Yasastilaka And Indian Culture

The book "Yasastilaka and Indian Culture" by Krishnakant Handiqui, published by the Jaina Sanskruti Samrakshaka Sangha, Sholapur, is a comprehensive study of the 10th-century Jain text, the Yaśastilaka Campū by Somadeva. This work, presented as the second volume of the Jivaraja Jaina Granthamala, aims to provide a detailed analysis of Somadeva's masterpiece and its significance within the broader context of 10th-century Indian thought and culture.

The book is structured into several chapters, each delving into different facets of the Yaśastilaka and its cultural milieu:

• Somadeva and His Age: This chapter introduces Somadeva, his era, and his literary output, including Yaśastilaka and Nitivākyāmrta. It places Somadeva within the historical context of the Rāṣṭrakūṭa empire and highlights his intellectual versatility as a prose writer, poet, theologian, and political thinker.
• Synopsis of Yaśastilaka: This chapter provides a detailed summary of the Yaśastilaka Campū, outlining the plot of Yasodhara's story across its eight books, including his previous births and the tragic events of his life. It also touches upon the various philosophical and socio-political discussions embedded within the narrative.
• The Story of Yasodhara and Its Sources: This chapter explores the origins of the Yasodhara story, tracing its presence in earlier Jaina literature like Haribhadra's Samaraiccakaha. It compares Somadeva's version with earlier ones, noting differences in plot and character portrayal, and examines the "Amṛtamati characterization" as a significant contribution.
• Yasastilaka as a Prose Romance: Handiqui analyzes the literary style and features of Yaśastilaka as a prose romance, drawing comparisons with the works of Bāṇa and Subandhu. He discusses its unique blend of realism and moralistic edification, its intricate prose, the use of rare vocabulary, and its descriptive passages, including vivid depictions of nature, court life, and the grotesque.
• Yasastilaka as a Socio-Political Record: This chapter highlights the historical value of Yaśastilaka, particularly its detailed portrayal of medieval court life, administration, and the problems of statecraft. It discusses the roles of various court officials, the military, diplomatic practices, and the functioning of the state, offering insights into the socio-political landscape of 10th-century India.
• Yasastilaka as a Religious Romance: This section focuses on the religious dimensions of Yaśastilaka, particularly its function as a dharmakathā (religious tale) illustrating Jaina doctrines like ahiṁsā. It examines Somadeva's critique of Brahmanical and Tantric practices, his portrayal of conversions, and the Jaina emphasis on mental resolve (abhiniveśa) as the key to moral action.
• Yasastilaka as an Anthology of Sanskrit Verse: This chapter highlights the poetic aspects of Yaśastilaka, viewing it as a collection of diverse Sanskrit verses. It analyzes various categories of verse, including court poetry (describing births, weddings, coronations, morning songs, and debates), nature descriptions, battle scenes, and didactic verses on topics like the transient nature of life, the value of wealth, and the proper attitude towards enemies.
• Philosophical Doctrines: This extensive chapter delves into the philosophical discussions within Yaśastilaka, summarizing and analyzing the doctrines of various contemporary Indian philosophical schools, including Vaiseṣika, Buddhist (especially Nairātmya and Nirvāṇa), Sāṁkhya, Vedānta, Jaiminīya, Cārvāka, Pāśupata, and Kaula systems. Handiqui critically examines Somadeva's representation and critique of these doctrines, offering his own analysis and comparisons with other sources.
• Schools of Thought: This chapter continues the discussion on philosophical and religious systems, providing a comparative overview of the various schools mentioned in Yaśastilaka and placing them within their historical context. It discusses the nuances of the Saiddhanta and Tārkika Vaiseṣikas, the debates surrounding Buddhist salvation and the Madhyamika theory of śūnyatā, the critique of Sāṁkhya doctrines, and the Jaina stance against Vedic sacrifices and Brahmanical deities. It also touches upon the rivalry between Jainism and Saivism, particularly concerning omniscience and creation.
• Jaina Dogmatics and Moral and Spiritual Discipline: This chapter focuses on the core Jaina doctrines as presented in Yaśastilaka. It elaborates on samyaktva (right faith) and its components, the Anuprekşās (topics of meditation), the vows (aṇuvratas, guṇavratas, śikṣāvratas), the concept of ahiṁsā, and Jaina religious practices like fasting (proṣadha) and charity (dāna). It also discusses Jaina views on deities, the Jaina canon, and the unique Jaina concept of sallekhanā.
• A Controversial Dialogue: This chapter specifically analyzes the significant dialogue between Yasodhara and his mother, Candramati, concerning animal sacrifice and the superiority of Jainism over Brahmanism. It highlights the dramatic structure of the dialogue and Yasodhara's arguments against Vedic rituals and deities.
• Jainism and Other Faiths: This chapter examines the relationship between Jainism and other contemporary religious and philosophical systems. It discusses Jaina propaganda, the defense of Jaina practices like nudity, the critique of other faiths, and the subtle infiltration of popular customs into Jainism. It also touches upon the historical context of Jaina interactions with Brahmanism, Saivism, and Buddhism.
• The Anuprekşās and Jaina Religious Poetry: This chapter focuses on the poetic treatment of the Anuprekşās (topics of meditation) in Yaśastilaka. It explains the significance of these reflections in Jaina spiritual progress, their literary history, and provides examples of Somadeva's verses on each of the twelve Anuprekşās. It also discusses Jaina hymns, lyrical poetry, and various descriptive verses, highlighting their devotional and spiritual appeal.

Overall, "Yasastilaka and Indian Culture" by K. K. Handiqui is an exhaustive and scholarly exploration that uses Somadeva's Yaśastilaka as a lens to understand the rich tapestry of 10th-century Indian culture, revealing the intricate interplay of religious, philosophical, social, and political ideas of the era, with a particular focus on the prominent position and contributions of Jainism. The book is praised for its depth of research, masterful analysis of the text, and its contribution to the field of Indology.