Shatkhandagama Parishilan - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary and analysis of the Jain text "Shatkhandagama Parishilan" (षटखण्डागम परिशीलन) authored by Balchandra Shastri and published by Bharatiya Gyanpith. The provided text is a detailed exposition of the book, likely from its introductory or editorial sections, delving into the significance of the Shatkhandagama, its authors, commentaries, and the critical study presented by Balchandra Shastri.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered:

1. Significance of the Shatkhandagama:

It is considered the most authoritative and important scripture in Jain philosophy and principles.
It has a vast body of analytical literature in the form of commentaries, showcasing the depth of knowledge of the acharyas.
It has been a benchmark for knowledge and devotion for generations of monks and lay followers.
Modern study at the university level includes this text.
The book 'Shatkhandagama Parishilana' is a culmination of decades of deep thought and study by the author, who has thoroughly examined the original text and its commentaries.
It is seen as a "Hastalakvat" (as clear as if holding an Amalaka fruit in the palm) presentation of complex concepts, making the vast material (over twelve thousand pages of original and commentary) accessible.

2. Scope of 'Shatkhandagama Parishilana':

Background of Agama Literature: Discusses the context of Jain scriptures.
Authors and Commentators: Analyzes the methodologies of the authors and commentators.
Subject Matter of the Original Text: Introduces the topics covered in the Shatkhandagama.
Comparative Study: Compares Shatkhandagama with other Jain works.
Key Commentaries and Commentators: Evaluates the major commentaries and their authors.
Historical Perspective: Provides historical context for the text and its commentaries.
Glossary of Technical Terms: Includes a comprehensive, alphabetically arranged list of technical terms used in the Shatkhandagama and its sixteen-volume commentaries.
Utility: It is considered invaluable for students and researchers of Jain philosophy and principles.

3. Historical Context and Content of Shatkhandagama:

Dating and Authorship: The text originates from the teachings of Mahavira and was compiled by his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, as part of the Dradashanga-shruta. The Shatkhandagama is identified as a specific portion, the twelfth Anga, Drishti-pravada.
Doctrine of Karma: The central theme is a detailed exposition of Mahavira's doctrine of karma. The first three parts focus on the soul as the subject and agent of karmic bondage, while the last three deal with objective or material karma, its nature, kinds, and its interaction with the soul.
Dhavala Commentary: The most significant commentary is the Dhavala by Virasena, completed in 780 AD. The only known manuscripts were on palm leaves in Kannada script, preserved in Moodbidri.
Publication History: The arduous task of editing and publishing the Shatkhandagama and its Dhavala commentary, including translations and notes, was undertaken by Prof. Hiralal Jain with the support of the Jain Sahityoddharaka Fund, resulting in sixteen volumes published between 1938 and 1959.
Significance for Scholarly Study: The publication sparked interest among scholars, and the study of Shatkhandagama is considered indispensable for understanding Jain doctrines prior to the Digambara-Shvetambara schism and for studying early Prakrit language.
Author's Contribution (Balchandra Shastri): Shastriji's work is seen as a comprehensive and critical study fulfilling the need for a single-volume analysis after decades of discussions by reputed scholars. His deep association with Dr. Hiralal Jain in the monumental task of editing the Shatkhandagama provided him with the opportunity to deeply study the Sutras and Dhavala commentary.

4. Book Structure and Content (as indicated by the index): The index provides a detailed outline of the book's chapters and the topics covered within each section of the Shatkhandagama itself. This includes:

Introduction to Shatkhandagama: Discusses its name, its six divisions (Khandas), authors, language, methodology, and subject matter.
Detailed breakdown of each Khanda:
- First Khanda: Jivasthan: Covers eight Anuyogadvaras (Sattaprarupana, Dravyapramananugama, etc.) and nine Chulikas ( Prakrutisamutkirtana, Samyaktvotpathi, Gat-a-gati, etc.).
- Second Khanda: Khudrakbandha: Covers eleven Anuyogadvaras related to karmic bondage.
- Third Khanda: Bandhaswamitva-vichay: Deals with the binding of karmic natures and its aspects.
- Fourth Khanda: Vedana: Discusses Kriya and Vedana Anuyogadvaras.
- Fifth Khanda: Vargana: Covers Vargana, Karma, Prakriti, and Bandhan Anuyogadvaras.
- Sixth Khanda: Mahabandha: Discusses Prakriti, Sthiti, Anubhaga, and Pradesha Bandha.
Comparative Study: A significant portion of the book (from page 143 onwards) is dedicated to comparing Shatkhandagama with other major Jain texts like Kashayaprabhuta, Mulachara, Tattvarthasutra, Tattvarthavartika, Acharanga, Jivasamaasa, Pannavana, Anuyogadvarasutra, Nandisutra, Digambara Panchasangraha, Gommatasara, and others. This comparative analysis highlights similarities and differences in content, methodology, and interpretations.
Commentaries: Discusses the commentaries, with a special focus on Virasena's Dhavala, its author, personality, and scholarly attributes.
Language Analysis: Details the linguistic features of the Shatkhandagama, specifically its Jain Shauraseni Prakrit.
Methodology: Explains the question-answer style, the division into Anuyogadvaras, the Ogha-Adesha approach, the use of Churnisutras, and other compositional techniques.

5. Key Themes and Discussions: The text highlights significant discussions within the Shatkhandagama, often presented in a question-and-answer format, covering:

Nature of Soul and Karma: The soul's existence, its connection to karma, and the process of bondage and liberation.
Karmic Influx and Annihilation: Methods to stop fresh karmic influx and destroy existing karma.
Spiritual Stages (Gunsthana): The fourteen stages of spiritual development.
Paths of Investigation (Margana): The fourteen paths used to analyze the soul's conditions.
Karmic Dispositions (Bhava): The five types of dispositions (Audayika, Aupamashamika, Kshoyika, Kshayo-pashamika, Parinamika).
Time Intervals (Antara): Discussions on the time intervals related to different karmic states and stages.
Detailed classification of Karma: Delves into the eight principal karmas and their sub-kinds, as well as various karmic influxes and their durations.
Theories of Union and Separation: Discusses how souls bind with karmic matter and the process of liberation.
Specific Doctrines: Touches upon concepts like the significance of the Tirthankaras, the nature of liberation (Moksha), the importance of introspection, and the path to spiritual perfection.

6. Dedication and Editorial Remarks:

The book is dedicated to the late Dr. Hiralal Jain, recognizing his invaluable contribution to the editing and publication of the Shatkhandagama and its commentaries. Balchandra Shastri views this work as a partial fulfillment of Dr. Hiralal Jain's unfinished mission.
The General Editorial by Kailash Chandra Shastri praises Balchandra Shastri's meticulous scholarship and thorough use of his experience, calling the work a scholarly creation.

In essence, "Shatkhandagama Parishilan" is a scholarly endeavor to present a critical and accessible study of one of the most profound Jain scriptures, making its complex philosophical and metaphysical teachings understandable to a wider audience, especially in the modern era. It is a testament to the rigorous research and dedication of Pandit Balchandra Shastri.