JNANARNAVA by Acarya Shubhacandra
Manish Modi
Sanskrit Text + Hindi translation
ज्ञानार्णव
JNANARNAVA
The Ocean of Wisdom
By Acarya Shubhacandra
Sanskrit text by Acarya Shubhacandra
Sanskrit commentary by Pandit Nayavilasa
Hindi translation by Pandit Balchandra Shastri
2017 25 x 19 cm 810 pages Hardcover [1.5 kilos]
₹ 800
_____
Sanskrit Text + English translation
ज्ञानार्णव
JNANARNAVA
By Acarya Shubhacandra
English translation by Dashrath Jain
Gems of Jain Wisdom Volume 8
2014 22 x 14 cm 452 pages Hardcover [0.6 kilos]
₹ 1500
http://www.navelgazing.net/2017/10/jnanarnava-by-acarya-shubhacandra.html
JNANARNAVA {Ocean of Wisdom on Meditation} is an important Jain text that focuses on meditation. Another name for this text is 'Yoga Pradipadhikara'. The text is composed of 2230 verses in Sanskrit.
‘Jnanarnava’ is an important Jain work focusing on meditation, its techniques and results. But it is not merely another book on meditation, it is underpinned by Jain ontology and presents Jain teachings in the light of yoga. It is something of a Companion to Dhyaana.
It has the following chapters:
1. Piithikaa {Background}
2. Dvaadasha Bhaavanaa {Twelve Contemplations}
3. Dhyaana Lakshana {Characteristics of Meditation}
4. Dhyaana Guna-Dosha {Virtues and Faults of Meditation}
5. Yogi Prashamsaa {In Praise of the Mendicant}
6. Darshana Vishuddhi {Purity of Perception}
7. Jnaanopayoga {Focus of Knowledge}
8. Ahimsaa Vrata {Vow of Nonviolence}
9. Satya Vrata {Vow of Truth}
10. Caurya Parihaara {Avoiding Stealing}
11. Kaama Prakopa {Tumult of Passion}
12. Stri Svaruupa {True Nature of Woman}
13. Maithuna {Carnal Enjoyment}
14. Samsarga {Commingling}
15. Vrddha Sevaa {Serving the Old}
16. Parigraha Dosha Vicaara {Reflecting on the Faults of Attachment to Wealth}
17. Aashaa Pishaacii {The Demon of Expectation}
18. Aksha Vishaya Nirodha {Suppressing the Pleasures of the Eye}
19. Tri Tattva {The Three Substances}
20. Mano Vyaapaara Pratipaadana {Conduct of the Mind explained}
21. Raagaadi Nivaarana {Riddance of Attachement and Aversion}
22. Samya Vaibhava {The Power of Equanimity}
23. Aarta Dhyaana {Mournful Meditation}
24. Aarta-Raudra {Mournful - Wrathful}
25. Dhyaanaviruddha Sthana {Places detrimental to Meditation}
26. Praanaayaama {Control of Breath}
27. Pratyaahaara {Withdrawing the Senses}
28. Saviirya Dhyaana {Meditation on Oneness with the Supreme Soul}
29. Shuddhopayoga Vicara {Reflection on the Supreme Meditation}
30. Aajnaa Vicaya {Meditation on the Jina's Teachings}
31. Apaaya Vicaya {Meditation on the Destruction of Karmas}
32. Vipaaka Vicaya {Meditation on the Fruition of Karmas}
33. Samsthaana Vicaya {Meditation on the Structure of the Universe}
34. Pindastha Dhyaana {Meditation on Concrete Objects}
35. Padastha Dhyaana {Meditation on Words}
36. Ruupastha Dhyaana {Meditation on the Jina}
37. Rupaatita Dhyaana {Meditation on the Self}
38. Dharma Dhyaana Phala {Benefits of Righteous Meditation}
39. Shukla Dhyaana Phala {Benefits of Meditation on the Pure Self}
About the Author
Like most Jain monks, Acarya Shubhacandra does not mention his name anywhere in this exhaustive work on meditation. However, the influence of earlier luminaries like Jinabhadra Gani Kshamashramana, Acarya Pujyapada, Acarya Akalanka, Acarya Jinasena, Acarya Amrtacandra, Acarya Somadeva and Acarya Amitagati is clear in this work. In turn, he has influenced the work of Acarya Prabhacandra and Acarya Hemacandra. He may be dated as having lived in the 11th century CE.
Historical Context
The Jain religion places a great deal of emphasis on purity of conduct and the ability of the soul to attain liberation through the the highest level of meditation. However, there are not that many books on meditation written by the Jains.
This automatically places this text in an exclusive category, along with Jinabhadra Gani's ‘Dhyanashataka’, Pujyapada's ‘Samadhitantra’, Haribhadra's ‘Yogabindu’ and ‘Yogadrshtisamuccaya’, Jinasena's ‘Adipurana’, Amitagati's ‘Yogasara Prabhrta’ and ‘Shravakacara’, Gunabhadra's ‘Atmanushasana’ and Hemacandra's ‘Yogashastra’.
There is an uncanny resemblance between this text and Hemacandra's ‘Yogashastra’. Clearly, one has influenced the other. Since Shubhacandra precedes Hemacandra, it is evident that Hemacandra is influenced by Shubhacandra.
The Translations
The text is in Sanskrit, as also is the commentary. The Hindi translation by Pt. Balchandra Shastri is impeccable. The English translation by Dashrath Jain is adequate.
We are proud to distribute both books. They are available at our bookstore and through mail order.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.navelgazing.net/2017/01/faqs.html
Best regards,
Manish Yashodhar Modi
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