Shaddarshan Samucchay Satik Sanuwad Part 01
Added to library: September 2, 2025

Summary
Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shaddarshan Samucchay Satik Sanuwad part 01," authored by Sanyamkirtivijay, published by Sanmarg Prakashan, based on the provided pages:
Title: Shaddarshan Samucchay (Compilation of Six Philosophies) with Commentary and Gujarati Translation
Author of the original text: Acharya Haribhadra Suri
Author of the commentary: Acharya Gunaratna Suri
Author of the translation and editor: Pujya Muni Raj Shri Sanyamkirti Vijayji Maharaj
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan
Overall Purpose:
This book, specifically Volume 1, presents a Gujarati translation and commentary of the original Sanskrit text "Shaddarshan Samucchay" by the revered Jain philosopher Acharya Haribhadra Suri. The original work aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview and critical analysis of six prominent Indian philosophical systems (darshanas) prevalent during Acharya Haribhadra Suri's time. The commentary by Acharya Gunaratna Suri elaborates on the original verses, and the translation and editing by Muni Raj Shri Sanyamkirti Vijayji Maharaj make this profound philosophical text accessible to a wider Gujarati-speaking audience.
Key Components and Content Covered (Based on the provided pages):
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Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-18):
- Dedication: The book is dedicated to revered Jain Acharyas, highlighting their spiritual lineage and blessings.
- Publisher's Note: Sanmarg Prakashan is presented as an organization committed to publishing Jain literature with the aim of spreading right knowledge and conduct, emphasizing the importance of study and propagation of scriptures.
- Inspiration and Guidance: The publication highlights the inspiration and guidance received from various esteemed Acharyas and Munirajs, underscoring the collaborative and devotional effort behind the project.
- The Importance of Knowledge: The preface emphasizes that knowledge is the foundation for purity and growth in Jainism, essential for both monastic and lay life. It connects knowledge directly to the path of liberation and the value of studying scriptures.
- The Translator's Journey: Muni Shri Sanyamkirti Vijayji shares his personal journey of studying the "Shaddarshan Samucchay" under the guidance of his gurus, highlighting the challenges and dedication involved in translating and annotating such a complex philosophical text. He expresses gratitude to his lineage of gurus for their blessings and support.
- The Nature of Darshanas: The introduction explains that "Darshana" means perspective, viewpoint, or philosophy. It is understood as a specific belief system and practice aimed at guiding beings from suffering to happiness. The perfection of a Darshana is linked to the completeness of the vision of its founder. Jain Darshana, founded by the Vitaragas (free from passion), is considered complete. Other Darshanas, by accepting only partial aspects of Jainism while retaining their own interpretations, are considered incomplete and are identified as the "Shaddarshanas" (six philosophies).
- The Relationship with Other Darshanas: The text posits that other philosophies contain elements derived from Jainism's vast ocean of knowledge, and by integrating these partial truths and removing their inherent falsehoods, they could ultimately merge back into Jainism.
- The Importance of Studying Shaddarshan Samucchay: The book explains that understanding other philosophies is crucial for grasping the refutations presented in Jain scriptures and for strengthening one's own faith through comparative study. The compiler, Acharya Haribhadra Suri, was a scholar who embraced any truth he encountered, and his study of other philosophies led him to the profound realization of Jainism's completeness and truth.
- The Original Text and Commentary: The "Shaddarshan Samucchay" by Acharya Haribhadra Suri is a significant compilation that presents the core tenets of six major Indian philosophical schools. The Bṛhat Vṛtti (extensive commentary) by Acharya Gunaratna Suri provides detailed explanations and refutations from a Jain perspective, establishing the superiority and truthfulness of Jain philosophy.
- Appendices: The publication includes extensive appendices offering comparative studies of different philosophical texts and their viewpoints, enhancing the depth and utility of the work.
