Shrutgyan Amidhara - Book Summary

Shrutgyan Amidhara: A Comprehensive Summary

This document is the second edition of "Shrutgyan Amidhara," a collection of Jain devotional and philosophical texts compiled and edited by the revered Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kshamabhadrasurishvara. Published by Shrutgyan Amidhara Gyanmandiram and supported by the Jain Sangh of Ajitgram, the catalog link for this edition is provided as https://jainqq.org/explore/002341/1. The book is dedicated to Acharya Bhagavant Shrimad Vijay Premsurishvara.

The content of "Shrutgyan Amidhara" is a vast compilation of various Jain works, as indicated by the detailed table of contents (Vishayanukram) on Page 12. These works cover a wide range of topics, including:

Core Jain Philosophy and Practice:

Shrī Shāntasudharasaḥ (श्री शान्तसुधारसः): This appears to be a major devotional poem or hymn, likely focusing on peace and tranquility. The text is divided into ten "Prakasha" (chapters or sections), each exploring different aspects of bhavana (contemplation or meditation), such as:
- Anitya (impermanence)
- Asharaṇa (lack of refuge/helplessness)
- Samsāra (cycle of birth and death)
- Ekattva (oneness/solitude)
- Anyatva (otherness/separation)
- Ashaucha (impurity)
- Āshrava (influx of karma)
- Saṃvara (cessation of influx)
- Nirjarā (shedding of karma)
- Dharma (righteousness/duty)
- Lokasvarūpa (nature of the universe)
- Bodhi (enlightenment)
- Maitrī (friendship/benevolence)
- Pramoda (joy/delight)
- Karuṇā (compassion)
- Mādhvasthya (equanimity/neutrality)
- (The text seems to contain fourteen such Bhavanas, with the last section, possibly the 14th, being Pramoda).
Tattvārthasūtra (तत्त्वार्थसूत्र): This is a fundamental Jain scripture, often considered the essence of Jain philosophy, dealing with the principles of reality, karma, liberation, and the path to it. The text includes a detailed discussion on Pramāṇa-Naya-Tattva-Rahasyam (प्रमाणनयतत्त्वरहस्यम्), which delves into the principles of knowledge (pramāṇa) and perspective (naya) in understanding Jain truths. This section elaborates on different types of knowledge (pratyakṣa, parokṣa), inference, scripture (āgama), and the nuances of various philosophical viewpoints (naya).
Pañca Mahāvrata Bhāvanāḥ (पञ्च महाव्रतभावनाः): Contemplations on the five great vows of Jainism (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession).
Dharma Ratna Prakaraṇam (धर्मरत्न प्रकरणम्): A treatise on the "jewels of dharma" or righteous conduct.
Shrī Vardhamāna Vidyā Stavaḥ (श्री वर्धमान विद्यास्तवः): A hymn or praise of the spiritual power or knowledge associated with Lord Mahavira.
Gautama Ashtakam (गौतमाष्टकम्): An octet (eight-verse composition) praising Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavira.
Shrī Prasama Ratna Prakaraṇam (श्री प्रशमरतिप्रकरणम्): A text on the cultivation of tranquility and detachment.
Shrī Hṛdaya Pradīpa Ṣaṭtriṃśikā (श्री हृदयप्रदीपषट्त्रिंशिका): A text comprising thirty-six verses, likely offering guidance for spiritual introspection or illumination.
Shrī Sādhāraṇa Jina Stavaḥ (श्री साधारण जिनस्तवनम्): A general hymn or praise of the Jinas (victorious ones).
Shrī Ratnākara Pañcaviṃśatikā (श्री रत्नाकरपञ्चविंशतिका): A composition of twenty-five verses, possibly related to the "ocean of jewels" or profound wisdom.
Shrī Adhyātma Kalpadrumaḥ (श्री अध्यात्मकल्पद्रुम्): A text on spiritual discipline, described as a "wish-fulfilling tree of spiritual knowledge."
Shrī Jñāna Sāra - Aṣṭakaṃ (श्री ज्ञानसार-अष्टकम्): An eight-verse composition on the essence of knowledge.
Shrī Upadeśamālā (श्री उपदेशमाला): A garland of teachings or advice.
Shrī Vītarāga Stotra (श्री वीतरागस्तोत्र): A hymn praising the Vitaragas (those who have conquered passions).

