Shastravartta Samucchaya Part 9 10 11

The provided text is a detailed summary and commentary on parts 9, 10, and 11 of the Jain text "Shastravartta Samucchaya" by Acharya Haribhadrasuri, with commentary by Yashovijayagani and Hindi explanation by Badrinath Shukla. The work was published by Divya Darshan Trust. The summary covers a vast array of philosophical and doctrinal points within Jainism, engaging with various heterodox philosophical schools.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered across these volumes, focusing on the summarized aspects:

Overall Structure and Purpose:

• "Shastravartta Samucchaya" (Collection of Discussions on Scriptures): The title itself indicates the book's purpose: to discuss and analyze various religious and philosophical doctrines, likely from different traditions, and compare them with Jain principles.
• Commentary and Hindi Explanation: The presence of a commentary ("Syadvada Kalpalata") and a Hindi explanation highlights the goal of making these complex philosophical discussions accessible.
• Comprehensive Scope: The text aims to cover a wide range of topics, as indicated by the detailed "Vishayanukram" (Subject Index) which lists discussions on subjects like liberation (moksha), the means to liberation, the existence of omniscience (sarvajña), the validity of scriptures (agama), causality, the nature of reality, and refutations of various philosophical systems (like Vedanta, Sankhya, Bauddha, Nyaya, Mimamsa).

Key Doctrinal Discussions in Volumes 9, 10, and 11 (as per the summary):

Volume 9 (Likely focusing on concepts of liberation and practice):

• Nature of Moksha and its Means: The text begins by discussing what moksha is and the methods to achieve it. It delves into the importance of Samyakdarshan (right faith/perception) and Samvega (ardent desire for liberation) and Vairagya (detachment).
• Critique of Other Paths to Moksha: The commentary extensively analyzes and refutes the views of other philosophical schools on the means to moksha. This includes:
  • Vedanta: Refuting the idea of liberation solely through Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge).
  • Patanjala Yoga: Critiquing the view that liberation is achieved solely through Kriya (action) or Vritti Nirodha (cessation of mental modifications).
  • Bhaskara and others: Analyzing the concept of liberation through the combination of knowledge and action.
  • Digambara Jain views: Specifically refuting the Digambara insistence on complete nudity (digambara) as a prerequisite for liberation, arguing for the possibility of liberation with minimal, essential clothing (vastra) based on principles of non-possession (aparigraha) and the concept of purity of intent. The text details the debate on the necessity of nudity for moksha.
• The Role of Character (Charitra) and Meditation (Dhyana): Discussions on the importance of pure conduct (Shuddha Charitra) and the stages of meditation, particularly Dharmadhyana and Shukladhyana, leading to Kevalgyana (omniscience).
• Nature of Siddhas in Moksha: There's a discussion on whether Charitra (conduct) exists in the liberated souls (Siddhas).
• Yogic Practices: Mention of concepts like Iccha Yoga, Shastra Yoga, and Samarthya Yoga from Yogacharya traditions.

Volume 10 (Likely focusing on the proof of omniscience and scriptures):

• The Concept of Omniscience (Sarvajña): A significant portion of this volume is dedicated to the philosophical debate surrounding the existence of an omniscient being.
  • Arguments against Omniscience: The text presents the Purvapaksha (opponent's view) that omniscience is impossible, arguing that perception is limited, and arguments for it based on scripture (agama) or inference (anumana) are flawed.
  • Arguments for Omniscience: The Jain perspective, likely presented through Uttarapaksha (the author's view), defends the possibility and necessity of an omniscient being, particularly in proving the validity of religious law (Dharma-Adharma Vyavastha) and the authority of scriptures (Agama Pramanya).
• Validity of Scriptures (Agama Pramanya): The text explores how scriptures derive their authority, likely arguing for their validity based on the omniscience of their source (the Tirthankaras). It critiques views that deny the authority of scriptures or rely solely on other means of knowledge.
• Critique of Other Epistemologies: Discussions on Pramana (means of valid knowledge) such as Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (analogy), and Arthapati (postulation), refuting their sufficiency without an omniscient source for ultimate truths. The debate on pramanya (validity) being svatah (intrinsic) or paratah (extrinsic) is also touched upon.
• The Nature of Sound (Shabda) and Language: Discussions on the relationship between sound and meaning, refuting Buddhist views like Apoha (exclusion) and analyzing linguistic theories.
• The Concept of Kevali Kabalahara (Omniscient's eating): This is a point of contention, particularly between Jain traditions, where the text likely defends the Jain view on this matter.

Volume 11 (Likely focusing on language, logic, and refutation of opposing views):

• Refutation of Buddhist Philosophy: Extensive critique of Buddhist doctrines, including Vijnanavada (consciousness-only theory) and Apoha (theory of exclusion in language).
• The Nature of Reality: Discussions on Anēkāntavāda (non-absolutism) as the Jain perspective, contrasting it with ēkāntavāda (absolutism) from other schools.
• Refutation of Vedanta: Arguments against Advaita Vedanta's concept of Brahman and the nature of illusion (Maya).
• Role of Knowledge and Action: Further discussion on the interplay of knowledge (Jnana) and action (Kriya) in achieving liberation, emphasizing the Jain synthesis of both.
• The Refutation of Strivimukti (Liberation of Women): The text likely addresses and refutes specific viewpoints on whether women can achieve liberation in Jainism, with the commentary likely upholding the Jain principle of the possibility of liberation for all beings regardless of gender.

Key Authors and Their Contributions:

• Acharya Haribhadrasuri: The original author of "Shastravartta Samucchaya," described as a highly learned scholar, originally from a Brahmin background, who later embraced Jainism. His work is praised for its balanced approach, free from sectarian bias, and for presenting the core principles of various philosophies before refuting them.
• Yashovijayagani: The commentator, lauded for his profound understanding of Nyaya (logic) and for skillfully integrating various arguments from ancient and modern logic into his explanation.
• Badrinath Shukla: The Hindi expositor, a respected scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi, who provided the vernacular explanation.
• Acharya Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj: The supervisor, recognized for his deep knowledge of scriptures.

Overall Significance:

The "Shastravartta Samucchaya," with its extensive commentary, is presented as an invaluable resource for understanding Jain philosophy and its engagement with the broader Indian philosophical landscape. It emphasizes critical analysis, logical reasoning, and the ultimate supremacy of the Jain viewpoint (Syadvada) in resolving complex metaphysical and practical questions. The work serves as a guide for seekers of truth, aiming to dispel ignorance and promote spiritual upliftment through the study of its profound teachings.