Shyamacharya Tatha Shandilacharya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on Shyamacharya and Shandilacharya, and related historical details:

This text, from the "Shramana Bhagwanto" series, details the lives and contributions of prominent Jain monks, particularly Acharya Shyamacharya and Acharya Shandilacharya. It places them within the historical context of the Jain tradition, highlighting their roles as Vachanaacharya (preceptors of scriptures) and Yugpradhan (leaders of their era).

Key Figures and Their Context:

• Acharya Swatisuri: Mentioned as a successor to Aryamahaagiri and a Vachanaacharya. He was born into a Brahmin family with the Harit gotra. The text clarifies that this Swatisuri is distinct from Umaswati, the author of the Tattvarthasutra, who belonged to the Kaubhishan gotra and the Uchunagar branch, which had not yet originated during Swatisuri's time. Acharya Swatisuri was a prominent acharya in his father's era and greatly influenced Jain philosophy. His time is placed after Vir Nirvana Samvat 329 and before Vir Nirvana Samvat 335, between Acharya Balih and Acharya Shyamasuri.

• Acharya Shyamacharya (also known as the first Kalkacharya): He is renowned as the author of the "Prajnapana Sutra" (also known as Pannavana Sutra). According to the Nandisutra, he was the 11th Vachanaacharya and the 12th Yugpradhan. He was born into a Brahmin family with the Harit gotra, and his birth is placed in Vir Nirvana Samvat 280.

  • His Discipleship and Ascendancy: Shyamacharya took diksha from Acharya Gunakarasuri in Vir Nirvana Samvat 300 at the age of 20. After the passing of Yugpradhanacharya Gunamndarasuri and Vachanaacharya Swati, he assumed the responsibilities of both Yugpradhanacharya and Vachanaacharya in Vir Nirvana Samvat 335.
  • Scholarly Contributions: He was a profound scholar, particularly in Dravyanuyoga (the study of substances) and a subtle commentator on Jain principles. His fame is particularly noted for his commentary on Nigoda, a concept explained in the context of a famous discourse between Indras and Lord Simandhar Swami.
  • Encounter with Saudhamendra: The text narrates an incident where Saudhamendra, the king of gods, seeking knowledge about Nigoda, approached Acharya Shyam. To test his knowledge, Saudhamendra presented his hand for palmistry. Acharya Shyam, recognizing him as a god due to his exceptionally long lifespan, correctly identified his divine nature. He then provided a detailed explanation of Nigoda, impressing Saudhamendra.
  • Divine Sign: To prevent his disciples from developing attachment to divine splendor, Acharya Shyam asked Saudhamendra to leave a symbolic mark. Saudhamendra, after praising Shyamacharya, changed the direction of the Upashraya (monastery) entrance from east to west. Upon their return, the disciples were astonished to hear about this divine visitation and the change in the entrance. This event is recorded differently in various texts, sometimes attributed to Kalkasuri and other times to Acharya Rakshit.
  • Longevity and Influence: Acharya Shyamacharya lived a long life, dedicating 76 years to monastic life, with 41 years spent as Yugpradhan. His total lifespan was 96 years, 1 month, and 1 day. He passed away in Vir Nirvana Samvat 376.

• Acharya Shandilyacharya (also known as Kandilsuri): He is recognized as the 12th Vachanaacharya and the 13th Yugpradhan. He was also born into a Brahmin family, with the Kaushik gotra, and his birth is placed in Vir Nirvana Samvat 306.

  • His Discipleship and Ascendancy: Shandilya took monastic vows in Vir Nirvana Samvat 328. After Acharya Shyamacharya, he assumed the roles of Vachanaacharya and Yugpradhan in Vir Nirvana Samvat 376 at the age of 70.
  • Adherence to Tradition: He is described with the epithet "Ajajihar" in the Sthaviravali, indicating his strict adherence to the Aryajit Vyavahar (established practices).
  • Literary Work: The Tapgachchha Pattavali states that he composed a scripture named "Jatakalpa" (regarding limitations) between Vir Nirvana Samvat 406 and 414.
  • Disciples and Lineage: According to the Himvat Viravali, Aryapandilya had two disciples: Aryachitdhar and Aryasamudra. The Shandilya lineage is also said to have originated from him. It is important to note that this Yugpradhan Skandil is distinct from the Agamavachana Skandil.
  • Longevity and Passing: Acharya Shandilya completed 108 years of age and passed away in Vir Nirvana Samvat 414. He spent 48 years as a regular monk and served as Yugpradhan for 29 years during his 76 years of monastic life.

The Prajnapana Sutra:

• Authored by Acharya Shyamacharya, this is a voluminous scripture that forms a cornerstone of Jain knowledge, particularly in Dravyanuyoga.
• It is classified as an Upanga and contains 36 pads, 349 sutras, and 7787 lakshas (units of measurement).
• Content: The Prajnapana Sutra is divided into two main parts:
  1. Jivaprajnapana: This section extensively details Jain biology, including a detailed explanation of plant life in the description of the five stationary beings. It classifies humans into three types: Karmabhumij, Akarmabhumij, and Antadvipaj. The description of Antadvipaj humans mentions various physical forms like Ekrup, Hayakarna, Gajakarna, etc. The section on Anaryas describes Mleccha tribes such as Shak, Yavana, Kirat, and Barbar. It also discusses various Aryan castes, clans, and their professions, along with 25.5 Aryan countries recognized by Jainism.
  2. Ajivaprajnapana: This section covers the Jain philosophical concepts of substances like Dharmastikaya and Adharmastikaya.
• Linguistic Significance: The 11th pad of Prajnapana offers a detailed explanation of linguistics. It is stated that those who speak Ardhamagadhi are referred to as Bhashak, indicating that Ardhamagadhi was the primary language of people residing in Aryan countries.
• Commentaries: The Prajnapana Sutra has a short commentary of 728 lakshas by Acharya Haribhadra Suri and an extensive commentary of 16,000 lakshas by Acharya Malayagiri.
• The text considers the Prajnapana Sutra as almost the entirety of Jain knowledge. The introductory verses identify Acharya Shyamacharya as a holder of prior knowledge (Purva Shruta Dharaka).

Other Mentioned Acharyas and Traditions:

The text also briefly mentions other prominent figures and traditions:

• Acharyas Indradinna Suri, Aryadinna Suri, and Aryasinghigiri Suri: These are presented as important acharyas in the tradition of Aryasuhasti Suri. They are mentioned in succession after Acharya Susthitsuri and Acharya Supratibaddhasuri in the Ganacharya tradition. Indradinna Suri had five main disciples, the first being Aryadinna Suri. Aryadinna Suri had two disciples: Aryashannishrenika and Aryasinghigiri. Aryasinghigiri was the guru of Aryavaswami, who was a Dasha Purvadhar and possessed the power of aerial travel.
• Acharya Priyagranthasuri: A spiritual brother of Acharya Indradinna Suri, he was known for his expertise in mantra vidya, and a significant event from his life is mentioned as a point of influence.

In essence, the text provides a detailed genealogical and chronological account of key Jain acharyas, emphasizing their scholarly achievements, spiritual leadership, and contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Jain scriptures. Acharya Shyamacharya and Acharya Shandilacharya are highlighted for their significant roles as Vachanaacharyas and Yugpradhans, with a particular focus on Shyamacharya's authorship of the comprehensive Prajnapana Sutra.