Swayambhustotra Tattvapradipika

This document is the Hindi title page and introduction to the Swayambhustotra Tattvapradipika, a commentary on the Swayambhustotra (also known as Chaturvimsati Jinastotra) by Acharya Samantabhadra. The commentary is authored and edited by Prof. Udaychandra Jain. It is published by Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan in Varanasi.

Here's a breakdown of the key information presented in the initial pages:

• Title: Swayambhustotra Tattvapradipika (also referred to as Chaturvimsati Jinastotra Tattvapradipika).
• Original Work: Swayambhustotra (Chaturvimsati Jinastotra) by Acharya Samantabhadra.
• Commentary Author & Editor: Prof. Udaychandra Jain, former Head of the Philosophy Department at Banaras Hindu University.
• Publisher: Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan, Nariya, Varanasi.
• Series: Shri Ganesh Prasad Varni Digambar Jain Granthamala, Pushpa-33.
• Dedication: The book is respectfully dedicated to the highly revered and saintly Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj, whose inspiration and blessings made this work possible.
• Blessings (Ashirvachan): The text includes blessings from Upadhyay Gyanasagarji Maharaj, who commends the Swayambhustotra as a significant work by Acharya Samantabhadra. He praises the commentary by Prof. Udaychandra Jain for its clarity and ability to explain the deep meaning of the original text in simple language. He expresses hope that this work will be beneficial to all.
• Praise for Acharya Samantabhadra: Several quotes from various sources (inscriptions, acharyas) are included, highlighting Acharya Samantabhadra's stature as a great logician, eloquent speaker, renowned poet, and victor in philosophical debates, who significantly contributed to Jain philosophy and literature.
• Introduction (Pradhan Sampadkiya): This section by Prof. (Dr.) Rajaram Jain (Granthmala Editor) provides a comprehensive overview of the Swayambhustotra and Acharya Samantabhadra's legacy. Key points include:
  • Acharya Samantabhadra is considered a seminal figure in Jainism for his original contributions to stotra literature, blending logic and devotion.
  • The Swayambhustotra, also called Chaturvimsati Jinastavana, is one of his four known devotional works. While all praise the virtues of the Tirthankaras, the Swayambhustotra and Stuti Vidya are primarily devotional, whereas Devagama (Aptamimamsa) and Paramatma Stotra delve deeper into Jain philosophical principles like anekanta, syadvada, etc.
  • The Swayambhustotra eulogizes all 24 Tirthankaras and provides insights into the history, culture, and philosophy of the era. It contains 143 verses, with specific Tirthankaras praised in varying numbers of verses.
  • The text reflects the philosophical beliefs of Samantabhadra's time and features a rich poetic style, diverse meters, and profound meanings.
  • It is considered significant for potentially containing early references to figures like Garudadhvaja (Narayan-Krishna) and Haldhar (Balabhadra) and the Raivatak mountain in Jain tradition, possibly influencing Jain Mahabharata narratives.
  • Samantabhadra's mastery of language allowed him to encapsulate the essence of Jain Agamas in concise words. The complexity of his works, like Aptamimamsa, necessitated extensive commentaries by later acharyas.
  • His time has been established as the 2nd century Vikram Samvat, based on references in Jainendra Vyakarana.
  • Samantabhadra was fearless and courageous, a testament to the revival of Shraman culture. He openly challenged opponents in philosophical debates across India.
  • The present commentary, "Tattvapradipika," by Prof. Udaychandra Jain, is a valuable contribution that aims to make the text accessible and understandable.
• Publishing Message (Prakashkiya): Dr. Sudarshanalal Jain (Director and Executive Secretary) expresses the institution's long-held desire to publish a work with a connection to Varanasi and authentic Jain principles. He highlights the "Swayambhustotra" and its commentary by Prof. Udaychandra Jain, inspired by Acharya Vidyasagar, as fulfilling this goal. He explains the meaning of "Swayambhu" as Tirthankaras who achieve self-perfection without external guidance and mentions the historical event in Varanasi that led to the conversion of King Shivakoti to Jainism, which inspired the composition of this stotra. He also notes that while other commentaries exist, Prof. Jain's work is comprehensive and draws from them.
• Preface (Prastavana): Written by Prof. Udaychandra Jain, this section elaborates on the name "Swayambhustotra," its devotional and philosophical content, the author Acharya Samantabhadra's life and works, and the significance of the stotra.
  • Nature and Purpose of the Stotra: It explains that the stotra praises the Tirthankaras, not by exaggerating existing qualities, but by acknowledging their infinite, ineffable virtues. The purpose is to internalize these qualities for self-improvement.
  • Fruits of Praise: The results of praise are described as purifying the soul, generating merit, and ultimately leading to self-realization, mirroring the state of the Tirthankaras.
  • Significance of Swayambhustotra: It's not just a devotional hymn but a repository of Jain philosophical tenets like anekanta, syadvada, and ahimsa, making it akin to an Agama text.
  • Subject Matter: The stotra covers the infinite virtues of the Tirthankaras, their unique life events, and core Jain principles, explained logically.
  • Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga: The commentary elucidates how the stotra harmonizes these three paths to liberation, as taught in Jainism.
  • Rachana Sthal - Varanasi: It recounts the legend of Acharya Samantabhadra's encounter with King Shivakoti in Varanasi, which led to the composition of the Swayambhustotra after a miraculous event involving the emergence of Lord Chandraprabha's idol from a Shiva lingam. This event is linked to the "Fata Mahadev" temple in Varanasi.
