Vibhakti Vichar Prakaran

This is a summary of the Jain text "Vibhakti Vichar Prakaran" by Narchandrasuri, published by Kantivijayji Ganivar Jain Granthmala. The book is a commentary and explanation of the original work, likely aiming to make it more accessible.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided text:

1. Introduction and Editorial Information:

• Title: Shri Vibhakti Vichar Prakaran (श्री विभक्ति विचार प्रकरण)
• Original Author: Shri Amarchandrasuri (श्री अमरचन्द्रसूरिविरचित)
• Commentator/Translator (Bhavanuvad): Pujya Pannyas Pravar Shri Manavijayji Ganivar (प. पू. प. प्र. श्री. मानविजयजी गणिवर)
• Previous Editor: Paramtarak Gurudev Pujya Pannyas Pravar Shri Kantivijayji Ganivar (पूर्व संपादक: प. पू. प. प्र. श्री. कांतिविजयजी गणिवर)
• Current Editor: Pujyapad Acharya Bh. Shrimad Vijay Narchandrasurishwarji M. Sa. (ज. सं. प. पा. आ. भ. श्री. विजय नरचंद्रसूरिश्वरजी म. सा.)
• Publisher: Pannyas Praveshika Kantivijayji Ganivar Jain Granthmala, Vadhavan City (प्रकाशक: प. पू. प. प्र. कांतिविजयजी गणिवर जैन ग्रन्थमाला, वढवाण शहर)
• Edition: Second edition, 500 copies.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Acharya Shrimad Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj for his lifelong adherence to asceticism and his role in guiding souls towards the path of self-control.
• Foreword/Editor's Note: The editor (Kantivijayji) explains the process of creating this edition. It involved obtaining palm-leaf manuscripts, comparing them with other available copies, and making necessary corrections. The need for this edition is highlighted due to the book's unavailability and its value in briefly explaining various subjects. The editor acknowledges the assistance of Muni Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj and others in the editorial process.
• Re-editing Note: The current editor (Narchandrasuri) notes that this edition is a re-publication after 62-63 years, making the previous edition unavailable. He adds a detail about Acharya Amarachandrasuri belonging to the Vayada Gachha, referencing the work "Chaturvimsati Jinendra Charitani." The editor emphasizes that the book is not about Sanskrit grammar but a collection of Jain philosophical concepts aimed at achieving liberation.

2. Content of "Vibhakti Vichar Prakaran":

The book is structured into sections, and the provided text outlines the topics covered:

• Mangala (Auspicious Beginning), Abhidheya (Subject Matter), etc.: The introductory verses of the original work.
• Meaning of Vibhakti (Classification/Division): Explaining the core concept of the text.
• Types of Dravya Vibhakti (Classification based on Substance): The text delves into the classifications of substances in Jainism.
• Fifteen Types of Mukta Jivas (Liberated Souls) based on Substance: Detailing various classifications of souls that have attained liberation.
• Time of Disruption of the Tirth (Religious Order) in the Current Descending Era (Avasarpini): Discussing the periods when the Tirth was interrupted.
• Distinction between Swayambuddha and Pratyekabuddha: Explaining the difference between self-enlightened and individually enlightened beings.
• Types and Subtypes of Samsari Jivas (Souls in the Cycle of Rebirth): Categorizing souls still in the cycle of birth and death.
• Differences in Earth-bodied (Prithvikaya) and other One-sensed beings, and proof of their existence as Jivas: Discussing the existence of souls in various elemental beings.
• Types and Nature of Ajiva Dravyas (Non-soul substances): Explaining the categories of non-living entities.
• Types and Nature of Kshetra Vibhakti (Classification based on Space): Discussing classifications related to the spatial aspect of reality.
• Nature of Kshetra Loka (Spatial Universe): Describing the structure of the Jain universe.
• Locations of Objects and One-sensed to Five-sensed beings in the Spatial Universe: Mapping the presence of various entities within the universe.
• Location of Non-soul substances in the Spatial Universe.
• Number, Names, and Capitals of Arya and Anarya regions: Discussing geographical classifications of civilized and uncivilized areas.
• Measurement of Past, Present, and Future Time: Quantifying time.
• Time Measurement of Avasarpini and Utsarpini, and the Nature of the Six Aras (Eras): Describing the cyclical nature of time in Jain cosmology.
• Names of Kalpavriksha Trees and the Objects obtained from them: Listing the celestial wish-fulfilling trees and their bounties.
• Time Measurement of Samaya, Avalika, etc.: Defining fundamental units of time.
• Nature and Time Measurement of Nakshatra Masa, etc.: Explaining various lunar and solar calendars.
• Types and Nature of Palyopama, Sagaropama, and Pudgalapravartana: Defining vast units of time and material cycles.
• Nature and Types of Jiva-related Audayika (Resultant) and other Bhavas (States of Being): Explaining the different states of the soul.
• Ajiva-related Pariṇamika (Resultant) and other Bhavas, and qualities like Color, Smell, Taste, Touch: Describing the states and characteristics of non-soul substances.
• Nature of the Five Types of Pudgala Dravya (Matter) Forms: Explaining the physical configurations of matter.
• Nature of Bhavas of Dharmastikaya and other Non-corporeal Dharmastikaya substances: Describing the states of incorporeal substances.
• Conclusion of the Prakaran and the Name of the Prakaran: Final remarks and identification of the text.
• Additional sections like Parishisht-1 (Appendix-1) containing "Tarana of Scriptures" and a "Saman Atmaninda Kulak" (a reflective piece on self-condemnation).

