Studies In Jainology Prakrit Literature And Languages

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided pages from "Studies in Jainology, Prakrit Literature and Languages" by B. K. Khadabadi. The book is a collection of 51 selected research papers by the author, formerly Head of the Jainology Chair at Karnatak University, Dharwad. Published by Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur, in 1997, it covers a wide range of topics within Jainology and Prakrit studies.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and contributions presented in the sampled pages:

Overall Scope and Significance:

• Devotion to Jainology and Prakrit: The book showcases the lifetime dedication of Dr. B. K. Khadabadi to the study and teaching of Jainology, Prakrit literature, and languages.
• Scholarly Rigor: The papers are characterized by being "to the point, thought-provoking, and authenticated," offering fresh, sometimes radical, viewpoints on established themes.
• Broad Appeal: The compilation is intended to be useful for both general readers and researchers, contributing significantly to the existing body of Jainological and Prakrit studies.
• Overcoming Publication Challenges: The publisher's note highlights the common funding issues faced by academic institutions and expresses gratitude to Dr. Khadabadi for the opportunity to publish his valuable work, filling a gap in the publication of research papers by prominent scholars in India.
• Personal Motivation: Dr. Khadabadi's preface reveals his personal anxiety about the potential loss of his research due to mice damage and the lack of institutions in India that support posthumous publication of scholars' works, prompting him to compile his papers into a book.

Key Themes and Topics Covered in the Selected Papers:

The table of contents and the content of the sampled papers reveal a strong focus on the following areas:

1. Lord Mahavira's Teachings and Philosophy:

   • Mahavira's Medium and Mode of Teaching: Discusses the use of Ardhamagadhi by Mahavira, its characteristics, and the effective methods of preaching.
   • Ahimsa: Explores the doctrine of Ahimsa as a pivotal principle in Jainism, its reflection in the Mularadhana, its cardinal role in ethical discipline, and its relevance to contemporary global issues like vegetarianism.
   • Samyama (Self-Restraint): Examines Samyama as a key concept pervading the entire Jain religious system, its role in ethical discipline for monks and laymen, and its connection to achieving salvation.
   • Vinaya (Modesty/Discipline): Discusses Vinaya as a crucial virtue in Jainism, its various meanings and classifications, and its foundational role in spiritual progress.
   • Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism): Explores the doctrine of Anekantavada as a fundamental tenet and a unique contribution to human thought, emphasizing its significance for philosophical understanding and social harmony. It is presented as an antidote to one-sided approaches to reality.
   • Jainism and Present-Day Maladics: Connects Lord Mahavira's gospel of ethical discipline (Acara-dharma) with solutions to contemporary global problems like arms races, terrorism, and ecological imbalance, highlighting the crisis of character and the need for inner transformation.
   • Jainism, Vegetarianism, and Relevance to the Present World: Argues for vegetarianism as a corollary of Ahimsa, stressing its nutritional, ethical, and socio-spiritual benefits, and advocating for its adoption on a global scale for peace and well-being.
   • The Doctrine of Anekanta and its Significance: Further delves into Anekantavada as a doctrine promoting harmony and understanding, contrasting it with ekanta (absolutism), and illustrating its application in resolving conflicts.
   • Jaina Yoga: Discusses the evolution and practice of Yoga within Jainism, its relationship with Hindu and Buddhist yoga traditions, and highlights unique concepts like Kayotsarga.
   • The Concept of Truth in Jainism: Examines the broad connotation and special interpretation of Satya (truth) in Jainism, particularly within the context of the householder's ethical discipline, emphasizing its positive meaning and its connection to Ahimsa.

