Syadvada Pushpakalika - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Syadvada Pushpakalika" by Charitranandi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Syadvada Pushpakalika Author: Charitranandi Commentary (Vritti): Kalikaprakasha by Charitranandi himself Publisher: Shrutbhuvan Sansodhan Kendra, Pune (also mentions an Ahmedabad branch) Language: Sanskrit Subject: Jain Philosophy, specifically dealing with Dravyanuyoga (the study of substances/realities).

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The "Syadvada Pushpakalika" is a relatively recent (Arvachin) text that aims to present the complex subject matter of Dravyanuyoga in a simpler language. Dravyanuyoga itself is considered one of the four main branches of Jain literature, focusing on the fundamental principles of reality, including the six eternal substances (Dravyas) and their attributes (Gunas) and modifications (Paryayas). The text is structured around eleven "Dvaras" (sections or gateways) to systematically explore these concepts. The commentary, "Kalikaprakasha," is an integral part of this work, providing detailed explanations.

Author and Background:

Author: Upadhyaya Shri Charitranandi (also known as Vachak Shri Sanyam), a prominent scholar from the Khartara Gana tradition. He lived around the late 19th and early 20th centuries (V.S. 1914 is mentioned as the composition year). His guru was Upadhyaya Shri Navanidhi or Nidhiuday. Charitranandi was renowned for his expertise in Jain philosophy, logic, poetry, grammar, and ritualistic literature.
Guru Parampara: The text traces Charitranandi's lineage through esteemed acharyas like Jinaskingsurisuriji, Jinraj Suriji, Ram Upadhyay, Padhamarsh Upadhyay, Mahimantra Upadhyay, Nidhi Upadhyay, and finally to Sanyam (Charitranandi).
Influence: The work is noted to be influenced by and to some extent an imitation of "Nayachakrasara" by Upadhyaya Shri Devachandri Maharaj.

Content and Structure:

The book delves into the core tenets of Jain metaphysics, organized through eleven primary "Dvaras":

