Sanskrut Vyakaran Ko Jain Acharyo Ka Yogadan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "संस्कृत व्याकरण को जैन आचार्यों का योगदान" (Contribution of Jain Acharyas to Sanskrit Grammar) by Dr. Suryakant Bali:

The text explores the significant and continuous contributions of Jain scholars to the field of Sanskrit grammar throughout history. It positions Jainism as a key representative of the Shraman (ascetic) tradition in Indian scholarship, alongside the Brahmanical tradition.

Introduction and Context:

• Two Streams of Indian Scholarship: The author begins by identifying two major intellectual streams in Indian academia: the Brahmanical and the Shraman. The Brahmanical stream is linked to philosophies like Nyaya, Sankhya, and Vedanta, while the Shraman stream is primarily associated with Buddhism and Jainism.
• Jainism as a True Shraman Representative: The text argues that Jainism is the true successor and representative of the Shraman tradition due to its ancient origins, predating Buddhism, and its uninterrupted contribution to Indian scholarship across millennia. In contrast, Buddhism became more proselytizing and less integrated with Indian intellectual life after a certain period.
• Jain Contribution to Grammar: The author states that Jain scholars' contributions to Sanskrit grammar are characterized by both involvement (संपृक्तता) and quality (गुणवत्ता).

Motivations of Scholars and Jain Grammarians:

• Two Motivations for Engagement: Scholars engage with a discipline either due to their specific life philosophy (e.g., Bhatrihari with Advaita Vedanta, Nagesh with Tantra) or out of pure academic passion (e.g., Panini, Patanjali).
• Jain Grammarians' Approach: The text highlights a surprising aspect: unlike some Brahmanical scholars who integrated their philosophies into grammar, no Jain grammarian seems to have explicitly used grammar to substantiate Jain life philosophy. While Jain philosophy, particularly Anekantavada (अनेकान्तवाद), is central to Jain thought, its direct integration into grammatical discourse by Jain scholars is not evident.
• Objective Study: The primary conclusion is that Jain acharyas pursued the deep study of grammar with an intent of objective, unbiased academic pursuit of the discipline itself.

Reasons for a Separate Study of Jain Contributions:

The author posits three key reasons why the contribution of Jain acharyas to Sanskrit grammar warrants separate study:

1. Unique Language Style and Terminology: Jain writers, during the period of Buddhist influence, developed a distinct language style and specific terminologies. While the maturity of Panini's grammar and subsequent commentaries left little room for entirely new styles or vocabulary, Jain acharyas still attempted to impart a unique character.
2. Opposition to Vedic Language and Focus on Prakrit/Apabhramsha: Jain scholars were, like Buddhists, anti-Vedic and thus had no inherent attachment to Vedic language. However, studying Sanskrit was a necessity due to its dominance in the Indian intellectual sphere. To avoid being ostracized, they studied Panini's grammar. Their specific aim was to create Sanskrit grammar devoid of Vedic language rules. This objective alone justifies classifying Jain Sanskrit grammar separately. Furthermore, their affinity for Prakrit and Apabhramsha naturally led them towards developing grammars for these languages. Acharya Hemachandra's "Siddha-Haima-Shabdanushasana," with its final chapter dedicated to Prakrit and Apabhramsha, exemplifies this trend, providing a directional impetus for Jain grammarians to focus on these vernaculars.
3. Intellectual Rivalry and Self-Assertion: Intellectual debates between Brahmanical and Jain scholars often escalated to sharp criticism. Due to an initial lack of Jain works in various fields, Jain scholars were compelled to study Brahmanical texts, often facing the criticism that they lacked their own original works. To counter such disdain, Jain acharyas were motivated to create their own independent grammatical traditions, as expressed by the 11th-century grammarian Buddhisagar Suri.

Methodology for Studying Jain Sanskrit Grammar:

The study of Jain contributions is categorized into two main areas:

• Jain Grammatical Traditions: This includes grammars composed by Jain acharyas, such as Jainendra, Shakatayana, and Haima. The study can be further divided into pre-Jainendra, Jainendra, and post-Jainendra periods.
• Jain Acharyas' Works on Non-Jain Grammatical Traditions: This covers commentaries, glosses, and other works by Jain scholars on grammatical systems not originating from Jainism, particularly Katantra and Sarasvata grammars.

