आचार्य कुन्दकुन्द की दृष्टि में समय

Summary

The text examines the philosophical contributions of Acharya Kundakunda, particularly his concept of "Samaya" (time/self) within Jain philosophy. It positions Kundakunda as a pivotal figure who systematized and interpreted the teachings of Tirthankara Mahavira, establishing a distinct tradition rooted in pure spirituality. The central focus is the soul (Atma), a theme common to all Indian philosophies, including Vedic, Buddhist, and Western thought. Kundakunda’s unique contribution is his analysis of "Samaya," which he uses to create a framework integrating the Agamas (scriptures), time (Kala), and the soul. His works, especially the *Samayasara*, are highlighted for their profound exploration of the soul. The text explains that Kundakunda redefined "Samaya" to mean the soul itself, a novel interpretation. He classifies the soul into two categories: "Svasamaya" (the pure, liberated self) and "Parasamaya" (the worldly, bound self). A key theme is the synthesis of the "Ratnatraya"—right faith, knowledge, and conduct—as the path to liberation. The text emphasizes that Kundakunda advocated for a balanced approach, integrating both the absolute (Nishchaya Naya) and practical (Vyavahara Naya) viewpoints. While the absolute perspective focuses on the pure soul, the practical perspective includes worldly actions like charity and worship, which, when performed with the right intent, become means to liberation. The text argues that Kundakunda’s philosophy is fundamentally a doctrine of synthesis, rejecting one-sided views. His concept of "Samaya" is presented as all-encompassing, containing the entire universe of objects. The text concludes that understanding "Samaya" is essential for grasping Jain philosophy, and that Kundakunda’s work, rooted in synthesis, deserves modern scholarly attention to clarify his unique place in Indian philosophy.