3. Author Information (Acharya Amarachandrasuri):

• Time Period: While precise details are unavailable, based on manuscript evidence and historical records, he is estimated to have lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries CE. Evidence points to his existence during the reign of Maharaja Vishaldev, who ruled around VS 1350 (1293 CE).
• Lineage: He was a prominent figure of the Vayada Gachha and a disciple of Acharya Jinvallabhasuri.
• Titles and Achievements: Known as a great poet and scholar, adorned with the title "Kavi Chakravarti." He impressed King Vishaldev with his poetic skills and fulfilled 108 complex philosophical questions posed by scholars. He played a significant role in promoting Jainism.
• Works: He authored several works, including Alankaraprabodha, Kalakalapa, Kavya Kalpalata, Chandoratanavali, Svadi Shabda Samucchaya, Bala Bharata, Padmananda Mahakavya, and Chaturvimsati Jinendra Sankshipt Charitra.

4. Key Jain Philosophical Concepts Discussed (as seen in the excerpt):

• Nikshelpa (Categories of Knowledge): The text explains the six categories of knowledge: Nama (Name), Sthapana (Installation/Representation), Dravya (Substance), Kshetra (Space), Kala (Time), and Bhava (State/Quality).
• Jivas (Souls): Differentiates between Mukta Jivas (liberated souls) and Samsari Jivas (souls in the cycle of rebirth). It elaborates on various classifications of Mukta Jivas (e.g., Tirthasiddha, Atirthasiddha) and Samsari Jivas based on senses, species, and rebirths.
• Ajiva Dravyas (Non-soul Substances): Explains Pudgala (matter) and incorporeal substances like Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
• Loka (Universe): Details the structure of the Jain universe, including its different realms (Adholoka, Tiryakloka, Urdhvaloka), dimensions, and the distribution of beings and substances within it.
• Kala (Time): Discusses the cyclical nature of time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini), the measurement of time units (Samaya, Avalika, Palya, Sagara), and the concept of Pudgalapravartana.
• Bhavas (States of Being): Explains the six types of Bhavas in Jainism: Audayika (resultant), Aupashamika (suppressed), Kshāyika (eradicated), Kshayopashamika (partially eradicated-suppressed), Parimanika (inherent), and Sannipata (mixed).
• Vibhakti (Classification): The text systematically applies the concept of Vibhakti to various categories, demonstrating how Jain philosophy classifies reality.

In essence, "Vibhakti Vichar Prakaran" is a detailed exposition of fundamental Jain metaphysical and cosmological principles, focusing on the classification and understanding of various entities and concepts within the Jain worldview. The commentary aims to clarify these intricate teachings for a wider audience.