosophical conflicts with the Jain ideal of non-violence (ahimsa), detachment (vairagya), and the pursuit of liberation (moksha).

3. Specific Areas of Questioning:

   • Character and Actions of Deities: Many verses question the behavior of major deities like Brahma, Vishnu (including his avatars like Krishna and Rama), Shiva, and various sages and ascetics. For example, it queries:
     • Whether liberation is possible with anger, lust, or attachment (Verse 2).
     • The moral implications of deities engaging in sensual pleasures, wrath, and violence (e.g., Brahma and his daughter, Krishna with Gopikas, Shiva's actions, Vishnu's avatars engaging in warfare and causing harm) (Verses 3-8, 11-15, 20, 21).
     • The validity of curses and their impact on divine or human figures (Verses 5, 10, 11, 17, 20).
     • The concept of divine intervention and its justifications.
   • Rituals and Practices: The text questions various Vedic rituals and practices, particularly those involving animal sacrifice (yajnas), consumption of meat, and their efficacy for purification or spiritual attainment.
     • It contrasts the idea of obtaining liberation through rituals with the Jain emphasis on internal purity, detachment, and right conduct (Verses 43, 44, 51, 52, 71, 72, 73).
     • It questions the purity associated with fire, water, and specific vessels when used in rituals, and the validity of certain purification ceremonies (Verses 61-63, 94-103, 108, 217-220).
     • It challenges the efficacy of pilgrimage and rituals performed without inner purity (Verses 101, 229, 230, 233, 430, 431).
   • Social Hierarchy and Conduct: The text delves into issues of caste (varna) and social divisions, questioning the basis and consistency of these classifications as presented in other scriptures.
     • It challenges the strict adherence to caste-based rules and the notion that birth alone determines purity or spiritual status, contrasting it with the Jain emphasis on conduct (karma) (Verses 179-215, 227, 235, 242-256, 261-268, 277-283, 288, 291-292, 334-338, 341, 343, 353-355, 359, 368).
     • It questions practices related to women, their purity, and their role, often highlighting perceived double standards (Verses 161-174, 201, 241-244, 247, 249-250, 318-323, 338, 385, 410-423).
   • Longevity and Divine Powers: It queries the extraordinary longevity attributed to some divine beings and heroes and the rationale behind such extended lifespans, especially when contrasted with human lifespans or the perceived consequences of certain actions (Verses 270-280).
   • Metaphorical vs. Literal Interpretation: The text implicitly encourages a deeper, perhaps metaphorical, understanding of certain scriptural passages, questioning literal interpretations that lead to logical or moral inconsistencies.

4. Jain Principles as a Framework: Throughout the questioning, the underlying framework is Jain philosophy. The author implicitly or explicitly guides the reader to consider Jain ideals such as:

   • Ahimsa (Non-violence): The criticism of animal sacrifices and violent acts performed by deities is a recurring theme.
   • Vairagya (Detachment): The questioning of attachment to sensual pleasures and worldly desires is prominent.
   • Karma Theory: The text emphasizes that actions (karma) are the true determinants of destiny and liberation, not merely rituals or divine favor.
   • Anekantavada (Many-sidedness): While not explicitly stated as a method here, the act of presenting multiple contradictions from different sources and questioning their singular truth points to the spirit of looking at issues from various angles.
   • Vitaraagata (Freedom from passion): The ideal of a liberated being (Jina) is presented as the ultimate standard against which the actions of other figures are measured.

5. The Role of Scholarship and Inquiry: The book's existence and its research by Acharya Manikyasagarsuri highlight the Jain tradition's emphasis on intellectual inquiry and the continuous re-examination of scriptures and traditions to uphold truth and correct understanding. The publisher's note and the "Shuddhipatra" (errata) also indicate a commitment to accuracy and scholarly presentation.

6. Inspiration and Purpose: The work is dedicated to Acharya Anandasagarsuri and is presented as a valuable addition to Jain literature, serving to enlighten those who seek clarity on scriptural complexities.

In essence, "Sandeh Samucchay" is a scholarly and critical compilation of questions that arise from an examination of prevalent religious narratives outside of Jainism. It uses these questions to underscore the unique philosophical stance of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on right conduct, detachment, and non-violence as the true path to spiritual liberation. It is a testament to the intellectual rigor within the Jain tradition, seeking to resolve apparent contradictions and affirm its own doctrines.