Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 05 Sthanakvasi Gujarati - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 03 Ang 03 Sthanang Sutra Part 05 Sthanakvasi Gujarati" by Ghasilal Maharaj, focusing on the content of the provided pages.

Overall Purpose and Context:

This document is part 5 of the fifth Anga (section) of the Jain Agamas, specifically the Sthanang Sutra, as presented in the Sthanakvasi tradition and translated into Gujarati. The text includes the foundational Jain prayers (Namokara Mantra) and provides detailed commentary (Tika) by Ghasilal Maharaj, edited and organized by Shri Chandra P. Doshi. The publication is by the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti. The catalog link indicates it's part of a larger collection of Jain scriptures.

Key Content and Themes Covered in the Provided Pages:

The provided pages (specifically pages 6-10) focus heavily on the rules and regulations concerning Aswadhyaya (periods when scripture study is prohibited) within the Jain tradition. This is a critical aspect of maintaining purity and respect during scriptural study. The text also begins to outline the structure and content of the Sthanang Sutra itself, detailing the various "Sthanas" (places or categories) that are discussed within the scripture.

Detailed Breakdown of Content:

Pages 1-5: Introduction and Publication Details
- Page 1: Begins with the revered Jain prayer, the Namokara Mantra ("Namo Arihantanam..." etc.), acknowledging it as the foremost auspicious chant that eradicates all sins.
- Page 2: Introduces the "Jain Agam Prakashan Yojana" (Jain scripture publication plan) and credits Acharya Shri Ghanshilalji Maharaj for the commentary. It also mentions DVD No. 2 (Gujarati Edition) and credits Shri Chandra P. Doshi.
- Page 3: Clearly states the title: "RI SIHARANG SUTE PART: 05" and "Shri Sthanang Sutra: Part 05".
- Page 4 & 5: Publication Information and Dedication
  - Details the authorship (Ghasilal Maharaj), the commentary (Sudha Akhya by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj), and the Hindi-Gujarati translation.
  - Mentions the planner (Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj).
  - Provides publication details: Publisher (Shri Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti), location (Rajkot), first edition details (1200 copies), and the year of publication (Veer Samvat 2492, Vikram Samvat 2022, AD 1966).
  - Includes a dedication in a poetic verse (Harigeet Chhandah) stating that the work is for those who seek knowledge and that the author's efforts are not for those who disrespect the truth.
  - Lists the printer and price (Rs. 25-0-0).
Pages 6-10: Aswadhyaya (Prohibitions on Study) and Study Rules
- Page 6: Special Instructions for Swadhyaya (Study)
  - Timing of Study: The original text should be studied in the first and fourth quarters of the day and night.
  - Prohibited Times: Study is forbidden during dawn, dusk, midday, and midnight for specific durations (two ghadi or 48 minutes). Specifically, 24 minutes before sunrise and 24 minutes after sunrise (totaling two ghadi) are considered prohibited study times.
  - Women and Menstruation: Women during their monthly cycle are prohibited from studying scripture or being in the presence of scripture study. Study should be conducted in a separate room where such women are not present.
  - 32 Occasions of Aswadhyaya: The text begins to list 32 specific situations when study is prohibited.
    - 10 Occasions Related to the Sky (Akash Sambandhi):
      - 1. Ulkapata (Falling Star): 1 prahar (3 hours) of prohibition.
      - 2. Digdaha (Directional Burning): If a direction has an intense red hue or a large fire is seen in a direction, study is prohibited.
      - Garjarava (Thunderous Roar): If there's a terrible thunderous roar from clouds or excessive lightning, 2 prahar (6 hours) of prohibition.
      - Nirdhata (Celestial Roar): If there's a terrifying roar caused by celestial beings or loud thunderclaps with lightning, up to 8 prahar (24 hours) of prohibition.
      - Vidyut (Lightning): After lightning strikes, 1 prahar (3 hours) of prohibition.
      - Yupaka (Yoking): If the twilight light of the evening and the moonlight coincide on the first, second, or third day of the bright half of the month, it's called Yupaka. During Yupaka at night, the first 1 prahar is prohibited for study.
      - Yakshadipta (Illuminated by Yaksha): If there's a light flash in any direction resembling lightning, it's called Yakshadipta. Study is prohibited during this time.
      - Dhumika Krishna (Dark Mist): From Kartik to Maha months, a fine, water-like mist resembling smoke occurs. Study is prohibited during this mist.
      - Mahika Shwet (White Mist): In winter, a fine, water-like mist of white color occurs. Study is prohibited during this mist.
      - Rajo-udghata (Dust Storm): If dust flies profusely in all four directions due to wind, covering the sun, it's called Rajo-udghata. Study is prohibited then.
- Page 7: Continuing Aswadhyaya Rules
  - 10 Occasions Related to the Gross Body (Audarik Sharir Sambandhi):
