Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

This is a detailed summary of the provided Gujarati Jain text, focusing on its content and structure, as extracted from the provided pages.

Book Title: Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi Gujarati Author: Ghasilal Maharaj Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006401/1

Overall Content and Structure:

The provided text is a Gujarati translation and commentary (Aachar Chintamani Teeka) of the first Anga of the Jain Agamas, the Aacharang Sutra. It's presented as "Part 01" and seems to cover the initial sections of the first Anga, specifically the first Sutra (Chapter) of the first Shrutaskandha. The text is extensive and covers foundational Jain principles, ethical guidelines for monks, and philosophical concepts.

Key Sections and Themes:

The text is structured with an introduction (Mangalacharan/Avatarna) followed by detailed explanations of various concepts. Here's a breakdown of the major themes and topics covered in the provided pages:

1. Mangalacharan (Invocation):

   • Starts with the sacred Navkar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, etc.) which is considered the most auspicious and purifying chant.
   • Offers salutations to Lord Mahavir and Gautam Gandhar, signifying respect for the teachings and their disseminators.
   • Highlights the brilliance and essence of Jin Vani (the teachings of the Jinas) for its ability to illuminate reality.
   • Mentions the author's intent to present the Aacharang Sutra in a garland-like manner for the benefit of ascetics and the spiritually inclined.

2. Analogy of Kalpa-vriksha (Wish-fulfilling Tree):

   • Compares the words of the Tirthankaras to the flowers of a Kalpa-vriksha, enumerating 25 similar qualities: beauty, fragrance, cure for three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), strengthening of seven dhatus, hair and skin health, heart-pleasing nature, pacification of heat, auspiciousness, invigorating, energizing, strength-giving, fatigue-relieving, sweetness, lubrication, abundance of petals, destruction of poison, nectar-holding, disease-destroying, growth-inducing, thirst-quenching, oblivion-removing, usefulness, intelligence, production of excellent qualities, and specialized composition.

3. Thirty-five Attributes (Atishayas) of Bhagavan's Speech:

   • Lists 35 extraordinary qualities of the Tirthankaras' divine speech, emphasizing its perfection, clarity, and beneficial nature. These include qualities like being cultured, understandable, free from vulgarity, profound, resonant, simple, melodious, truthful, important, consistent, clear, irrefutable, heartwarming, suited to time and place, conducive to understanding reality, concise, relevant, delicate, sweet, non-revealing of others' secrets, focused on ultimate truth, beneficial to all beings, free from self-praise, worthy of acceptance, pleasing to the ear, and generating continuous curiosity.

4. Four Types of Anuyoga (Discourses):

   • Explains the fourfold division of the Tirthankaras' teachings:
     • Charan-karananuyoga: Focuses on conduct, vows, and practices for spiritual progress, detailing 70 types of conduct and 70 types of actions. This is presented as the primary and most crucial Anuyoga.
     • Dharma-kathanuyoga: Narrative discourses that inspire spiritual inclination, divided into four categories: Akshepani (attracting towards the path), Vikshepani (diverting from wrong paths), Samvedani (evoking dispassion for worldly life), and Nivedani (evoking detachment).
     • Ganitanuyoga: Mathematical and astronomical discourse, crucial for determining auspicious timings for religious observances like initiation. It delves into months, lunar phases, days, constellations, auspicious yogas, Karanas (astrological divisions of time), and horoscopes.
     • Dravyanuyoga: Metaphysical discourse explaining the nature of reality, substances (dravyas), their qualities (gunas), and modes (paryayas). It covers the six Dravyas (Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala) in detail.

5. Detailed Explanation of Dravyanuyoga:

   • Defines Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), and Paryaya (mode).
   • Explains the characteristics of each of the six Dravyas:
     • Dharmastikaya: The principle of motion, enabling movement.
     • Adharmastikaya: The principle of rest, enabling staying.
     • Akashastikaya: Space, providing room for all substances.
     • Kalastikaya: Time, the cause of change and continuity.
     • Pudgalastikaya: Matter, having form, taste, smell, and touch.
     • Jivastikaya: Soul, possessing consciousness, knowledge, and perception.
   • Discusses the concept of Astikaya (having substance/pradeshas) and the nature of the soul's omnipresence and its relation to the body's form.

