Swatantravachanamrutam

This document is a Marathi translation and commentary of the Jain text "Swatantravachanamrutam," originally authored by Acharya Kanaksen Ji Maharaj and translated and edited by Muni Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj. The publisher is Bharatkumar Indarchand Papdiwal from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The publication date is November 5, 2003.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Book Information:

• Title: Swatantravachanamrutam (स्वतन्त्रवचनामृतम्) - which translates to "Nectar of Independent Sayings."
• Original Author: Param Poojya Acharya Shri Kanaksen Ji Maharaj (परम पूज्य आचार्य श्री कनकसेन जी महाराज).
• Translator and Editor: Param Poojya Yuva Muni Shri Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj (परम पूज्य युवामुनि श्री सुविधिसागर जी महाराज).
• Publisher: Bharatkumar Indarchand Papdiwal (भरतकुमार इन्दरचन्द पापड़ीवाल).
• Publication Year: 2003.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Dedication (समर्पण): The work is dedicated to Acharya Bhagwant Shri Santisagar Ji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Hemasagar Ji Maharaj.

2. Author's Note (लेखक की लेखनी से): Muni Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj describes his discovery of the original text in Dewalgaon Raja during his Chaturmas. He was initially drawn to the title and found the text to be of philosophical depth. He notes the accuracy of the original Sanskrit text and mentions that Dr. Padmanabh Jain had previously translated it into English. He expresses his dedication to translating and publishing this important work, highlighting the challenges of textual inaccuracies and the collaborative effort involved in the translation. He also expresses a concern for other un-translated Jain works.

3. Translator's Introduction (अनुवादक का परिचय): This section provides a detailed biography of Muni Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj (originally Jaykumar). It covers his birth, childhood illnesses and resilience, early education, his renunciation of worldly life, his various stages of spiritual initiation (Brahmacharya, Kshullak, Ailak, Muni), his teachings, and his dedication to preserving ancient Jain scriptures. It highlights his virtues, humility, clarity of thought, and his contributions to Jain literature through translations and original works.

4. Introduction to Philosophy (स्पत्तावना - The Introduction to Philosophy): This section discusses the importance of philosophy (Darshan) in understanding truth and combating superstition. It emphasizes that Jain philosophy aims to refute the claims of other philosophical schools and guide individuals towards the correct path. It notes the prevalence of various Indian philosophical systems (Sankhya, Mimamsa, Buddhism, Charvaka) and the need to critically assess their tenets. It positions "Swatantravachanamrutam" as a valuable jewel within the vast treasury of philosophical texts, likening it to the 32-verse compositions of Acharya Siddhasen Diwakar and Amitagati.

5. Analysis of the Text's Structure and Content:

   • Author and Title Confirmation: The text is confirmed to be "Swatantravachanamrutam" by Acharya Shri Kanaksen Ji.
   • Verse Structure: The text comprises 32 verses (karikas), with the first 31 in a particular meter and the last in Vasantatilaka.
   • Textual Criticism: Mention is made of potential inaccuracies in the text due to reliance on a single manuscript found by Dr. Padmanabh Jain.
   • Content Division: The text is broadly divided into three parts:
     • The first nine verses address the doctrines of other philosophical schools and their refutation.
     • The subsequent 15 verses delve into the nature of the soul using the Anekanta (non-one-sided) perspective.
     • The final eight verses discuss the causes of liberation (Moksha).
   • Core Message: The work provides comprehensive principles for freeing the soul from the bondage of karma in a simple style.
   • Key Themes: The text covers:
     • Invocation of the pure soul (Paramatma).
     • Definition of Moksha (liberation).
     • Critique of various philosophical viewpoints (Charvaka, Yoga, Buddhism, Mimamsa, Advaita).
     • The nature of the soul (sentient, perceiver, lord, agent, enjoyer, possessor of qualities, upward movement, production-loss-endurance, positive and negative aspects, substantial and insubstantial, momentary and eternal, empty and non-empty, sentient and insentient, describable and inexpressible, existent and non-existent, body-sized and all-pervading, agent and non-agent, enjoyer and non-enjoyer, manifest and unmanifest, cognizable and cognizer).
     • The importance of Pramana (means of valid knowledge), Naya (standpoints), and Saptabhangi (the seven-fold predication).
     • The nature of Moksha as a state of eternal consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, free from karmic colorations (leshya) and stages of spiritual progress (gunasthanas).
     • The destruction of deluding karmas (ghatiya karmas) leading to Kevala-jnana (omniscience).
     • The purification process of the soul, likened to purifying gold.
     • The exposition of Ratnatraya (the three jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) as the sole means to Moksha.
   • Final Verse (32): This concluding verse reiterates that by imbibing the "nectar of independent sayings" from Acharya Kanaksen's lotus-like mouth, those who diligently study it with body, speech, and mind will quickly attain the state of freedom from decay and death (immortality). It also emphasizes the universal applicability of Syadvada (the Jain doctrine of manifold predications) for reconciling different philosophical views.

6. Verse-by-Verse Summary (अनुक्रमणिका / श्लोकानुक्रमणिका): The document provides a detailed summary of each verse (sloka), explaining its meaning and the philosophical context, including the refutation of other schools of thought. The English translations of the verses are also provided.

7. Available Publications (हमारे उपलब्ध प्रकाशन): This section lists other books translated or authored by Muni Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj, covering various categories like commentary texts, legal texts, devotional literature, works on conduct, and even children's educational games.

In essence, the document presents "Swatantravachanamrutam" as a profound philosophical work within Jainism that elucidates the nature of the soul and the path to liberation (Moksha) through the lens of Jain logic and ethics, specifically highlighting the importance of Anekantavada, Pramana, Naya, and Saptabhangi. It also serves as a tribute to the translator, Muni Suvidhisagar Ji Maharaj, and his dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.