    - 11-13. Bones, Flesh, and Blood: If these three are not completely burnt by fire, not washed by water, and are visible, study is prohibited. A broken egg also leads to Aswadhyaya.
    - 14. Excreta (Mal-Mutra): If excreta is visible or its foul smell is present, study is prohibited.
    - 15. Cremation Ground (Smashan): 100 hasta (cubits) around a cremation ground have a study prohibition.
    - 16. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan): During a lunar eclipse, a minimum of 8 muhurta and a maximum of 12 muhurta of prohibition.
    - 17. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan): During a solar eclipse, a minimum of 12 muhurta and a maximum of 16 muhurta of prohibition.
    - 18. Royal Upheaval (Raja Vyudgata): If there's a war between kings in nearby lands, or for one day and night after the war ends, study is prohibited.
    - 19. Fall/Death of a King (Patan): If a great king or national leader dies, until their cremation, study is prohibited. Also, until a successor is appointed, loud study is prohibited.
    - 20. Gross Body (Audarik Sharir): If a dead body of a five-sensed being is found inside a dwelling or within 100 hasta outside, study is prohibited until the body is removed.
    - 21-28. Four Great Festivals and Four Pratipada (New Moons): Studying is prohibited on the full moon days of Ashadh (Bhuta Mahotsav), Ashwin (Indra Mahotsav), Kartik (Skanda Mahotsav), Chaitra (Yaksha Mahotsav), and the following four Pratipada (first day of the lunar fortnight) of the dark half of the moon. This totals eight days of prohibition.
    - 29-30. Morning and Evening Redness: Until the directions appear red during sunrise and sunset (before and after), one ghadi (24 minutes) of study before and after is prohibited.
    - 31-32. Midday and Midnight: One ghadi before and after midday and midnight are prohibited.
- Page 10: Clarification on Aswadhyaya Rules
  - It explicitly states that these Aswadhyaya rules are for the Mulpath (original text) and not for translations in Gujarati or other languages.
  - It emphasizes that respect (Vinay) is the foundation of Dharma and in difficult situations, one should prioritize the wishes and commands of the Guru or elders.
Pages 11-17: Table of Contents (Vishayanuprapshida)
- This section provides a detailed index of the topics covered in the Sthanang Sutra, presented in Gujarati. It lists numerous categories and subcategories, indicating the vast scope of the scripture. The numbering suggests the order in which these topics are discussed. The topics cover a wide range of subjects, including:
  - Eighth Place (Athva Sthan): Detailed discussions on various aspects related to the eighth place, including solitary wandering, different types of souls, illusions, restraints, karmic conditions, faults, merits, etc. (Pages 11-18).
  - Ninth Place (Navva Sthan): Discussions on various aspects of religious conduct, different types of souls, life cycles, diseases, planets, lineage, karma, karma cycles, etc. (Pages 12-17).
  - Tenth Place (Dashva Sthan): Discussions on the nature of the universe, celestial bodies, astronomical classifications, different kinds of happiness, the body, senses, karma, rebirth, salvation, etc. (Pages 13-17).
Pages 18-53: Detailed Explanations of Specific Sthanas (Places/Categories)
- Page 18 onwards: Eighth Place (Aathva Sthana) - Vividha Vivaran
  - Solitary Wandering (Ekal Vihari Sadhu): Describes the eight qualities required for a monk to practice solitary wandering, emphasizing faith, truthfulness, intelligence, extensive scriptural knowledge, strength, lack of conflict, patience, and valor.
  - Origin and Movement of Life Forms (Yoni Sangrah aur Gati Agati): Explains the eight types of origins (egg-born, placenta-born, etc.) and their movements, noting that only egg-born, placenta-born, and those born by spontaneous generation (aupapatika) have eight types of movements, while others are limited.
  - Karma Accumulation and Stages (Karma Prakrutik Cheyadika Nirupan): Discusses the eight types of karma (knowledge-obstructing, perception-obstructing, feeling, delusion, lifespan, name, status, and obstruction) and their continuous accumulation, sustenance, and future accumulation by souls, covering naraka (hellish beings) to vaimanika (celestial beings).
  - Illusory vs. Real Actions (Mayavi ke Maya Jaloiyana Nripa): Differentiates between those who practice deceit and those who are truthful. It delves into the reasons why some souls engage in deceit and the consequences. It also touches upon the praise and condemnation of such behavior.
  - Eight Types of Loka Sthiti (Worldly Situations): Discusses the ten ways the world is structured and the conditions within it.
  - Eight Types of Ganiprada (Monastic Leaders): Details the qualities and domains of ten types of monastic leaders, likely referring to heads of different monastic communities or lineages.
  - Eight Types of Mahānidhi (Great Treasures): Describes the concept of eight great treasures, possibly referring to spiritual or material riches.
