Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayanga Sutra Sthanakvasi

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, Agam 04 Ang 04 Samvayanga Sutra, based on the provided pages and catalog link:

Book Title: Agam 09 Ang 04 Samvayanga Sutra Author(s): Vanitabai Mahasati, Aarti Bai Mahasati, Subodhika Bai Mahasati Publisher: Guru Pran Prakashan Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008757/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

The provided pages reveal that this is a significant Jain religious text, specifically the Samvayanga Sutra, which is the fourth Anga (limb or section) of the Jain Agamas. The text is presented in Gujarati with Hindi and Sanskrit quotations, indicating a scholarly and devotional approach to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The publication is part of the "Guru Pran Agam Batrisi" series, dedicated to the teachings and memory of spiritual masters like Pujya Shri Ratilalji Maharaj Saheb and Pujya Shri Pranalalji M. Sa. The text includes the original text (Mool Path), its meaning (Bhavarth), commentary (Vivechan), and supplementary material (Parishishth).

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Samvayanga Sutra:

   • The text is identified as the fourth Anga of the Jain Agamas.
   • Its name, Samvayanga, suggests a compilation or collection of various Jain principles and classifications, often based on numerical categorizations.
   • The "Abhigam" (approach/introduction) section highlights the unique Jain methodology of presenting universal realities through a mathematical or numerical system (ganit) within scriptures, which is distinct from worldly literature. This system categorizes the tangible and intangible aspects of the universe.
   • The text aims to present the essence of the Samvayanga Sutra, facilitating understanding for even young children.

2. Spiritual Lineage and Dedication:

   • The publication is deeply rooted in the Gondal Gachchha tradition.
   • It is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of masters: Pujya Shri Dungar Singhji M. Sa., Pujya Shri Pranlalji M. Sa. (Saurashtra Kesari), and Pujya Shri Ratilalji M. Sa. (Tapasamrat).
   • The translation and editing are attributed to Mahasatijis like Pujya Shri Lilambai M., Pujya Shri Aarti Bai M., and Pujya Shri Subodhika Bai M., showcasing the significant contribution of female scholars and spiritual leaders in Jain tradition.
   • The text is presented as a tribute to the spiritual masters, particularly in commemoration of the birth centenary of Pujya Shri Ratilalji M. Sa.

3. Core Jain Philosophy:

   • Numbers as a Framework: The Samvayanga Sutra utilizes numbers as a primary method for organizing and understanding Jain philosophy. The summaries of individual Samvayas (chapters or sections) from page 15 onwards clearly illustrate this, detailing concepts numbered from one upwards, covering diverse topics.
   • Categorization of Reality: The text aims to provide a structured understanding of the universe, classifying everything from elements of existence (Jiva, Ajiva) to astronomical phenomena (stars, constellations), spiritual concepts (kashayas, vratas), historical accounts (lifespans of great beings, lineage of Tirthankaras), and even aspects of rituals and conduct.
   • Spiritual Principles: The text emphasizes key Jain principles like:
     • Anekanta-vada: The philosophy of manifold aspects of reality, implied by the numerical categorization and the idea that different numbers reveal different facets of truth.
     • Samata (Equanimity) and Samabhava (Impartiality): The term "Samvay" itself suggests bringing things together or harmonizing them, which can be interpreted in a spiritual context as developing equanimity and impartiality towards all beings and phenomena.
     • Spiritual Sadhana: The text highlights the importance of self-discipline, detachment, knowledge acquisition, and virtuous conduct (Panchachar) for spiritual progress and liberation.
     • Tapas (Austerities): The lives of the spiritual masters mentioned (Pranalalji M. Sa., Ratilalji M. Sa.) emphasize deep spiritual practices, including austerities, silence, and dedicated service.