Other Texts and Sections:

Shrī Shāntasudharasaḥ (श्री शान्तसुधारसः): As mentioned, this is a prominent part of the collection, with a detailed breakdown into various contemplative themes.
Shrī Praṇaya Nīti Prakaraṇam (श्री प्रणयनीतिप्रकरणम्): A text on principles of conduct or ethics, possibly related to relationships or social behavior.
Shrī Paścama Vratabhāvanāḥ (श्री पश्चमव्रतभावनाः): Contemplations on the fifth great vow, likely non-possession or austerity.
Shrī Punya Pratikaraṇam (श्री पुण्यप्रतिकरणम्): A text on making amends or performing meritorious deeds.
Shrī Gautamāṣṭakam (श्री गौतमस्वामिस्तवनम्): Another composition praising Gautam Swami, this time an octet.
Shrī Shata Balanṛpasya Bhāvanā (श्री शतबलनृपस्य भावना): Contemplations related to King Shatabala.
Shrī Pāvanā (श्री पावन) and Shrī Pāvanā (श्री पावन): These likely refer to purifying thoughts or actions.
Shrī Shruta Jñāna Amīdhārā (श्री श्रृतज्ञान-अमीधारा): The title of the compilation itself, meaning "Stream of Nectar of Shrut Jñāna (scriptural knowledge)."
Shrī Shāntasudharasa (श्री शान्तसुधारस): The entire work is presented as a "Geya Kavya" (singable poetry).
Shrī Pratiṣṭhā Sūtra (श्री प्रतिष्ठासूत्र): A text possibly related to consecration ceremonies.
Shrī Pancha Sūtra (श्री पश्चसूत्रम्): A text comprising five essential principles or verses.
Shrī Adhyātmopaniṣat (श्री अध्यात्मोपनिषत्): An Upanishad-like text focusing on the nature of the soul and self.
Shrī Praśama Ratna Prakaraṇam (श्री प्रशमरतिप्रकरणम्): A treatise on tranquility.
Shrī Sādhāraṇa Jina Stavaḥ (श्री साधारण जिनस्तवनम्): A general praise of Jinas.
Shrī Ratnākara Pañcaviṃśatikā (श्री रत्नाकरपञ्चविंशतिका): A collection of 25 verses, possibly on gems of wisdom.
Shrī Tattvārtha Sūtra (श्री तत्त्वार्थसूत्र): The fundamental text by Umāsvāti, discussed in detail.
Shrī Adhyātma Kalpadrumaḥ (श्री अध्यात्मकल्पद्रुमः): A spiritual wish-fulfilling tree.
Shrī Jñāna Sāra - Aṣṭakaṃ (श्री ज्ञानसार-अष्टकम्): An eight-verse compilation on the essence of knowledge.
Shrī Upadeśamālā (श्री उपदेशमाला): A garland of teachings.
Shrī Jina Stavaḥ (श्री जिनस्तवनम्): A general praise of Jinas.
Shrī Vītarāga Stotra (श्री वीतरागस्तोत्र): A hymn praising the Vitaragas.

Key Themes and Emphasis:

The collection strongly emphasizes spiritual discipline, detachment from worldly pleasures, self-realization, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities. The various "bhavanas" within "Shrutgyan Amidhara" guide the reader through a process of introspection, helping them to understand the transient nature of existence, the suffering inherent in the cycle of rebirth, the importance of righteous conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The meticulous correction of errors through an "Ashuddhi-Sammārjanam" (errata) section underscores the commitment to accuracy and clarity in transmitting these profound teachings.

Editorial and Publication Details:

The second edition was released after a gap of 22 years, indicating its significance and demand.
The compilation and publication were made possible through the efforts of disciples and the guidance of respected Acharyas, including the late Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kshamabhadrasurishvara and Acharya Shrimad Vijay Premsurishvara.
Financial contributions from various individuals and Jain sanghs are acknowledged, highlighting the community's support for spreading spiritual knowledge.
The book is noted to have been made available for distribution, with a mention of "Shrutgyan Amidhara Gyanmandiram" as a source.

In essence, "Shrutgyan Amidhara" is a rich repository of Jain spiritual literature, offering profound insights into the path of liberation and providing a framework for ethical living and deep contemplation.