Shastravartta Samucchaya Part 1

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastravartta Samucchaya Part 1," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shastravartta Samucchaya Part 1 Author(s): Haribhadrasuri, Badrinath Shukla Publisher: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan

Overview of the Text:

The text is a Hindi commentary (Vichana) on the "Shastravartta Samucchaya," a significant work by the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Haribhadrasuri. The commentary itself is authored by Acharya Badrinath Shukla, a scholar of Vedanta and Nyaya. The text also incorporates the commentary "Syadvada Kalpalata" by Yashovijaya. The primary purpose of this compilation is to present the original work and its commentaries in Hindi to facilitate understanding of Jain philosophy and its critical engagement with other philosophical systems.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

• Acharya Haribhadrasuri: Described as a prolific and highly learned Jain scholar of the 1444 (a classification referring to his mastery of numerous scriptures and sciences). Historically, he is believed to have been born a Brahmin, deeply knowledgeable in Vedic and other Indian philosophical systems. Upon encountering Jainism, he recognized its completeness and the truth of its Anekanta (non-absolutism) principle. His vast literary output, including "Shastravartta Samucchaya," is a testament to his profound scholarship. He is credited with preserving and compiling significant portions of the Jain Agamas, particularly the lost "Drishtivada," which was the twelfth Anga of the twelve Angas of Jain scripture.
• Upaadhyaya Yashovijaya: Revered as "Laghuvirbhadra" (the Younger Haribhadra) in Jain tradition, he wrote a detailed and scholarly commentary in the Navya Nyaya style on Haribhadrasuri's "Shastravartta Samucchaya," titled "Syadvada Kalpalata." His commentary elucidates the profound wisdom contained within the original text, exploring complex philosophical arguments with great depth.
• Acharya Badrinath Shukla: The Hindi commentator and interpreter (Vichanakar) of the work. He is a distinguished scholar with expertise in Nyaya and Vedanta, having served as a professor and principal at various Sanskrit colleges and universities. His endeavor is to make the philosophical richness of the original text and its commentary accessible to Hindi readers.

Core Jain Beliefs Presented in the Commentary (Page 2-3):

• The Nature of the Universe: Jainism posits that the universe is without beginning and without end, characterized by continuous cycles of existence (samsara). There is no single creator; beings traverse different life forms and destinations based on their karma.
• The Concept of God: Jainism does not believe in a creator God in the conventional sense. Instead, "Godhood" is the ultimate state of a soul that has achieved liberation through its own efforts, by eradicating all karmic bondage through right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct. Such perfected souls, who attain omniscience and liberation in their final existence, are revered as Tirthankaras or Parmeshwar.
• The Role of Tirthankaras: Tirthankaras establish the Dharma-shastra, which encompasses the true nature of substances (Jiva, etc.), the path to liberation (Samyagdarshana, etc.), and the principles of logic and epistemology (Naya, Pramana, Syadvada, Saptabhangi).
• The Twelve Angas: The teachings of the Tirthankaras are contained within the twelve Angas. The twelfth Anga, "Drishtivada," is described as an unfathomable ocean of knowledge, containing truths partially echoed in other traditions but also holding unique and complete knowledge absent elsewhere. Its current unavailability is lamented.
• Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): Jain philosophy champions Anekantavada, the view that reality is multifaceted and can be understood from multiple perspectives. Philosophies that insist on a single, absolute viewpoint are considered "Kudarshana" (wrong views) and are rejected by Jain Acharyas as unsuitable for spiritual seekers. The text emphasizes the need to follow the path prescribed by the Jain scriptures, which are considered the words of the Vitaraga (detached), Sarvajna (omniscient) Tirthankaras.

Content and Purpose of "Shastravartta Samucchaya":

• Critique of Other Philosophies: Acharya Haribhadrasuri's "Shastravartta Samucchaya" is a monumental work that comprehensively reviews various philosophical schools, including those considered atheistic (Nastika) like Charvaka. It meticulously analyzes their tenets, examines their logical validity, and unfurls the banner of Anekantavada in triumph.
• Objective and Impartiality: The author, Haribhadrasuri, is praised for his attempt to present the views of all philosophical systems (both Astika and Nastika) with great impartiality and without prejudice, examining the validity of each viewpoint.
• The Goal: The "Shastravartta Samucchaya" aims to propagate the true knowledge of reality, to pacify the strife among adherents of different philosophies, and to bring about the welfare of all through the understanding of correct principles.

Structure and Key Themes of the Commentary:

The Hindi commentary is structured into "Stabakas" (chapters or sections). The provided pages indicate that the commentary is divided into eleven such sections, with the first section being presented in this volume.

First Stabaka Highlights:

• Mangala (Invocation): The text begins with a Hindi explanation of the Mangala shloka (auspicious verse), which is a prayer to the Lord Mahavir, emphasizing his virtues like being worshipped by Indra, free from defects, compassionate, and the guide to liberation.
• Analysis of Mangala: The commentary delves into the nature and purpose of mangala in religious texts, discussing its role in warding off obstacles and ensuring the smooth completion of the work. It engages in a philosophical debate with the Charvaka (materialist) viewpoint, which rejects the efficacy of mangala.
• Critique of Charvaka Philosophy: A significant portion of the initial commentary is dedicated to refuting the Charvaka philosophy, particularly its denial of the soul, anātmavāda (non-soul), and the efficacy of spiritual practices. The text discusses the Charvaka reliance on direct perception (Pratyaksha) and their rejection of inference (Anumana) and scripture (Shabda).
• Discussion on Soul and Consciousness: The text explores the Jain understanding of the soul (Atma) and consciousness (Chetana), contrasting it with the materialist view that consciousness is merely a product of material elements. The commentary argues for the soul's distinct existence and its potential for liberation.
• Theories of Causation and Existence: The commentary touches upon theories of causation and existence, critiquing the views that posit absolute origination or absolute annihilation and implicitly supporting the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada, which acknowledges multiple perspectives and the coexistence of origination and cessation.
• Critique of Other Philosophical Concepts: The text also addresses and refutes specific concepts from other schools, such as the Buddhist doctrine of momentary existence (Kshanikavada) and the Nyaya-Vaisheshika concept of atoms.

The Role of the Commentary:

Acharya Badrinath Shukla's commentary aims to clarify the complex philosophical arguments presented by Haribhadrasuri and Yashovijaya. It breaks down intricate concepts, explains technical terms, and provides context for the debates, making the profound ideas of Jain philosophy accessible to a wider audience. The extensive introductory sections by Shukla highlight the importance of the work and the immense contribution of Haribhadrasuri to Indian thought.

Overall Impression:

"Shastravartta Samucchaya Part 1," with its Hindi commentary, is presented as a vital resource for understanding Jain philosophy's logical rigor, its metaphysical depth, and its philosophical prowess in engaging with diverse intellectual traditions. The text showcases the intellectual heritage of Jainism and the continuous effort to preserve and disseminate its teachings.