Stree Nirvan Kevalibhukti Prakarane Tika

This Jain text, titled "Stree Nirvan Kevalibhukti Prakarane Tika" (Commentary on the Chapters of Female Liberation and the Sustenance of the Omniscient), is authored by Shaktayanacharya and edited by Jambuvijay. Published by the Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha of Bhavnagar, it is the 93rd gem in their Grantharatnamala series.

The book delves into two significant theological debates within Jainism, primarily concerning the status of women and the nature of the liberated soul (Kevali):

1. Female Liberation (Stree Nirvan): The text addresses the question of whether women can achieve liberation (Moksha or Nirvana) in their female form.
2. Kevali's Sustenance (Kevali Bhukti): It discusses whether an Omniscient being (Kevali), who has attained complete knowledge and liberation, consumes food (Kavalahar).

The core of the text is rooted in the differing viewpoints between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions of Jainism.

• Shvetambaras generally affirm that women can attain liberation and that Kevalis partake in food (Kavalahar).
• Digambaras typically deny the possibility of female liberation and assert that Kevalis do not consume food.

The author, Shaktayanacharya, is identified as belonging to the Yapaniya Sangha, a historical sect of Jain monks that existed between the 9th and 10th centuries CE. The Yapaniya sect held views that were a synthesis of both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. Specifically, on the issues of female liberation and Kevali sustenance, they aligned with the Shvetambara perspective. The text highlights that the Yapaniya Sangha is now extinct, becoming a subject of historical and archaeological study.

The editor, Muni Jambuvijay, has meticulously compiled and annotated the work, drawing upon various ancient manuscripts and scholarly resources. The publication includes detailed introductory essays in both Sanskrit and Gujarati, exploring the historical context, the author's life and philosophy, and the significance of the text.

The book also features extensive appendices that:

• List reference works and symbols used.
• Provide introductions to key figures like Muni Punyavijayji and Sadhvi Danashriji, who are acknowledged for their inspiration and support.
• Present the original Sanskrit text of the "Stree Nirvan" and "Kevali Bhukti" chapters.
• Include a self-commentary (Swopajnya Vritti) by Shaktayanacharya.
• Offer comparative discussions and citations from other Jain scriptures and commentaries (like Uttaradhyayana, Sammatitarka, Nyayavatara, Yogashastra, Prajnapana, etc.) to support the arguments.
• Detail the textual variations found in different manuscripts, crucial for scholarly analysis.

The publication is dedicated to the memory of Muni Punyavijayji Maharaj, highlighting his contributions to Jain scholarship and manuscript preservation. The editor, Muni Jambuvijay, expresses his deep gratitude to those who supported the publication and acknowledges the challenges of working with fragmented ancient texts.

In essence, "Stree Nirvan Kevalibhukti Prakarane Tika" is a significant scholarly work that preserves and elucidates the arguments of Shaktayanacharya, a Yapaniya scholar, on crucial theological points, particularly defending the possibility of female liberation and the sustenance of the Kevali, largely in line with Shvetambara doctrines.