Shastrasara Samucchay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastrasara Samucchay," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shastrasara Samucchay (शास्त्रसार समुच्चय) Author: Maghnandyacharya (माघनंद्याचार्य) Commentator/Translator: Veshbhushan Maharaj (वेशभूषण महाराज) Publisher: Jain Delhi (जैन दिल्ली) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090416/1

Overview:

"Shastrasara Samucchay" is a significant Jain text, originally composed in Kannada by Acharya Maghnandyacharya. This work is a compilation of the essence of Jain scriptures, covering the four "Anuyogas" (a system of classification of Jain literature: Prathamanuyoga, Karananuyoga, Charananuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga). The provided text is the Hindi translation and commentary of this Kannada work, undertaken by Paramapujya Vidyalankar Shri 108 Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj. The book was published by Shrimati Jain, wife of Shri Rajendra Kumar Jain, from Delhi, in the Jain Nirvana Samvat 2484 (1957 CE), with a price of five rupees for a thousand copies.

Key Content and Themes:

The text provides a detailed exposition of Jain philosophy and practices, structured around the four Anuyogas, which is evident from the comprehensive table of contents provided (Pages 14-15). The summary can be broken down by the content highlighted in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Publisher's Note (Pages 2-5):

Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's Visit: The publication is a result of Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's visit to Delhi during the Chaturmas (a four-month religious retreat). His presence and teachings were greatly appreciated by the Jain community.
Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's Biography: The text includes a brief biography of Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj. He was born in 1908 CE in Belgaum district. His parents passed away when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother. He was proficient in Kannada and Marathi by the age of sixteen. He renounced worldly life after being inspired by Muni Shri Jaikirti Ji Maharaj. He was initiated as an 'Ailak' and later as a 'Muni' at Kunthalgiri. He is recognized for his work in translating and propagating ancient Jain texts and literature.
Bhuvallaya Granth: The publication also mentions Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's significant effort in translating the "Bhuvallaya Granth" (भूवलय), an ancient Jain text composed entirely of numerical digits and a dot by Acharya Kumundendu, dating back 1200-1300 years. This translation is a monumental task expected to take five to seven years for completion.
Acknowledgement: Gratitude is extended to Pt. Ajit Kumar Ji Shastri and Pt. Ramshankar Tripathi for their assistance in the Hindi translation.

2. Philosophical Underpinnings (Page 6):

Knowledge vs. Spiritual Knowledge: The text emphasizes the distinction between worldly knowledge (even advanced scientific knowledge like atomic bombs) and spiritual knowledge. While worldly knowledge can lead to destruction, spiritual knowledge is the means for self-welfare and soul's salvation.
Four Anuyogas: It highlights that the Tirthankaras, especially Lord Mahavir, disseminated spiritual knowledge through the four Anuyogas. Acharya Maghanandi, in his "Shastrasara Samucchaya," presented this knowledge in a concise, sutra-based format.
Commentaries: The text mentions Sanskrit and Kannada commentaries on the original work, and this Hindi translation is based on a useful and accessible Kannada commentary.

3. Detailed Outline of Content (Prathamanuyoga, Karananuyoga, Charan-anuyoga, Dravyanuyoga - Pages 16-472):

The bulk of the provided text details the contents of the "Shastrasara Samucchay" through its detailed table of contents. The summary includes:

