Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 01 (Sthanakvasi), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi Author(s): Virmatibai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, Subodhikabai Mahasati Publisher: Guru Pran Prakashan Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008755/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

This document is the first part of the third Anga of the Jain Agamas, the Sthanang Sutra, specifically presented in the Sthanakvasi tradition. The Sthanang Sutra is a foundational Jain scripture that classifies and enumerates various aspects of Jain philosophy, cosmology, and ethics according to numerical categories, primarily focusing on numbers from one to ten. This particular volume, as indicated by the title and authors, is a translation and commentary on the Sthanang Sutra relevant to the Sthanakvasi Jain tradition.

Key Elements and Content Summary:

The provided pages reveal the structure and initial content of this publication. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

Dedication and Salutations: The initial pages (1, 2, 5) begin with traditional Jain salutations (Shri Vitraagay Namah) and dedications to revered Acharyas and Mahasatishis of the Gondal Gachha tradition, particularly commemorating the birth centenary of Pujya Shri Pranalalji M.S. and the Mahaprayan of Pujya Shri Ratilalji M.S. This highlights the devotional and commemorative aspect of the publication.
Authors and Editorial Team: The title page and introduction clearly list the authors as Virmatibai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, and Subodhikabai Mahasati. The editorial and translation team is also extensively detailed, featuring prominent Mahasatishis like Pujya Shri Lilambai Mahasatiji (Chief Editor), Pujya Shri Muktabai M., Pujya Shri Veermati Bai M. (Translator), Dr. Sadhvi Shri Aarti Bai M., and Sadhvi Shri Subodhika Bai M. (Co-editors), indicating a collective effort of scholarly and spiritual endeavor within the Sthanakvasi lineage.
The Sthanang Sutra's Core Concept: The "Abhigam" (Editorial) section by Pujya Shri Jayant Muni M.S. on page 34 explains the essence of the Sthanang Sutra. It clarifies that the term "Sthanang" (literally "place" or "count") refers to central points or principles that encompass various phenomena of the universe, whether material or spiritual, transient or eternal. The Sutra systematically categorizes these elements from one to ten. The text emphasizes the unique style of the Sthanang Sutra where facts are presented numerically, often with cross-references and elaborations on the significance of these counts.
Content Structure:
- Numerical Classification: The text, particularly from page 15 onwards (Table of Contents), demonstrates the Sutra's structure. It is divided into sections based on numbers (Sthan - 1, Sthan - 2, Sthan - 3, Sthan - 4), with further subdivisions (Uddeshak).
- Topics Covered: The Table of Contents on pages 15-22 provides a vast and diverse range of topics covered within the Sthanang Sutra. These include:
  - Cosmology: Descriptions of Jambudweepa, its mountains, rivers, seas, stars, constellations, and the structure of the universe.
  - Jain Philosophy: Concepts like soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), karma, bondage (bandh), liberation (moksha), senses, knowledge (mati, shruta, etc.), conduct (charitra), vows (charitra), penances (tapa), and various classifications of living beings.
  - Ethics and Conduct: Rules for monks and nuns, daily practices, dietary regulations, and moral principles.
  - Historical and Biographical Elements: Life sketches of revered Acharyas like Shri Dungarsinhji M.S., Shri Pranalalji M.S., and Shri Rati Lalji M.S. are included, along with descriptions of their contributions.
  - Numerical Enumerations: The Sutra extensively uses numerical categorization for concepts like types of actions, conditions, qualities, beings, places, and time periods, often from one to ten. For example, pages 67 onwards detail the "one" aspects (e.g., soul is one, punishment is one), and the Table of Contents shows sections for two, three, and four aspects of various subjects.
Specific Examples from Content:
- Sthan 1 (Page 65 onwards): Begins with an introduction to the Sutra's structure and discusses "one" aspects like the soul (Aatma ek chhe - soul is one), punishment (dand ek chhe - punishment is one), action (kriya ek chhe - action is one), lok-alok (lok ek chhe, alok ek chhe), dharma-adharma (dharma ek chhe, adharma ek chhe), bondage-liberation (bandh ek chhe, moksh ek chhe), merit-demerit (punya ek chhe, paap ek chhe), influx (aashrav ek chhe), stoppage (samvar ek chhe), suffering (vedana ek chhe), and liberation from karma (nirjara ek chhe). It also lists various other "one" aspects.
- Sthan 2 (Page 100 onwards): Focuses on "two" aspects, such as Jiva-Ajiva, Jiva-Tiranj, Gandha-Ras-Sparsha diversity, various classifications of men based on qualities, lifespan (Devalok, Narakayu), the nature of actions (Jiva-kriya vs. Ajiva-kriya), right-wrong-mixed view (samyak-mithya-samyak-mithya-drishti), and the dual nature of karma or spiritual paths. It also details the two types of conduct (Grihastha-Agnagar) and the two types of knowledge (Indriya-based vs. Non-indriya-based).
- Sthan 3 (Pages 145 onwards): Deals with "three" aspects, including types of conduct (Aachars), lifespan classifications, types of meditation (dhyana), and the categories of speech (vachana). It also covers the three types of hells, heavens, and the three types of resolutions (sankalp).
- Sthan 4 (Pages 290 onwards): Covers "four" aspects, such as the four types of Jivas (Jambudweepa residents), four types of seasons, four types of breaths, four types of puranas, and enumerates various celestial beings, their lifespans, and the structure of the cosmos. It also delves into the four types of jnana (knowledge), the four types of speech, and the four types of karma.
Editorial and Publishing Context: Pages 5-14 provide vital information about the publication itself. It mentions the Guru Pran Foundation, Rajkot, and Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai. It speaks of a re-publication in 2009 and details the first edition's print run (1050 copies) and the second edition's print run (1008 copies). It also lists contact points for obtaining the book in Mumbai, USA, and Rajkot. Page 7 is a dedication to Pujya Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M.S., highlighting his qualities. Page 8 contains blessings from Muni Ratilalji M.S. for the publication, emphasizing the study of Agamas and living a life of Panchachar (five types of conduct). Pages 10-11 list the 32 Agamas that are part of this publication series, indicating this volume is the 13th Agama (Sthanang Sutra). Pages 12-13 list the names of numerous Munis and Mahasatishis, suggesting a wide patronage and participation in this extensive project. Pages 14 discusses the importance of studying Agamas and the rules for doing so, including concepts like "asvadhyaya" (times when scripture study is not permitted).

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The publication aims to make the sacred Sthanang Sutra accessible to Gujarati-speaking Jains, providing the original text, its meaning (Bhavarth), commentary (Vivechan), and supplementary information (Parishisht). It serves as an important resource for spiritual learning, philosophical understanding, and practical guidance within the Jain tradition, especially for Sthanakvasi followers. The extensive editorial and support team indicates a significant effort to preserve and disseminate this vital scripture.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided text fragments, highlighting the structure, content, and context of this Jain Agama publication.