Suryapraksh Pariksha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Suryapraksh Pariksha" by Jugalkishor Mukhtar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Suryapraksh Pariksha (Examination of Suryapraksh) Author: Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir, Delhi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009241/1

Overall Purpose:

The book "Suryapraksh Pariksha" is a critical examination of a text titled "Suryapraksh" (Sunlight), authored by Pandit Nemichandra and allegedly translated and promoted by individuals associated with the Shantisagar muni lineage. The primary aim of this examination, as articulated by author Jugalkishor Mukhtar and the publisher Jouharimal Jain, is to expose "Suryapraksh" as a spurious and harmful text that significantly deviates from Jain principles, tarnishes the name of Lord Mahavir, and corrupts Jain teachings. The book aims to alert the Jain community to the deceitful nature of "Suryapraksh" and urges its rejection.

Key Arguments and Criticisms of "Suryapraksh":

The examination meticulously dissects "Suryapraksh" and raises several critical points:

Spurious and Fabricated: The core argument is that "Suryapraksh" is not a genuine Jain scripture. Its origin story, claiming to be based on ancient texts like Mahadhaval and Anagatprakash, is presented as a fabrication designed to lend it false authority. The author debunks the historical claims about the authorship and lineage of these foundational texts, particularly regarding Dharamsena Acharya.
Blasphemous Content Attributed to Lord Mahavir: A major criticism is that "Suryapraksh" attributes highly inappropriate and contradictory statements to Lord Mahavir. This includes:
- Inaccurate Prophecies: Lord Mahavir is depicted as making predictions about future events and figures that are historically inaccurate and contradict established Jain chronology (e.g., the timeline of Kundakunda and Jinnsena).
- Unseemly Language: Lord Mahavir is shown using harsh, abusive, and sectarian language, even resorting to insults against other Jain sects (like the "Tehrapanthis" and "Dhundias") and reformers. This is presented as a severe defamation of his character as a Vitaragi (one free from passions).
- Promotion of Ritualistic Practices: Lord Mahavir is depicted as prescribing elaborate rituals like Panchamrita Abhishek (anointing with five nectars), elaborate Pujas (worship) with various items, and even advocating for the use of expensive materials and organized festivals. This is seen as a departure from the core Jain emphasis on inner purification and detachment.
- Misrepresentation of Jain Philosophy: The text allegedly misinterprets and distorts fundamental Jain doctrines such as karma, the nature of the soul, and the path to liberation.
Historical Inaccuracies and Contradictions: The book highlights numerous historical inconsistencies within "Suryapraksh." For instance, the timeline of important Jain scholars like Kundakunda and Jinnsena is distorted, placing Kundakunda after Jinnsena, which contradicts historical evidence.
Promotion of Sectarianism and Conflict: "Suryapraksh" is accused of exacerbating sectarian divisions within Jainism. It is criticized for its aggressive attacks and insults directed at various Jain groups, particularly those who questioned or reformed certain practices.
Misrepresentation of Bhavyatva (Potential for Liberation): The text allegedly offers a bizarre criterion for identifying a "bhavy" (one destined for liberation) – simply being present at or visiting the Sammed Shikhar mountain, regardless of one's actions or spiritual disposition. This is presented as a superficial and misleading definition, undermining the true principles of karma and spiritual practice.
Contradictory Teachings: The author points out internal contradictions within "Suryapraksh." For example, while condemning certain practices, it later promotes similar or even more elaborate rituals. It also claims to offer the only path to liberation while elsewhere suggesting other paths exist.
Financial Motivation and Exploitation: The book suggests that "Suryapraksh" is part of a movement to promote Bhattarak-centric practices, which often involved wealth and opulent rituals. The emphasis on expensive Abhishek and Puja, and the notion that wealth is necessary for true religious merit, is seen as a way to extract donations from the laity.
Translation Issues and Deception: The translator (identified as former Brahmachari Gyanachandra, now Kshullak Gyansagar) is accused of significant distortions, omissions, and additions to the original text. This includes:
- Omission of Key Information: Deliberately leaving out critical details like the date of the text's composition.
- Fabrication of Content: Adding entirely new verses and explanations not present in the original to support their agenda.
- Misinterpretation and Twisting of Meaning: Altering the intended meaning of verses to align with their sectarian views.
- Personal Attacks: Including offensive remarks and misrepresentations of reformers and opposing viewpoints.
- Misleading Annotation: Providing misleading footnotes and explanations.
Sponsorship and Support: The book notes that "Suryapraksh" is endorsed and promoted by certain monastic figures and their followers, which contributes to its deceptive influence on the public.

Author's and Publisher's Stance:

Jugalkishor Mukhtar positions himself as a champion of critical inquiry and truth within Jainism. He emphasizes the importance of examining scriptures with a discerning eye, free from blind faith. He sees his work as a necessary step to protect the purity of Jain teachings and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Veer Seva Mandir and the publisher Jouharimal Jain are presented as patrons of genuine Jain scholarship and proponents of critical analysis. They believe that unmasking such deceptive texts is crucial for the preservation of true Jainism.

Call to Action:

The book strongly urges the Jain community to:

Reject "Suryapraksh": Boycott and cease the propagation of this text.
Study Critically: Encourage a culture of critical examination of all religious texts, rather than blind acceptance.
Support Scholarly Work: Patronize authentic research and critical analyses that uphold Jain principles.
Uphold True Jainism: Protect the legacy of Lord Mahavir and ancient Jain Acharyas from distortion and corruption.

Contributors and Supporters:

The book acknowledges financial contributions from various individuals and organizations, indicating a collective effort by those who believe in the cause of exposing "Suryapraksh." The introduction also includes endorsements from respected scholars who commend Mukhtar's work.

In essence, "Suryapraksh Pariksha" is a detailed and impassioned critique of a text perceived as a threat to the integrity of Jainism. It serves as a call to arms for the Jain community to uphold reason, critical thinking, and the authentic teachings of Lord Mahavir against what it deems to be a fabricated and malicious work.