Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the "Sthananga Sutra Part 01":

Book Title: Sthananga Sutra (Part 01) Authors: Amarmuni, Shreechand Surana Publisher: Padma Prakashan

Overall Purpose and Style:

The Sthananga Sutra is a foundational text in Jainism, compiled in a distinctive "numerical style." It categorizes a vast array of spiritual, philosophical, ethical, cosmological, mathematical, and psychological concepts based on numbers, primarily from one to ten, structured into ten "Sthaans" (sections or chapters). This numerical approach makes the information easily memorable and digestible, a common feature in ancient Indian didactic literature. This first part covers Sthaans 1 to the third lesson of Sthaan 4, with subsequent parts intended to cover the remaining sections. The text includes brief elaborations with references to Sanskrit commentaries and other ancient works to clarify the aphoristic style.

Key Themes and Content Overview (Based on the provided pages):

• The Sthananga Sutra: It is the third Anga (limb) of the Jain canon, compiled by Ganadhar Shri Sudharma Swami. Its unique numerical structure, from one to ten, makes it a significant repository of knowledge.
• Volume and Scope: The work is voluminous, with this first part containing Sthaans 1 to a portion of Sthaan 4. The scholarly editor, Shri Amar Muni ji, has incorporated extensive and informative elaborations, drawing from Sanskrit commentaries and other ancient texts.
• Numerical Classification: The core of the Sthananga Sutra lies in its classification of a multitude of subjects based on numbers. This allows for a systematic exploration of Jain philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, astrology, cosmology, mathematics, psychology, and even details about the human psyche and life.
• Elaboration and Commentary: To clarify the aphoristic style, the text includes brief elaborations, utilizing Sanskrit commentaries (Tika) and other ancient scriptures. This dual approach of original text and commentary aids in understanding the profound meanings.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The Sthaananga Sutra encompasses a wide spectrum of subjects, including:
  • Metaphysics and Philosophy: Discussing the nature of existence, souls, matter, time, space, motion, inertia, bondage, liberation, merit, demerit, inflow of karmas, and shedding of karmas.
  • Cosmology: Describing the universe (Lok) and unoccupied space (Alok), various continents (Jambudveep, Dhatakikhand, Pushkaravar), mountains (Meru, Varshadhar), rivers, lakes, and the cycles of time (Avasarpini, Utsarpini).
  • Ethics and Conduct: Detailing virtues, vices, moral conduct, rituals, atonement, and the nuances of ascetic practices (Pratima).
  • Psychology: Analyzing human states, mental conditions, desires, and the impact of emotions like anger, greed, attachment, and aversion.
  • Biology and Zoology: Discussing classifications of living beings, including immobile (Sthavar) and mobile (Tras) beings, and their various states.
  • Mathematics and Astronomy: Touching upon numerical concepts and astronomical elements like constellations and planets.
  • Historical and Sociological Insights: Mentioning historical figures like Tirthankaras and emperors, and various social customs and practices.
• First Sthaan (Place Number One): This section emphasizes singularity and unity. It discusses concepts like:
  • Soul (Aatma): Stated as one from the perspective of sentient nature, though souls are infinite in number.
  • Dand (Punishment/Abuse): Considered one in its root cause (passion-driven attitude).
  • Kriya (Action): Unified in its basic act of indulgence.
  • Cosmic Entities: Lok, Alok, Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya are all considered singular.
  • Karmic Principles: Bondage, liberation, merit, demerit, inflow, blocking of inflow, suffering, and shedding of karmas are each presented as singular.
  • Matter's Attributes: Sound, form, smell, taste, and touch are described as singular in their fundamental existence, though they have various manifestations.
  • Eighteen Demerits (Ashtadash Paap): Presented as singular entities, emphasizing their unified nature as vices.
  • Abstinence from Demerits: Similar to the vices, the abstinences are also presented as singular.
  • Time Cycles: Avasarpini and Utsarpini, the descending and ascending cycles of time, are described as singular.
