Agam 04 Samavao Angsutt 04 Moolam

The provided text is a portion of the Jain Agam scripture, specifically the fourth Anga Sutra, titled Samavaayo. This particular text is published by Agam Shrut Prakashan and is attributed to authors Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar. The catalog link provided is for the Jainqq.org website.

The essence of the document, based on the scanned pages, can be summarized as follows:

Core Content: Enumeration and Classification

The Samavaayo Sutra, as presented in these pages, is fundamentally an enumerative and classificatory text within the Jain canon. It systematically lists and categorizes various aspects of Jain philosophy, cosmology, and practice. The sutra is structured around numerical sequences, detailing different categories of phenomena that start with one and progressively increase.

Key Themes and Content:

• Numbers as Organizing Principle: The sutra is organized by numbers, starting from one and going up to higher numbers (as indicated by the chapter titles like "Padamo Samavao (1)", "Vio-Samavao (2)", etc., which likely correspond to sections dealing with enumerations of one, two, three, and so on).
• Categories of Existence and Phenomena: It enumerates a wide range of concepts, including:
  • Cosmological Elements: Descriptions of realms, heavens (Vimanas), lifespans (thii) of beings in different universes (like hellish beings and gods), and astronomical details (planets, stars, constellations).
  • Spiritual Concepts: Classifications of virtues, sins (karmas), vows, disciplines, classifications of souls, types of bondage and liberation.
  • Monastic Practices: Details related to the conduct and classifications of monks and nuns, including their practices and austerities.
  • Time and Duration: Lifespans are given in terms of Palavras (Palya) and Sagaropamas (Sagaropama), which are vast units of time in Jain cosmology.
  • Entities and Beings: It lists various types of gods, hellish beings, human classifications, and other life forms.
  • Objects and Actions: Categories of actions, substances, and entities are described.
• Numerical Data: A significant portion of the text consists of specific numerical data related to these categories. For example, it mentions lifespans in terms of Palavras and Sagaropamas, lengths of mountains, sizes of universes, and counts of various classifications.
• Lineage and Support: Pages 2, 3, 4, and 5 prominently feature lists of donors and supporters for the publication of these Agam texts. This highlights the importance of financial support for the preservation and dissemination of Jain scriptures and acknowledges the contributors, often guided by revered monastic figures (Sadhvis). This section also includes details about printing presses involved.
• Structure of the Agam: The text implicitly refers to the structure of the Jain canon, mentioning the twelve Angas and fourteen Purvas as foundational texts. The Samavaayo is identified as the fourth Anga Sutra.
• Sermons of Lord Mahavir: The opening of the text often begins with a declaration of hearing the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankar, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the scripture.
• Sermons of Lord Mahavir: The text frequently begins with a declaration of hearing the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the scripture.

Overall Purpose:

The Samavaayo Sutra serves as a comprehensive reference work for understanding the Jain worldview. Its detailed enumerations and classifications provide a framework for comprehending the vastness of Jain cosmology, the principles of karma, the classifications of beings, and the spiritual path. It aims to provide a structured and systematic understanding of Jain doctrine.

Note on the Scanned Pages:

The scanned pages primarily show:

• Title pages and introductory materials: Including dedications, blessings, and publisher information.
• Lists of financial contributors: A substantial part is dedicated to acknowledging those who supported the publication, often mentioning the inspiration from specific monastic figures.
• The actual text of the Samavaayo Sutra: Beginning with the first section ("Padamo Samavao") and continuing through subsequent sections organized by numbers. The text itself is in Prakrit (likely Ardhamagadhi), with a numerical progression of concepts.

In essence, the Samavaayo is a foundational text in Jainism that meticulously enumerates and classifies the universe and its constituents, providing a detailed framework for understanding the Jain cosmology and spiritual path.