Upadhyaya Udayvijay Rachit Pattavali Vissudhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Upadhyaya Udayvijay Rachit Pattavali Vissudhi," based on the given pages:

Book Title: Upadhyaya Udayvijay Rachit Pattavali Vissudhi Author: Pradyumnasuri (Editor) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Genre: Jain Text (Pattavali - Succession list/history)

Overall Purpose: The text, "Pattavali Vissudhi" (meaning "Purification of the Succession Lineage"), is a work by Upadhyaya Udayvijay, compiled and edited by Pradyumnasuri. Its primary aim is to clarify and correct potential misunderstandings or disputes regarding the succession of spiritual leadership (Pattadhar) within a particular Jain lineage, likely the Tapa Gaccha.

Historical Context and Motivation: The introduction by the editor, Pradyumnasuri, highlights that the tradition of creating works ending with "Vishuddhi" exists. This particular work is inspired by an earlier work, "Guravali," written in VS 1466 by Acharya Shri Munisundersuri. Some contemporaries found flaws in "Guravali," leading to discussions. In response to these criticisms, a scholar disciple from Munisundersuri's family composed "Guravalivishuddhih" in Sanskrit.

Following this precedent, Upadhyaya Udayvijay composed this work in Prakrit, consisting of 112 verses (108 + 4 extra verses). The work is described as eloquent, flowing, and logically presented.

Key Issue Addressed: The core of the "Pattavali Vissudhi" appears to revolve around a specific event in the Tapa Gaccha: when Vijayadevsuri was succeeded by Vijayavihavsuriji, and then Vijayavihavsuriji himself, during his own lifetime, appointed Vijayasinghsuri as his successor. This practice of a living spiritual leader appointing their successor, and the implications of this, seems to be the central point of contention or discussion that Upadhyaya Udayvijay aims to address and clarify.

The editor notes that while the full background and the opposing arguments are not clearly understood from the available text, it is evident that the work addresses questions arising from the practice of "appointing a successor while still active."

Author Information: Information about Upadhyaya Udayvijay is scarce. His exact period of activity, guru lineage, and other literary works are not yet known. Only this single manuscript of the "Pattavali Vissudhi" has been found. It's mentioned that such texts are not widely copied and are often studied directly by scholars to grasp their essence.

Philosophical and Logical Arguments (from the verses):

The verses ( गाथा ) delve into the fundamental principles of cause and effect, succession, and the criteria for spiritual leadership. Key arguments presented include:

• Cause and Effect (कारण-कार्य भाव): The text emphasizes the inherent connection between a cause and its effect. An effect cannot exist without its cause, and once the cause has fulfilled its purpose, it ceases to be active in relation to that specific effect.
• Inheritance and Succession: Analogies are drawn from familial succession (father and son, grandfather and grandson) to explain spiritual succession. Just as a son is considered the rightful successor to his father, spiritual disciples are considered successors to their gurus.
• The Role of the Guru: The verses discuss whether a successor can be appointed even when the guru is alive. The text seems to argue that the guru's active presence and decision are crucial. The concept of "Pattadhar" (holder of the succession) is discussed, implying that the appointment is a formal act by the guru.
• Qualities for Leadership: The text suggests that various qualities, such as knowledge (ज्ञान), perception (दर्शन), conduct (चरण), and even longevity (आयुष्य), are considered important for leadership. The absence of these qualities, or a deficiency in them, can be a disqualifier.
• Addressing Counterarguments: The verses engage with potential counterarguments, such as the idea that even someone with fewer qualities can be appointed. The text argues that the appointment must be based on valid reasons and the suitability of the individual.
• Analogy of Kings and Princes: The text uses the example of kings appointing their sons as rulers, even when other capable individuals are present, to illustrate the principle of succession based on lineage and, in the spiritual context, the guru's decree.
• The Significance of Succession: The text stresses that the continuation of lineage and tradition depends on proper succession. It discusses how in royal lineages, multiple princes might be appointed to rule different regions, and how this practice is accepted.
• The Importance of the Guru's Consent: The verses reiterate that the successor must be appointed with the guru's consent and according to established rules. The concept of "guru's approval" is central to the validity of succession.
• Different Paths of Succession: The text acknowledges that various methods of succession exist within different lineages and traditions, depending on the specific circumstances and the established practices of that lineage.
• The Role of "Gaccha" (Monastic Order): The existence of multiple monastic orders (Gaccha) and their distinct traditions of succession is acknowledged.

Concluding Remarks: The final verses offer salutations and blessings, and the text concludes with a reference to the year of the Nirvana of Vajraswami (VS 584). It then discusses the concept of "Yugapradhan" (leader of an era) and the conditions under which this title is conferred. The editor also makes a note about the placement of four additional verses.

In essence, "Pattavali Vissudhi" is a scholarly work that aims to provide a reasoned and scripturally supported explanation for the correct procedures and principles governing the succession of spiritual leaders within Jainism, particularly in response to specific historical instances that may have raised questions.