Aagam 28 TANDUL VAICHAARIK Moolam Evam Chaayaa

This document is a Jain text titled "Tandul Vaicharik" (तन्दुलवैचारिक), which is classified as a Prakirnaka Sutra (प्रकीर्णक सूत्र), specifically the 5th one within the 28th Agam (आगम). The title also indicates that it includes the Moolam (मूलं) (original text) and Chhaya (छाया) (translation/explanation), in this case, a Sanskrit Chhaya.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Book Title: Aagam 28 TANDUL VAICHAARIK Moolam evam Chaayaa
• Author(s)/Compiler(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (credited as compiler/compiler)
• Publisher: Deepratnasagar
• Original Editor/Revisor: Pujya Agamoddharak Acharya Dev Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji M. Sa. (also referred to as Sagaranand Suriji Maharaj Saheb).
• Date of this Publication: 15/01/2015, Thursday, Paush Krishna 10, 2071 VS.

2. Nature of the Text:

• "Tandul Vaicharik" is identified as Prakirnaka Sutra 5 (प्रकीर्णकसूत्र-५) within the 28th Agam (आगम). Prakirnaka Sutras are considered supplementary or miscellaneous texts in Jain Agamas.
• The text contains the original Prakrit (or possibly Apabhramsa) verses (Moolam) and their Sanskrit translation/commentary (Sanskrit Chhaya).
• The document is presented as a digital publication by "jain_e_library's Net Publications."

3. Historical Context and Publication Effort:

• The text was originally published by the Shri Agamoday Samiti in 1927 (Vikram Samvat 1983) under the title "Chatuh Sharanaadi Maran Samadhyantam Prakirnak Dashakam" (चतुःशरणादिमरणसमाध्यन्तं प्रकीर्णकदशकं).
• The first publication contained 10 Prakirnaka Sutras, with Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji as the editor.
• The current compiler, Muni Deepratnasagar, explains the motivation behind this re-publication:
  • He criticizes subsequent publications that reproduced the original text without significant new contributions, merely republishing it under their own names, sometimes by obscuring or removing the names of the original editor and publisher.
  • His aim is to honor the reverence for Pujya Sagaranand Surishwarji and respect the ancient tradition.
  • This edition features a special format where the original text edited by Pujya Sagaranand Surishwarji is placed in the center, with the Agam name and sutra/gatha numbers clearly indicated at the top.
  • It includes a "Deep Anukram" (दीप अनुक्रम) to facilitate navigation across various Jain publications in different languages.
  • A detailed index (Anukramanika) of chapters and subjects with corresponding page numbers is provided for ease of study.
  • Footnotes are included to highlight specific topics, potential printing errors, or numbering discrepancies found in the original text.
  • The current format is an "Internet Publication" for wider reach, with plans for future printing.

4. Content and Subject Matter: The text primarily deals with the life cycle and development of a being within the womb (Garbha Prakaran) and related concepts. Key themes and discussions covered include:

• Invocation (Mangalam): Beginning with greetings and an invocation to the Tirthankaras (specifically Mahavir Swami).
• Life Span and Stages: Discusses the division of a human life span into different stages ("Dash Dashā").
• Conception and Gestation: Details the duration of stay in the womb, the process of conception involving the union of mother's and father's contributions.
• Embryonic Development: Describes the gradual formation of the fetus:
  • First week: Kalal (कलल)
  • Second week: Arbuda (अब्बुद)
  • Third week: Peshi (पेसी)
  • Fourth week: Ghana (घन)
  • Subsequent months: Development of limbs, organs, blood, bile, and other bodily components. The formation of senses (Indriyas) is also mentioned.
• Diet and Sustenance in the Womb: Explains how the fetus receives nourishment from the mother through the navel.
• Physical Constitution: Discusses the composition of the body from maternal and paternal elements (flesh, blood from mother; bone, marrow from father).
• Birth: Describes the process of birth, including the positions of the baby and the challenges faced by the mother.
• Post-Birth (and Pre-Birth) Conditions: Touches upon the causes and predispositions for rebirth in different realms (hells, heavens) based on karmic predispositions and actions.
• Human Body and its Impermanence: A significant portion of the text emphasizes the impure and transient nature of the human body. It details the numerous joints, bones, veins, nerves, and excretory functions, highlighting their susceptibility to disease and decay. The text expresses a sense of detachment from the physical body and urges the reader to focus on spiritual practice.
• The Ten Stages of Life: The text elaborates on the ten stages of human life, starting from infancy ("Thala" - थाला) through childhood ("Krida" - क्रीडा), youth, middle age, old age, and finally death ("Kaladasha" - कालदशा). Each stage is described with its characteristics and potential actions.
• Life Calculations: The text provides intricate calculations of life span in terms of breaths, minutes, days, months, years, and even cosmic cycles. It relates these calculations to dietary intake (specifically mentioning "tandul" or rice as a unit of measurement).
• The Nature of Women: A significant section is dedicated to describing various negative attributes and characteristics attributed to women, highlighting their perceived role in hindering spiritual progress. This is a common theme in some older Jain texts, though it's presented here in a critical light by the current compiler's editorial choices which aim to respect ancient traditions.
• Spiritual Imperative: Throughout the text, there is a strong emphasis on the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of Dharma (righteousness, spiritual practice) as the only true refuge and means to achieve liberation (Moksha). It urges readers to practice virtues, detachment, and follow the teachings of the Jinas.

5. Key Concepts and Terminology:

• Tandul (तंदुल): Refers to grains, used here as a unit for calculating life span and dietary intake.
• Vaicharik (वैचारिक): Suggests contemplation, thought, or discourse.
• Garbha (गर्भ): Womb.
• Dash Dashā (दश दशा): Ten stages of life.
• Samsara (संसार): The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
• Kama (काम): Desire, lust.
• Moha (मोह): Delusion, attachment.
• Dharma (धर्म): Righteousness, spiritual duty.
• Moksha (मोक्ष): Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Prakirnaka (प्रकीर्णक): Miscellaneous or supplementary text.
• Sutra (सूत्र): Aphorism or verse.
• Chhaya (छाया): Commentary or translation.

In essence, "Tandul Vaicharik" is a detailed discourse within Jain Agamas that delves into the intricate biological and spiritual journey of a soul, from conception within the womb to the various stages of life, ultimately underscoring the impermanence of worldly existence and the necessity of adhering to Dharma for ultimate salvation. The edition presented here is a scholarly effort to preserve and present this text with historical context and critical commentary.