Aagam 03 STHAN Moolam Evam Vrutti - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aagam 03 Sthan Moolam evam Vrutti" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, based on the provided text snippets.

Book Title: Aagam 03 Sthan Moolam evam Vrutti Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004103/1

Overall Summary:

The provided text is a detailed exposition of the Sthanangam Sutra (स्थानकाङ्ग सूत्र), which is the third Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas. This particular edition, compiled by Muni Diperatnasagar, includes the original Sutras (Moolam) and the commentary (Vritti) composed by Acharya Abhaydev Suri. The text is significant for its extensive and intricate analysis of various Jain philosophical and practical concepts, primarily focusing on classification and enumeration.

The compilation by Muni Diperatnasagar highlights the historical lineage of this text, mentioning its initial publication by the Agamoday Samiti in 1918 (Vikram Samvat 1975), edited by Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji (Sagar Anand Suriji). It also critically addresses subsequent publications that are offset copies of the original, sometimes with altered editorial credits. Muni Diperatnasagar emphasizes the value of this edition for its meticulous formatting, including references to the Sutra numbers and chapter/section (Uddeshak) details on each page, aiming to facilitate easy understanding for the reader. The intention is to make this valuable text accessible globally through digital publication, with hopes for future printed versions.

Key Themes and Concepts Elaborated:

The text delves into the Sthanangam Sutra through a detailed breakdown of its structure, typically organized into 'Sthan' (places/categories) and 'Uddeshak' (sections/chapters). The content, as reflected in the provided snippets, covers a vast range of Jain teachings, often exploring concepts from multiple perspectives and through extensive classification. Based on the chapter titles and recurring themes in the snippets, the following are prominent:

Structure and Classification: The Sthanangam Sutra is presented as a foundational text that enumerates and categorizes various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice. The compilation meticulously follows the structure of 'Sthan' (1 to 10) and 'Uddeshak' within each Sthan, as seen in the index provided (Page #3).
Philosophical Concepts:
- Soul (Atma): The text discusses the nature of the soul, its existence, its 'ekatva' (oneness) from a 'dravyaartha' (substance-based) perspective, and its multi-faceted aspects. It engages in deep philosophical debates on the soul's nature, including its pervasiveness and the concept of permanence versus impermanence.
- Nayas (Standpoints): The commentary often uses different 'Nayas' (philosophical viewpoints) like 'Naigam', 'Sangraha', 'Vyavahar', and 'Rju Sutra' to explain concepts from various angles, highlighting the relativistic nature of Jain philosophy.
- Karma and Liberation: The text implicitly or explicitly touches upon the workings of karma, its binding nature, and the path to liberation (Moksha) through virtuous conduct, knowledge, and faith. Concepts like 'bandha' (bondage), 'nirjara' (shedding of karma), and 'moksha' (liberation) are likely discussed in relation to actions and their consequences.
- Time (Kaal): The text discusses 'Kaal' (time) in its various forms, including 'Avsarpini' (descending cycle) and 'Utsarpini' (ascending cycle) kalpas, and their subdivisions (Susama-susama, Susama, Susama-dushama, etc.).
- Jiva and Ajiva: The fundamental Jain categories of soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) are explored extensively, including their various classifications and attributes. The text seems to cover a broad spectrum of Jiva and Ajiva entities, from basic elements to complex classifications of celestial beings, hellish beings, and beings in different realms.
- Samsara and Liberation: The cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the means to achieve liberation are central Jain themes likely discussed extensively, particularly in relation to ethical conduct and spiritual practices.
Practical and Ethical Aspects:
- Conduct (Achar): The text emphasizes the importance of right conduct, enumerating various types of actions, vows (Vratas), and disciplines ('Samiti', 'Gupti', 'Achar', 'Samvar', 'Nirjara').
- Knowledge (Gyan): Different types of knowledge (Gyan) like 'Mati Gyan', 'Shrut Gyan', 'Avadhi Gyan', 'Manah Paryaya Gyan', and 'Keval Gyan' are likely explained and categorized.
- Abstinence and Vows (Virati): The text details various forms of abstinence and the stages of spiritual progress achieved through them.
- Sthanas (Places/Categories): The very title suggests a focus on 'Sthanas', which could refer to geographical locations, spiritual states, or categories of beings, all enumerated and described in detail.
- Uddeshaks: The detailed breakdown into 'Uddeshaks' indicates a systematic and comprehensive approach to explaining each 'Sthan'.
- The role of the Teacher and Disciple: The commentary often refers to the teacher-disciple dynamic, emphasizing the importance of guru-parampara and the methods of imparting knowledge.
- Moral Precepts: The discussions on karma, actions, and their consequences highlight the ethical framework of Jainism. The text delves into the nuances of actions, their causes (like passions - 'Kashaya'), and their results, emphasizing the importance of right action ('Achar').
- Deities and Celestial Beings: Various types of celestial beings, their lifespans, realms, and hierarchical structures are discussed, providing a cosmological dimension to the text.
- The Body and Its Functions: The text also touches upon the physical aspects, such as the different types of bodies ('Sharira') and their characteristics.
Detailed Exegesis and Commentary: The presence of the 'Vritti' by Abhaydev Suri signifies a deep and scholarly explanation of the Sutras. This commentary likely clarifies complex terms, provides contextual information, and reconciles apparent contradictions, which is typical of classical Indian philosophical texts. The style of commentary, as seen in the snippets, is analytical and exhaustive, exploring the etymology and implications of terms.
Thematic Structure: The text follows a pattern of establishing a concept (e.g., 'Ek-sthan'), then exploring its dichotomies or classifications ('Jiva-Ajeeva', 'Nitya-Anitya', etc.) through detailed enumeration. This systematic approach is characteristic of the Angas.

Specific Mentions:

Acharya Abhaydev Suri: The commentary by this renowned Acharya is a key feature, adding significant depth and authority to the text.
Muni Diperatnasagar: The compiler's efforts in scanning, formatting, and presenting the ancient text are highlighted, with a focus on clarity and accessibility.
Various Schools of Thought: The text may implicitly or explicitly refer to different philosophical schools or interpretations within Jainism, showcasing the richness of the tradition.
Sutas: The detailed explanation of 'Sutas' (aphorisms or verses) and their connection to broader concepts like 'Anuyoga' (exposition) is evident.
Nayas: The explanation of concepts through different Nayas (standpoints) like 'Naigam', 'Sangraha', 'Vyavahar', etc., is a testament to the analytical rigor of Jain logic.
Specific Terms: The detailed etymological and philosophical explanations of terms like 'Sthan', 'Anga', 'Naya', 'Achar', 'Virati', 'Gyan', 'Darshan', 'Charitra', 'Kaal', 'Pudgal', 'Lok', 'Loklok', 'Dharma', 'Adharma', 'Bandh', 'Moksha', 'Punya', 'Paap', 'Aasrava', 'Samvar', 'Vedana', 'Nirjara', 'Kashaya', 'Leshya', 'Moksha', 'Siddhi', 'Dravya', 'Kshetra', 'Kaal', 'Bhav', 'Purusha', 'Acharya', 'Upadhyay', 'Siddha', and various types of actions ('Kriya') and states of being indicates the comprehensive scope of the work.

Overall Significance:

"Aagam 03 Sthan Moolam evam Vrutti" is a crucial Jain text that, through its detailed commentary and structured presentation, offers profound insights into Jain philosophy, ethics, and cosmology. The compilation by Muni Diperatnasagar aims to preserve and propagate this knowledge, making it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners of Jainism. The text underscores the Jain emphasis on meticulous classification, logical reasoning, and the interconnectedness of all phenomena within the universe.