  - Eight Types of Ira Samiti etc. (Samyama): Focuses on the practice of restraint (Samyama) and its eightfold path, including the five senses, mind, speech, and body. It details the nuances of each: Ira Samiti (careful movement), Bhasha Samiti (careful speech), Eshana Samiti (careful alms-seeking), Adana Bhanda Matra Nikshepana Samiti (careful handling of possessions), Uchchara Prasravana Khel Jala Shinghana Parishthapanika Samiti (careful disposal of bodily waste), and the three guards: Mana Gupta (control of mind), Vachana Gupta (control of speech), and Kaya Gupta (control of body).
  - Pratyashchitta (Atonement): Discusses the principles of atonement and the roles of the Acharya and the disciple in the process. It outlines eight types of pratyashchitta.
  - Eight Types of Mahasthan (Great Places/Errors): Discusses ten major errors or transgressions.
  - Eight Types of Akriyavadi (Nihilists/Skeptics): Describes ten schools of thought that deny the efficacy of actions or the existence of a soul, including eternalists, annihilationists, etc.
  - Eight Types of Papashastra (Scriptures of Sin): Lists ten categories of scriptures that promote or explain sinful deeds.
  - Ten Types of Vachana Vibhakti (Grammatical Cases in Speech): Explains the ten grammatical cases in speech and their usage.
  - Ten Types of Ayurveeda (Science of Life): Details the ten branches of Ayurvedic medicine.
  - Ten Types of Agre mahishi (Chief Queens): Lists the ten chief queens of various celestial kings (Devendra).
  - Eight Types of Mahagraha (Great Planets): Lists the eight major planets influencing destiny.
  - Ten Types of Samyarambha and Asamarambha (Controlled and Uncontrolled Actions): Discusses the ten classifications of actions that lead to restraint or lack thereof.
  - Ten Types of Sukshma Jiva (Subtle Life Forms): Identifies ten categories of minute life forms.
  - Ten Types of Siddha (Liberated Souls): Lists ten attributes or stages associated with liberated souls.
  - Ten Types of Darshana (Perceptions/Views): Categorizes ten different ways of seeing or understanding reality.
  - Ten Types of Adhyopamya Kala (Incomparable Time Periods): Explains ten periods of time that are beyond comparison.
  - Ten Types of Mahaswapna (Great Dreams): Lists ten significant dreams.
  - Ten Types of Ahar (Food/Sustenance): Categorizes ten types of sustenance.
  - Ten Types of Lokantika Devas and Their Abodes: Describes ten categories of celestial beings dwelling in specific realms.
  - Ten Types of Dharma (Righteousness/Duty): Lists ten principles or duties.
  - Ten Types of Tirthankara's Lineage: Mentions ten individuals associated with the lineage of Tirthankaras.
  - Ten Types of Gati (States of Existence): Classifies the ten possible states of rebirth.
  - Ten Types of Antardvipa (Inner Islands): Describes ten specific islands within the Jain cosmology.
  - Ten Types of Ratnavishesh (Special Gems): Lists ten categories of precious gems.
  - Ten Types of Yojanaprabha (Measure of Yojana): Discusses ten variations in the measurement of a Yojana.
  - Ten Types of Swami Hindon (Masters/Guides): Identifies ten types of spiritual masters or guides.
  - Ten Types of Mandara (Mount Meru) Related Items: Lists ten items or places associated with Mount Meru.
  - Ten Types of Tirtha (Sacred Sites): Identifies ten sacred pilgrimage sites.
  - Ten Types of Tirtha Vaita Dhyaya (Mountains of Vaita Dhyaya): Discusses ten mountains related to Vaita Dhyaya.
  - Ten Types of Mandara Yushika (Parts of Mandara): Lists ten parts of Mount Mandara.
  - Ten Types of Kshetram (Regions): Classifies ten different geographical regions.
  - Ten Types of Parvat (Mountains): Lists ten specific mountains.
  - Ten Types of Deva-stha and Devendra Vimana (Abodes of Gods and Celestial Kings): Describes ten types of celestial abodes.
  - Ten Types of Tapo (Austerities): Lists ten categories of spiritual austerities.
  - Ten Types of Sansar Samapanna (Entangled in Samsara): Identifies ten ways beings are bound to the cycle of birth and death.
  - Ten Types of Samyama (Restraint): Lists ten forms of spiritual restraint.
  - Ten Types of Prithivi (Earth Elements): Classifies ten variations within the earth element.
  - Ten Types of Shubhānushthana Shravasa (Good Deeds Heard): Lists ten types of auspicious deeds or practices heard from scriptures.
  - Ten Types of Mahasahasra Vimana Uchchata: Mentions ten heights or structures related to Mahasahasra Vimana (a celestial abode).
  - Ten Types of Samayika and Kevali Samudghata: Discusses ten types of meditative states and the process of Kevali Samudghata (emission of soul-particles by Omniscient beings).

Overall Impression:

The provided text is a highly systematic and detailed explanation of Jain principles, cosmology, and practices, as expounded in the Sthanang Sutra. The emphasis on Aswadhyaya highlights the Jain commitment to purity and discipline in spiritual study. The extensive index (Table of Contents) reveals the depth and breadth of the Sthanang Sutra's teachings, covering a vast array of concepts related to existence, karma, ethics, celestial beings, and the structure of the universe. The commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj provides detailed explanations and interpretations, making these complex concepts accessible.