Book Review: Bhava Pahuda
By Unexhibited
Summary
The review of “Bhava‑Pahuda,” a new edition of Kundakunda’s treatise on the nature of the soul’s activity (bhāva), evaluates a project undertaken by the All India Digambar Jain Mahasabha. Kundakunda (c. 1st century A.D.) is revered as one of the earliest and most authoritative Digambara ācāryas, and his eight pāhuḍas (manuals) are among the seminal works of Jain spirituality. The reviewer explains that Bhava‑pāhuda is the fifth pāhuda and deals with the modes of the soul and its liberation. The text was translated into English and commented upon by the late Ajit Prasad, a noted scholar who died in 1951. The current edition, published forty years after his death, includes his English translation, Sanskrit chāyā (rendering) and a verse index, and has been redrafted and prepared for publication by K.B. Jindal. The book consists of four elements: the Prakrit original, a Sanskrit rendering (chāyā), an English translation, and a detailed commentary. The reviewer observes that the language is lucid and simple; every point is clearly explained, making the work accessible to students of Jainism. Each pāhuda is short but dense and is meant to guide monks in their quest for self‑realisation. Kundakunda’s Bhava‑pāhuda discusses concepts such as jīva (soul), ajīva (non‑soul), karma, and the path of liberation. It emphasises that true knowledge and right conduct are the means by which the soul discards karmic matter and attains kevala‑jñāna. The translation clarifies technical terms and includes cross‑references to Kundakunda’s other works. By juxtaposing the Prakrit verses with Sanskrit and English, the edition allows readers to appreciate the linguistic nuances of the original. The reviewer commends the All India Digambar Jain Mahasabha for publishing the volume on good quality paper and remarks that the typesetting and binding are excellent. He regrets that Kundakunda’s pāhuda literature remains little known outside specialist circles and hopes that this translation will encourage further study. The edition’s clear organisation, helpful indices and faithful adherence to the original text make it valuable to both scholars and practitioners. The reviewer concludes that this long‑awaited publication will be welcomed by all students of Jainism and will help disseminate Kundakunda’s profound insights.
Conclusion
The reviewer’s final assessment is that this edition of Bhava‑pāhuda successfully bridges the gap between ancient Prakrit verse and modern readers. By providing the original text, Sanskrit chāyā, an English translation and an accessible commentary, the book preserves Kundakunda’s thought while making it intelligible to lay students. The careful editing and high production values reflect the publishers’ dedication. Although Bhava‑pāhuda is a brief treatise, its insights into the soul and liberation are profound. The reviewer hopes that this volume will inspire renewed interest in Kundakunda’s eight pāhudas and encourage further translation and study.