Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayang Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Samvayang Sutra, with a focus on its Gujarati translation and commentary by Ghanshilal Maharaj.

Title: Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayang Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati Author: Ghanshilal Maharaj Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006414/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

This document is an excerpt from a Jain scripture, specifically the Samvayang Sutra, which is part of the Agam literature. It appears to be a Gujarati edition, featuring a detailed commentary titled "Bhavbodhini" by Acharya Ghanshilal Maharaj. The text is highly structured, with each page likely containing a section of the Sutra and its explanation.

Key Elements and Content:

1. Mangalacharan (Page 1): The text begins with the auspicious invocation of the Panch Namaskar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhānam, Namo Āyariyānam, Namo Vovajjhāyānam, Namo Loye Savva Sāhūnam), recognized as the destroyer of all sins and the foremost of all auspicious things.

2. Publisher and Project Information (Pages 2-4):

   • It highlights the "Agam Prakashan Yojana" by Acharya Ghanshilal Maharaj.
   • Shri Chandra P. Doshi – Ph.D. is the organizer of the scheme, with the website www.jainagam.com mentioned.
   • The title "Shri Samvayang Sutram" is clearly stated, along with its Sanskrit and Prakrit origins.
   • The text clarifies that it's enriched with the "Bhavbodhini" commentary by Jainacharya Ghanshilalji Maharaj and includes Hindi-Gujarati language translations.
   • Munishri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj, a Sanskrit and Prakrit scholar of Jain Agam, is noted as the planner of the translation.
   • The publication is by the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, with support from Shri Man Mulchandji Jawaharalji Savaradiya family.
   • The first edition was published in Veer Samvat 2488 (1962 CE), with 1000 copies printed.
   • The price is mentioned as Rs. 25/-.

3. Special Instructions for Study (Page 6-10): This is a significant portion detailing strict rules and observances for the study of the original text (Mulpath) and its translations.

   • Timing: Study is recommended during the first and fourth parts of the day and night. Specific times for reading are also given.
   • Restrictions: Certain periods around sunrise and sunset are to be avoided for study. Study is prohibited during menstrual periods of women, and one should not sit in their presence while studying. Study can be done in rooms where such women are not present.
   • 32 Astadhyaya Prasangas (Occasions for Non-Study): These are categorized into two main groups:
     • 10 Related to Sky (Ākāsh Sambandhi): Falling stars (ulkapāt), directional fire (digdāh), loud thunder (garjārav), divine pronouncements (nirghāt), lightning (vidyut), specific conjunctions of twilight and moonlight (yūpak), flashes of light (yakṣādīpta), and specific types of fog or mist (dhūmikā kr̥ṣṇa, mahikā śveta), dust storms (rajo'ddghāt).
     • 10 Related to the Physical Body (Audārika Sharīr Sambandhi): Remains of bones, flesh, and blood that are not fully burnt or washed away (hādkaṁ-māṁsa āṇi rōdhira), broken eggs (phuṭēluṁ iṁḍu), visible excreta/urine with foul smell (mala-mūtra), cremation grounds (smaśān), lunar and solar eclipses (candragrahaṇa, sūryagrahaṇa), royal disturbances (rājavyagrata), major events like the death of a king or national leader (patana), and the presence of a dead body (audārika śarīra) within or near the study area.
   • Specific Festivals: Four major festivals (mahotsava) and the four preceding days (pratipadā) are mentioned as times when study is not to be conducted.
   • Daily Restrictions: Specific times of the day and night (dawn, dusk, noon, midnight) are marked for avoiding study for short durations.
   • Important Caveat: The rules for "astadhyaya" apply only to the original text (Mulpath), not to translations in Gujarati or other languages. The text emphasizes that "Vinay" (respect and humility) is the root of Dharma and encourages following the wishes of elders and gurus during difficult times.

4. Table of Contents (Page 11-19): This extensive index (Vishayanubhushīḍā) outlines the content of the Samvayang Sutra, structured into 76 chapters (Samvaya). Each Samvaya deals with specific classifications and enumerations related to Jain philosophy, such as:

   • Enumeration of different types of concepts (e.g., 12 types of Gaṇipiṭaka, 13 ethical states, 14 types of conduct, 16 types of impurity, 17 types of lack of restraint, 18 types of conduct, 19 types of Jñātādharma, 20 types of disunity, 21 types of suffering, etc.).
   • Life spans and conditions of beings in different realms (e.g., Naraka beings, Vantaryas, Jyotishka, Kalpavāsī devas, etc.).
   • Detailed lists of numbers and their association with various Jain concepts (e.g., 16 types of hellish beings, 17 types of hellish beings' duration of stay, 23 types of hellish beings' duration, etc.).
   • Concepts related to karma, soul, the universe (lok, alok), deities, the Tirthankaras and their lineage.
   • Detailed classifications of Lèśyā (soul-colors), Samitis (careful conduct), Guptis (restraints), Tapa (asceticism), and various phenomena related to the Jain cosmology and ontology.

5. Detailed Explanations within the Text (Pages 20-178): The provided pages showcase the beginning of the commentary and the explanation of specific sutras. The commentary elaborates on:

   • Mangalacharan and Avataranika (Page 20-22): Explains the significance of the beginning invocation and the context of the scripture's teaching, emphasizing the words of Lord Mahavir.
   • Doctrines and Classifications: The text delves into numerous classifications and concepts within Jainism, often enumerating them by number (e.g., 12 types of Gaṇipiṭaka, 16 Lèśyā, 32 Astadhyaya Prasangas, 43 types of Karma Vipaka, 53 types of Lèśyā, 63 types of Lèśyā, 72 types of Lèśyā, 84 types of Lèśyā, etc.).
   • Specific Examples: The explanations often provide specific examples and detailed descriptions of the entities being classified, such as the characteristics of hellish beings, lifespan of deities, the nature of Lèśyā, and the conduct of monks and ascetics.
   • Nayas (Perspectives): The commentary touches upon different philosophical standpoints like Dravyārthika Naya (substance-oriented perspective) and Paryāyārthika Naya (state-oriented perspective) when explaining concepts like the soul.
   • Rules of Conduct: The text details regulations concerning study, including specific times and circumstances to avoid.
   • Detailed Enumerations: The Samvaya chapters often involve extensive lists, counting things from one to many, sometimes reaching into millions and crores (e.g., number of hellish abodes, number of vimanas, number of people in lineages).
   • Tirthankaras and their Attributes: Information about Tirthankaras, their parents, lifespans, and the number of their disciples and ganadharas is provided.
   • Cosmology and Geography: The text mentions geographical entities like Jambudvīpa, Meru mountain, and various rivers, along with their dimensions.
   • Karma Theory: Aspects of karma, such as the different types of karma and their effects, are discussed.
   • Samyak Darshan and Conduct: The text emphasizes the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, outlining various rules and practices for monks and lay followers.

Purpose and Significance:

The Samvayang Sutra, as presented with this commentary, serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of Jain doctrine and cosmology. It systematically enumerates and classifies a vast array of Jain philosophical concepts, entities, rules, and historical figures. The detailed commentary by Ghanshilal Maharaj aims to make these complex teachings accessible and understandable, likely to promote adherence to Jain principles and practices.

Overall Impression:

The text is highly scholarly and deeply rooted in Jain tradition. The detailed classifications and numerical data reflect a methodical approach to organizing and transmitting spiritual knowledge. The inclusion of specific instructions for study highlights the reverence and discipline associated with studying these sacred texts. The work of Acharya Ghanshilal Maharaj and Munishri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj demonstrates a significant effort in preserving and disseminating Jain Agam literature.