Acharang Sutram

The provided text is the title page and introduction to the Acharya Anga Sutram, a foundational Jain scripture, presented in Sanskrit and Gujarati. The text highlights its significance as part of the first part of the Jain Agamas (preliminary scriptures) and mentions its commentary by Acharya Shilasuri.

Here's a breakdown of the key information presented in the provided pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Title: Sri Acharang Sutram (श्री आचाराङ्गसूत्रम्)
• Commentary Author: Acharya Shilasuri (आचार्यश्रीशीलाचार्यविरचितविवरणविभूषितं)
• Compilation/Compilation Source: Believed to be by Shrimad Sudharma Swami, the fifth Gandhara (पञ्चमगणधरभगवच्छ्री सुधर्मस्वामि सन्दृब्धं)
• Research and Editing: Pandit Amrutlal Mohanlal Girdharlal Bhojak (पंडित अमृतलाल मोहनलाल गिरधरलाल भोजक:) and Muni Jambuvijay (मुनि जम्बूविजयः) are credited with the research and editing, respectively.

2. Publisher and Institutions:

• The text is published by Shree Siddhi Bhuvan Manohar Jain Trust, Ahmedabad, and Shree Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.

3. Historical and Spiritual Lineage:

• Several pages (6-10) are dedicated to tracing the spiritual lineage of the key figures involved in the publication and commentary. This includes:
  • Param Pujya Pujyapad Tapasvipravar Pt. Shri Manivijayji Ganivar (Dada)
  • Pujyapad Sanghasthavir Acharyadev Shri 1008 Vijay Siddhisurishwarji (Bapji) Maharaj
  • Pujyapad Acharyadev Shri Vijay Meghsurishwarji Maharaj
  • Pujyapad Pratahsmarniya Sanghasthavir Shri 1008 Acharyadev Shri Vijay Siddhisurishwarji (Bapji) Maharaj's disciple, Pujyapad Gurudev Muniraj Shri Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj (father and guru of Mu. Shri Jambuvijayji M.)
  • Pu. Agamprabhakar Muniraj Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj (Vidya Guru of Pandit Amrutlalbhai Mohanlal Bhojak)
  • Pandit Amrutlal Mohanlal Girdharlal Bhojak
  • Pujyapad Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj (spiritual mother of Mu. Shri Jambuvijayji M.)
  • Sadhviji Shri Suryaprabhshriji Maharaj (disciple of Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj)

4. Content Overview (Based on Table of Contents/Indexes):

• The provided index (Page 24-35) outlines the content of the first part (प्रथम श्रुतस्कन्ध) of the Acharyanga Sutra, which primarily deals with Shastra Parignya Adhyayana (शस्त्रपरिज्ञा अध्ययन - The study of weapons/means of harm).
• The text is divided into eight Uddeshas (उद्देश) within this section.
• Key Topics Covered in the Index:
  • Introduction to Acharanga Sutra: Discusses the importance of Acharanga as a guide for conduct and its role in Jain philosophy.
  • Nishkepa (निक्षेप): A method of classification covering Name, Establishment, Substance, Field, Time, Karma, Feelings, and Directions.
  • Shastra Parignya (शस्त्रपरिज्ञा): This is a major focus, detailing various forms of harm and violence, starting with elements of earth (पृथिवी), water (अप्), fire (तेजस्), air (वायु), and plants (वनस्पति). It categorizes them by subtle (सूक्ष्म) and gross (बादरा), their numbers, forms, and the ethical considerations surrounding their harm and protection.
  • The Importance of Right Conduct (Achar): The text emphasizes the necessity of right conduct, abstaining from violence, and the path to liberation through knowledge, conduct, and penance.
  • The Nature of the Soul and Consciousness: Discusses the soul, its attributes, and its journey through various life forms.
  • Moral Principles: Covers themes like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-possessiveness, celibacy, and the consequences of actions.
  • The Path to Liberation (Moksha): Throughout the text, the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) is emphasized, achieved through right faith (Samyaktva), right knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra).
  • Critique of Other Philosophical Views: The text also seems to address and refute the views of other philosophical schools that contradict Jain principles.

5. Editorial Notes and Acknowledgements:

• The editor, Muni Jambuvijay, provides insights into the challenges of the publication, particularly regarding the manuscript prepared by the late Pandit Amrutlal Bhojak. He mentions that some symbolic notations (like 'ka kha ga') in the manuscript were not clear, and their sources were unknown due to the passing of Pandit Bhojak and his collaborator.
• He expresses gratitude to various individuals and organizations that supported the publication.
• The editor reiterates his intention to eventually publish the complete commentary of Acharya Shilasuri on the entire Acharyanga Sutra.

Overall Significance: The Acharyanga Sutra, as presented here, is fundamental to Jainism, laying down the core principles of ascetic conduct, ethical living, and the path to spiritual liberation. This specific publication, with its detailed commentary and lineage tracing, aims to make this profound scripture accessible to a wider audience while respecting its historical and scholarly significance. The detailed index suggests a rigorous analysis of the text's content and structure.