Shrut Upaasako Ane Saahity Sarjan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shrut Upaasako ane Saahity Sarjan" by Muni Dippratnasagarji, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme:

The book "Shrut Upaasako ane Saahity Sarjan" (Devotees of Shrut and Literary Creation) by Muni Dippratnasagarji is a scholarly exploration of the profound connection between devotion to Shrut (knowledge, scriptures, wisdom) within Jainism and the extensive literary output it has inspired throughout centuries. The author meticulously traces the lineage of prominent Jain scholars and ascetics who were ardent devotees of Shrut and highlights their significant contributions to Jain literature in various languages and genres.

Key Concepts and Structure:

• Shrut Upasana (Devotion to Knowledge): The text emphasizes that Shrut Upasana is not merely intellectual pursuit but a fundamental spiritual practice for ascetics (Shramanas) and the entire Jain community. This devotion manifests in both internal contemplation and outward expression through literary creation.
• Literary Creation as a Manifestation of Devotion: The author posits that the act of composing scriptures, commentaries, treatises, poetry, and other literary works is a direct and vital form of Shrut Upasana.
• Historical Chronology: The book is structured chronologically, tracing the evolution of Jain literature from the time of the Ganadharas (disciples of Bhagwan Mahavir) up to the 14th century CE. It categorizes the contributions by different periods and influential Acharyas.
• Multilingual and Multi-Genre Contributions: The text showcases the diverse linguistic landscape of Jain literature, featuring works in Ardhamagadhi, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Gujarati, and Hindi. It also covers a wide array of literary genres, including scriptural commentaries (Niryuktis, Bhashyas, Churnis, Vruttis), philosophical treatises, grammatical works, poetic compositions (stotras, kavyas), historical narratives, and devotional literature.

Major Periods and Figures Discussed:

1. Agam Period (Earliest Literature):

   • The genesis of Jain literature is attributed to the Ganadharas, who composed the twelve Angas, a foundational body of knowledge.
   • The 14,000 Prakirna Sutras composed by Bhagwan Mahavir's disciples are highlighted as the second significant literary contribution.
   • The composition of Dashavaikalik Sutra by Shyambhadrusuri and other Kalik-Utkalik Sutras are mentioned.

2. Niryukti and Commentary Literature:

   • Shri Bhadrabahuswami, a renowned scholar and one of the fourteen Purvadharas, is presented as a pivotal figure. His literary output is divided into Agama-style literature, Niryuktis (explanations of Sutras), and other works like the Uvasagaharam Stotra, Vasudevacharitta, and Bhadrabahusamhita (on astrology). He is credited with composing Niryuktis for ten major Sutras.
   • The text details the Niryukti literature created by Bhadrabahuswami for various important Sutras like Aavashyak, Dashavaikalik, Uttaradhyayana, etc.

3. Post-Agama Literature and Commentaries:

   • Sthulabhadrasuri is mentioned for his role in bringing four Chulikas (supplementary texts).
   • Devarddhigani Kshamashraman is credited with compiling the Agamas during the Vallabhi recension and the composition of the Nandisutra.
   • Umasvatiji is celebrated as a pioneer of the Sanskrit era, author of the universally accepted Tattvartha-adhigama Sutra, and a prolific writer of numerous other texts.
   • Padaliptasuri (also known as Palipattasuri) contributed works in Prakrit and Sanskrit, including the story Tarangavati.
   • Siddhasenasuri (also known as Siddhasena Divakara) is recognized as a founder of the logical tradition, author of Nyayavatara, Sanmatitarka, and Kalyanamandir Stotra.
   • Vimalasuri authored the Paumachariya (Jain Ramayana).
   • Jinabhadra Gani Kshamashraman is highlighted for his Visheshavashyak Bhashya and geographical works like Brihat Sangrahani and Brihat Kshetrasamas.
   • Shilankaacharya wrote commentaries on Acharanga and Sutrakrutanga.
   • Dhanesvarasuri authored Shatrunjaya Mahatmya.
   • Mallavadisuri wrote the logical treatise Dvadashar Nayachakra.
   • Shivasharmasuri was an expert in Karma literature.
   • Chandrarishi Mahattar composed Panchasangraha.

4. The Era of Hemchandracharya and his Contemporaries (approx. 10th to 12th Centuries CE):

   • This period is extensively covered, with Hemchandracharya (Kalkikal Sarvajna) being the central figure. His prolific output includes the monumental Siddha-Hema-Shabd-Anushasan (grammar), Dvyashraya Mahakavya, Chandanusasan (prosody), Abhidhan Chintamani (lexicon), and devotional works.
   • Other significant scholars of this era include:
     • Jambunaga, Manikyachandrasuri, Abhayadevasuri (author of the influential Tatvabodh-vidhayini commentary on Sanmatitarka), Shobhanamuni, Vadi-Vetala Shantisuri, Vardhamanasuri, Kulachandra Gani, Viracharya, Buddhisagarasuri, Jineshvarasuri, Dhanesvarasuri, Dronacharya, Suracharya, Abhayadevasuri (the "Navangi Tikakar"), Vardhamanacharya, Chandraprabhasuri, Jinchandrasuri, Siddhasenasuri, Namisadhu, Nemichandrasuri, Gunachandrasuri, Shalibhadrasuri, Chandraprabha Mahattar.
     • The text provides brief descriptions of their works and contributions, emphasizing their dedication to Shrut Upasana.

5. Apabhramsa Literature:

   • The period of Apabhramsa literature, often intertwined with early Gujarati, is discussed, acknowledging the contributions of both ascetics and householders. The focus remains on the ascetic authors.

6. The Era of Ras and Later Works (13th to 14th Centuries CE):

   • The rise of Ras literature is noted, with works like Bhadeshwar Bahubali Ras, Jambuswami Ras, and Raivata-giri Ras.
   • The era of Vastupala-Tejapala, ministers and patrons of art and literature, is highlighted, mentioning the literary activities during their time, including works by Balachandrasuri and Amarachandrasuri.
   • The contributions of scholars like Udayaprabhasuri, Narachandrasuri, Devaprabhasuri, Manikyachandrasuri, Tilakacharya, Jinaprabhasuri, and others are detailed, showcasing their extensive commentaries, historical narratives, and poetic works.
   • Jinaprabhasuri is particularly recognized for his vast output, including the Tirthakalpa.

Author's Intent and Limitations:

Muni Dippratnasagarji humbly states that this compilation is a glimpse (jhalak) and a summary, acknowledging that a comprehensive treatment would require a much larger volume and more time. He explicitly mentions that the work is focused on the literature created by ascetics (Shramanas) and that the scope is limited to the 14th century, leaving the subsequent rich literary tradition for future exploration. The author expresses the desire to offer this work with devotion, recognizing the vastness of the subject matter.

In essence, "Shrut Upaasako ane Saahity Sarjan" is a scholarly tribute to the Jain monastic tradition's unwavering commitment to knowledge and the immense literary heritage that this devotion has fostered over centuries, providing a historical overview of key figures and their seminal contributions.