Aagam Sambandhi Saahitya 01 Aagamiy Sooktaavalyaadi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aagam Sambandhi Saahitya 01 Aagamiy Sooktaavalyaadi" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aagam Sambandhi Saahitya 01 Aagamiy Sooktaavalyaadi (Aagam-related Literature, Part 01: Collection of Aagamic Verses, etc.)

Author(s):

Primary Researcher/Editor: Pujya Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (also referred to as Sagarānandasurīśvarjī Mahārājsāheb)
Compiler: Muni Deepratnasagarji (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D., Śrutamahārśi)

Publisher: Shri Param Anand Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Paldi, Ahmedabad.

Key Information and Themes:

Dedication and Reverence: The book begins with salutations ("Namo Namo Nirmal Darshanasya," "Pujya Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Susheel-Sudharma Sagar Gurubhyo Namah"), showing deep respect for the Jain Tirthankaras, purified vision, and revered spiritual guides.
Purpose and Scope: This is the first volume in a series titled "Aagam Sambandhi Sahitya" (Aagam-related Literature). This particular volume, "Aagamiya Suktavali Adi," focuses on a collection of verses, proverbs, and sayings derived from the Jain Agamas.
Attribution of Authorship and Role:
- Original Researcher/Editor: Pujya Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb is credited as the foundational researcher and editor. His immense contribution to preserving and understanding the Jain Agamas is highlighted.
- Compiler: Muni Deepratnasagarji is the compiler of this specific compilation, drawing from the research of Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji and adding his own efforts.
Inspiration and Support:
- The project was undertaken under the inspiration of Pujya Harshsagar Suriji Maharaj Saheb.
- The entire project is a grant from the "Shri Param Anand Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh" in Paldi, Ahmedabad. This Sangh was established about fifty years prior by the revered Gachhadhipati Acharya Dev Shrimad Devendrasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb. The Sangh boasts a temple of Bhagwan Shitalnath, an Upashraya for monks and nuns, and facilities like an Ayambil Hall, knowledge repository (Gyan Bhandar), and a school.
The Life and Work of Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (Page 7):
- He is described as a guardian of the Samayachara (code of conduct), a possessor of great knowledge, an Agama researcher, a person of sharp intellect and virtuous death, and a multifaceted personality.
- He exemplified virtues like pure faith, correct scriptural observance (Shruta Aradhana), and exemplary conduct, performing the inner austerity of Kayotsarga (standing in meditation with detachment) even at the end of his life.
- Despite facing the separation from his guru early in his monastic life, he continued his spiritual and intellectual pursuits independently. He undertook severe austerities, like fasting for a month (Ekāsana) and walking 12 kilometers daily for studies, to gain profound knowledge of Sanskrit, Prakrit, ancient scripts, grammar, logic, and literature.
- He is lauded for his single-handed efforts to safeguard and propagate the Jain Agamas. He prepared pure texts from numerous manuscripts, revised and edited 45 Agamas by combining two sets of Agamas, and inscribed them on stone at Palitana and copper plates in Surat. He also had them printed and distributed as "Agam Manjusha."
- His work extended beyond the primary Agamas to include the revision and editing of their commentaries (Vritti, Churni, Niyukti, Avachuri, Sanskrit Chhaya). He composed new texts equivalent to one lakh verses on important topics.
- He was instrumental in establishing institutions like the Agamoday Samiti and Devchand Lalbhai to facilitate the printing of correct scriptures.
- Beyond scholarship, he was involved in the protection of pilgrimage sites like Sammet Shikhar, Antarikshji, and Kesariyaji. He influenced rulers through his discourses and demonstrated his spiritual prowess. He championed causes like child initiation, protection of temple wealth, and resolved complex questions with clear logic. He fearlessly faced legal battles for the Jain faith.
- He was known as Sagarānandasurīśvarjī and guided a community of 700 monks and nuns.
The Life and Work of Acharya Devendrasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb (Page 8):
- He was the third Gachhadhipati in the lineage of Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji.
- He was a virtuous soul who quickly became a guru and saw his disciples multiply, eventually ascending to the position of Gachhadhipati.
- He was a proponent of the Upadhana Tapa (a specific austerity) and inspired many souls to embrace the path of renunciation through his eloquent discourses.
- He was dedicated to his vows (Sanyam Ekalakshi) and also maintained a connection with the path of knowledge, often found studying or teaching scriptures.
- He deeply cherished spiritual observance (Aradhana-Prem), never missing his daily prayers and fasts, even in ill health.
- In his final moments, he repeatedly chanted the "four refuges" of Jainism: Refuge in the Arihants, the Siddhas, the Sadhus, and the Dharma preached by Kevalis, until he attained samadhi-maran (peaceful death).
The Role of Acharya Harshsagar Suriji Maharaj Saheb (Page 9):
- He is the inspirational force behind the entire grant for the "Aagam Sambandhi Sahitya" series (Volumes 1-4).
- He is described as a humble disciple of the late Gachhadhipati Devendrasagar Surishwarji and a key supporter of two Gachhadhipatis.
- He diligently manages the "Sagar community," always striving for its unity and attending to the needs of its monks and nuns.
- He actively promotes the renovation and development of ancient and modern pilgrimage sites. He encourages and supports scriptural studies and dedicates his time to reading scriptures when possible.
- His attention extends to small acts of service, such as arranging accommodation for nuns or paying wages for laborers involved in their pilgrimages.
- He has demonstrated his foresight by inspiring the performance of 18 Abhishekas in Jinālayas across India that are over 100 years old, ensuring the purity of materials and providing financial support to priests.
The Structure of the Book (Page 10):
- Part 1 of the "Aagam Sambandhi Sahitya" series is titled "Shri Aagamiya Suktavali Adi."
- It contains the following sections:
  1. Aagamiya Suktavali (Verses)
  2. Aagamiya Subhashita (Aphorisms/Proverbs)
  3. Aagamiya Sangraha Shloka (Collected Verses)
  4. Aagamiya Lokokti (Proverbs/Sayings)
The Genesis of this Publication (Page 11):
- The original version of "Shri Aagamiya Suktavali Adi" was published in 1949 (Vikram Samvat 2005) by the "Suryapuriya Jain Pustak Pracharak Sanstha."
- Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb was the editor, collecting four subjects: Aagamiya Suktavali, Aagamiya Subhashita, Aagamiya Sangraha Shloka, and Aagamiya Lokokti.
- The original compilation had extensive content in "Aagamiya Suktavali" and some detail in "Aagamiya Lokokti," but less information in "Aagamiya Subhashita" and "Aagamiya Sangraha Shloka." It is mentioned that some material was lost before printing.
- The work includes "Visheshavashyak Bhashya."
- The current project (this scan and republication) was undertaken due to the public's reverence for Acharya Sagarānandasurīśvarjī and respect for ancient traditions.
- A new format was created, preserving the original edited text with additional useful information at the top of each page for clarity.
- Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji had classified 52 subjects, and this effort includes some of those classified topics, with others still available in printed form.
- The publication of this Volume 1 is made possible by the inspiration of Acharya Harshsagar Suriji Maharaj Saheb and the financial support of Shri Param Anand Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Paldi, Ahmedabad.
Content Details (Pages 12-45): The subsequent pages (numbered sequentially within the sections) contain the actual verses, aphorisms, collected verses, and proverbs derived from various Agamas, including:
- Nandi Sutra (नन्दीसूक्तानि)
- Anuyoga Dwara Sutra (अनुयोगद्वारसूक्तानि)
- Avasyak Sutra (आवश्यकस्य सूक्तानि)
- Visheshavashyak Sutra (विशेषावश्यकस्य सूक्तानि)
- Dashavaikalika Sutra (दशवैकालिकस्य सूक्तानि)
- Pindaniryukti Sutra (पिंडनियुक्तिमुक्तानि)
- Uttaradhyayana Sutra (उत्तराध्ययनस्य सूक्तानि)
- Acharanga Sutra (आचारांगस्य सूक्तानि)
- Sutrakruta Sutra (सूत्रकृतांगसूक्तानि)
- Sthananga Sutra (स्थानांगसूक्तानि)
- Samavayana Sutra (समवायांगलोकोक्तयः)
- Bhagavati Sutra (भगवतीसूक्तानि)
- Jnatadharmakatha Sutra (ज्ञाताधर्मकथा सूक्तानि)
- Pashavyakarana Sutra (प्रश्नव्याकरणसूक्तानि)
- Prajnapana Sutra (प्रज्ञापनाकानि)
- Jambudvipa Prajnapti Sutra (जंबूद्वीपप्रज्ञतिसुक्तानि)
- Brihat Kalpa Sutra (बृहत्कल्पसूक्तानि)
- Vyavahara Sutra (व्यवहारसूक्तानि)

Overall Significance:

This book is a significant compilation of essential Jain teachings, presented in a structured and accessible manner. It highlights the meticulous efforts of revered Acharyas and Muni Deepratnasagarji in preserving and disseminating the wisdom of the Agamas. The extensive collection of verses and sayings from various foundational Jain scriptures underscores the richness of Jain philosophy and ethical guidance. The patronage and inspiration from esteemed spiritual leaders and the Jain community demonstrate a collective commitment to the propagation of Jain knowledge.