Aagam 22 PUSHPA CHOOLIKAA Moolam Evam Vrutti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pushpa Choolikaa Moolam evam Vrutti," based on the given pages:

Book Title: Aagam 22 PUSHPA CHOOLIKAA Moolam evam Vrutti Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (Compiler/Editor) Publisher: Deepratnasagar Language: Primarily Prakrit (for the original text) with a Sanskrit commentary (Vrutti) by Chandrasuri. The publication itself includes explanatory notes in Hindi and potentially other languages.

Core Content and Significance:

The document presented is a publication of the Pushpa Choolikaa, which is identified as an Upaanga Sutra (an auxiliary scripture) within the Jain Agamas, specifically Aagam 22. The text includes the original "Moolam" (root text) and a "Vrutti" (commentary) composed by Chandrasuri. The current publication is a re-compilation and re-editing effort by Muni Deepratnasagar, with prior revision by Anuyogacharya Shri Danvijayji Ganivar.

Publication History and Editorial Approach:

Initial Publication: The text was first published in 1922 (Vikram Samvat 1978) by the Agamoday Samiti under the title "Nirayavalika." This initial publication contained five Upaangas: Nirayavalika, Kalpavamsika, Pushpita, Pushpachulika, and Vrishnidasha.
Subsequent Publications and Issues: The publication notes highlight that later editions were made by other reputable Jain scholars and institutions. However, the current compiler expresses a concern that some of these later editions, while based on the original, were simply photocopies (offset) where the original editor's (Shri Danvijayji Ganivar) name and the publisher's name were omitted, and the work was attributed solely to the new editor or institution.
Muni Deepratnasagar's Effort: The current publication by Muni Deepratnasagar aims to address these issues and provide a more accurate and accessible version. The compiler's motivation is rooted in reverence for the ancient Acharyas and the tradition of Jain Agamas.
Unique Features of this Publication:
- Preservation of Original: The "Moolam" and "Vrutti" from the older edition are preserved "as is" in the middle of the pages.
- Enhanced Navigation: The top of each page clearly indicates the Agama name, the study (Adhyayan) number, and the original sutra number.
- "Deep Anukram": A "Deep Anukram" (Deep Index) is provided on the left side, indicating the sequence within this specific publication and linking it to other Agama publications by the same team, facilitating cross-referencing across different editions and languages.
- Distinction between Sutra and Gatha: Symbols like [-] for sutras and [-||] or the word "Gatha" for verses are used to differentiate them.
- Index (Anukramanika): A comprehensive index listing each study and its corresponding page number in this edition is included, aiding readers in quickly locating specific sections.
- Footnotes: Some pages feature specific footnotes that clarify important subject matter, point out typographical errors from the original text, or correct numbering issues.
- Digital and Future Plans: This publication is presented as an "Internet Publication" via jain_e_library.org for wide accessibility. The future intention is to also print this edition.

Content Summary of Pushpa Choolikaa (from the provided pages):

The text describes the Pushpa Choolikaa as comprising ten studies (Adhyayan). The provided pages (Pages 5-8) detail the first three original sutras (Moolam 1-3) within Adhyayan 1-10.

The initial part of the text introduces the ten studies, naming them: Shri, Hri, Dhriti, Kriti (or Kirti), Buddhi, Lakshmi, Ila Devi, Mura Devi, Rasa Devi, and Gandha Devi.
The narrative then begins to describe the life and spiritual journey of a woman named Bhuta.
- Bhuta was the daughter of Sudarshana, a householder in Rajagriha, and his wife Somala.
- She was born pure and virtuous, yet remained unmarried (apadita-putrastani - meaning giving birth to fallen sons, or perhaps referring to a state of being).
- She encountered the omniscient Lord Parshvanatha at the Gunashilaka Chaitya in Rajagriha.
- Moved by His teachings, Bhuta expressed a desire to take initiation under Him.
- After seeking permission from her parents, she went to the Lord, listened to His discourse, and expressed her faith in the Nirgrantha (Jain) path.
- She was permitted by her parents to renounce worldly life.
- She then renounced her worldly possessions and adorned herself before going to the Lord.
- After accepting initiation, she became a disciple of the Pushpachoola Acharya and was called Bhuta Arya.
A significant detail about Bhuta Arya is her meticulous practice of cleanliness. She repeatedly washed her hands, feet, head, mouth, chest, armpits, and private parts. She also purified places before sitting or sleeping with water.
The other Jain nuns (Pushpachoola's disciples) admonished her for this excessive practice of ritualistic bathing, stating that it was not appropriate for nuns who had renounced the body. They advised her to confess this practice.
Bhuta Arya continued her practices despite the admonition and eventually passed away.
After her death, she was reborn in the Shoadharmakalpa heaven as Shri Devi, in the Shrivardhisaya Viman. Her lifespan in heaven is one Paliyopama.
The text states that Shri Devi will eventually attain liberation (Siddha) in Mahavideha Kshetra.
The sutras also mention that the remaining nine disciples of the Pushpachoola Acharya, who also renounced worldly life at the same time, will also attain liberation in Mahavideha Kshetra after their lifespan in heaven ends.

In essence, the Pushpa Choolikaa, as presented here, focuses on the spiritual journey of a laywoman named Bhuta who becomes a nun, her practices, and her eventual rebirth in heaven, leading to ultimate liberation. The publication itself is a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve, compile, and disseminate Jain Agamic literature with scholarly rigor and accessibility.