Updeshmala

The provided text is a "Shuddhipatrak" (errata) and an "Upakram" (introduction) to the Jain text "Upadeshmaala" with its commentary "Doghatti Visheshavrutti." The text is extensive, covering a significant portion of the commentary and introduction, which aims to explain the importance, content, and authorship of the Upadeshmaala.

Here'A comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text can be structured as follows:

1. Title and Author:

• Book Title: Updeshmala (उपदेशमाला)
• Commentary Title: Upadeshmaala Doghatti Visheshavrutti (उपदेशमाला विशेषवृत्ति / दोघट्टी विशेषवृत्ति)
• Author(s): While the Upadeshmaala itself is attributed to Jain monks (with the commentary likely by Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri based on the text), the authorship of the specific manuscript or edition might vary. The provided text mentions the use of four different manuscripts (A, B, C, D) for compilation, with manuscript A containing the preface and being dated to Samvat 1394.

2. Nature of the Text:

• Upadeshmaala: This is a foundational Jain scripture containing sermons and teachings aimed at guiding individuals towards spiritual liberation (Moksha). It is described as a garland of instructions (Upadeshmaala).
• Doghatti Visheshavrutti: This is a detailed commentary on the Upadeshmaala, likely known as 'Doghatti' due to its comprehensive nature, explaining the meanings and nuances of the original text. It incorporates stories, examples, and philosophical explanations.
• Content: The text emphasizes ethical conduct, spiritual disciplines, the nature of reality accordingThe Jain text provided is primarily a correction sheet (Shuddhipatrak) and an introduction (Upakram) to the Upadeshmaala, a significant Jain scripture, along with its commentary known as Doghatti Visheshavrutti. The extensive nature of the provided text indicates it's a scanned version of the commentary and introduction, detailing various aspects of the work.

Here is a summary covering the key points:

1. Purpose and Importance of Upadeshmaala:

• The Upadeshmaala is presented as a foundational text in Jainism, containing valuable teachings and sermons (Upadesh).
• It is considered a guide towards the path of liberation (Moksha) and is highly regarded for its ethical and spiritual content.
• The text highlights that the Upadeshmaala provides guidance for both monks (Sadhu, Sadhvi) and lay followers (Shravak, Shravika) and is instrumental in cultivating detachment (Vairagya).
• The name "Upadeshmaala" signifies a collection of precious teachings, much like a garland of exquisite flowers.

2. The Commentary (Doghatti Visheshavrutti):

• The commentary, known as Doghatti Visheshavrutti, is praised for its thoroughness and clarity.
• It is attributed to Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri, a disciple of Acharya Devsurisuri, who belonged to the Brihadgaccha lineage.
• The commentary aims to make the profound teachings of the Upadeshmaala accessible to a wider audience, including those with lesser intellectual capacity, through illustrative stories and clear explanations.
• The author mentions that the commentary is divided into four sections (Vishraama), covering a vast array of topics and narratives.

3. Authorship and Dating:

• The Upadeshmaala itself is attributed to the ancient Jain Acharyas, with the text specifically mentioning Acharya Shrimad Dharmadas Ganivar as the author.
• A point of discussion is the timing of the Upadeshmaala's composition, particularly concerning the mention of figures like Arya Mahagiri, Arya Sambhutivijaya, Sthulabhadra, Chandragupta, Chanakya, and Kalikacharya. Some modern scholars question the direct authorship by Dharmadas Ganivar (who lived shortly after Lord Mahavir) due to the inclusion of events and figures from later periods.
• However, the commentary strongly refutes this, suggesting that the authors possessed extraordinary clairvoyant knowledge (Avadhijnana) allowing them to foretell or record future events and people associated with Jain history. It argues that the use of past tense for events happening during Lord Mahavir's lifetime does not negate his direct discipleship, citing the Bhagavati Sutra and other scriptures where past tense is used for contemporary events.
• Manuscripts used for the commentary's edition are described, including a palm-leaf manuscript from Samvat 1394 and another from Samvat 1529, indicating the antiquity of the commentaries and the text itself.

4. Content and Structure (as reflected in the commentary's introduction):

• The Upadeshmaala is vast, containing numerous stories and teachings, often categorized into 'Vishraama' (sections). The introduction provides a detailed index of these stories, covering various ethical, philosophical, and historical themes within Jainism.
• The text touches upon topics like:
  • The nature of reality (Naya).
  • The lives and teachings of great ascetics and saints (e.g., Bharat, Bahubali, Chandanbala, Shali-bhadra, Harikesh Muni, Megh Kumar, etc.).
  • The consequences of actions (Karma Vipaka).
  • The path to spiritual merit and liberation.
  • The impermanence of worldly pleasures and the importance of detachment.
  • The defects of various sins and impure conduct.
  • The importance of faith (Samveginam).
  • The dangers of attachment, desire, anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
  • The nature of ethical conduct and discipline.
• The stories often illustrate Jain principles through parables and biographies of historical figures.

5. Linguistic and Textual Aspects:

• The original Upadeshmaala and its commentary are in Prakrit and Sanskrit, with references to Apabhramsha and Gujarati languages in the commentary's discussion of its spread.
• The text acknowledges the difficulty in deciphering old scripts and resolves some ambiguities by referencing context and multiple manuscripts.
• The introduction itself is a scholarly endeavor, drawing upon various Jain texts and traditions to establish the significance and context of the Upadeshmaala.

6. Editorial and Publication Notes:

• The text mentions the meticulous work of scholars and monks, like Pandit Chhavildas Kesrichand and Munishri Punyavijayji, in preparing the manuscript and the press copy.
• It also highlights the efforts of Acharya Anandasagarsurishwarji and Acharya Hemsagar suri in inspiring and facilitating the publication of this significant work.
• A "Shuddhipatrak" (errata list) is provided at the beginning, indicating the rigorous process of correcting errors in the manuscript, a common practice for ancient texts.

Overall Significance: The provided text offers a glimpse into the rich literary tradition of Jainism, emphasizing the value placed on scriptures like the Upadeshmaala and the extensive efforts undertaken to preserve and disseminate its teachings. The introduction serves as both an appreciation of the original work and a scholarly introduction to its commentary, highlighting its enduring relevance for spiritual seekers.

In essence, the document provides an editorial perspective, contextualizing the Upadeshmaala within Jain tradition, discussing its authorship, manuscript variations, content, and the scholarly effort behind its publication, while also strongly defending its traditional attribution and content against modern interpretations.