Agam 02 Ang 02 Sutrakrutang Sutra Part 04 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

Summary of Sutrakrutanga Sutra, Part 04 (Agam 02 Ang 02)

This document is the fourth part of the Sutrakrutanga Sutra, Anga 02 of the Jain Agamas, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj. It is published by the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti and includes a Hindi-Gujarati translation with a Sanskrit-Prakrit commentary. The text primarily focuses on the rules and guidelines for the study (Swadhyay) of the sutra, including specific timings and thirty-two situations of "Aswadhyay" (inappropriate times for study). It then delves into the first seven chapters of the second "Shruta Skandha" (section of scripture), offering detailed explanations and philosophical discussions.

Key Themes and Contents:

1. Rules of Swadhyay (Study):

• Timing: The core text should be studied during the first and fourth quarters of the day and night. Specific times of dawn, dusk, midday, and midnight are designated as inappropriate for study for periods of two "ghadikas" (approximately 48 minutes).
• Aswadhyay (Inappropriate Times/Situations): A comprehensive list of 32 situations is provided, categorized into:
  • 10 related to the Sky: Meteor showers, directional fires, thunder, meteoric impacts, lightning, specific celestial phenomena (Yupaka, Yaksha-dita), and dense fog (two types), and dust storms.
  • 10 related to the Physical Body: Exposure to burnt bones, flesh, or blood, spilled eggs, visible excrement or urine, proximity to cremation grounds (100 cubits), lunar and solar eclipses (with specific durations), royal unrest, and the presence of a dead body (within 100 cubits).
  • 8 related to Festivals and specific days: Four major festivals (Amavasya) and the following four days of the new moon phase.
• Exceptions: The rules for Aswadhyay are stated to apply to the original text (Mulpaath) and not necessarily to translations. Humility and obedience to elders are emphasized during difficult situations.

2. Second Shruta Skandha: Chapters and Themes: The second Shruta Skandha aims to explain the concepts introduced in the first Shruta Skandha in greater detail and with supporting logic and examples. It contains seven chapters (Adhyayanas).

• Chapter 1: Pundarik (Lotus):

  • Analogy of the Lotus: This chapter uses the analogy of a lotus in a pond to illustrate spiritual principles. The lotus, beautiful yet rooted in mud, symbolizes the soul striving for liberation.
  • Four Men and the Lotus: The chapter narrates a story of four men who attempt to reach a divine lotus in a pond.
    • First Man: Ignorant and overconfident, he gets stuck in the mud, symbolizing those who pursue spiritual goals without proper knowledge or effort.
    • Second Man: He recognizes the difficulty but still overestimates his abilities, also failing to reach the lotus.
    • Third Man: He observes the failures of the first two and, despite his own intellectual prowess, also succumbs to the mud, highlighting the inadequacy of pride and intellect alone.
    • Fourth Man: He understands the true path and the subtle nature of the task, reaching the lotus by his wisdom and adherence to the right path.
  • Spiritual Interpretation: The lotus represents liberation (Moksha), the water represents the cycle of birth and death, the mud represents karma and worldly attachments, and the men represent different spiritual seekers. The story illustrates the importance of correct knowledge, effort, and adherence to the path of liberation as taught by the Tirthankaras.

• Chapter 2: Kriyasthan (Places/Causes of Action):

  • Bondage and Liberation: This chapter explains the causes of karma bondage and the means to achieve liberation. It elaborates on the concept of "Kriyasthan" (causes of action).
  • Thirteen Kriyasthan leading to Bondage: The chapter details thirteen specific actions or viewpoints that lead to karma bondage.
  • Twelve Kriyasthan leading to Liberation: It also outlines twelve actions or viewpoints that lead to the shedding of karma and liberation.
  • Categorization of Actions: Actions are divided into "Dravya Kriya" (material actions) and "Bhava Kriya" (mental/intentional actions), with "Bhava Kriya" further subdivided into eight categories.

• Chapter 3: Ahar Parigyna (Knowledge of Food/Sustenance):

  • Importance of Pure Food: This chapter emphasizes the significance of pure and appropriate food for spiritual progress. It explains that true liberation cannot be achieved without purifying one's diet.
  • Types of Plants (Jiva-kaya): The chapter discusses the different types of plant life (Jiva-kaya) and their classification based on their origin and sustenance, including:
    • Four types of seeds (Jiva-kaya): Root seeds, stem seeds, fruit seeds, and leaf seeds.
    • Detailed Classification: It further categorizes plants based on their origin and habitat: Earth-bodied plants, water-bodied plants, fire-bodied plants, air-bodied plants, and plant-bodied plants, detailing their interactions and consumption of other life forms.
    • Human Life Cycle: The text also touches upon the origin and sustenance of human beings, from conception to birth and sustenance.

• Chapter 4: Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Abstinence):

  • The Power of Renunciation: This chapter highlights the importance of renunciation (Pratyakhyan) as a crucial step towards spiritual progress. It emphasizes that true renunciation goes beyond mere outward actions and involves a complete internal detachment from worldly desires and actions.
  • Understanding Karma and Intention: The text stresses that the intention behind an action is paramount in determining its karmic consequences. Even seemingly minor actions, if performed with harmful intent, can lead to significant karma.
  • The Nature of the Soul: It reiterates the distinction between the soul and the physical body, emphasizing that the soul is eternal and independent of the body, while the body is perishable.

• Chapter 5:achar (Conduct/Practice):

  • Ethical Conduct: This chapter focuses on the principles of ethical conduct for monks and lay followers (Shravakas). It underscores the importance of following the teachings of the Tirthankaras and avoiding actions that are contrary to the path of liberation.
  • Distinguishing Right from Wrong: It emphasizes the need for discernment between right and wrong actions, especially in relation to the Tirthankara's teachings.
  • The Importance of True Asceticism: The chapter differentiates between genuine asceticism and outward displays of piety, stressing that true renunciation lies in internal detachment and control over one's senses and desires.

• Chapter 6: Ardrakumar Charit (The Story of Ardrakumar):

  • A Royal Prince's Journey: This chapter narrates the story of Prince Ardrakumar, who, despite his royal upbringing and worldly pleasures, renounces his kingdom and family to embrace asceticism.
  • Spiritual Awakening: The story highlights his spiritual awakening, his struggles with worldly temptations, and his eventual attainment of liberation through rigorous penance and adherence to the Jain path.
  • The Tale's Moral: The narrative serves as an example of detachment, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of spirituality over materialism. It also features dialogues and debates with other religious figures, such as Goshalaka, to clarify Jain doctrines.

• Chapter 7: Nalindiya (Related to Nalanda):

  • The Conduct of Lay Followers: This chapter shifts focus to the conduct and responsibilities of lay followers (Shravakas).
  • Ethical Principles for Laypeople: It outlines the vows and practices that lay followers should adhere to, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy (in a limited sense for laypeople), and non-possessiveness.
  • The Importance of Right Faith and Conduct: The chapter emphasizes that sincere devotion to the Tirthankaras and adherence to the Jain principles are essential for spiritual progress, even for lay individuals. It also contrasts the conduct of true followers with those who merely adopt the outward appearance of religiousness without internal transformation.

Overall Significance:

Sutrakrutanga Sutra, Part 04, provides a detailed framework for the practice and understanding of Jainism. It moves from the fundamental rules of scripture study to profound philosophical discussions on karma, liberation, and ethical conduct, illustrated through compelling narratives. The emphasis on right understanding, right faith, and right conduct is central, guiding followers towards spiritual purification and ultimate salvation. The text also critiques various heterodox philosophical views, reinforcing the uniqueness and validity of the Jain path.