Vidwat Ratnamala Part 01

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Book Title: Vidwat Ratnamala Part 01 (A Garland of Gems of Scholarship, Part 01) Author: Nathuram Premi Publisher: Jain Mitra Karyalay, Bombay Publication Date: October 1912

Overview and Purpose:

"Vidwat Ratnamala Part 01" is the first volume of a larger series intended to introduce prominent Jain scholars and their works. The author, Nathuram Premi, expresses a deep concern for the lack of historical knowledge among Jains regarding their past intellectual and spiritual achievements. He believes that understanding this glorious heritage is crucial for fostering pride and driving self-improvement in the present generation.

The Need for Historical Research:

Premi highlights that while the history of Jainism from its inception to Lord Mahavir is preserved in scriptures, the period after Mahavir's nirvana is largely shrouded in darkness. He emphasizes the need to systematically document this later period, which should include the state of Jainism at different times, the influence of other religions, the prevalence of Jainism in various regions, the condition of Jain literature and monastic orders, and the reasons for Jainism's decline. He acknowledges that this task requires scholars well-versed in historical elements and multiple languages, but he undertakes this initial effort to provide an introduction to some key literary figures.

Scope of Part 01:

This first volume focuses on introducing seven Sanskrit-writing Jain authors. Premi states that he has collected and compiled articles he previously published in the Jain Hiteshi magazine. He aims to provide a foundation for future historical works and hopes the collection will be well-received by the community. He also plans to publish a second part covering other notable scholars.

Key Scholars and Content Covered in Part 01:

The book is structured to provide biographical and literary information about several prominent Jain scholars. Based on the table of contents and the text, the primary figures covered are:

1. Jinasena and Gunabhadra Acharya: This is the most extensively covered section.

   • Introduction: They are recognized as highly influential figures in Jain Sanskrit literature, whose works have immortalized their names.
   • Genealogy/Lineage: The author notes the lack of information about their worldly lineage, stating that a Muni's focus is on spiritual lineage. He speculates they might have come from royal families or uplifted certain castes. Evidence from Dravidian dictionaries suggests Gunabhadra was from Tirunarukkundam. The text dismisses claims from a text called "Gyanprabodh" that Jinasena was a king, highlighting historical inaccuracies in that source.
   • Monastic Lineage: The text traces their lineage through the Sen-sangha, stemming from the Mul-sangha. It connects them to the tradition of Samantabhadra, Shivkoti, and Virasena. A key point is the lineage: Elacharya -> Virasena -> Viryasena -> Jinasena and Dashrathguru -> Gunabhadra.
   • Residences and Time Period: They are believed to have lived around the 9th century CE. Jinasena is thought to have composed his "Parshvabhyudaya" in Manyakheta (capital of the Rashtrakutas) and Gunabhadra completed his "Uttar Puran" in Vanakapura.
   • Works: Jinasena is credited with the "Adipurana" (first part of the Mahapurana) and "Parshvabhyudaya." He also completed the "Jayadhavala Teeka" of Kapayapraabhrit. Gunabhadra completed the "Uttar Puran" and is also known for "Atmanushasana" and "Jindatta Charitra."
   • Adipurana: It describes the lives of the first Tirthankara Adinath and the first Chakravarti. The text emphasizes its importance as a foundational text in Jain literature, influencing many later works. The author notes its 20,000 verses, with Jinasena composing 12,000 and Gunabhadra the remaining 8,000.
   • Parshvabhyudaya: This is highlighted as a unique Sanskrit poem that completes verses from Kalidasa's Meghaduta, narrating the story of Parshvanatha. The author praises its poetic quality and its ability to avoid the drawbacks of such a constrained composition.
   • Jayadhavala Teeka: It's described as a commentary on Kapayapraabhrit, with Virasena starting it and Jinasena completing it.
   • Historical Context: The text places them during the reign of Rashtrakuta kings like Amoghavarsha, Akalvarsha, and Lokaditya, highlighting their patronage of Jainism.
   • Jinasena vs. Harivamsha Jinasena: A significant portion is dedicated to proving that the Jinasena who wrote the "Adipurana" is distinct from the Jinasena who wrote the "Harivamsha Purana." Evidence includes different gurus, lineage, writing style, and theological differences in narratives (e.g., birthplaces of Neminatha).

2. Pandit Ashadhar:

   • Background: Ashadhar was a prominent scholar from the Bagherwal caste, born in Mandalgarh (Sapadalaksha region) around the 12th century CE. He moved to Dharanagari due to political turmoil.
   • Education: In Dharanagari, he studied Jainendra Agama and Jainendra Vyakarana under Pandit Mahavir.
   • Works: He authored numerous works, including "Jinayajnakalpa," "Sagar Dharmamrit" (with a commentary "Bhavya Kumudachandrika"), "Anagar Dharmamrit," "Prameraratanakar," "Jinpratishtha Shastra," "Dharmamrit," "Vagbhata Samhita" commentary, "Mularaadhana" commentary, "Amarakosha" commentary, "Sahastranama Stavan," "Nityamahodyota," "Jindatt Charitra," "Yogasar", and "Panch Sangrah."
   • Patronage and Influence: He was highly respected by scholars like Minister Vilhana and King Arjunavarma of Malwa. His works were influential and widely studied.
   • Personal Life: He had a son named Chhahad, who was also accomplished. Ashadhar eventually moved to Nalchha (Nalakchhapura) to promote Jainism.
   • Legacy: Ashadhar is presented as a prolific writer whose works cover various aspects of Jain philosophy, ritual, grammar, and polity.