4. Detailed Content Examples from Samvayas:

   • Samvay 1 (Page 59-65): Focuses on concepts presented as "one" – Jiva, Ajiva, Dand, Adand, Karma, Moksha, Ashrava, Samvara, Vedana, Nirjara, Lok, Alok, Dharma, Adharma, etc. It also mentions numerical aspects of Jambudvipa, celestial vehicles, and lifespans of beings.
   • Samvay 2 (Page 66-70): Deals with concepts presented as "two" – Dand (two types: arthadand, anarthadand), Rashi (two types: Jiva and Ajiva), Bandhan (two types: Rag and Dwesh), constellations with two stars, lifespans (palyopam, sagaropam) of various beings.
   • Samvay 3 (Page 70-74): Discusses concepts as "three" – Gupta (three types: Mana, Vachana, Kaya), Kashaya (three types: Maya, Nidana, Mithyadarshana), Garva (three types: Riddhi, Rasa, Shata), Viradhana (three types: Jnana, Darshana, Charitra). It also covers lifespans and constellations with three stars.
   • Samvay 4 (Page 74-77): Focuses on "four" – Kashayas (Krodha, Mana, Maya, Lobha), Dhyanas (Art, Raudra, Dharma, Shukla), Kathas (Vika-katha: stri, bhakta, raja, desa), Samjna (four types: ahara, bhaya, maithuna, parigraha), Bandha (four types: prakriti, sthiti, anubhaga, pradesha), and constellations with four stars.
   • Samvay 5 (Page 77-82): Deals with "five" – Mahavratas (five types: ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha), Kama-guna (five senses: shabda, rupa, gandha, rasa, sparsha), Ashrava-Dwaras (five types), Samvara-Dwaras (five types), Nirjara Sthanas (five types), Astikayas (five types), and constellations with five stars.
   • Samvay 6 (Page 82-88): Covers "six" – Leshyas (six types: Krishna, Nila, Kapota, Tejas, Padma, Shukla), Jivanikaya (six types: earth, water, fire, air, vegetation, and mobile beings), Bahya Tapa (six types), Abhyantara Tapa (six types), Chhaddasthika Samudghata (six types), and Arthavagraha (six types).
   • Samvay 7 (Page 89-93): Discusses "seven" – Bhayashthana (seven types of fear), Samudghata (seven types), lifespans related to Tirthankaras and celestial beings, and constellations with seven stars.
   • Samvay 8 (Page 93-97): Covers "eight" – Madhasthana (eight types of pride), Pravachana Mata (eight guiding principles for religious practice), Tirthankara's height (8 cubits), constellations with eight stars, and lifespans.
   • Samvay 9 (Page 97-103): Deals with "nine" – Brahmacharya Guptis (nine types of restraints for celibacy), lifespans, and constellations with nine stars.
   • Samvay 10 (Page 104-110): Focuses on "ten" – Shramana Dharma (ten virtues), Chitta Samadhi (ten states of mental concentration), lifespans related to celestial beings and the universe, and constellations with ten stars.
   • Samvay 11 (Page 111-115): Covers "eleven" – Upasaka Pratimas (eleven stages of spiritual practice for lay followers), lifespans, and constellations with eleven stars.
   • Samvay 12 (Page 116-122): Discusses "twelve" – Bhikshu Pratimas (twelve stages of mendicancy), Sambhoga (twelve types of interaction among monks), lifespans, and constellations with twelve stars.
   • Samvay 13 (Page 123-130): Deals with "thirteen" – Kriya Sthanas (thirteen types of actions), lifespans, and constellations with thirteen stars.
   • Samvay 14 (Page 130-138): Covers "fourteen" – Bhutanikaya (fourteen categories of living beings), Purna (fourteen ancient texts), lifespans, and constellations with fourteen stars.
   • Samvay 15 (Page 139-143): Discusses "fifteen" – Tirthankaras' height (35 cubits), lifespans, and constellations with fifteen stars.
   • Samvay 16 (Page 144-150): Covers "sixteen" – Kashayas (sixteen types: 4 types of Anantanubandhi, 4 of Apratyakhyani, 4 of Pratyakhyanavarana, 4 of Sanvalana), lifespans, and constellations with sixteen stars.
   • Samvay 17 (Page 151-157): Deals with "seventeen" – Sanskara (seventeen types of spiritual disciplines/practices), lifespans, and constellations with seventeen stars.
   • Samvay 18 (Page 158-167): Discusses "eighteen" – Brahmacharya Kriya (18 types), lifespans, constellations with eighteen stars, and the number of Sadhvis for Tirthankaras.
   • Samvay 19 (Page 163-172): Covers "nineteen" – Papa Shrut (19 types), lifespans, and constellations with nineteen stars.
   • Samvay 20 (Page 172-180): Deals with "twenty" – Asamadhisthana (20 causes of disharmony), lifespans, and constellations with twenty stars.
   • Samvay 21 (Page 181-185): Focuses on "twenty-one" – Anantarat (21 spiritual virtues), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-one stars.
   • Samvay 22 (Page 186-193): Covers "twenty-two" – Parishaha (22 types of hardships), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-two stars.
   • Samvay 23 (Page 193-198): Deals with "twenty-three" – Tirthankaras' height (35 cubits), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-three stars.
   • Samvay 24 (Page 198-205): Discusses "twenty-four" – Tirthankaras (24), lifespans, constellations with twenty-four stars, and the number of followers.
   • Samvay 25 (Page 205-213): Covers "twenty-five" – Mahavratas' Bhavanas (25 stages of spiritual development), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-five stars.
   • Samvay 26 (Page 213-218): Deals with "twenty-six" – Uddeśanakāla (26 time periods for study), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-six stars.
   • Samvay 27 (Page 219-225): Focuses on "twenty-seven" – Sanskara (27 spiritual disciplines), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-seven stars.
   • Samvay 28 (Page 226-232): Covers "twenty-eight" – Brahmacharya Kriya (28 types), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-eight stars.
   • Samvay 29 (Page 233-240): Deals with "twenty-nine" – Papa Shrut (29 categories of negative scriptures), lifespans, and constellations with twenty-nine stars.
   • Samvay 30 (Page 241-247): Focuses on "thirty" – Mohaniya Karma (30 categories), lifespans, and constellations with thirty stars.
   • Samvay 31 (Page 247-252): Covers "thirty-one" – Siddha Gunas (31 virtues of liberated souls), lifespans, and constellations with thirty-one stars.
   • Samvay 32 (Page 252-257): Deals with "thirty-two" – Yoga Sangraha (32 types of practices), lifespans, and constellations with thirty-two stars.
   • Subsequent sections (33-100): The text continues this numerical pattern, covering concepts related to thirty-three, thirty-four, and so on, up to crore and kotikoti (crores of crores), indicating a vast and systematic cataloging of Jain principles and cosmology.

