Agam 03 Sthanang Gujarati Translation

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Jain Agam Sutra, Anga Sutra 3, "Sthananga," by Muni Deepratnasagarji. The text meticulously categorizes and explains various aspects of Jain philosophy and cosmology based on numbers, from one to ten, and beyond, covering a vast range of topics.

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Core Purpose: The primary purpose of this document is to present the "Sthananga Sutra" from the Jain Agam literature in Gujarati, with a detailed translation and commentary by Muni Deepratnasagarji. The "Sthananga Sutra" is characterized by its classification of subjects based on numbers, detailing how different elements, beings, concepts, and phenomena can be grouped or understood in terms of ones, twos, threes, fours, and so on, up to ten and sometimes beyond.

Structure and Content: The document is organized into sections corresponding to the numerical classification (Sthan-1, Sthan-2, Sthan-3, Sthan-4, Sthan-5, Sthan-6, Sthan-7, Sthan-8, Sthan-9, Sthan-10). Each "Sthan" (place or category) is further divided into "Uddesh" (sections or objectives) which then detail specific points (Sutras).

Key Themes and Topics Covered (Illustrative Examples):

• Numbers as Categorization: The entire text revolves around enumerating and classifying Jain concepts based on numerical values.
  • One (Sthan-1): Discusses single entities like the soul (Atma), actions (Kriya), world (Lok), non-world (Alok), various substances (Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya, etc.), concepts like bondage (Bandh) and liberation (Moksha), merit (Punya), demerit (Pap), influx (Asrava), closure (Samvara), suffering (Vedana), and shedding of karma (Nirjara). It also touches upon physical attributes like sound, form, smell, taste, and touch, as well as moral failings and virtues.
  • Two (Sthan-2): Explores dualities and classifications into two categories. This includes the distinction between living (Jiva) and non-living (Ajiva) beings, sentient (Trasa) and non-sentient (Sthavara), the soul's actions (Kriya) being classified in various dual ways (e.g., Jivakriya, Ajivakriya), different types of knowledge (Jnan), conduct (Charitra), time periods (Avsarpini and Utsarpini), and classifications of various beings and phenomena (e.g., Narayikas, Devatas, trees, senses, karma types, time divisions). It also details numerous dual aspects of ethical practices, vows, and spiritual states.
  • Three (Sthan-3): Focuses on enumerations in threes. This covers aspects like Indra (name, establishment, substance), types of actions (Kriya), relationship classifications (e.g., in Mithuna), yogas (Man, Vachan, Kaya), causes for short lifespan, the three types of liberation (Gutis), descriptions of men (based on qualities), birth classifications (Andaj, Potaj, Sammurchimaj), qualities of beings (Jiva, Ajiva, Jivadravya), types of knowledge and conduct, and various cosmological elements like mountains, rivers, and geographical divisions.
  • Four (Sthan-4): Continues the numerical classification, discussing concepts in fours. This includes classifications of beings based on purity and impurity of mind, speech, body, and actions. It explores different types of trees and their symbolic representations, classifications of men based on their nature and actions, various types of sounds, colors, smells, tastes, and touches, and classifications of vows and ethical conduct. The text also delves into the classification of time, geographical divisions (like Jambudvipa and its regions), the characteristics of different types of beings in terms of their karma and lifespan, and various celestial bodies and their attributes.
  • Five (Sthan-5): Expands on the numerical classification into fives. This includes the five great vows (Mahavratas) and their lesser forms (Anuvratas), classifications of colors and tastes, the five senses and their objects, the five types of suffering and their cessation, the five classifications of souls, and the five levels of spiritual attainment. It also touches upon cosmological elements, the structure of the universe, and the characteristics of various celestial beings.
  • Six (Sthan-6): Continues the enumeration into six categories. This covers topics like different types of mendicants (Nirgranthas), classifications of time periods, various states of mind (Gutis), categories of beings and their associated actions, and ethical principles. It also details the six types of karma and their classifications.
  • Seven (Sthan-7): Explores concepts in sevens. This includes classifications of hellish beings, types of knowledge, characteristics of celestial beings, the seven tattvas (fundamentals) in Jainism, and various numerical classifications within cosmology and ethics.
  • Eight (Sthan-8): Continues the numerical classification into eights. This includes types of knowledge, classifications of beings based on their actions and states, and various cosmological and ethical principles. It also touches upon the eight types of karma and their classifications.
  • Nine (Sthan-9): Further expands on the numerical classification into nines, covering aspects of karma, spiritual progress, and classifications of various beings and concepts. It details the nine types of samitis (movements) and the nine types of guptis (restraints).
  • Ten (Sthan-10): Concludes the numerical enumeration with concepts categorized in tens. This includes descriptions of the ten directions, ten types of speech, ten aspects of knowledge, and the ten cardinal virtues. It also covers the ten types of karma and their classifications, and the ten stages of spiritual development.

Translator and Editor: The translation and editing are attributed to Muni Deepratnasagarji, who is described as an "Agam Diwakar" (Sun of Agam), a "Shrut Maharshi" (Great Sage of Scriptural Knowledge), and holds multiple academic degrees (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.various degrees).

Publisher and Publication Details: The publisher is also listed as Deepratnasagar, Deepratnasagar. The publication date is 30/03/2020.

Catalog and Contact Information: A catalog link is provided: https://jainqq.org/explore/035603/. Contact details for Muni Deepratnasagarji, including email and mobile numbers, are also given.

Overall Significance: This translation and commentary of the Sthananga Sutra serve as a valuable resource for understanding the foundational principles of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on detailed classification and enumeration. It highlights the systematic approach within Jain scriptures to dissect and explain complex philosophical and cosmological ideas. The work by Muni Deepratnasagarji is presented as a comprehensive effort to make this ancient text accessible in Gujarati.