Agam 01 Ang 01 Acharang Sutra Aayaro Terapanth - Book Summary

This document is a detailed summary of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra (Āyāro), the first Anga of the Jain Āgamas, compiled and edited by Āchārya Tulsi and Muni Nathmal. The text was published by Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, Rajasthan, in Vikram Samvat 2031 (corresponding to the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir).

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in this comprehensive text:

1. Front Matter and Dedication:

The book is presented as part of the "Anga Suttani" series, featuring Āchārya Tulsi as the "Vāchanā Pramukh" and Muni Nathmal as the "Sampādak."
It is dedicated to the 25th Nirvana centenary of Lord Mahavir.
The publication includes acknowledgments of the managing editor, financial contributors, printers, and publishers.
A significant "Samarpan" (dedication) section features verses by Āchārya Tulsi, honoring various revered figures like Jaya Āchārya, Kālūgaṇī, and highlighting the value of the Āgamic research and compilation.

2. Editorial and Publisher's Note:

Āchārya Tulsi's "Antastosh" (Inner Satisfaction): He expresses his deep satisfaction in seeing the long-held vision of critically edited Āgamas come to fruition, dedicating his life's moments to this "Mahānuśāsa" (great scripture). He emphasizes the collaborative nature of this endeavor and seeks to involve everyone who contributed.
Muni Nathmal's "Prakāshakīya" (Publisher's Note): This section provides a historical account of the establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati. It details the discussions and decisions leading to its location in Ladnun, Rajasthan. It also outlines the ambitious Agam-research and publication plan initiated by Āchārya Shri, which included five major series:
1. Āgama-Mūla Granthamālā: Original texts with variations and indexes.
2. Āgama-Anusandhāna Granthamālā: Original texts with Sanskrit translation, commentaries, and critical notes.
3. Āgama-Anuśīlan Granthamālā: Critical studies of Āgamas.
4. Āgama Kathā Granthamālā: Compilation and translation of Āgamic stories.
5. Vargīkruta Āgama Granthamālā: Classified summaries of Āgamas. The note also acknowledges various patrons and organizations that supported these publication efforts.
Muni Nathmal's "Sampādakīya" (Editorial Note): This is a crucial section that delves into the methodology and challenges of editing the Āchārāṅga Sūtra. Key points include:
- Textual Basis: The adopted text is not based on a single manuscript but on a critical review of various manuscripts, the Chūrṇi (commentary), and the Vritti (sub-commentary).
- Textual Variations: It discusses specific instances of textual variations and how decisions were made, referencing the Chūrṇi for guidance.
- Abridgement ('Sankṣepa') and Restoration: The editorial note explains the tradition of text abridgement using words like 'vaṇṇao' and 'jāva' for brevity and the editorial decision to restore these abridged texts to their fuller form for better understanding and textual beauty.
- Vāchanā-Bheda (Recitational Differences): It mentions the existence of multiple recitations (Vāchanās) of the Āchārāṅga and notes that the current text primarily follows the "Prastuta Vāchanā" and "Nāgārjunīya Vāchanā."
- Comparative Study: The editorial process involved comparing texts from various sources, including the Mūlārādhanā, to resolve discrepancies.
- Manuscript Details: An extensive "Prati Parichaya" (Manuscript Introduction) lists and describes various manuscripts of the Āchārāṅga that were consulted, providing details about their size, number of pages, script, dating, and provenance.
- Sūyagaḍa and Thāṇaṅga Sections: The editorial note also covers similar points for the second Anga, Sūyagaḍa Sūtra, and the third Anga, Thāṇaṅga, discussing their names, content, etymology, and textual variations.
- Samavāya: Similar details are provided for the fourth Anga, Samavāya, including its nomenclature, content, and textual variations, with comparisons to descriptions in the Nandi Sūtra.
- Emphasis on Scholarship: The overall tone highlights the meticulous and scholarly approach taken in the research and publication of these sacred texts.

3. Introduction to the Agamas:

Classification of Āgamas: Discusses the division of Jain literature into Śruta-Gyana (Agama), categorizing them into Anga-praviṣṭa (canonical) and Anga-bāhya (non-canonical). It references the Nandi Sūtra for this classification.
Purwa: Explains the concept of "Purwa" (Pūrva), the ancient and comprehensive body of knowledge, according to Jain tradition. It discusses different scholarly interpretations regarding their origin and relationship with the Angas. It notes the current unavailability of the Purwas.
Anga-Praviṣṭa and Anga-Bāhya: Differentiates between these two categories based on the speaker (Tirthankara, Ganadhara, or Sthavira) and the nature of the knowledge (eternal truths vs. temporal pronouncements).
The Twelve Angas: Lists the twelve Angas: Āchārāṅga, Sūyagaḍa, Sthāna, Samavāya, Bhagavatī, Jñātādharmakathā, Upāsakadaśā, Antakṛtadaśā, Anuṭṭaropapātikadaśā, Praśnvyākaraṇa, Vipāka, and Dṛṣṭivāda. It also briefly touches upon the concept of 'Anga' in Vedic and Buddhist literature for comparative context.

4. Detailed Summary of Āchārāṅga Sūtra (Āyāro):

Name and Scope: Explains that 'Āyāro' means conduct and the text deals with various aspects of the ascetic's code of conduct. It mentions the two Skandhas: Āchārāṅga and Āchārachūlī.
Subject Matter: Details the extensive range of topics covered, including:
- Jīva-kāya (Living Beings): Emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa) towards all forms of life (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings).
- Conduct and Discipline (Āchār, Vinaya, Vainayik): Rules regarding posture, movement, food intake, study, language, samiti (carefulness), gupti (restraint), bedding, possessions, purity in receiving food, etc.
- Vows and Austerities (Vrata, Niyama, Tapa, Upadhāna): The importance and methods of observing these practices.
- Karma and Liberation: The principles of karma, its accumulation and cessation, and the path to liberation (Moksha).
- Ethical Principles: Discussions on detachment, renunciation of worldly desires, control of passions (Kashaya), and the pursuit of the "Ratna-trayi" (three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct).
Detailed Chapter and Section Breakdown: The editorial note provides a detailed breakdown of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra, listing theadhyānas (chapters) and uddesakas (sections) within each, along with the key topics discussed in each section, often indicated by specific "pada" (term) names. This allows for a granular understanding of the text's structure and thematic progression.

5. Mention of Other Angas (Briefly):

Sūyagaḍa: Discusses its name and the importance of comparative study of 'own' and 'other' doctrines.
Thāṇaṅga: Explains its name as relating to enumeration and classification, highlighting its focus on the categories and attributes of reality.
Samavāya: Describes its name as referring to the collection or enumeration of principles, noting its role in defining categories and numbers.

6. Methodology of Textual Analysis:

The introduction to the text emphasizes the critical editing process, relying on multiple manuscript sources, Chūrṇi, and Vritti commentaries. It acknowledges the challenges posed by textual variations and the effort to achieve accuracy.

Overall Significance: This document is not just a summary but a foundational text for understanding the Āchārāṅga Sūtra. It demonstrates the profound depth and meticulousness of Jain scriptural scholarship, highlighting the philosophical and practical guidelines for spiritual practice and ethical conduct central to Jainism. The detailed breakdown of topics within each chapter of the Āchārāṅga provides an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to study this foundational text.