  • Acharya Samantabhadra's Personality: Prof. Jain details Samantabhadra's brilliance as a philosopher, debater, poet, and his role as a reviver of Jain philosophy, particularly syadvada. His travels and intellectual prowess are highlighted.
  • Samantabhadra's Time and Works: His time is fixed around the 2nd-3rd century CE. His known works are listed, with emphasis on the stotras.
  • Samantabhadra's Philosophical Contributions: The preface delves into his significant philosophical achievements, including the logical proof of omniscience (sarvajna), the treatise on the soul (Jiva Siddhi), the theory of origination-destruction-persistence (utpattri-vyaya-dhrauvya), the systematic establishment of syadvada and saptabhangi, and the concept of anekanta within anekanta.
  • Sarvodaya Tirth: It points out that Samantabhadra, centuries before Gandhi, expounded the principle of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) by calling the Tirthankaras' teachings the "Sarvodaya Tirth."
  • Sanskrit Commentator Prabhachandra: It mentions the availability of Prabhachandra's Sanskrit commentary.
• Table of Contents (Vishayanukram): A detailed index lists the preface sections and the stanzas dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras, followed by appendices.
• Stanzas (Stavana): The document then presents the stanzas for the first few Tirthankaras:
  • Shri Rishabha Jin (Page 46 onwards): Praises him as Swayambhu, the first Tirthankara, ruler, teacher, and one who achieved liberation.
  • Shri Ajita Jin (Page 54 onwards): Highlights his influence, the origin of his name "Ajita" (invincible), and the reverence for his teachings.
  • Shri Shambhu Jin (Page 59 onwards): Describes him as a divine physician curing worldly suffering and one whose philosophy is logically sound.
  • Shri Abhinandan Jin (Page 65 onwards): Focuses on his embrace of kindness and forgiveness, his detachment from worldly possessions for the sake of meditation, and his understanding of the true nature of the body and self.
  • Shri Sumati Jin (Page 70 onwards): Emphasizes his correct understanding of reality, his refutation of extreme views, and the establishment of the doctrine of anekanta, emphasizing the importance of both "is" and "is not."
  • Shri Padmaprabha Jin (Page 77 onwards): Describes his lotus-like complexion, beautiful form, and his role in enlightening beings like the sun nourishes lotuses.
  • Shri Suparshva Jin (Page 83 onwards): Highlights his teachings on true well-being (swartha) versus fleeting pleasures, the transient nature of the body, and the inevitability of fate (bhavitavyata).
  • Shri Chandraprabha Jin (Page 91 onwards): Compares him to the moon for his serene glow and illuminating wisdom, dispelling ignorance.
  • Shri Suvidhi Jin (Page 96 onwards): Details his refutation of extremist views, his nuanced approach to reality through multiple perspectives (nayas), and the significance of the "syat" word.
  • Shri Shital Jin (Page 104 onwards): Emphasizes the cooling effect of his wisdom, contrasting it with physical coolness, and his attainment of pure consciousness through detachment.
  • Shri Shreyams Jin (Page 109 onwards): Discusses the victory over negative philosophies, his position as a guide, and the perfection of his teachings through the interplay of evidence and logic.
  • Shri Vasupujya Jin (Page 115 onwards): Highlights his worship-worthiness, detachment from praise and blame, and the profound nature of his philosophy regarding causation and liberation.
  • Shri Vimala Jin (Page 123 onwards): Focuses on his pure nature and the interdependent nature of reality as understood through various perspectives (nayas), the concept of self and other, and the ultimate reality beyond these dualities.
  • Shri Ananta Jin (Page 130 onwards): Describes his victory over inner impurities like greed and desire, his mastery over passions, and his attainment of eternal bliss.
  • Shri Dharma Jin (Page 115 onwards): Portrays him as the founder of the pure Jain path, a purifier through penance, and the ultimate source of bliss.
  • Shri Shanti Jin (Page 119 onwards): Highlights his role as a protector, a spiritual guide, and the ultimate source of peace.
  • Shri Kunthu Jin (Page 124 onwards): Emphasizes his compassion for all beings and his teachings on overcoming suffering through virtuous conduct.
  • Shri Ar Jin (Page 128 onwards): Focuses on his detachment from worldly power, his unparalleled beauty, his victory over temptations, and his profound philosophy on reality.
  • Shri Malli Jin (Page 143 onwards): Describes his serene wisdom, his golden form, his teachings on detachment from worldly pleasures, and his renunciation of ego and attachment.
  • Shri Munisuvrata Jin (Page 147 onwards): Details his adherence to monastic vows, his noble demeanor, his mastery over passions, and his teachings on the cycle of birth, death, and liberation.
  • Shri Nami Jin (Page 152 onwards): Highlights his liberation from the cycle of rebirth, his profound wisdom, his refutation of one-sided philosophies, and his emphasis on non-violence.
  • Shri Nemi Jin (Page 160 onwards): Focuses on his Purity, knowledge of the universe, princely lineage, and his role in establishing righteous conduct.
  • Shri Parshva Jin (Page 167 onwards): Recounts his resilience against obstacles, his victory over passions, and his role as a beacon of truth.
  • Shri Vir Jin (Page 172 onwards): Celebrates his supreme virtue, his unbroken reign of truth, his masterful use of dialectics (syadvada), and his universal welfare mission.

In essence, the "Swayambhustotra Tattvapradipika" is a scholarly commentary that aims to make the profound devotional and philosophical teachings of Acharya Samantabhadra's Swayambhustotra accessible to a wider audience, guided by the inspiration of Acharya Vidyasagar and authored by Prof. Udaychandra Jain.