Vinshati Vinshika Shabdasha Vivechan Purvarddha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vinshati Vinshika Shabdasha Vivechan Purvarddha" by Pravinchandra K. Mota, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book "Vinshati Vinshika Shabdasha Vivechan Purvarddha" is a detailed commentary (vivechan) on the "Vimshati Vimshika" by Acharya Haribhadrasuri. Acharya Haribhadrasuri, a prominent Jain philosopher and yogi, composed twenty "Vimshikas" (each containing twenty verses) to explain profound Jain philosophical concepts. The commentary by Pandit Pravinchandra K. Mota aims to elucidate these concepts in a verse-by-verse manner, making them accessible to a wider audience. The "Purvarddha" (first part) covers the first ten Vimshikas.

Core Objective of the Commentary (Gitarth Ganga):

The publishing institution, "Gitarth Ganga," states its primary goal is to analyze and reveal the profound meanings embedded in Jain scriptures composed by revered ācāryas like Haribhadrasuri and Yashovijayji. This analysis is done with respect to various philosophical standpoints (naya, nikshepa, vyavahara, nishchaya) to aid the Jain community in achieving a comprehensive understanding of these subjects. While this commentary on the Vimshikas is a related activity, the institution's main focus remains on original, deep philosophical analysis.

Key Themes and Concepts Covered in the First Ten Vimshikas (as per the "Pravishak" - Introduction):

The "Pravishak" provides a summary of each of the first ten Vimshikas, outlining their progression and philosophical focus:

Adhikara Vimshika (First Vimshika): Addresses the justification for a chaddmastha (one with minor imperfections) to compose scriptures when agams (scriptures of omniscient beings) already exist. It argues that it is permissible and beneficial for those with limited intellect to simplify and compile profound scriptural concepts for the welfare of others. It also discusses how studying this Vimshika can lead to pure intellect and suitability for understanding scriptures. It hints that studying the Vimshikas can help overcome abhavyatva (unfortunate destiny).
Anadi Vimshika (Second Vimshika): Establishes the anadi (beginningless) nature of the world and its constituents, including the soul. It explains how these beginningless entities are still subject to change (utpaata, vyaya, dhrauvya). It refutes the idea of a creator god and argues that the soul, though individually beginningless in its pure state, has a beginningless cycle of karmic bondage. It clarifies how liberation, though attained through effort, is also considered beginningless in its causal stream.
Kulneeti & Lokadharma Vimshika (Third Vimshika): Differentiates between worldly (kulneeti, lokadharma) and transcendental (lokottaradharma) paths. It explains that while worldly practices are beneficial for worldly prosperity, they are ultimately futile. It also highlights that even within Jainism, some practices can be rendered meaningless if not done with proper understanding. The commentary emphasizes the author's balanced view by acknowledging that even followers of other philosophies, if free from rigid dogma, can attain liberation through their paths.
Charama Pudgala Parivarta Vimshika (Fourth Vimshika): Focuses on the charama pudgala parivarta (the final cycle of matter transmigration), asserting that true spiritual religion emerges for beings in this stage. It explains how beings reach this stage through the ripening of time and the gradual reduction of karmic impurities over countless cycles. It highlights that before this stage, beings are unqualified for pure religion, and only with favorable circumstances after reaching this stage can they attain it.
Bijadi Vimshika (Fifth Vimshika): Explains the gradual development of pure religion, starting from the "seed" stage obtained in the charama pudgala parivarta. It uses the analogy of a plant's growth from seed to fruit to illustrate this spiritual progression. It describes stages like initial desire for practice, seeking guidance, development of the core principle, emergence of flowers, and finally the fruit (right faith). The importance of continuous effort and the role of divine grace (dev and purushakar) are also discussed.
Saddharma Vimshika (Sixth Vimshika): Focuses on Saddharma (true religion), identifying Samyaktva (right faith) as the "fruit" of the spiritual seed. It explains that Samyaktva is attained through Apurva Karana (a specific spiritual process) and involves overcoming intense karmic states. It details the eight types of karma and their stages, leading to the understanding of the three types of Karana (Yathapravritti, Apurva, Anivrutti).
Dana Vimshika (Seventh Vimshika): Discusses the practice of Dana (charity) after attaining Samyaktva. It categorizes Dana into three types: Jnana Dana (charity of knowledge), Abhaya Dana (charity of fearlessness), and Dharmopagraha Dana (charity supporting religious activities). It elaborates on the qualifications of the giver and receiver for each type of Dana, emphasizing the significance of pure intention and the potential harm of giving to the unworthy. It highlights that only monks can offer true Abhaya Dana, and it explains how even Shravakas (lay followers) can contribute through supporting religious endeavors.
Puja Vidhi Vimshika (Eighth Vimshika): Explains the practice of Puja (worship) after Samyaktva and Dana. It classifies Puja into two types: Dravya Puja (worship with material offerings) and Bhava Puja (worship with inner devotion). It further categorizes Dravya Puja into three levels for householders, emphasizing purity of mind, speech, and body in each. It discusses the importance of offering supreme materials for the supreme being and the role of anaprada yoga (a specific state of mind) in worship.
Shravaka Dharma Vimshika (Ninth Vimshika): Details the duties and principles of a Shravaka (lay follower). It outlines the importance of right faith (Samyaktva) as the foundation for Shravaka Dharma, the knowledge of vows, their transgressions, and proper observance. It emphasizes the internal transformation (antaranga parinati) and the destruction of inner karmic states. It also touches upon the importance of proper conduct throughout the day, from waking to sleeping, for the gradual progression towards complete renunciation (sarvavirati).
Shravaka Pratima Vimshika (Tenth Vimshika): Describes the eleven stages or pratimas (vows or disciplines) that a Shravaka gradually adopts on their spiritual path. These stages represent increasing levels of commitment and renunciation, moving towards complete renunciation (sarvavirati). It mentions the specific names of these stages and highlights that sincere observance of these stages can lead to complete renunciation in this life or a facilitated path in future lives.

Commentator's Contribution:

Pandit Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota, the commentator, is acknowledged as a learned scholar. The publication is dedicated to the memory of his mother and supported by Shri Malaben Dipakbhai Shah. The book is published by Gitarth Ganga, Ahmedabad.

Overall Message of the Introduction:

The introduction sets a tone of intellectual exploration and spiritual guidance, aiming to illuminate the path to true knowledge and liberation through a careful study of Acharya Haribhadrasuri's profound work. It encourages readers to engage with the text thoughtfully and to understand the necessity of dharma in their lives.