Shramanvidya Part 1 - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary outlines the content and context of "Shramanvidya Part 1," edited by Gokulchandra Jain and published by Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, Varanasi in 1983. This volume is a significant undertaking by the university, coinciding with its Silver Jubilee celebration.

Overall Purpose and Scope:

"Shramanvidya Part 1" is presented as a faculty journal that aims to reflect the extensive and intensive research carried out by the university's faculty members since its inception. It serves as a platform for publishing important research papers, highlighting specific research projects, and fostering inter-university cooperation. The journal's scope is broad, covering ancient texts, research papers, and surveys of academic work, extending geographically from Nepal and Tibet in the north to Sri Lanka in the south. It also incorporates research from Europe and various Indian universities.

Key Contents of this Volume:

This inaugural issue of "Shramanvidya" contains a diverse collection of material:

Restoration and Publication of Ancient Texts: Six ancient texts are presented in Devanagari script for the first time. These include:
- Saddhamma-pāyanam (Pali): Edited by Dr. Brahmadev Narayan Sharma, this is a significant Pali text containing 629 verses on Buddhist ethical principles. It discusses the consequences of vice and the rewards of virtue. The author is identified as Sthavira Ananda, also known as Abhayagiri Kavi Chakravarti Ananda from Sri Lanka, with a debate on the precise dating of the work.
- Hatthavanagalla-vihāravanso (Pali): Prepared by Bhadanta Somaratana Thero, this is a Pali text of the Campu genre (mixed prose and verse) eulogizing King Sri Sanghabodhi of Sri Lanka. It highlights the prose style's similarity to Bana's Kadambari and the influence of Aryasura's Jatakamala. The text was likely composed during the reign of Parakramabahu II.
- Pascagati-dipanam (Pali): Prepared by Dr. K. C. Jain, this is a short Pali text of 114 verses describing the five states of existence (hell, animal, ghost, human, and divine realms) and the karmic consequences leading to them.
- Taccaviyāro (Prakrit): Edited by Dr. Gokul Chandra Jain, this Prakrit treatise discusses Jaina philosophical concepts and the code of conduct for householders. It is divided into 11 chapters and includes cross-references to other works, offering insights into the restoration of lost Jain Āgamas, chronology of Acaryas, and the history of the Jaina church.
- Lokottaradharmadānam (Sanskrit): Edited and presented by Dr. N. H. Samtani, this is a portion of a Buddhist Sanskrit text located in Nepal. It focuses on the thirty-two major characteristics that make the Buddha a superman, comparing them with similar concepts in Jain traditions.
- Khasa-nārikā (Sanskrit): Edited by Prof. Jagannath Upadhyaya, this is a Sanskrit commentary by Ratnakaraśānti on a Buddhist Tantra text. It provides detailed information about the metric composition, grammar, and even the Sanskrit form of the original Tantra text, aiding in its restoration. It also mentions Ratnakaraśānti's affiliation with the Pala dynasty period (974-1026 AD).
Research Papers:
- "Ahimsā: Adhyayan ki ek Disha" (Ahimsa: A Direction for Study) in Hindi: Authored by Prof. Jagannath Upadhyaya, this paper explores Ahimsa as a developing spiritual experiment, suggesting an experimental approach to research in this field. It traces its evolution from individual practice to societal testing and its significant role in the 20th century through Mahatma Gandhi.
- "The Negative Particles in the Anustubh Feet of the Buddhavamsa - a study on their applications" in English: By Devaprasad Guha, this is a structural and statistical study of negative particles in the Buddhavamsa, offering insights into linguistic analysis. The editor notes the paper's contribution to understanding the philosophical importance of terms like 'veramani' in Buddhist and Jaina ethics.
- "Jaina śramaņa" (Jaina Ascetic) in Hindi: Authored by Dr. Phool Chandra Jain, this monograph provides a concise exposition of the external code prescribed for a Jaina śramaņa, linking spiritual development to external activities. It is noted as a valuable contribution for comparative studies of Indian monachism.
Survey Report:
- "Higher Education and Research in Prākrits and Jainology in the Universities of India": Authored by Dr. Gokul Chandra Jain, this report provides a historical perspective on research in these fields, details recent developments, highlights the importance of interdisciplinary studies, and suggests recommendations for future planning and promotion. It also identifies institutions and universities contributing to these studies.

Underlying Themes and Achievements:

The publication highlights several key achievements and themes:

Revival and Promotion of Oriental and Shramanic Studies: The journal signifies the university's commitment to advancing scholarship in ancient Indian traditions, particularly those related to Shramanic (ascetic) disciplines like Jainism and Buddhism.
Interdisciplinary Research: The inclusion of research papers and the emphasis on connecting different linguistic and philosophical traditions demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The publication of previously unavailable ancient texts and the survey of ongoing research contribute to the preservation and dissemination of India's rich cultural heritage.
International Collaboration: The participation of scholars from Japan in a seminar mentioned in the Vice-Chancellor's message and the use of European research in the survey indicate an international outlook.
Academic Collaboration: The involvement of scholars from other universities in this issue, as noted by the Vice-Chancellor, broadens the journal's reach and impact.
Recognition of the University's Efforts: The Vice-Chancellor, Shri Gaurinath Shastri, commends the university's initiative in launching the faculty journal during its Silver Jubilee year, recognizing it as a valuable gift to the scholarly world. He also praises the collective effort of the faculty members and the editorial team.

Editorial and Publishing Details:

Board of Editors: Prof. Jagannath Upadhyay, Shri Ram Sankar Tripathi, Dr. Brahmadev Narayan Sharma, Dr. Phool Chandra Jain, Sri Buddhi Vallabh Pathak.
Editor: Dr. Gokul Chandra Jain.
Supervisor: Dr. Bhagiratha Prasada Tripathi "Vagisa Shastri".
Publication Officer: Dr. Haris Chandra Mani Tripathi.
Publisher: Director, Research Institute, Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, Varanasi.
First Edition: 1000 copies.
Price: Rs. 32.00.

In essence, "Shramanvidya Part 1" is a foundational publication that showcases the research capabilities of Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, particularly in the areas of Jainism, Buddhism, and Prakrit studies, while also aiming to foster scholarly discourse and contribute to the broader academic understanding of these ancient traditions.