6. Karma Theory and its Implications:

   • Explains the concept of Karma as matter (Pudgala) bonding with the soul due to passions (Kashaya) and ignorance (Mithyatva).
   • Details the eight types of Karmas (Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gotra, Antaraya) and their functions.
   • Categorizes Karmas into Ghatiya (destructive) and Aghatiya (non-destructive).
   • Explains the process of Karma binding (bandha), its stages (Prakriti, Sthiti, Anubhav, Pradesh bandha), and the influence of passions.
   • Emphasizes that understanding karma is crucial for spiritual liberation.

7. Six Life-Forms (Shad Jivanikaya):

   • A significant portion of the text is dedicated to explaining the Six Life-Forms (Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Vegetation-bodied, and Flesh-bodied/Multi-sensed beings).
   • Details their characteristics, habitats, and the concept of Himsa (violence) associated with their use or interaction.
   • Explains the subtle and gross aspects of these life-forms and the interconnectedness of violence.
   • Emphasizes the Jain principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) towards all forms of life.

8. Conduct for Monks (Muni):

   • The Aacharang Sutra itself is primarily a code of conduct for monks. The text elaborates on the strict discipline required, including:
     • Asthadhyayan: Eight chapters that likely detail specific rules and observances.
     • Ahimsa in daily life: The extreme care required to avoid harming even the smallest life forms, especially in their interactions with the six life-forms.
     • Rules of Conduct (Achar): Detailed rules regarding movement, eating, sleeping, purification, and interactions, all aimed at minimizing harm and fostering spiritual purity.
     • The importance of caution and vigilance: Especially when interacting with elements like water and fire, which are considered highly sensitive to even subtle forms of violence.
     • The concept of Parizhna (comprehension/knowledge): Understanding the nature of reality, karma, and the soul is vital for proper conduct.

9. Specific Rules and Prohibitions (Aswadhyaya):

   • The text details 32 specific situations categorized as Aswadhyaya (times when study or recitation should not occur) for the original text. These include:
     • Sky-related (10): Meteor showers, directional fires, thunder, lightning, celestial phenomena (Yupaka, Yakshadipta), and atmospheric conditions (fog, dust).
     • Physical body-related (10): Presence of burnt or washed bodily remains, excreta, proximity to crematoriums, eclipses, royal disturbances, deaths, and presence of dead bodies.
     • Specific days/periods: Four festivals and the four days following them, certain twilight periods, midday, and midnight.
   • It clarifies that these Aswadhyaya rules primarily apply to the original text's recitation, not necessarily to translations or commentaries, emphasizing the importance of respecting the guru's instructions.

10. The Soul (Jiva) and its Nature:

    • Discusses the soul's attributes like consciousness, knowledge, and bliss.
    • Explains its relationship with karma and the body.
    • Elaborates on the five types of Bhavas (states of the soul) – Oupshamik, Kshāyik, Kshayopashamik, Audayik, and Pārināmik.

11. The Importance of Vinaya (Respect/Humility):

    • Highlights Vinaya as the root of Dharma, emphasizing the need to follow the wishes and commands of the guru or elders, especially in challenging circumstances.

Key Jain Concepts Explained:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount principle, extending to all six life-forms.
• Karma: The law of cause and effect, detailing how actions bind the soul.
• Dravya, Guna, Paryaya: The fundamental ontological categories in Jainism.
• Anuyoga: The fourfold classification of Jain scriptures.
• Six Life-Forms (Shad Jivanikaya): Detailed descriptions and ethical considerations.
• Samiti and Gupti: Essential practices for monks to avoid violence.
• Fourteen Purva: Ancient Jain scriptures mentioned in relation to Gautam Gandhar's knowledge.
• Niyamas (Rules): Specific guidelines for conduct, study, and daily life.
• Tapas (Austerities): Mentioned as a means to burn off karma.
• Samyama (Restraint): Crucial for spiritual progress.
• Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal of the spiritual path.

The text provides a comprehensive and foundational overview of key Jain teachings, emphasizing ethical conduct, philosophical understanding, and the path to liberation. The detailed explanations, analogies, and scriptural references underscore the meticulous nature of Jain scholarship.