Shashti Shatak Prakaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shashti Shatak Prakaran" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shashti Shatak Prakaran (षष्टिशतक प्रकरण) Author: Nemichandra Bhandari (नेमिचन्द्र भंडारी) Editors/Translators/Annotators: Dr. Bhogilal J. Sandesara (डॉ. भोगीलाल ज. सांडेसरा), Mrs. Hansa Mehta (श्रीमती हंसाबन मेहता) Publisher: Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara (महाराजा सयाजीराव विश्वविद्यालय, वडोदरा) Series: Prachin Gujar Granathamala (प्राचीन गुर्जर ग्रन्थमाला), Granth 1

Overview:

This book is the first publication in the "Prachin Gujar Granathamala" series, initiated by the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara. Its primary aim is to publish critically edited ancient Gujarati literary works, contributing to the study of historical Gujarati language and literature. The volume focuses on Nemichandra Bhandari's "Shashti Shatak Prakaran," a Jain religious text originally composed in Prakrit. Crucially, it presents this work along with three ancient Gujarati commentaries (Balavabodha) by Somasundar Suri, Jinsagar Suri, and Merusundar Upadhyay. The editors have also included a preface, appendices, and a glossary to aid scholarly understanding.

Key Aspects and Content:

The Series "Prachin Gujar Granathamala":
- The series aims to publish rare and significant works of ancient Gujarati literature, including critical editions of texts previously published but not scientifically edited, and collections of study-worthy material.
- Each publication will be accompanied by an introduction, a glossary of notable words with etymological notes and semantic evolution, and potentially other useful study materials.
- The goal is to support the comparative and historical study of Gujarati literature and language, bridging the gap from the 12th century (Hemachandra's time) to the 19th century.
- The series acknowledges the rich and diverse manuscript tradition available in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which is vital for reconstructing the chronological history of the Gujarati language.
- It aims to provide foundational work for a comprehensive historical Gujarati dictionary, focusing on word usage, etymology, and semantic development based on literary evidence.
The Text "Shashti Shatak Prakaran":
- Nature of the text: It is a 'Prakaran' (प्रकरण), a concise Jain treatise on a specific religious or philosophical topic, composed in Prakrit poetry.
- Title Origin: The name "Shashti Shatak" (षष्टिशतक) comes from its content: 160 verses (Gathas). The 161st verse is a concluding benediction.
- Author: Nemichandra Bhandari (नेमिचन्द्र भंडारी), identified as a lay follower (Shravak) and householder. His exact date of composition is not known, but he was active in the 13th century Vikram Samvat.
- Author's Background: According to various Patawalis (genealogies of spiritual lineages) and Merusundar Upadhyay's commentary, Nemichandra was originally from Marot in Marwar. He was inspired by the rigorous asceticism of Acharya Jinapatisuri of the Kharatar Gachha after witnessing him in Patan. Nemichandra later took his son, Ambada, to Jinapatisuri for initiation, who later became known as Acharya Jineswarsuri. Nemichandra's work was influenced by Acharya Jinavallabh Suri's "Pindavishuddhi Prakaran." He praises Jinavallabh Suri highly in verses 107-108 and 129 of his "Shashti Shatak," indicating a profound spiritual connection, though they may not have met directly.
- Content of Shashti Shatak: The verses concisely explain essential religious concepts such as the nature of true religion, delusion (mithyatva), right conduct, virtuous teachers (Sadguru), and false teachers (Kaguru). The author's strong stance against laxity in practice is attributed to the socio-religious conditions of his time.
- Influence: Nemichandra's work was influenced by Dharmadasa Gani's Prakrit "Upadeshmala" (mentioned in verse 96), and his commentators frequently cite from it.
The "Balavabodha" Commentaries:
- Meaning of Balavabodha: A "Balavabodha" (बालावबोध) is a commentary or translation aimed at educating those who are "young" in understanding or knowledge, not necessarily in age.
- Jain Literature's Prose: The earliest Gujarati prose literature is found in the form of Jain Balavabodhas. While the term is Jain, its application can be extended to other religious or narrative prose translations as well.
- Structure and Content: Balavabodhas often translate original texts or expand upon them with illustrative stories and discussions. Some later forms, like "Stabaka" or "Taba" (टबा), involved word-for-word translation with original texts and commentary presented in alternating large and small characters.
- The Three Commentators of Shashti Shatak:
  - Somusundar Suri (सोमसुन्दर सूरि): A renowned Acharya of the Tapagachha (सं. १४३०-१४९९). He was a prolific scholar and writer in Sanskrit and Gujarati, composing both poetry and prose. His Balavabodha on Shashti Shatak was completed in Samvat 1496. He was active in organizing ancient manuscript collections.
  - Jinsagar Suri (जिनसागर सूरि): An Acharya of the Pipallaka branch of the Kharatar Gachha. His inscriptions are dated between Samvat 1491 and 1510. He wrote commentaries on Shashti Shatak (completed Samvat 1501, though one manuscript indicates 1491) and other Sanskrit works.
  - Merusundar Upadhyay (मेरुसुन्दर उपाध्याय): Famous as a Balavabodha writer. He was a disciple of Acharya Jinachandrasuri. His Balavabodha on Shashti Shatak was composed in Banaras at his guru's command. He also wrote commentaries on "Shanjay Stavan," "Shadāvasyak," and other texts.
- Significance of Multiple Commentaries: The presentation of three contemporary Balavabodhas for the same original text offers valuable insights into variations in interpretation, linguistic nuances of the period, and stylistic differences among the commentators.
Other Contributions in the Book:
- Appendix 1: Jinavallabh Suri Gurugunavarnan (जिनवल्लभसूरि गुरुगुणवर्णन): A 35-verse poem in late Apabhramsa by Nemichandra Bhandari, praising Jinavallabh Suri, included as Appendix 1. It is dated from the 15th century Vikram era based on its script.
- Appendix 2: Parshvanath Stotra (पार्श्वनाथ स्तोत्र): A Prakrit composition of nine verses by Nemichandra Bhandari, presented for the first time in this book, found in a manuscript collection in Gujarat Vidya Sabha, Ahmedabad.
- Manuscript Usage: The editing was based on four manuscripts from the Shemchandracharya Gyan Mandir in Patan: two for Somasundar Suri's Balavabodha, and one each for Jinsagar Suri's and Merusundar Upadhyay's. All manuscripts are in Jain Devnagari script on palm leaves.
- Glossary (Shabdakosh): Prepared by Shri Indravadan Ambalal Dave, it lists notable words from the original Prakrit verses and the three Gujarati Balavabodhas, providing etymological and semantic details.
- Corrigenda: A list of corrections for errors found in the printed text.
Introduction by Hansa Mehta:
- The Vice-Chancellor of M.S. University, Hansa Mehta, highlights the importance of the "Prachin Gujar Granathamala" in preserving and publishing old Gujarati literature.
- She emphasizes that such research, while not immediately apparent in its impact, sheds significant light on language evolution and social history.
- She expresses hope that the texts and their glossaries will be valuable resources for historical Gujarati lexicography and the study of related languages.

Overall Contribution:

"Shashti Shatak Prakaran" with its three Balavabodhas and supporting material is a significant scholarly publication. It not only makes an important Jain text accessible but also provides rich material for linguists and literary historians studying the development of Gujarati language and the Jain literary tradition. The detailed comparative analysis offered by the multiple commentaries is a unique contribution.