Sanshay Sab Door Bhaye - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanshay Sab Door Bhaye" (गणधरवाद - Gāṅdhara-vāda) by Acharya Padmasagarsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sanshay Sab Door Bhaye (संशय सब दूर भये) Subtitle/Theme: Gāṅdhara-vāda (गणधरवाद) Author: Acharya Padmasagarsuri (पद्ममसागरसुरीश्वरजी महाराज) Inspiration/Commentary: Muni Shri Arūṇodayasāgarji (अरुणोदयसागरजी महाराज) Editor: Pandit Shri Parmārthāchārya (पण्डित श्री परमार्थाचार्यजी) Publisher: Arunoday Foundation (अरुणोदय फाउन्डेशन) Publication Year: 1987

Core Theme and Purpose:

The book "Sanshay Sab Door Bhaye" (All Doubts Vanished) is a compilation of discourses by Acharya Padmasagarsuri on the "Gāṅdhara-vāda." The Gāṅdhara-vāda refers to the pivotal dialogues between Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and his eleven chief disciples, known as Gāṅdhars. These discussions were instrumental in clarifying fundamental philosophical and spiritual doubts held by these highly learned individuals, ultimately leading to their acceptance of Lord Mahavir's teachings and their subsequent role in propagating Jainism.

The book aims to present these profound discussions in a simple and accessible manner for the general public, enabling them to understand the core tenets of Jain philosophy and the historical context of the formation of the Jain monastic order. It emphasizes how Lord Mahavir, with his perfect psychological insight and understanding of Anekānta (non-absolutism), resolved complex questions based on contradictory scriptural interpretations.

Key Content and Structure:

Introduction and Context: The book begins by acknowledging the spiritual lineage, honoring Acharya Shri Kailāssagarsuri and the contributions of those involved in its publication and editing. It highlights the profoundness of Jain Darshan (philosophy) as presented in the Gāṅdhara-vāda, particularly Lord Mahavir's psychological approach.
The Eleven Great Scholars (Mahapandits) and Their Doubts: The central part of the book details the specific doubts held by each of Lord Mahavir's eleven chief disciples before they attained Gāṅdharship. These doubts, rooted in Vedic interpretations, covered fundamental existential and philosophical questions:
- Indrabhuti: Does the soul (Jīva) exist or not?
- Agnibhuti: Does karma exist or not?
- Vāyubhuti: Are the soul and karma distinct or identical?
- Vyakta: Do the five great elements (Mahābhūtas) exist?
- Sudharma: Is a person reborn as a human or also as an animal?
- Mandit: Does bondage (bandha) and liberation (moksha) occur?
- Mauryaputra: Do gods (Devas) exist?
- Akkampita: Do beings in hell (Nārakas) exist?
- Achalbhrātā: Do merit (puṇya) and demerit (pāpa) exist?
- Metārya: Does the afterlife (paraloka) exist?
- Prabhāsa: Does Nirvana (moksha) exist anywhere?
Lord Mahavir's Divine Discourses (Gāṅdhara-vāda): The book then elaborates on Lord Mahavir's responses to each of these eleven scholars. It describes how he meticulously analyzed the Vedic verses, revealed their true underlying meaning (often related to Anekānta and specific Jain principles), and resolved the apparent contradictions. Each discourse is presented as a dialogue, showcasing Lord Mahavir's omniscience, compassion, and profound wisdom.
- The text illustrates the scholars' initial pride and intellectual arrogance, which gradually dissolves as their doubts are answered.
- The narrative highlights how Lord Mahavir's profound understanding and eloquent explanations led them to shed their ego and fully embrace his teachings.
Transformation and Discipleship: The book details how, upon receiving satisfactory answers and experiencing the transformative power of Lord Mahavir's teachings, each scholar, along with their respective disciples (totaling 4411), accepted the path of renunciation and became disciples of Lord Mahavir. They were then designated as Gāṅdhars.
The "Tripathi" and the Twelve Limbs (Dvādaśāṅgī): A crucial aspect mentioned is that Lord Mahavir imparted the knowledge of "Tripathi" (the doctrine of origination, decay, and permanence, related to the nature of reality) to the Gāṅdhars. Based on this understanding, the Gāṅdhars compiled the twelve Angas (limbs) of the Jain canon, known as the Dvādaśāṅgī.
Metaphors and Analogies: Throughout the text, various analogies are used to explain complex spiritual concepts. Examples include the interdependence of body parts, the functioning of the human body, and the subtle workings of karma and its effects. These analogies make the philosophical points more relatable and easier to grasp.
The Nature of Knowledge and Doubt: The book implicitly discusses the importance of genuine inquiry and the limitations of superficial knowledge or ego-driven understanding. It shows that true wisdom comes from overcoming doubts through righteous knowledge and surrender.
The Role of Faith and Experience: The text emphasizes that while words can clear conceptual doubts, the ultimate understanding of the soul (Ātmā) and spiritual realities comes through direct experience and spiritual practice (sādhana). It suggests that true spiritual progress involves inner transformation rather than mere intellectual assent.
The Arunoday Foundation's Mission: The latter pages highlight the mission of the Arunoday Foundation and the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, to preserve, publish, and disseminate Jain scriptures and philosophical teachings. It mentions their ongoing efforts to create a center for learning, research, and spiritual practice, including the establishment of a Jain Knowledge Temple (Gyan Mandir) with a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and artworks.

Overall Message:

"Sanshay Sab Door Bhaye" serves as a testament to the power of true spiritual guidance in dispelling ignorance and doubt. It demonstrates how Lord Mahavir's teachings, delivered through the Gāṅdhara-vāda, not only resolved the intellectual queries of learned scholars but also facilitated their complete spiritual transformation. The book encourages readers to approach spiritual knowledge with humility, genuine inquiry, and a willingness to surrender ego, ultimately leading to the dissolution of doubts and the attainment of spiritual liberation. It is presented as a guide to understanding the foundational principles of Jainism and the significance of the Gāṅdhars in its history.