Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayanga Sutra Stahanakvasi

The provided text is a comprehensive compilation of the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra, the fourth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas, authored by the fifth Ganadhara, Bhagavan Sudharma Swami, and compiled under the inspiration of various Acharyas and monks. The text is a Hindi translation, analysis, and annotation of the original Prakrit text, with additional appendices and explanations.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the text:

1. Introduction and Editorial Information:

• Title: Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayanga Sutra (समवायांगसूत्र)
• Author(s): Madhukarmuni (Editor-in-Chief), Hiralal Shastri (Translator-Annotator-Editor). The text acknowledges the inspiration and guidance of several other Acharyas and Mahasatijis, including Yuvaacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar' and Mahasati Sadhvi Shri Umrav Kunwarji 'Archana'.
• Publisher: SHRI AGAM PRAKASHA SAMITI, Beawar (Rajasthan)
• Purpose: The text is presented as a detailed exposition of the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra, intended to provide a foundation for understanding Jain philosophy, cosmology, history, and principles. It aims to be accessible to both the general reader and the scholar.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to the memory of Paramapujya Jyēṣṭha Gurubhrātā Pravartakvar Muni Shri Hajarimalji Maharaj.
• Editorial Philosophy: The publication aims to provide a correct, accessible, and comprehensive version of the Agamas, acknowledging the challenges of preserving and interpreting ancient texts. The editorial board emphasizes the value of clarity, accuracy, and adherence to the original teachings.

2. The Samavāyāṅga Sūtra itself:

• Classification: It is the fourth Anga of the Twelve Angas (Dvadashanga Ganipitaka) of the Jain canon.
• Content: The Samavāyāṅga Sūtra is described as a "treasury of Jain principles." Its unique presentation style involves discussing substances with specific numbers from one up to one hundred, followed by an explanation of numerical progression beyond one hundred (anēkōttarikā vr̥ddhi samavāya). It also includes introductions to the Dvadashanga Ganipitaka and various subjects.
• Key Subject Matter: The sutra covers a vast range of topics, including:
  • Classification and Enumeration: It systematically enumerates and categorizes various Jain philosophical principles, substances (dravyas), qualities (gunas), regions (kshetra), time periods (kala), and conditions (bhava). This is done in a numerical progression, starting from 'one' and extending to very large numbers.
  • Cosmology: It provides information about the structure of the universe, including different types of beings (jiva), non-living substances (ajiva), the inhabited world (loka), the uninhabited world (aloka), one's own time-space (swasamaya), and others' time-space (parasamaya).
  • Cosmic Entities: It describes the existence and characteristics of various cosmic entities like Naraka (hell beings), Devas (celestial beings), various classes of beings like Bhavanavasis, Vyantaras, Jyotishkas, and Vaimanikas, and their respective lifespans and residences.
  • Jain Philosophy: It delves into fundamental Jain concepts such as soul (atma), non-soul (ajiva), karma, bondage (bandha), liberation (moksha), influx (asrava), stoppage (samvara), shedding of karma (nirjara), virtue (punya), sin (papa), etc.
  • Historical and Biographical Information: It mentions important figures in Jainism, including the Tirthankaras, their lifespans, the length of their ascetic practices, and their spiritual achievements. It also mentions Chakravartis (universal emperors), Baladevas, Vasudevas, and Ganadharas.
  • Astronomy and Geography: It contains detailed information about astronomical concepts, constellations, celestial bodies (sun, moon), geographical divisions of the universe (Jambudvipa, etc.), mountains (Meru), rivers, and the lifespan of celestial beings.
  • Other Subjects: It touches upon various other subjects like different types of bodies (sharira), senses (indriyas), passions (kashayas), states of mind (bhava), types of death (marana), and even the number of syllables in the Namokar mantra.

3. Analytical Chapters (Prastavana):

The extensive "Prastavana" (Introduction/Foreword) provides a detailed review and analysis of the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra, covering:

• Name Derivation: Explains the meaning of "Samavāya" as the coming together or classification of various entities.
• Subject Matter: Details the contents of the sutra, highlighting its unique numerical enumeration style.
• Comparison with other Agamas: It draws significant parallels and contrasts with other Jain scriptures like Nandi Sūtra, Sthānāṅga Sūtra, Bhagavati Sūtra, Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, Prajnapana Sūtra, Jumbūdvipa Prajnapti, Sūrya Prajnapti, and Āchārāṅga Sūtra, showing how the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra either introduces, summarizes, or elaborates on topics found in these other texts. This comparative study is a major part of the introduction.
• Style and Language: Discusses the "kosha-shaili" (dictionary-like or compendium style) of the sutra, noting its effectiveness for memorization and its presence in other ancient traditions.
• Categorization: The introduction also meticulously breaks down the content of each "Samavāya" (chapter/section based on numbers 1 to 100, and then anekottarika). It analyzes the specific topics covered in each, providing summaries and cross-references.
• Commentary Literature: It mentions the existing commentary literature on the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra, starting with Acharya Abhayadeva's Sanskrit commentary (Vṛtti) and later works.
• Publication History: It touches upon the previous editions and translations of the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra.
• The Current Edition: It highlights the specific efforts and contributions of the editors and publishers in bringing out this particular edition.

4. Key Themes and Significance:

• Systematic Classification: The Samavāyāṅga is crucial for its systematic approach to enumerating and classifying all aspects of Jain cosmology, philosophy, and practice. It provides a framework for understanding the vastness and order of the Jain universe.
• Numerical Progression: The use of numerical progression from one to incredibly large numbers demonstrates the Jain emphasis on precise and exhaustive classification.
• Interconnectedness of Jain Literature: The comparative study within the introduction highlights the interconnectedness of the Jain canon, showing how topics are introduced, elaborated upon, and cross-referenced across different Angas and Upangas.
• Historical and Biographical Data: The inclusion of details about Tirthankaras, Ganadharas, Chakravartis, and other prominent figures makes the text valuable for understanding the history and lineage of Jainism.
• Accessibility: The Hindi translation, commentary, and annotations aim to make this complex text accessible to a wider audience, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.

In essence, the Samavāyāṅga Sūtra (as presented in this edition) is a highly detailed and systematic compendium of Jain knowledge, offering a structured understanding of the Jain worldview across various domains, from the fundamental nature of reality to the biographies of spiritual leaders and the intricacies of cosmic structures. The Prastavana serves as an invaluable guide, analyzing the sutra's content, context, and place within the broader Jain literary tradition.