I. Jain Grammatical Traditions:

• (1) Pre-Jainendra Jain Grammar:

  • Lost Tradition: A long tradition of Jain grammar existed before Acharya Pujyapada Devanandi's Jainendra Vyakarana, but unfortunately, no complete grammatical text from this period survives.
  • Evidence of Predecessors: Devanandi and Palyakirti mention the views of several earlier grammarians (e.g., Shridatta, Yashobhadra, Bhutabali, Prabhachandra, Siddhasena, Samantabhadra for Devanandi; Indra, Chandranandi, Aryavajra for Palyakirti).
  • Theories on Indr-Vyakarana (Aindra Grammar): The text discusses the theory that Aindra grammar, attributed to Indra and influenced by Lord Mahavir, might be the origin of Jain grammar. It notes that Panini is considered representative of the Maheshvara tradition, while Katyayana belonged to the Aindra tradition. The merger of these traditions is seen as an effort to unify them. However, the direct link of Aindra grammar as the first Jain grammar is not definitively proven, though it's hypothesized that Aindra grammar might have represented the Jain stream, mirroring the Brahmanical Maheshvara stream.
  • Shabdaprabhrita: This is considered an important pre-Jainendra text, possibly a Sanskrit grammar, from which grammar evolved according to Siddhasena Ganin. It is believed to have been part of the 12th Anga of Jain Agamas, the "Drishtivada," which is also lost.
  • Kshapanaka: Identified as a grammarian of the 1st century CE (possibly identical to Kshapanaka of Vikramaditya's court), he is credited with writing extensive grammatical texts and possibly establishing a grammatical tradition. His influence is evident in the works of Maitreparikshit.

• (2) Jainendra Grammar:

  • Oldest Regular Jain Grammar: Authored by Acharya Pujyapada Devanandi (also known as Jinendrabuddhi or Pujyapada), it is considered the oldest extant systematic Jain grammar.
  • High Esteem: Its importance is highlighted by its inclusion in lists of eight great grammarians by Bopadeva and its popular recognition in Jain tradition.
  • Authorship and Dating: The belief that Mahavir Swami authored it is attributed to reverence for the name "Jainendra." However, research points to Acharya Devanandi of the 6th century CE. The text provides evidence for this dating, including references to Siddhasena Divakara and a mention of Mahendra's victory in Mathura.
  • Two Recensions: Two recensions exist: the "Audichya Path" (3036 sutras) considered the original, and the "Dakshinathya Path" (with more sutras), possibly a later expansion. The absence of the "ekashesha" (one-residue) section in the Audichya Path is noted as a significant difference from other grammars.
  • Grammatical Features:
    • Five chapters (Panchadhyayi), 20 parts, 3036 sutras.
    • Many Paninian sutras are included, often adapted or omitting Vedic-specific ones.
    • Similarities and minor differences in sutras and terms with Panini's Ashtadhyayi.
    • Concise terminology (e.g., 'hrasva' for pratipadika, 'ty' for pratyaya) leads to brevity but also potential difficulty in understanding without Paninian context.
    • Retains many Paninian terms like 'udatta,' 'anudatta,' 'pada,' 'karaṇa.'
    • Innovative treatment of vibhakti (case endings) by analyzing each letter.
    • Adherence to Panini's grammatical process and use of philosophical principles like Anekantavada is speculated as a reason for the absence of the 'ekashesha' section.
    • Accepts Panini's fourteen Mahesha sutras and resultant pratyaharas.
    • Follows Panini's utarga-apavada (general-special) style, with sections on dhatu, lakara, karaka, nipata, samasa, pratyaya, krt.
    • Includes the "purvatrasiddham" (previous as primary rule) principle.
    • Attempts to harmonize Panini's sutras, Vartikas, and Mahabhashya.
  • Commentaries: Notable commentaries include Mahavritti by Abhayananndi, Shabdamobhajasbhaskarnayasa by Prabhavachandra, Panchavastuprakriya by Shrutikirti, and Laghu Jainendra by Mahachandra. Abhayananndi's commentary is particularly praised for integrating Paninian grammatical material with Jain history and philosophy.

• (3) Post-Jainendra Jain Grammar:

