Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 01

This document is the first part of the "Sthananga Sutra" (Agam 03, Ang 03), a significant Jain text. It is presented as Volume 04 of the "Agam Dwarak Sangrah" collection.

Key aspects covered in this section include:

• The Nature of Jain Agamas: The text highlights that Jain Agamas are a unique and original source for all Jain literature, holding a prominent place in Indian literature, especially in philosophical writings. They are referred to as "Lokottara Agama" (transcendental Agamas) and are categorized in various ways, including by their transmission (Atmagama, Antaragam, Paramparagam) and their structure (Sutragama, Arthagama, Sutrarthaagama).
• The Sthananga Sutra: This is identified as the third Anga (limb) of the twelve Angas of the Jain canon. It is described as a text primarily in prose, with ten sections, each also called an Adhyayana (study) or Sthana. Some Adhyayanas have subdivisions called Uddeshaka (explorers/sections), which are referred to as Uddesa in Gujarati. This volume focuses on the fifth Adhyayana.
• The Content of the Fifth Adhyayana: The text specifically mentions that this part of the Sthananga Sutra, Volume 1, contains 72 discourses (Vyakhyanas) given by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj in the year 1991 (Vikram Samvat) in Palitana. These discourses are based on the fifth Adhyayana of the Sthananga Sutra, particularly focusing on the five Mahavratas (great vows) and related sutras. The current volume presents 23 of these 72 discourses.
• Editorial and Publication Details: The publisher is Shri Jain Pustak Pracharak Sanstha, Surat. The first edition was published in Vikram Samvat 2005 / Vir Samvat 2475 / 1948 CE, with a print run of 500 copies. The text acknowledges the contributions of Muni Maharaj Shri Gunsagarji for financial assistance and Muni Maharaj Shri Kanchanvijayji and Muni Maharaj Shri Khemkar Sagarmji for preparing the press copy and other editorial work.
• The Role of Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia: Professor Kapadia has provided a detailed introduction (Upodghat) to the book, explaining the significance of the Sthananga Sutra, its structure, and its place within the Jain Agamas. He also highlights the extensive study and contributions of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji in editing and preserving Agamas.
• The Focus on Mahavratas and Related Concepts: The introductory section by Professor Kapadia and the table of contents indicate a deep dive into the concepts of Mahavratas (great vows), their classification, their significance, and related philosophical discussions. This includes the distinction between Mahavratas and Anuvratas, the philosophical underpinnings of these vows, and how they relate to the overall Jain path to liberation. The text also touches upon the historical context of Jain scriptures, mentioning the twelve Angas composed by the Ganadharas, and the specific role of Sudharmaswami as the fifth Ganadhara.
• Appendices: The book is enhanced with four appendices which include:
  1. Scriptural passages mentioned in the discourses.
  2. Names of citing texts (Sakshi Granth).
  3. An alphabetical index of citing passages.
  4. Questions and answers from the discourses.

In essence, this volume is a scholarly presentation and exposition of a crucial section of the Sthananga Sutra, providing detailed explanations and context for the teachings of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji.