Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 16 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 16, authored by Vinayrakshitvijay, published by Shastra Sandesh Mala, based on the provided text and catalog link.

Book Title: Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 16 Author: Vinayrakshitvijay Publisher: Shastra Sandesh Mala

Overview:

Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 16 is part of a larger series aimed at disseminating Jain philosophical and doctrinal knowledge. This particular volume is a compilation focused on philosophical discussions (दर्शन-चर्चा) and presents a collection of significant Jain philosophical works, likely in their original Sanskrit or Prakrit with commentary or translation. The book is dedicated to the teachings and guidance of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramchandra Surishwarji and compiled under the supervision of Panyas Shree Bodhiratnavijayji Maharaj, with the primary compilation work done by Muktashri Shree Vinayrakshitvijayji Maharaj.

Key Content and Structure:

The book contains a wide array of philosophical texts, primarily dealing with logic, epistemology (pramana and naya), and various philosophical schools of thought. The table of contents (अनुक्रमणिका) reveals a rich collection of works by eminent Jain scholars. Here's a breakdown of the major themes and texts included:

Epistemology and Logic (Pramana and Naya): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to understanding valid means of knowledge (pramana) and different perspectives or standpoints (naya). This includes:
- Sammati Sutram (सम्मतिसूत्रम्): A foundational text on Jain logic and naya, likely discussing the nature of reality and the application of different logical categories.
- Nyayavataaraḥ (न्यायावतारः): A text focused on the principles of logic and reasoning.
- Nyayavataara Sutra Vaartikam (न्यायावतारसूत्रवार्तिकम्): A commentary on the Nyayavataara, offering deeper insights into logical principles.
- Ekavinsati Dvatrinsika (एकविंशतिर्द्वात्रिंशिकाः): Likely a collection of twenty-one treatises or chapters on logical or philosophical topics.
- Yuktyanusasanam (युक्त्यनुशासनम्): A work on the discipline of reasoning and logic.
- Pramana Nayatattvalankaraḥ (प्रमाणनयतत्त्वालोकालङ्कारः): A detailed treatise on the principles of Pramana and Naya, aiming to adorn these concepts. This appears in two parts, focusing on "Pramana" (92-115) and potentially another aspect of the same work.
- Ayogavyavachheda Dvatrinsika (अयोगव्यवच्छेदद्वात्रिंशिका), Anya Yogavyavachheda Dvatrinsika (अन्ययोगव्यवच्छेदद्वात्रिंशिका): Treatises dealing with specific logical concepts, possibly related to classification or categorization of entities and their relationships.
- Utpadadisiddhih (उत्पादादिसिद्धिः): A work establishing the concepts of origination, existence, and cessation, fundamental to Jain metaphysics.
- Pramana Mimansa (प्रमाणमीमांसा), Pramana Prakashah (प्रमाणप्रकाशः): Further explorations into the nature and scope of valid knowledge.
- Syadvaada Kalika (स्याद्वादकलिका), Syadvaada Bhasha (स्याद्वादभाषा): Texts specifically dedicated to Syadvada, the Jain doctrine of manifold predicaments or conditional predication, central to their epistemological framework.
- Yukti Prakashah (युक्तिप्रकाशः): A work illuminating the principles of reasoning.
- Jaina Tattvasaraḥ (जैनतत्त्वसारः): A summary of Jain principles and essence.
- Nay Karnika (नयकर्णिका): A text likely explaining the nuances of different nayas.
- Prashna Dvātrinśikā (प्रश्नद्वात्रिंशिका): A work possibly addressing questions and answers related to Jain philosophy.
Metaphysical and Ontological Discussions: The book also delves into Jain metaphysics, including:
- Guru Tattva Pradeepah (गुरुतत्त्वप्रादीपः): A text shedding light on the principles related to the Guru (teacher) in Jainism.
- Sammatir Sutram (सम्मतिसूत्रम्): As mentioned above, this text also contains metaphysical discussions.
- Jalpa Kalpalatta (जल्पकल्पलत्ता), Jaina Syadvaada Muktavali (जैनस्यादवादमुक्तावली): These titles suggest discussions on dialectics, argumentation, and the essence of Syadvada.
Philosophical Debates and Schools: The inclusion of texts like:
- Sad Darshana Samuchchayaḥ (षड्दर्शनसमुच्चयः): A compilation or summary of the six major Indian philosophical schools, likely with a Jain perspective.
- Sad Darshana Parikramah (षड्दर्शनपरिक्रमः): An exploration or analysis of the six philosophical systems.
- Jalpa Kalpalatta (जल्पकल्पलता): Suggests a discussion of debate and philosophical arguments.
Ethical and Practical Aspects: Some texts might touch upon practical ethics and conduct within Jainism:
- Kevali Bhukti Prakaranam (केवलिभुक्तिप्रकरणम्): A treatise likely on the sustenance or experience of omniscient beings (Kevalins).
- Stri Nirvana Prakaranam (स्त्रीनिर्वाणप्रकरणम्): A discussion on the possibility or nature of liberation for women in Jainism.
- Samayakatva Pariksha (सम्यक्त्वपरीक्षा): An examination of the principles of right faith (samyaktva), a cornerstone of Jain practice.
- Paushadha Shattrinsika (पौषधषट्त्रिंशिका) and Iryapathiki Shattrinsika (ईर्यापथिकीषट्त्रिंशिका): Texts likely related to specific Jain practices and vows, such as Paushadha (fasting) and Iryapatha (careful movement).
- Paryushana Dashashatak (पर्युषणादशशतक): A work likely related to the Paryushana festival, possibly containing hymns or teachings.
- Pravachana Pariksha (प्रवचनपरीक्षा): An examination of Jain scriptures or teachings.
- Pattavali Visuddhi (पट्टावलीविसुद्धी): Likely a text related to the purification or clarification of lineage succession of ascetics.
- Tattvatarangini (तत्त्वतरंगिणी): A work possibly on the waves or flow of Jain principles.

Publisher and Context:

The publication details indicate that Shastra Sandesh Mala is committed to presenting Jain philosophical literature. The price of ₹5/- suggests it's an accessible publication for educational purposes. The mention of "Jain Education International For Private and Personal Use Only" highlights its role in Jain education. The book was published in Vikram Samvat 2061 (corresponding to 2004 CE). The financing of volumes 1-20 from "Shan Dravy" (likely related to donated funds or charitable resources) is also noted.

Overall Significance:

Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 16 serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of Jain philosophical thought. It showcases the rigorous logical and analytical traditions within Jainism, the intricacies of its metaphysical concepts, and the systematic approach to knowledge and reality. The inclusion of various texts and the effort in compiling and preserving them underscore the Jain tradition's commitment to intellectual pursuit and spiritual enlightenment.