Aagam Yatra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Aagam Yatra" by Muni Deepratnasagar, based on the excerpt:

The book "Aagam Yatra" (Journey of the Agamas) aims to guide readers on a spiritual journey to understand the core scriptures of Jainism, known as the Agamas. The author, Muni Deepratnasagar, emphasizes that just as the Vedas or Bhagavad Gita hold significance for Hindus, the Bible for Christians, and the Quran for Muslims, the Agamas are the foundational texts for Jains.

The Meaning and Nature of Agamas:

Practical Meaning: The Agamas are the Jain scriptures, containing the teachings and principles established by the Tirthankaras.
Classical Definition: Agamas are defined as the eternal conduct or the words of the perfectly knowing beings (Tirthankaras), passed down through a lineage of Acharyas (gurus). They are the means by which meaning is revealed, and through which correct knowledge of reality (substance, origin, destruction, permanence, etc.) is attained.
Authenticity: Agamas are considered authentic scriptures (Pramanabhuta Sutra) that are compiled in sutra form by the Ganadharas (chief disciples of the Tirthankara) from the teachings of the Tirthankara.

The Twelve Angas and the Dwadashangi:

The text highlights the Dwadashangi, which refers to the twelve principal Angas (limbs or divisions) of the Jain scriptures. The history of their creation is presented:

The First Samavsaran of Mahavir: The narrative begins with Lord Mahavir's first Samavsaran (assembly), where, after attaining Keval Gyan (omniscience), he delivered his teachings. The divine assembly included celestial beings, and the celestial drum's sound filled the air. Hearing this divine sound, Brahmins like Indrabhuti Gautam and others were drawn to Lord Mahavir and accepted diksha (initiation).
The Question of Reality: After initiation, these disciples, now called Ganadharas, tied to the "Ganadharakarma" (karma that qualifies one to be a Ganadhara), asked Lord Mahavir questions three times about the nature of reality: "What is the essence?" Lord Mahavir responded thrice with the "Tris pada" (three-part statement) of essence: "Jiva" (soul), "Ajiva" (non-soul), and "Bandha" (bondage).
The Creation of the Dwadashangi: The text explains that these three questions and answers, representing the essence, became known as "Nishdya" or "Trivadi." The Ganadharas, having attained superior intellect and scriptural knowledge, compiled the Dwadashangi within a short period (Antarmuhurta).
The Dwadashangi as Eternal: The Nandi Sutra is quoted stating that the Dwadashangi is eternal – it existed in the past, exists in the present, and will continue to exist in the future. It is described as unchangeable, stable, and everlasting.
Angapravishta and Angabahya: The Agamas are divided into two categories:
- Angapravishta: These are the scriptures that were directly compiled by the Ganadharas. They are considered to be "entered into the Angas" or "limb-entering."
- Angabahya: These are the scriptures that were compiled later by the Sthaviras (senior monks) or that are not part of the original twelve Angas. They are considered "outside the Angas" or "limb-external."
The Twelve Angas: The text lists the twelve Angapravishta scriptures: Achar, Sutrakrut, Sthan, Samavaya, Vyakhyaprajnaapti, Jnatadharmakatha, Upasakadasha, Antakrut-dasha, Anuttaraupapaticadasha, Prashna-vyakaran, Vipaka Shruta, and Drishtivada. All other Agam Sutras are considered Angabahya.

The Analogy of a Person to Scriptures:

The Agamas are metaphorically compared to a person, having "twelve limbs." This refers to the twelve Angas, implying that these Angas are integral to the complete body of scripture.

Categorization of Agamas by Content:

Agamas can also be classified based on their content:

Gamika: Scriptures that contain numerous sections, mathematical calculations, and repetitive passages. Drishtivada is given as an example.
Agamika: Scriptures that are composed of verses and non-repetitive passages. Kalikashruta is given as an example.

The "Chilatiputra Katha" (Story of Chilati's Son):

The book delves into stories found within the Agamas that may be lesser-known or presented differently than popular versions. The story of Chilatiputra is recounted:

Chilati, a servant's son, was expelled by his master, Dhan, due to his ill omens. He grew up to become a bandit chief.
Chilati raided Dhan's house, looted valuables, and abducted Dhan's daughter, Sumana.
While pursued by Dhan and his men, Chilati, realizing he couldn't carry Sumana, beheaded her to prevent her capture.
Lost and starving in a forest, Chilati died before reaching his destination. The text notes that in the Agamas, his death is attributed to artadhyan (anguished meditation).
The text then contrasts this with a popular version where Chilati attains a heavenly state after meditating on "Upsham-vivek-var."
Lord Mahavir's teaching in Jnatadharmakatha is presented, warning against attachment to the physical body's qualities (color, form, strength) even after renunciation, leading to suffering and wandering in the cycle of rebirth, as exemplified by Chilatiputra.

The Interruption (Vichchhed) of the Dwadashangi:

The text discusses the concept of "Vichchhed" (interruption or break) in the transmission of the Dwadashangi.
Despite the Nandi Sutra stating the Dwadashangi is eternal, its continuity can be interrupted in the context of a specific Tirth (dispensation of a Tirthankara).
After the final four Purvas were lost, and only the last ten Purvas remained with the tenth-Purva-holder Vajraswami, the tradition continued with Aryarakshit Suri who acquired scriptures up to nine Purvas.
Due to famines and difficulties in obtaining alms, the scriptural knowledge became scattered and forgotten.
The text describes how the Sangha (monastic community) under Skandilacharya and Nagarjuna collected whatever scriptures they remembered.
Devardhi Gani Kshamashraman, who was a holder of one Purva, also experienced a loss of much scripture during his time due to famine. He compiled the surviving fragmented scriptures and their meanings.
The text mentions that after the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir, the scriptural knowledge that existed before was completely lost 1000 years after his Nirvana.
The Dwadashangi of Sudharma Swami continued through the tradition of Bhadrabahu Swami but eventually faced an interruption.
The summary concludes by stating that the Agamas contain a treasure of edifying verses and their expanded meanings, urging readers to draw inspiration from them, especially in the context of modern practices and their justifications.

In essence, "Aagam Yatra" is an exposition on the foundational scriptures of Jainism, their historical context, their structure, and their philosophical significance. It emphasizes the importance of these texts for understanding the Jain path and uses stories and analogies to illustrate profound spiritual concepts.