  • Categories: The twenty-four categories of beings (Dandaks) are presented as singular.
  • Liberation Worthiness: Beings worthy (Bhavya) and unworthy (Abhavya) of liberation are discussed as singular categories.
  • Perception: Right, wrong, and mixed perceptions are presented as singular.
  • Complexion of Soul (Leshya): The different leshyas are presented as singular categories.
  • Liberated Souls (Siddha): The state of liberation is considered singular.
  • Matter: The fundamental aspects of matter (sound, form, smell, taste, touch) are presented as singular.
• Second Sthaan (Place Number Two): This section shifts to a dualistic perspective, focusing on pairs and dichotomies. It explores concepts like:
  • Dravya (Entities): Jiva (living) and Ajiva (non-living).
  • Types of Beings: Mobile (Tras) and immobile (Sthavar).
  • Birth: With a source of birth (Sayonik) and without (Ayonic).
  • Life Span: With a life span (Saayu) and without (Anaayu).
  • Sense Organs: With sense organs (Sa-indriya) and without (Anindriya).
  • Dualities: Mention of dual aspects in actions, conduct, knowledge, time, and even the structure of the universe (Lok and Alok).
• Third Sthaan (Place Number Three): This section focuses on classifications of three. It delves into:
  • Types of Indras (Overlords): Covering divine, political, and even conceptual categories of leadership.
  • Transformations (Vikriya): Discussing how beings can transform themselves.
  • Activities and Intentions: Categorizing actions, speech, and thoughts into three types (e.g., good, bad, mixed).
  • States of Mind: Explaining three types of mental states like attachment, aversion, and detachment.
  • Types of Ascetic Practices: Outlining three stages or types of devotional practices.
  • Cosmology: Describing the three realms of existence (Urdhva, Adho, Tiryak Lok).
  • Types of Persons: Categorizing individuals based on their disposition, lineage, and qualities.
  • Leshya: Classifying soul-complexions into three auspicious and three inauspicious categories.
  • Causes of Natural Phenomena: Explaining three causes for events like earthquakes and rainfall patterns.
• Fourth Sthaan (Place Number Four): This section extensively explores classifications into four. Key areas include:
  • Ant-Kriya (Last Action/End Cycles): Describing four types of death and reincarnation, categorized by karma accumulation and resulting life span and experience.
  • Human Nature and Behaviour: Analyzing human disposition, character, and actions using fourfold classifications based on external and internal qualities.
  • Types of Beings: Categorizing beings based on their body types, purity of origin, and mental states.
  • Classification of Substances: Discussing matter attributes and their variations in fourfold ways.
  • Consequences of Actions: Explaining how actions lead to three types of destinies (dugati) and three types of favorable outcomes (sugati).
  • Types of Knowledge: Differentiating between various forms of knowledge and ignorance.
  • The "Fourfold" Principle: The text emphasizes the "fourfold" analysis as a method to understand multifaceted realities, reflecting the Jain principle of Anekantavada (non-absolutism).

Contribution of the Editors and Publishers:

The publication is a significant effort in making the Agams accessible. The "Illustrated Agam Series" is inspired by Gurudev Bhandari Shri Padmachandra Ji M. Sa.

• Editor-in-Chief: Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Jain Dharma Diwakar Shri Amar Muni ji Maharaj
• Associate Editors: Srichand Surana 'Saras'
• English Translator: Shri Surendra Bothara, Jaipur
• Illustrator: Dr. Shri Trilok Sharma

The publication acknowledges financial support from individuals and families, highlighting the importance of "Shrut Seva" (service to scriptures). Padma Prakashan has published this work, aiming to spread the teachings of Mahavir in every household.

Significance:

The Sthananga Sutra, through its unique numerical classification, provides a structured and accessible framework for understanding complex Jain doctrines. The inclusion of detailed elaborations, Sanskrit commentaries, and now English translations and illustrations, makes this ancient scripture relevant and valuable for contemporary readers and researchers alike. It serves as a testament to the Jain tradition's commitment to preserving and disseminating its scriptural heritage.