Aagam 28 V TANDUL VAICHAARIK Moolam Evam Vrutti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tandul Vaicharik" (Agam 28 Vr), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 28 Vr Tandul Vaicharik Moolam evam Vrutti Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004150/1

Core Content and Purpose:

The text "Tandul Vaicharik" (also referred to as Tandul Vaicharik Prakirnak Sutra) is a significant Jain scripture, classified as a Prakirnak (miscellaneous) text within the Agamas. This particular edition, compiled and annotated by Muni Deepratnasagar, presents the original mool (root text) along with the Avachurni (commentary) by Vijayvimal Gani. The work is notable for being initially revised and edited by the revered Agamoddharak Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji (also known as Saganand Suriji).

The primary purpose of the text is to delve into intricate details and calculations related to lifespan, the stages of human life, and the processes within the human body, particularly concerning conception and development. It seeks to provide a quantitative and qualitative understanding of these aspects from a Jain philosophical and cosmological perspective.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:

1. Cosmological Framework and Agamic Classification:

   • The text acknowledges the vastness of Jain literature, mentioning the existence of 84,000 Prakirnak scriptures originating from Rishabhswami and thousands from subsequent Tirthankaras like Mahavir Swami.
   • "Tandul Vaicharik" is identified as one such Prakirnak scripture, composed by a Muni initiated by Shri Vardhamana Swami.

2. Chronological and Quantitative Analysis of Life:

   • Lifespan and Age Division: It meticulously breaks down a lifespan of 100 years into various stages, often in decadal segments (e.g., 1-10 years, 10-20 years, etc.). This is done to understand the physiological and mental changes occurring at different age points.
   • Conception and Gestation: The text provides detailed accounts of the gestation period, including:
     • The duration a soul resides in the womb (in days and months).
     • The number of breaths (inhalation/exhalation) taken by the fetus during its time in the womb.
     • The process of embryo formation, from the initial kalal (clot) to the development of limbs and organs.
     • The role of maternal and paternal contributions ( Shukra and Sonit) in conception.
     • The physiological changes in the mother's body during pregnancy.
   • Time Measurement: It elaborates on the measurement of time, from the smallest units like prana (breath) and muhurta to days, nights, months, seasons, and years, often linking these to the lifespan and bodily processes.

3. Human Anatomy and Physiology:

   • Bodily Components: The text details the number of bones, veins, arteries, pores, and other bodily components, providing numerical data.
   • Internal Systems: It discusses the functions and locations of various internal organs and fluids like Pitta, Rakta (blood), Shukra, Mutra (urine), Purisha (feces), and Mutasraya (excretory systems).
   • Developmental Stages: It describes the sequential development of the fetus in stages (e.g., first month: pallav; second month: pesi; etc.), correlating them with months of gestation.
   • Gender Determination: The text touches upon the factors influencing the gender of the child (male, female, or neuter) based on the condition of the reproductive elements.
   • Emotions and Sensations in the Womb: It explains how the fetus experiences happiness or sadness based on the mother's state.
   • Reproduction and Fertilization: It discusses the process of embryo formation through the combination of semen and menstrual blood, and the conditions for conception.

4. The Impermanence and Unpleasantness of the Physical Body:

   • A significant portion of the text is dedicated to describing the human body in a rather unflattering and repulsive manner. It highlights the body's composition of impure elements (feces, urine, blood, phlegm, bile, etc.), its susceptibility to decay, disease, and ultimately death.
   • The purpose of this detailed and often graphic description is to foster detachment (vairagya) and discourage excessive attachment to the physical form, emphasizing its transient and ultimately unpleasant nature. This aligns with the Jain principle of understanding the true nature of reality (dravya) and transcending worldly illusions.

5. Life Stages and Decline:

   • Stages of Life (Dash Dashā): The text outlines the ten stages of human life, each approximately ten years long, describing the typical physical, mental, and social characteristics associated with each stage.
   • Age-Related Decline: It details the decline in physical faculties (eyesight, strength, intellect) and the onset of aging with increasing years.
   • Impact of Actions: It emphasizes that while lifespan is influenced by karmic potential, lifestyle choices (like indulgence in pleasures or adherence to dharma) significantly affect the quality and experience of life within that lifespan.

6. Dietary Calculations:

   • The text engages in detailed calculations of food consumption based on age and gender. It quantifies the amount of rice grains (tandula) consumed by a person of 100 years of age, breaking it down into daily, monthly, and yearly consumption.
   • It provides specific measurements for different food components (rice, lentils, oils, salts) and units of measurement (prashtha, adhaka, kumbha) to illustrate these calculations.

7. The Nature of Women and Attachment:

   • A substantial part of the text is dedicated to describing women in a very critical and negative light. It enumerates numerous negative attributes and behaviors attributed to women, portraying them as a source of worldly attachment, delusion, and spiritual hindrance.
   • The purpose of this is to warn ascetics and practitioners against attachment to women, which is seen as a major obstacle to spiritual progress.

8. The Importance of Dharma:

   • Throughout the text, there is an underlying emphasis on the importance of practicing Dharma (righteous conduct, spiritual discipline) as the only true path to liberation and well-being.
   • It contrasts the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures and the body with the eternal benefits of spiritual practice.

Methodology and Commentary:

• Mool and Avachurni: The text is presented in its original Prakrit (mool) with a Sanskrit commentary (Avachurni) by Vijayvimal Gani. This allows for a deep understanding of the nuances of the original text.
• Compilation and Editing: Muni Deepratnasagar's role as the compiler and re-editor is crucial. He has organized the text, possibly adding cross-references and clarifications, making it accessible. The initial revision by Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji adds significant scholarly and spiritual weight to this edition.
• Detailed Explanations: The commentary (Avachurni) provides detailed explanations of the verses, clarifies complex terms, and often offers philosophical interpretations of the quantitative data presented in the Mool. It also includes references to other Jain scriptures and philosophical concepts.

Significance:

"Tandul Vaicharik" is important for its detailed exploration of the Jain understanding of the human body, lifespan, and the mechanics of existence. Its quantitative approach to biological and chronological processes is unique and reflects a sophisticated understanding of cosmology and physiology within the Jain tradition. The emphasis on detachment from the physical body and worldly pursuits is a central tenet of Jainism, and this text serves as a powerful discourse on that theme.