5. Publisher and Support:

   • The publisher is Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai.
   • The text is a re-publication, indicating its value and the need to make it accessible again.
   • The publication received support from various trusts and individuals, listed as "Shrutadhar" (main donors) and "Anumodak" (supporters), highlighting community involvement in preserving Jain knowledge. The Rati Guru Charitable Trust is a significant supporter.

6. Historical and Spiritual Context:

   • The text often refers to the teachings and lives of revered Jain monks and nuns, providing biographical sketches of spiritual masters like Pujya Shri Dungar Singhji M. Sa., Pujya Shri Pranalalji M. Sa., and Pujya Shri Ratilalji M. Sa. These sketches provide insights into their teachings, asceticism, disciples, and contributions to the Jain tradition.
   • The emphasis on following the path laid by the Gurudevas and spreading Jainism is evident.
   • The text also mentions the historical context of Jain scripture compilation, referring to Devardhigani Kshamashraman's role in compiling the Agamas.

7. Practical Guidelines:

   • Page 14 provides guidelines on "Shastra Swadhyay Savivek" (Scripture Study with Prudence), emphasizing the importance of acquiring Agam Granths, their proper placement, daily reverence, group reading, seeking guru's permission, and adhering to specific times for study (avoiding certain periods of "Aswadhyaya").
   • Aswadhyaya (Page 55): A detailed list of 32 circumstances that render scripture study impure or invalid is provided, covering various natural phenomena, events, and states of impurity.

In essence, this text is a detailed, systematic, and devotional compilation of Jain teachings, particularly focusing on the Samvayanga Sutra. It highlights the numerical framework used in Jain logic, the importance of the spiritual lineage, the core philosophical tenets, and the practical guidelines for spiritual practice and scripture study.