Shaddarshan Samucchay

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shaddarshan Samucchay" by Acharya Haribhadrasuri, based on the provided catalog link and page content.

Book Title: Shaddarshan Samucchay (षड्दर्शनसमुच्चयः) Author: Acharya Haribhadrasuri (पूज्याचार्यभगवच्छ्रीहरिभद्रमरिविनिर्मितः) Commentary (Vrutti): Acharya Vidyatilaka alias Somtilaka (वृत्तिकृत् परमपूज्याचार्यश्रीविद्यातिलकापरनामश्रीसोमतिलकरिता) Editor/Publisher's Editor: Acharya Bhattarak Vijaypremsuri, alias Vijayjambusuri (संपादकः परमपूज्याचार्यभट्टारकश्रीविजयप्रेममूरिपट्टप्रभावकाचार्य श्रीविजयजम्बूसूरि) Publisher: Shri Muktabai Gyanmandir Sansad, Dabhhoi (श्रीमुक्ताबाईज्ञानमन्दिराध्यक्षश्रेष्टिमगनलालारमजवापुलाला) Publication Year: V.S. 2006 / Vira Samvat 2476

Overall Summary:

The "Shaddarshan Samucchay" is a foundational Jain philosophical work that systematically presents and analyzes various Indian philosophical schools (Darshanas). The primary goal is to provide a comparative understanding of these diverse viewpoints, highlighting their core tenets, and ultimately demonstrating the superiority and comprehensiveness of the Jain perspective. The text is particularly valuable for its detailed commentary by Acharya Vidyatilaka, which elaborates on the original verses, and the meticulous editorial work by Acharya Vijayjambusuri.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. The Original Work (Mula Granth):

   • Authored by the renowned Jain Acharya Haribhadrasuri, who is credited with composing the original text in simple Sanskrit verses.
   • The text aims to present a synopsis of different philosophical systems.
   • Haribhadrasuri's work is considered a precursor to later comparative philosophical studies in India, similar in spirit to Madhavacharya's "Sarvadarshana Sangraha."

2. The Commentary (Vrutti/Laghu-tiika):

   • A significant and invaluable commentary was provided by Acharya Vidyatilaka (also known as Somtilaka).
   • This commentary, composed in V.S. 1394, makes the original text more accessible and understandable for scholarly study.
   • Vidyatilaka's commentary itself shows the influence of other prominent Jain philosophical works like "Pramana Mimamsa" and "Syadvada Manjari."
   • Vidyatilaka was a disciple of Acharya Sanghatilakasuri and belonged to the Rudrapalliya sect. He is also known for other works like "Veerkalpa" and "Sheet Tarangini Laghu Stotra Vrutti."
   • The commentary is estimated to be around 1200 verses long.

3. The Editorial Work (Sampadan):

   • The present edition was meticulously edited and published under the guidance of Acharya Vijaypremsuri and prepared by Acharya Vijayjambusuri.
   • This edition involved extensive research, utilizing various manuscripts to ensure accuracy and provide valuable annotations (Tippani).
   • The editorial effort aimed to make the text accessible to a wider audience interested in comparative philosophy.

4. The Darshanas Presented:

   • The "Shaddarshan Samucchay" (Six Darshanas) primarily focuses on six major philosophical schools of thought prevalent in ancient India. The text explicitly mentions:
     • Baudha (Buddhist): Discusses the teachings of Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths (Duhkha, Samudaya, Marga, Nirodha), the concept of impermanence (Kshanika), the doctrine of no-self (Nairatmya), and the causes of suffering. It mentions various sub-schools like Vaibhashika, Sautrantika, Yogachara, and Madhyamika.
     • Naiyayika (Nyaya): Presents the school founded by Akshapada Gautama. Key elements include the concept of God (Shiva) as the creator and destroyer, the sixteen categories (Pratyaksha, Anumana, Upamana, Shabda, Arthāpatti, Abhāva, Pramana, Prameya, Samshaya, Prayojana, Drishtanta, Siddhanta, Avayava, Tarka, Nirnaya, Vada, Jalpa, Vitanda, Hetvābhāsa, Chala, Jati, Nigrahasthāna). It discusses the concept of liberation through knowledge and ethical conduct.
     • Sāṅkhya: Presents the philosophy of Kapila. It details the twenty-five tattvas (principles), including Prakriti, Buddhi, Ahamkara, Manas, ten Indriyas (five Jnanendriyas and five Karmendriyas), five Tanmatras, and five Mahabhutas. It also discusses the role of Purusha (the self) and the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). While some Sāṅkhyas were atheistic, others believed in Ishvara.
     • Jaina: This section, as expected, expounds the Jain philosophy. It covers the nine tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Ashrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha), the nature of the soul (Jiva) with its attributes and transformations, the concept of soul vs. non-soul (Ajiva), the karmic theory (Karma), the path to liberation (Moksha) through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Trikal-Labh), and the doctrine of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) and Syadvada (conditional predication).
     • Vaiśeṣika: Presents the school founded by Kanada. Similar to Nyaya in many aspects due to shared philosophical ground, it details the six categories (Dravya, Guna, Karma, Samanya, Vishesha, Samavaya) and the concept of God.
     • Jaiminīya (Mimamsa): Represents the Mimamsa school, which is divided into Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa. The text highlights the emphasis on Vedic rituals and injunctions (Vidhi) as the path to worldly and spiritual benefits. It also notes the debate about the authority of Vedas and the concept of God.

5. Comparative Analysis and Jain Superiority:

   • The text meticulously compares the doctrines of each Darshana, often demonstrating how they fall short in addressing the complexities of reality or the human condition when contrasted with the comprehensive Jain framework.
   • The Jain perspective, with its emphasis on Anekantavada, is presented as the most balanced and complete approach, capable of reconciling seemingly contradictory aspects of existence.
   • The text implicitly argues that other schools often present partial truths or one-sided (ekanta) views, failing to capture the multifaceted nature of reality as understood by Jainism.

6. Structure and Presentation:

   • The book begins with invocations and acknowledgments, highlighting the patrons and the scholarly lineage.
   • The "Nivedan" (Preface) provides valuable context about the historical significance of the work, the author, the commentators, and the motivation behind its publication.
   • A detailed table of contents (Vishayanukramanika) and an index of names (Visheshanamakramanika) are included, showcasing the vast scope of the text.
   • The edition includes extensive annotations (Tippani) by the editor, providing further explanations, textual variations from different manuscripts, and scholarly insights.
   • The text also discusses the methodology of comparative study and warns against misinterpretations or biased attempts to harmonize all views.

7. Scholarly and Historical Significance:

   • The "Shaddarshan Samucchay" is a crucial text for understanding the history of Indian philosophy and the internal development of Jain thought.
   • The edition's rich scholarly apparatus, including manuscript analysis and comparative notes, adds significant academic value.
   • The text reflects the intellectual milieu of Jain scholars in analyzing and engaging with prevalent philosophical systems of their time.

In essence, the "Shaddarshan Samucchay" is not just a descriptive account of different philosophies but a critical and comparative study that aims to illuminate the depth and breadth of Jain philosophy by examining its diverse counterparts.