2. Prakrit Language and Literature:

   • Problems of Translating Early Jaina Texts: Addresses the challenges faced in translating early Prakrit texts into English, including the need for critical editions, linguistic equipage, and balancing fidelity with creativity.
   • Prakrit Languages and Literature: Provides an overview of the historical development of Prakrit languages and literature, their role in cultural transmission, and their influence on modern Indian languages.
   • Prakritisms in Early Kannada Inscriptions: Analyzes the presence of Prakrit words and influences in early Kannada inscriptions, highlighting the role of Jainism in this linguistic exchange.
   • The Desī Element in Middle Indo-Aryan and Kannada: Explores the contribution of Kannada words to the Prakrit vocabulary and vice-versa, discussing the complexities of tracing loanwords.
   • Kannada Words in Hemacandra's Desinamamala: Identifies specific Kannada words likely incorporated into Hemacandra's lexicon, shedding light on the linguistic interaction.
   • On the Paisācī Origin of Kannada Language: Critically examines theories proposing a Paisācī origin for Kannada, evaluating the linguistic and historical evidence.
   • Nagavarma and Three-and-a-half Languages: Discusses Nagavarma's classification of languages and its linguistic and historical implications.
   • On the Apabhramsa Chapter of the Sabdamanidarpana: Analyzes a specific chapter in a key Kannada grammar, highlighting its treatment of Prakrit influence and tadbhava words.

3. Jainism in South India and Karnataka:

   • Studies in South Indian Jainism: Achievements and Prospects: Reviews the historical development and scholarly study of Jainism in South India, identifying key areas for future research, such as the Yapanīya Samgha and the history of Jainism in Andhra Pradesh.
   • Outstanding Contribution of Jainism to Kannada Language and Literature: Details the significant role of Jainism in shaping Kannada language and literature, from its early cultivation to the "Jaina Period" of literature, and its impact on art and architecture.
   • Kundakundācārya: The Literary Doyen of Karnataka: Explores the life, works, and profound influence of Kundakundācārya, identifying him as a pivotal literary figure in early Karnataka.
   • Contribution of Jainism to Karnataka Culture: Discusses the multifaceted contributions of Jainism to Karnataka's culture, including its role in language development, literature, art, architecture, and even politics.
   • Samādhimaraṇa in Early Karnataka: Examines the practice of Samadhimarana (religious death) in early Karnataka, drawing evidence from literary works like the Vaddaradhane and epigraphic records.
   • Bhagavati Arādhana: Commentaries on It, Kathākośas Associated with It and Old Kannada Literature: Investigates the commentaries and related story literature (Kathākosas) of the Bhagavati Aradhana and their connection to the development of Old Kannada literature, particularly the Vaddaradhane.
   • Influence of Middle Indo-Aryan Literature on Kannada Literature: Analyzes the pervasive influence of Prakrit literature on Kannada language and literary forms, including the adaptation of metrical patterns and vocabulary.
   • The Desī Element in Middle Indo-Aryan and Kannada: Explores the interaction and borrowing of words between Prakrit and Kannada, highlighting the challenges and methods of tracing these influences.
   • Prakritisms in Early Kannada Inscriptions: Identifies and discusses specific Prakrit words and phonetic influences found in early Kannada inscriptions, demonstrating the linguistic impact of Prakrit on Kannada.

4. Other Specific Topics:

   • Vijahanā and Yāpaniya Samgha: Discusses a peculiar Jaina obsequial custom (Vijahanā) and its association with the early Yāpaniya sect, exploring its possible origins and eventual abandonment.
   • Somadevasūri and His Innovations in the Practice of the Vow of Gift: Highlights the progressive contributions of Somadevasūri, particularly his classification of recipients for the vow of gift (Dāna), reflecting foresight and a dynamic approach.
   • Jaina Purāṇas and Narrative Literature: Addresses the importance of Jaina Puranas and narrative literature, suggesting the need for a descriptive master catalog and critical studies of their historical core.
   • Observations on Some Sources of the Punyaśrava-Kathākośa: Investigates the sources of stories in the Punyaśrava-Kathākośa, analyzing potential influences from Kannada works like the Vaddaradhane.
   • Contribution of German Scholars to Prakrit Studies with Special Reference to Prof. A. Weber: Acknowledges the significant contributions of German scholars to Prakrit studies, with a specific focus on Albrecht Weber and his seminal work on the Gāhāsattasai.
   • The Importance of Studying Prakrit Languages and Literature: Argues for the indispensable nature of studying Prakrit languages and literature for understanding Indian cultural history, linguistic evolution, and core ethical principles like Ahimsa.

In essence, "Studies in Jainology, Prakrit Literature and Languages" is a scholarly compendium that delves deeply into the rich tapestry of Jain traditions, the evolution of Prakrit languages, and their profound impact on South Indian culture, particularly in Karnataka. Dr. Khadabadi's work provides valuable insights for anyone interested in these interconnected fields of study.