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The Six Darshanas Covered (Mentioned in the Catalog Link and Introduction):
- Baudha (Buddhist) Darshana: Presented first, covering its core concepts, deities (Buddha/Sugata), the Four Noble Truths (Dukkha, Samudaya, Marga, Nirodha), the five skandhas (components of existence), and the principle of impermanence (Kshanikata).
- Nyaya (Naiyayika) Darshana: Focuses on logic, epistemology, and the concept of God as the creator. It details the sixteen categories (padarthas) and the structure of syllogistic reasoning (inference).
- Samkhya (Sankhya) Darshana: Explains the dualistic philosophy of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), the twenty-five tattvas (principles), the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), and the process of creation (sarga).
- Jaina Darshana: Presented in detail, highlighting its unique principles, including the concept of multiple truths (Syadvada), the nine tattvas (jiva, ajiva, etc.), the three jewels (Samyak Darshana, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra), and the refutation of other schools' theories.
- Vaisheshika Darshana: Covers its atomistic philosophy, the six categories (dravya, guna, karma, samanya, vishesha, samavaya), and its relationship with Nyaya.
- Mimamsaka (Jaimini) Darshana: Discusses its emphasis on Vedic ritual and the concept of the eternal nature of sound (Shabda) and its relation to dharma.
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Detailed Structure of the Book (Index/Table of Contents - Pages 47-59): The index provides a meticulous breakdown of the content, chapter by chapter (Adhikara), and verse by verse, detailing the specific topics covered for each Darshana. This includes:
- Mangalas (auspicious beginnings): Invocation and prayers.
- Introduction to Philosophy: Discussing the nature of Darshanas, their number, and names.
- Detailed Exposition of Each Darshana: This forms the core of the book. For each Darshana (Baudha, Nyaya, Sankhya, Jaina, Vaisheshika, Mimamsaka), the text delves into:
- Deity/Object of Worship: Their principal divine being or ultimate reality.
- Principles/Categories: The fundamental ontological and epistemological concepts.
- Epistemology (Pramanas): The means of valid knowledge accepted by each school.
- Key Doctrines: The central philosophical arguments and their refutations.
- Theological Concepts: Views on God, soul, liberation, etc.
- Refutation of Opposing Views: The Jain perspective on the limitations or errors of other philosophies.
- Appendices: The book includes valuable appendices offering further insights, such as:
- Comparative analysis of different schools.
- Works by other Acharyas on the same subject.
- Explanations of specific philosophical terms and concepts.
- A guide to the commentary's style.
- Lists of citations and indices.
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The Commentary's Style and Method (Pages 26-46): A significant portion of the provided text details the style and methodology employed by the commentator (Acharya Gunaratna Suri) and the translator (Muni Sanyamkirti Vijayji). This includes:
- Establishing a Premise (Purvapaksha) and Providing a Response (Uttarapaksha): The commentary meticulously explains how the commentator identifies potential questions or objections (Purvapaksha) and then provides reasoned answers and refutations (Uttarapaksha) from the Jain standpoint.
- Detailed Analysis: The commentary offers in-depth explanations of concepts, often going beyond the original text to provide context and clarity.
- Linguistic Precision: The translation and explanation aim for accuracy and clarity in conveying the philosophical nuances of the original Sanskrit.
- Comparative Philosophy: The text highlights how the commentary often compares and contrasts the views of different schools, reinforcing Jain principles.
In Essence:
"Shaddarshan Samucchay Satik Sanuwad part 01" is a scholarly and devotional work that aims to:
- Preserve and Propagate Jain Philosophy: By translating and commenting on a foundational text.
- Educate and Enlighten: Making complex philosophical ideas accessible to a broader audience.
- Strengthen Faith: By demonstrating the logical coherence and superiority of Jain viewpoints through critical analysis of other prominent philosophies.
- Foster Understanding: By presenting the doctrines of various schools in a structured and comparative manner.
The text underscores the commitment of the publisher and the spiritual lineage of the Acharyas and Munis involved in making this profound knowledge available.