Prathamanuyoga (Page 14, 16-155): This section covers cosmology, cosmology, time divisions (Avasharpini, Utsarpini periods, their six phases), descriptions of the Kalpavriksha trees, the fourteen Kulakaras, sixteen Bhavanas, the twenty-four Tirthankaras (including their lives, birthplaces, parents, lifespans, symbols, and Moksha places), the Samavasharan (the divine assembly of Tirthankaras), twelve Chakravartis, Balabhadras, Narayanas, Rudras, and the lineage of Tirthankaras. It delves into their births, childhoods, renunciations, ascetic practices, attainment of omniscience, preachings, and Nirvana. It also covers the history of Jainism from Bhagavan Rishabhnath to Bhagavan Mahavir, the succession of Ganadharas and Shrutakevalis, and the evolution of Jain scriptures.
Karananuyoga (Page 14, 88-138): This section focuses on cosmology and astronomical calculations. It describes the three Lokas (Urdhva Loka, Madhya Loka, Adho Loka), the seven Naraka (hells) with their descriptions, the structure of the universe, the continents and oceans (Jambudvipa, Lavan Samudra, etc.), the mountains (Meru, Himvat, etc.), the celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, stars, planets), the thirty-six Naraka regions, the heavens (Swarga), their divisions, the thirty-two types of Bhavanvasi Devas, the Vyantara Devas (eight types), the Jyotishka Devas (Sun, Moon, stars, planets), and the Vaimanika Devas (celestial beings residing in Vimanas), including their lifespan, appearance, and realms. It also includes details about the calculation of time, the zodiac, the thirty-six constellations, auspicious and inauspicious timings (Muhurta), and astrological considerations.
Charananuyoga (Page 14, 156-279): This section deals with the conduct and practices of Jain ascetics and lay followers. It outlines the five Mahavratas (great vows) and the eleven Pratimas (stages of spiritual progress for lay followers). It describes the twelve Anuvratas (minor vows) and the limitations (Aticharas) of these vows. It details the conduct of monks (Yati Dharma), including their daily routines, the rules of conduct, the eighteen types of hardships (Parishaha) they endure, and the methods of purifying their conduct. It also covers the Yamas (self-restraints) and Niyamas (observances), the eleven Upachara (forms of service), and the importance of righteous conduct. The text specifies the purification of conduct, the importance of avoiding forbidden food (Abhakshya), and the rituals for specific occasions. It also discusses the Yamas and Niyamas for lay followers, including the concept of 'Sanyama' (self-control) and 'Samiti' (carefulness). The text describes the eleven stages of Jainism for lay followers (Prathama to Ekadasha Pratima), the importance of the eight 'Moolaguna' (fundamental virtues), and the ten types of sins (Papas) to be avoided. It also outlines the rules for fasting (Upavasa), the importance of the eight Samitis (carefulness in actions), and the five Samitis, five Samitis, and the eleven Samitis. The text elaborates on various aspects of Jain ethical conduct, including the proper way to accept food, the rules regarding utensils, the importance of Brahmacharya (celibacy), and the renunciation of worldly possessions. It also covers the ten Yuktis for maintaining purity of conduct, the significance of 'Abhys' (practicing virtues), and the process of 'Deshna' (preaching) and 'Anuprashamsa' (praise).
Dravyanuyoga (Page 14, 283-398): This section delves into the metaphysical and ontological aspects of Jainism. It explains the concept of 'Dravya' (substance) and its various categories, including the six Dravyas (Jiva, Ajiva, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala). It further elaborates on the Jiva Dravya (soul) and its nature, the Ajiva Dravya (non-soul) and its constituents (Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala), the principles of Karma, the cycle of birth and death, and the path to liberation. It discusses the seven tattvas (principles of reality), the nine padarthas (categories of existence), the naya (standpoints of knowledge), and the seven-fold syllogism (Saptabhangi). The text also explains the eight types of Karma, their bondage, manifestation, and extinction, and the fourteen Gunarhanas (stages of spiritual development). It discusses the nature of soul, its attributes, and its liberation, the concept of 'Moksha' (liberation), and the path to achieve it. The text explains the five types of 'Bhava' (states of existence), the fourteen 'Marganas' (categories of classification), and the fourteen 'Gunarhanas' (stages of spiritual development). It also touches upon the twenty-five 'Doshas' (faults) that hinder spiritual progress and the eight 'Mulas' (fundamental principles) of Jainism. The section also details the thirteen 'Charitra' (conduct), the seven 'Pratimas' (stages of spiritual progress for lay followers), and the twelve 'Samyama' (self-restraints). It further explains the twelve types of Tapaḥ (penances) and the nine types of Riddhi (supernatural powers). The text also elaborates on the classifications of conduct for ascetics and lay followers, the rules of asceticism, the vows, and the practices leading to spiritual purity and liberation.

Overall Significance:

"Shastrasara Samucchaya," through its Hindi translation and commentary by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj, serves as a comprehensive guide to the core principles and practices of Jainism. It caters to a wider audience by making the profound philosophical and ethical teachings accessible in Hindi. The detailed exposition of the four Anuyogas makes it a valuable resource for understanding the entirety of Jain scripture and practice. The text also highlights the importance of self-discipline, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge for the ultimate goal of liberation.