Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text, Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj, published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, based on the provided catalog link and the text content:

Book Title: Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati Author: Ghasilal Maharaj Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti

Overall Summary:

This text is the second part of the second Ang, the Aacharang Sutra, within the Jain Agam literature, specifically presented in the Sthanakvasi Gujarati tradition. It is a commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj on the original Aacharang Sutra. The book delves into the principles and practices of Jain conduct, with a significant portion dedicated to the rules and etiquette surrounding the study of scriptures (Swadhyay).

Key Sections and Themes:

Invocation and Publisher Information (Pages 1-5):
- The text begins with the traditional Jain invocation, "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam, Namo Uvvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Sabbasavhunam. Eso Panch Namukkaro Sabbapavappanasano, Mangalanam Cha Sabbesi Padhamam Havai Mangalam." This is a universal prayer acknowledging the enlightened ones, liberated souls, preceptors, teachers, and all virtuous monks, which eradicates sins and is the most auspicious of all auspicious things.
- It highlights the "Agam Prakashan Yojana" by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj, with Shri Chandra P. Doshi as the organizer, indicating a dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures.
- The title page confirms the text as the "Aacharang Sutra, Part 02," containing chapters 2-4 of the first Shrutaskandha, with the commentary "Aachar Chintamani" by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. It also mentions Hindi and Gujarati languages, suggesting the availability of translations.
- The publication details note the first edition, print run, and publication year (1957 CE / 2483 Veer Samvat / 2013 Vikram Samvat).
Rules for Swadhyay (Scripture Study) and Astadhyay (Periods of Non-Study) (Pages 6-10):
- A substantial part of the provided text focuses on the meticulous rules governing the practice of Swadhyay, the auspicious and inauspicious times and conditions for studying the Aacharang Sutra's original text.
- Timing of Swadhyay: The original text of the Sutra should be studied during the first and fourth quarters of the day and night.
- Prohibited Times (Astadhyay): Specific periods are designated as Astadhyay (times when Swadhyay is prohibited). These are divided into two categories:
  - Sky-related (10 Astadhyay Kal): These include events like meteor showers (Ulkapata), directional burning (Digdaha), thunderous clouds (Garjarav), celestial roars (Nirghata), lightning (Vidyut), specific atmospheric phenomena like Yupak (a combination of twilight and moonlight), Yaxadipta (light resembling lightning), and atmospheric conditions like dense fog (Dhūmikā Krishna, Mahikā Shvet) and dust storms (Rajodghāt).
  - Body-related (10 Astadhyay): These involve the presence of deceased bodies (bones, flesh, blood), broken eggs, excreta (Mal-Mūtra), cremation grounds (Smashan), lunar and solar eclipses (Chandra Grahan, Surya Grahan), royal uprisings or turmoil (Rājavyudgata), deaths of kings or national figures (Patana), and the presence of any five-sensed deceased body within a certain proximity of the study place (Oudarik Sharir).
- Specific Time Restrictions: Even during permissible study times, specific intervals around sunrise, sunset, midday, and midnight (two "ghadi" or 48 minutes total) are considered inauspicious for Swadhyay.
- Special Considerations: It explicitly states that women in menstruation should not study the Sutra, nor should it be studied in their presence. Study should take place in a room without them.
- Flexibility: A crucial note at the end of the Astadhyay rules emphasizes that these regulations are for the Mul Path (original text) and not for translations in Gujarati or other languages. It stresses that Vinay (humility and respect) is the foundation of Dharma, and in difficult situations, one should follow the wishes and commands of elders or gurus.
Table of Contents/Subject Matter (Pages 11-26):
- The subsequent pages provide a detailed table of contents for the Aacharang Sutra, specifically for the second part (Chapters 2-4 of the first Shrutaskandha). It outlines the various "Udeshas" (sections/chapters) within these studies.
- The structure indicates that each chapter is broken down into further "Udeshas" (numbered 1 to approximately 25 per chapter).
- The content of these Udeshas appears to focus on:
  - The nature of the self and the soul.
  - The consequences of attachment to worldly pleasures and relationships (parents, children, spouse).
  - The impermanence of youth, health, and life itself.
  - The importance of renunciation (Sanyam) and adherence to vows.
  - The dangers of sensual desires and greed.
  - The nature of the body and its susceptibility to disease and old age.
  - The proper conduct of a monk, including ethical principles, dietary rules, and behavior in various situations.
  - The contrast between wise (Sanyamipalan) and unwise (Asanyamiprevalence) individuals.
  - The ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) and the path to achieve it.
Specific Udesha Summaries (Examples from the Table of Contents):
- Udesha 1 of Chapter 2: Discusses the detachment from parents and loved ones for a monk.
- Udesha 2 of Chapter 2: Emphasizes overcoming attachment to worldly pleasures and maintaining steadfastness in Sanyam.
- Udesha 3 of Chapter 2: Advises against pride and encourages contemplation of the impermanence of worldly possessions.
- Udesha 4 of Chapter 2: Focuses on complete detachment from sensory pleasures.
- Udesha 5 of Chapter 2: States that a monk should rely on lay patrons (Gṛhastha) for sustenance while practicing Sanyam.
- Udesha 6 of Chapter 2: Advises against harboring any longing to meet familiar or unfamiliar relatives, even when relying on lay patrons.
- Udesha 8 of Chapter 2: Discusses the state of old age and its relationship to the loss of faculties, emphasizing the need for spiritual practice in youth.
- Udesha 17 of Chapter 2: Highlights that loved ones cannot protect one in old age or from the cycle of birth and death, thus advocating for Sanyam in youth.
- The content generally guides the Jain ascetic (Muni) on how to live a life of detachment, discipline, and spiritual pursuit, renouncing worldly pleasures and attachments to achieve liberation. The Udeshas often contrast the state of the unwise (Pramatta) with the wise (Apramatta) Muni.

Significance of the Text:

The Aacharang Sutra is one of the foundational texts in Jainism, dealing with the conduct and discipline of ascetics. This particular volume, as Part 02, continues the detailed exposition of these principles. The emphasis on Swadhyay rules highlights the importance of focused and disciplined spiritual study within the Sthanakvasi tradition. The detailed Astadhyay rules also reflect a deep concern for maintaining purity and concentration during spiritual practices, avoiding anything that might disrupt spiritual focus or merit. The content of the Udeshas provides a moral and ethical framework for ascetics, guiding them towards spiritual purity and ultimately, liberation.

This summary aims to capture the essence of the provided text and its context within Jain scripture.