Shaddarshan Samucchaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" by Damodar Pandit, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Shaddarshan Samucchaya (षड्दर्शनसमुच्चयः) Author: Haribhadra Suri (आहतप्रवरश्रीहरिभद्रसूरिरचितः) Commentary: Laghuvrutti by Manibhadra (परमाहतमणिभद्रकृतलघुवृत्तिसमाख्यया व्याख्यया सहितः) Editor/Reviser: Damodar Shastri (गोस्वामिश्रीदामोदरशास्त्रिणा संशोधितः) Publisher: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi (चौखम्बा संस्कृत सीरिज आफिस, वनारसः) Publication Year: 1957 (E.S. 2013 VS)

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" is a significant work in Jain philosophy that aims to provide a concise overview and analysis of six prominent philosophical schools (Shaddarshan) prevalent in ancient India. The text's primary goal is to elucidate the core tenets, classifications, and key concepts of these diverse philosophical systems. The inclusion of the commentary by Manibhadra, and the editorial work by Damodar Shastri, makes it a valuable resource for understanding these systems from a Jain perspective.

Key Aspects and Summary of Philosophical Schools Covered:

The book, as indicated by its title and the editorial introduction, systematically presents and briefly explains six philosophical schools. While the introduction mentions various interpretations of what constitutes the "six darshanas," the author Haribhadra Suri explicitly identifies them in his third verse:

1. Bauddha Darshana (Buddhist Philosophy): This section likely covers the fundamental principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths (Duḥkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Marga), the concept of anātman (non-self), the doctrine of impermanence (kṣaṇika), and the elements of existence (skandhas). The text probably details Buddhist epistemology (pramanas) and metaphysics.
2. Naiyāyika Darshana (Nyaya Philosophy): This school is associated with logic and epistemology. It likely discusses the categories of existence, the means of valid knowledge (pramanas), and the structure of logical reasoning (inference, analogy, etc.). The introduction mentions the deity as Shiva, responsible for creation and destruction, and emphasizes God's omnipresence, eternality, and omniscient nature as per Nyaya thought.
3. Sāṅkhya Darshana (Sāṅkhya Philosophy): This system is characterized by its dualistic ontology, positing two fundamental realities: Prakriti (primordial matter) and Purusha (consciousness). The text would likely elaborate on the Sattvika, Rajasika, and Tāmasika qualities (gunas) that constitute Prakriti, and the evolutionary process of the universe from Prakriti to the manifest world. The distinction between the creator and non-creator views within Sāṅkhya is also mentioned.
4. Jaina Darshana (Jain Philosophy): As the originating perspective of the author, this section would be a detailed exposition of Jain principles. It would likely cover the core concepts of Jina as the deity, the liberation from passions (Raga, Dvesha, Moha), the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and the nine fundamental substances (Tattvas) of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Ashrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of influx), Bandha (bondage), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation). The Jain epistemology with its two pramanas (Pratyaksha and Paroksha) and the doctrine of anekanta (non-absolutism) are likely central themes.
5. Vaiśeṣika Darshana (Vaiśeṣika Philosophy): This school is closely related to Nyaya and focuses on the metaphysics of reality, particularly the concept of padarthas (categories). It typically enumerates six or seven categories, including substance (dravya), quality (guna), action (karma), universality (sāmānya), particularity (viśeṣa), and inherence (samavāya). The text would explain these categories and their subdivisions.
6. Jaiminīya Darshana (Mimamsa Philosophy): This school, often associated with the Mimamsa Sutras of Jaimini, primarily focuses on Vedic exegesis and the principles of ritual action (karma). It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas and the concept of apauruṣeya (non-human origin) of Vedic texts. The text would likely highlight the Mimamsa view on Dharma, its definition as injunctions, and the role of Vedic statements (codana) in guiding action. The concept of a personal God is generally downplayed or rejected in favor of the efficacy of rituals and Vedic authority.

Author and Commentary:

• Haribhadra Suri: The text is attributed to the esteemed Jain scholar Haribhadra Suri, who was originally a Brahmin and later converted to Jainism. The introduction provides biographical details about him, highlighting his intellectual prowess and his extensive writings that contributed significantly to Jain literature.
• Manibhadra: The commentary, "Laghuvrutti," is by Manibhadra, who is described as a respected scholar. The editor expresses hope to publish details about him if they become available.
• Damodar Shastri: The editor and reviser, Damodar Shastri, has meticulously edited the text, comparing different manuscripts and ensuring accuracy, especially concerning the Prakrit passages. His preface provides valuable context about the text, its author, and the editorial process.

Structure and Approach:

The "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" is structured to present each philosophical school systematically. It begins with an invocation and an introduction outlining the purpose and the six schools covered. Each school's doctrines are then explained sequentially, likely adhering to a pattern of introducing the deity or primary principle, followed by key metaphysical concepts, epistemological tools (pramanas), and finally the path to liberation or the ultimate goal. The commentary aids in clarifying the intricate points of each philosophy.

Significance:

This work is significant for several reasons:

• Jain Perspective on Other Philosophies: It offers a valuable insight into how Jain scholars understood and analyzed other major Indian philosophical traditions.
• Concise Overview: It provides a condensed yet comprehensive summary of complex philosophical systems, making them accessible to students and scholars.
• Scholarly Contribution: The meticulous editing and commentary by Damodar Shastri and Manibhadra respectively, ensure the text's authenticity and provide further elucidation.
• Comparative Philosophy: It serves as a foundational text for comparative studies of Indian philosophies, highlighting similarities, differences, and debates between these schools.

In essence, the "Shaddarshan Samucchaya" by Haribhadra Suri, as presented and edited in this volume, is a crucial work for understanding the intellectual landscape of ancient India from a Jain philosophical standpoint, offering a systematic and insightful comparison of six major schools of thought.