Swetambara Guru Vimalsurini Prashnottar Ratnamala - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

The text discusses the Swetambara Guru Vimalsurini Prashnottar Ratnamala, a significant Jain work. The author of the summary is Pandit Lalchandra Bhagavan Gandhi.

The core of the text is a collection of profound answers given by a Guru to the inquisitive questions of a disciple. The "Prashnottar Ratnamala" (Garland of Jewel-like Questions and Answers) is described as a truly valuable compilation of universally accepted teachings, living up to its name by being a garland of inner virtues rather than external gems. This inner garland is said to be more impactful, auspicious, health-giving, life-extending, beneficial, peaceful, and conducive to happiness. True connoisseurs of jewels would recognize its high value.

Despite being composed around a thousand years ago, the work's "brilliant jewels" (teachings) remain undimmed. It is written in Sanskrit in 29 gathas (verses). The first gatha serves as an auspicious invocation and states the subject matter, while the last gatha indicates the name of the poet. Considering these two gathas as the ends of the garland, the 27 verses in between are like a constellation of stars, making it a "constellation garland." The work is described as delicate and beautiful, suitable not only for women but also for virtuous men to wear around their necks or to memorize. Its charm has evidently attracted both Jain and non-Jain audiences.

The text then delves into a scholarly investigation regarding the authorship of this Ratnamala. While it is attributed to Swetambara Jain Acharyas, there are also claims of its association with a Digambara Jain king, Shankaracharya, and Shuk Yateendra. The author aims to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the true poet-preceptor.

Key Points and Historical Context:

Wide Dissemination: The Prashnottar Ratnamala has been traditionally studied, recited, expounded, and preached within the fourfold Jain sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) of the Swetambara community for a long time. It has been respected and included in various Jain scriptures, lesson books, collections, and miscellaneous compilations for centuries.
Manuscript Evidence: Approximately fifty ancient manuscripts of the Ratnamala are known to exist in renowned collections and libraries across various cities in India and abroad. Some manuscripts, dating back seven hundred years, are found on palm leaves, not just paper. Specific references are made to manuscripts found in Patan, Vadodara, Cambay, Chhani, Dabhoi, Limbdi, Palitana, Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pune, Punjab, and Calcutta.
Attribution to Vimalacharya: The final, 29th gatha clearly identifies the author as "Vimal" or "Swetambar Guru Vimal." The work is also identified by the poet himself as 'Vimal-Prashnottar Ratnamala'. The first gatha is a respectful salutation to Vira, the conqueror of senses, and introduces the subject of questions and answers, stating the work is beneficial for gods, humans, and demi-gods. The second and twenty-eighth gathas also explicitly mention the name "Vimal-Prashnottar Ratnamala."
Commentaries (Vritti): Two Swetambara Jain Acharyas composed commentaries on this work in Sanskrit during the 13th and 15th centuries Vikram Samvat, with illustrative anecdotes.
- The first commentary was composed in VS 1223 by Hirpal Mantri at the request of Hemaprabhasuri. This commentary, estimated to be 2134 verses long, was written by a disciple of Yashodhosuri, who was a grand-disciple of Dharmaghoshasuri, a prominent figure honored by King Jayasinh (Siddharaja). An ancient copy of this commentary from the 14th century is mentioned.
- The second commentary, providing a detailed explanation with examples, was composed in VS 1429 by Devendrasuri of the Chandragachha. This commentary, comprising 7780 verses, was researched by Munibhadrasuri. It was inspired by two brothers, Bhola and Kheta, and also sheds light on their lineage. Ancient manuscripts of this commentary from VS 1441, 1489, and 1579 are known. This version was printed and published in VS 1971 by Pandit Hiralal Hansraj. The author of the original work is clearly identified as Swetambara Acharya Vimalasuri in the explanations of this commentary.
Gujarati Explanations (Balavabodha): Several scholars and monks have attempted to explain the meaning of the Ratnamala in contemporary Gujarati, known as "Balavabodha." Ancient manuscripts of these explanations from the 15th-16th centuries exist. Examples are given of manuscripts found in Vadodara and Dabhoi, all confirming the attribution to Guru Vimal.
Contested Authorship and Other Claims:
- Amoghavarsha: The text addresses claims that the work was authored by King Amoghavarsha, a Digambara Jain. This is based on a variant ending verse found in one manuscript. However, the author argues that this verse, written in a different meter, was likely added later. The author points out that if Amoghavarsha had renounced his kingdom, he wouldn't have revealed his former royal name in such a context. The presence of this verse in only some manuscripts and the lack of evidence for Amoghavarsha's authorship elsewhere are highlighted.
- Shankaracharya and Shuk Yateendra: The text also discusses manuscripts attributed to Shankaracharya and Shuk Yateendra. It notes that these attributions often lack the introductory auspicious verse and the final verse mentioning Vimalacharya. Some versions attributed to Shankaracharya seem to have extra verses and a different prose ending. Another work titled "Prashnottar Manik Ratnamala" attributed to Shankaracharya is identified as a different composition.
- Criticism of Narsinhrao H. Dhruv: The author refutes the claims made by Narsinhrao Harilal Dhruv in the "Buddhiprakash" magazine, who suggested that a Jain scholar might have inserted Vimalacharya's name into the work. The author asserts that the evidence clearly supports Vimalasuri as the original author and that Dhruv likely confused the work with the "Prashnottar Manik Ratnamala."
Confirmation of Vimalasuri: The text reiterates that numerous Jain Acharyas named Vimalasuri exist in Swetambara literature, including a famous Vimalasuri who authored the "Padmavarna" in VS 60. The author believes the Ratnamala was likely composed by one of these Swetambara Vimalasuris.
Jinaratnakosha: The authoritative "Jinaratnakosha," published by the Pune Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in 1944, also identifies Vimalasuri as the author of the Prashnottar Ratnamala.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that based on the extensive evidence from ancient manuscripts, commentaries, and scholarly works, the Swetambara Guru Vimalsurini Prashnottar Ratnamala is indeed the composition of Swetambara Jain Acharya Vimalasuri. The claims attributing it to Shankaracharya, Shuk Yateendra, or Amoghavarsha are likely due to later interpolations, misattributions, or confusion with similar-titled works. The author expresses hope that this detailed presentation of evidence will satisfy truth-seekers.