Lakshana (Characteristics): Defining what constitutes a substance (Dravya), its inherent qualities, and its essential nature, differentiating it from non-substances.
Guna (Qualities): Discussing the attributes inherent to substances. These are categorized into:
- Thirteen Samanya Gunas (General Qualities): Such as Dravyatva (substantiality), Astitva (existence), Vastutva (being-ness), Pradeshatva (spatiality), Prameyattva (knowability), Sattva (reality), Agurulaghutva (indivisibility/lightness-heaviness), Chetanatva (consciousness), Achetanatva (unconsciousness), Murtatva (materiality), Amurtatva (immateriality), Sakriyatva (activity), and Akriyatva (inactivity).
- Eighteen Vishesha Gunas (Specific Qualities): Including Darshana (perception), Jnana (knowledge), Saukhya (bliss), Virya (energy), along with the general qualities like Chetanatva, Achetanatva, Murtatva, Amurtatva, Sakriyatva, Akriyatva, and others related to color, taste, smell, and touch.
Paryaya (Modifications/States): Explaining the changes or states that substances undergo. These are divided into Svabhava Paryaya (natural modifications) and Vibhava Paryaya (unnatural or acquired modifications). Svabhava Paryayas are described as twelve in number (six increases and six decreases of Agurulaghuta).
Svabhava (Nature): Exploring the inherent nature of substances, categorized into:
- Thirteen Samanya Svabhava (General Natures): Like Nitya (eternal), Anitya (transient), Ek (one), Anek (many), Asti (is), Nasti (is not), Bheda (difference), Abheda (non-difference), Bhavya (potential to become), Abhavya (potential not to become), Vaktavya (speakable), Avaktavya (unspeakable), and Param Svabhava (ultimate nature).
- Ten Vishesha Svabhava (Specific Natures): Including material, conscious, pure, impure, one-prodeshic, etc.
Asti (Existence/Substantiality): Discussing the concept of Astikaya (substantial entities that have spatial existence), identifying the five Astikayas (Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Jiva, Pudgala) and explaining why Kala (time) is not considered an Astikaya.
Naya (Standpoints/Perspectives): This is a crucial section detailing the various epistemological standpoints used in Jain logic to understand reality. It outlines:
- Two Primary Nayas: Dravyarhtika Naya (substance-oriented standpoint) and Paryayarhtika Naya (modification-oriented standpoint).
- Dravyarhtika Naya: Described with ten types, focusing on the eternal, unchanging aspect of substances.
- Paryayarhtika Naya: Described with six types, focusing on the transient, changing states.
- Classification of Nayas: Further categorizes Nayas into Arthas (meaning-oriented) and Shabda (word-oriented) types, with detailed explanations of specific Nayas like Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhuta. It also discusses various sub-types and common fallacious interpretations (Nayabhasas).
Pramana (Means of Valid Knowledge): Explaining the sources of valid knowledge in Jainism, primarily divided into:
- Pratyaksha (Direct Perception): Knowledge gained without the intervention of sense organs.
- Paroksha (Indirect Perception): Knowledge gained through the senses and mind. This includes various types of indirect knowledge likeanumana (inference), upamana (analogy), agama (scriptural testimony), and arthapatti (postulation).
Bhava (States/Modes): Discussing the various states or modes of existence, particularly related to the soul (Jiva) and karmas. These are categorized into six types: Kshāyika (due to destruction of karma), Aupashamika (due to suppression of karma), Mishra (combination of both), Audayika (due to fruition of karma), Parinānika (natural inherent state), and Sannipātika (combination of multiple states). It details how these states manifest across the fourteen stages of spiritual development (Gunasthana).
Jiva (Soul): Focusing on the nature of the soul as a distinct substance, its characteristics, and its fundamental difference from non-living substances (Ajiva).
Anuyoga (Discourse/Exposition): Explaining the four types of Anuyogas in Jain literature: Dravyanuyoga, Charanakarana-anuyoga (conduct and discipline), Ganitanuyoga (mathematics), and Kathananuyoga (narrative/ethical stories).
Kshetra (Space): Discussing the concept of space and how substances occupy it, differentiating between localized and all-pervading entities.

Editorial and Publication Details:

Editor: Muni Vairagyirati Vijay
Manuscript: The edition is based on two manuscripts: one from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Samskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad (LA), containing only the original verses, and another from the Samvegi (Pagathiyano) Upashraya collection (SA), which includes the author's own commentary ("Kalikaprakasha"). The latter manuscript was crucial for understanding and editing the text due to the original text's perceived grammatical inaccuracies.
Publication Year: V.S. 2071 (2015 CE).
Format: The book includes the original text, the commentary, and several appendices containing topical lists, quotations from scriptures, and explanations of technical terms.

Key Philosophical Concepts Covered:

Syadvada: The principle of conditional predication, central to Jain logic, allowing for multiple, seemingly contradictory viewpoints about reality.
Anekantavada: The doctrine of manifold aspects of reality, suggesting that truth has multiple facets and cannot be grasped from a single perspective.
Dravya, Guna, Paryaya: The fundamental Jain ontological categories representing substance, attributes, and modifications.
Nayavada: The theory of standpoints, explaining how different perspectives can lead to valid, albeit partial, truths about reality.
Pramana: The sources of valid knowledge.
Bhava: The states of existence, particularly the five bhavas in relation to the soul's journey.
Six Substances: The six eternal realities in Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), which is further divided into Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), and Akasha (space). Time (Kala) is also discussed.

Overall Impression:

"Syadvada Pushpakalika" appears to be a methodical and detailed exposition of Jain metaphysics. Its strength lies in its systematic approach through the "Dvaras" and the author's own commentary, making a complex philosophical system more accessible. The editorial effort, based on original manuscripts and cross-referencing with influential Jain texts like "Nayachakrasara," suggests a scholarly and thorough presentation.