3. Shri Amitgati Suri:

   • Time Period: He lived during the reign of King Muñja of Malwa (around the late 10th and early 11th centuries CE). His works, "Subhashitaratnasandoh" and "Dharmapariksha," were composed around 1050 and 1070 CE, respectively.
   • Lineage: He belonged to the Mathura lineage, which is considered a branch of the Kashta-sangha. His guru was Madhavasen.
   • Works: His notable works include "Subhashitaratnasandoh" (a collection of moral teachings), "Dharmapariksha" (a critique of other religions presented in a narrative form), "Shravakacharya," and several other texts related to philosophy and cosmology.
   • Dharmapariksha: This is highlighted as a unique work that refutes other religions through engaging stories and humor while upholding Jain principles. It demonstrates Amitgati's vast knowledge of other religious texts.
   • Subhashitaratnasandoh: This work is praised for its simple yet profound verses on various ethical and philosophical topics.
   • Scholastic Abilities: Amitgati is lauded for his mastery of Sanskrit, his ability to convey deep philosophical concepts in simple language, and his significant contributions to Jain literature across different categories. He is associated with the Kashta-sangha.

4. Shri Vadhiyaraj Suri:

   • Time Period: He lived around the 10th century CE, during the reign of King Jayasimha of the Chalukya dynasty. His "Parshvanatha Charitra" was composed around 948 CE.
   • Lineage: He belonged to the Nandisangha, specifically the Arungal branch, which is considered a division of the Dravida-sangha and counted among the Jainasabhas.
   • Works: His known works are "Ekibhavastava," "Yashodhara Charitra," "Parshvanatha Charitra," and "Kakutstha Charitra."
   • Ekibhavastava: A short but popular hymn known for its devotional sentiment and poetic beauty, believed to have been composed to cure his leprosy.
   • Yashodhara Charitra: A small poetic work narrating the story of King Yashodhara.
   • Parshvanatha Charitra: Composed in the capital of Jayasimha, it is mentioned as a work completed in 948 CE.
   • Literary Skills: He is praised as a great poet, grammarian, logician, and debater, capable of debating with and surpassing the greatest scholars. The text notes the legendary story of his cure from leprosy through composing Ekibhavastava.

5. Mahakavi Mallisena:

   • Time Period: Mallisena lived around the 10th century CE (969 CE for his "Mahapurana"). He is distinguished from another later scholar also named Mallisena.
   • Lineage: His father was named Jinasena, but not the author of Adipurana; likely a different Jinasena. He identifies himself as "Ubhaya Bhasha Kavi Chakravarti."
   • Works: His known works are "Mahapurana" (a concise version), "Nagakumara Kavya," and "Sajjan Chittavallabha." He is also associated with other texts like "Pravachanasara Teeka" and "Panchastikaya Teeka," but the authorship is not definitively established.
   • Mahapurana: A brief but beautiful rendition of the Mahapurana, noted for its unique content and poetic quality.
   • Nagakumara Kavya: A simple narrative poem about Nagakumara, written in Sanskrit, as earlier versions were too complex.
   • Sajjan Chittavallabha: A short poem offering strong advice to monks about maintaining discipline and detachment, reflecting the author's concern about potential laxity in monastic orders.
   • Ubhaya Bhasha Kavi Chakravarti: This title signifies his mastery of both Sanskrit and Prakrit poetry.

6. Swami Samantabhadra:

   • Time Period: Believed to have lived around the 2nd century CE, though there's debate among scholars.
   • Reputation: Considered a foremost exponent of Syadvada (Jain's theory of manifold aspects) and a highly influential Acharya.
   • Biographical Information: His life is partially known from the "Agnusara Katha" and "Mallisen Prasasti." He is said to have suffered from "Bhasmak Vyadhi" (a digestive disorder), which led him to temporarily adopt different religious garbs to survive. During this period, he encountered King Shivkoti of Varanasi and, through his spiritual prowess, revealed the true nature of Jainism, leading to the King's conversion.
   • Works: His most famous work is the "Gandhahasti Mahabhashya," an extensive commentary on Umaswami's Tattvartha Sutra (84,000 verses), which is now unfortunately lost. Other known works include "Ratnakaranda Shravakachara," "Yuktyanushasana," "Jinshatakalankara," "Vijayadhavala Teeka," and "Tattvanushasana." His "Devagama Stotra" (or Aptamimamsa) is considered his introductory work, which forms the basis of later commentaries.
   • Influence: Samantabhadra's intellectual prowess is widely acknowledged, with many scholars and poets of later eras referencing and praising him, highlighting his contributions to logic, poetry, and Jain philosophy.

Conclusion:

The author, Nathuram Premi, concludes by emphasizing the immense value of these scholars and their works for the Jain community. He reiterates the need for continued research and study of Jain heritage, lamenting the current lack of scholarly engagement and the loss of invaluable texts. He expresses hope that this initial work will inspire further efforts to uncover and preserve Jain intellectual history.