  • Establishment of a Tradition: Pujyapada's work initiated a tradition, with Shakatayana and Haima grammars gaining prominence. However, no single Jain grammar achieved universal acceptance within the Jain community.
  • Key Figures: Vamana, Palyakirti, Buddhisagar Suri, Bhadresvara Suri, Vardhamana, and Hemachandra Suri are significant.
  • Vamana: A Jain grammarian (distinct from Vamana-Jayaditya of Kashikavritti), whose work "Vishrantavidyadhar" is lost. His commentator Mallavadi also wrote a lost "Nyasa." Their influence is seen in Hemachandra's work, suggesting Vamana was indeed Jain.
  • Palyakirti: A Yapaniya sect Jain acharya, author of "Shabdanushasana," known as "Jain Shakatayana." It's highly regarded, even being equated with Panini-predecessor Shakatyana. The text notes his probable contemporaneity with Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha (9th century CE). Some scholars suggest he was originally a Vedic follower who later became Jain.
    • Features: Four chapters, 16 parts, 3236 sutras. It utilizes Paninian features with modifications, such as merging 'R Rik' and 'L Ri', and 'Hyavarad' and 'Lan.' It re-adopts many Paninian terms. It also incorporates Patanjali's Ishtis and Vartikas.
    • Commentaries: Amogha Vritti by Palyakirti himself, a Nyasa by Prabhachandra, and a Chintamani Vritti by Yajnavarman.
  • Buddhisagar Suri: Considered the first Shvetambara Jain grammarian. His work, "Panchagranthi" or "Shabdalakshama," dating to the 11th century CE, is likely based on earlier grammars. He also composed dhatu, gana, and unadi paths.
  • Bhadresvara Suri: A Shvetambara Jain scholar of the 11th-12th centuries CE, whose grammar "Deepaka" is lost. He is credited with dhatu, gana, and linganushasana paths.
  • Hemachandra Suri: A preeminent figure in Jain and Sanskrit grammar, known as "Kalikala Sarvajna." His "Siddha-Haima-Shabdanushasana" is considered the most important Jain grammar, being a complete "Panchanga Vyakarana" (grammar with five parts: sutra, dhatu, gana, unadi, linganushasana).
    • Features: Adheres to the prakriya (process-oriented) style rather than Panini's utarga-apavada. Eight chapters, with the last dedicated to Prakrit and Apabhramsha, marking a significant contribution to comparative linguistics. It drew heavily from Panini, Katantra, Sarasvata, Jainendra, and Shakatayana.
    • Commentaries: Hemachandra wrote his own detailed commentaries (Laghvi, Madhyama, Brihati), and a vast "Shabdamahanava Nyasa." Other scholars like Dhanachandra, Jinashagara, etc., also wrote commentaries.
    • Dhatu Path: "Hemdhatuparayan" divides roots into nine ganas, absorbing Juhotyadi-gana into Adadi-gana. It includes 1980 roots, classifying them as gud and pratyayant.
    • Gana Path: Compiled in his Shabdanushasana's Brihati commentary, with further additions by Vijaynitishuri.
    • Unadi Path: The most extensive, with 1006 sutras and its own commentary.
    • Linganushasana Path: 138 verses, determining gender based on multiple factors beyond just suffixes, reflecting Hemachandra's broad lexicographical knowledge.
    • Paribhasha Path: Contains 50 paribhashas, known as "Nyaya Sutras" in the Haima tradition.
  • Vardhamana: A renowned Jain acharya of the 12th century CE, author of "Gana-Ratna-Mahodadhi." This work compiles gana paths from various traditions, with a Jain perspective, excluding Vedic sections. It also presents variations and examples from poets. Vardhamana was a contemporary of Hemachandra.
  • Other Minor Works: Mention is made of grammars by Malayagiri Suri, Sahajakirti Gani, Jaisingh Suri, Premlabh Muni, and Danavijay, most of which were influenced by Hemachandra and have not survived significantly.

II. Jain Acharyas' Contributions to Non-Jain Grammars:

• Paninian Grammar: Jain acharyas' contributions are limited, with Devanandi's lost "Shabdaavatar Nyasa" being a notable example. Vishweshwara Suri's partial commentary (up to the first three chapters) from the 17th century is also mentioned.
• Katantra Grammar: Despite not being a Jain grammar, it received substantial contributions from Jain scholars. This is attributed to its lack of Vedic focus compared to Panini's grammar.
  • Contributions: Vijayananda's "Katantottara Vyakarana" and Vardhamana's "Katantra Vistara" are significant. Other works include "Katantra Bhushan" by Dharmaghoshasuri, "Katantra Deepika Vritti" by Harshachandra, and "Katantra Vritti Panjika" by Somakirti. Jain scholars also wrote process-oriented works like Bhavasena's "Katantra Rupamala."
• Sarasvata Grammar: Surprisingly, Jain scholars contributed extensively to this grammar, which was prevalent in Gujarat, a center of Jain learning. Twenty-three Jain works on Sarasvata grammar are noted, including commentaries like "Sarasvata Mandana" by Malagyatiya Mantri, "Yashonandini Teeka" by Yashonandi, and "Subodhini" by Chandrakirti Suri. Process-oriented works like Padmasundarmani's "Sarasvata Rupamala" also exist.

Conclusion:

• Substantial Contribution: Jain scholars made significant contributions to the enrichment of Sanskrit grammar.
• Three Major Jain Traditions: Jainendra, Shakatayana, and Haima emerged as distinct grammatical traditions, not just texts.
• Hemachandra's Dominance: Hemachandra's "Siddha-Haima-Shabdanushasana" stands out as the most comprehensive and well-preserved "Panchanga Vyakarana."
• Lack of Universal Acceptance: A peculiar fact is that no single Jain grammar, including Hemachandra's, gained universal acceptance within the Jain community. Instead, they coexisted with other grammars, reflecting the broad-minded intellectual ethos of Jainism.
• Technical Insights:
  • Jain grammars universally adopted the nature-suffix (Prakriti-Pratyaya) system, a core analytical method of Sanskrit grammar.
  • They both assimilated existing Paninian grammatical terms and created new ones, demonstrating a sophisticated analytical approach within the established tradition.

In essence, the text establishes the profound and multifaceted impact of Jain acharyas on the entire landscape of Sanskrit grammar, highlighting their academic rigor, their distinct approach stemming from their philosophical background, and their significant role in the development and preservation of grammatical knowledge in India.