Agam 05 Ang 05 Bhagvati Vyakhya Prajnapti Sutra Sar

The provided text is an excerpt from the Bhagvati Vyakhya Prajnapti Sutra Sar, a Jain text, specifically focusing on the fifth Anga of the Agam literature. The book is edited by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel and published by Jain Sahitya Prakashan Mandir. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/004620/1.

The excerpt is presented in Gujarati and covers various sections and discussions related to the Bhagvati Sutra. Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text in English:

Overall Context: The text is an introduction and a partial presentation of the Bhagvati Sutra, known for its question-and-answer format, primarily between Lord Mahavir and his disciple Gautam Gandhar. It highlights the importance of this scripture in Jain tradition, often recited during Chaturmas. The excerpt aims to provide a Gujarati translation (chhayanuvaad) and summary.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Introduction (Upaodhāt):

   • Expresses joy in publishing this translation during Chaturmas, a period of spiritual discipline for monks and a time for lay followers to benefit from their company.
   • Notes the common practice of reciting the Shrimad Bhagvati Sutra during Chaturmas, emphasizing its value due to the inclusion of questions posed to the Kevali (omniscient) by Gandharas.
   • Mentions the historical practice of offering gold or silver coins for each question in the sutra, noting that this has become impractical due to the sheer volume of questions (138 Shatakas).
   • Refers to a previous publication by the same institution which provided a word-for-word translation of the original Bhagvati Sutra in four volumes, including a detailed commentary by Pandit Becherdasji. This current publication is a summarized translation (chhayanuvaad).

2. Nature of the Bhagvati Sutra (Vyākhyāprajnapti):

   • The title itself, "Vyākhyāprajnapti," indicates that the entire sutra is in the form of questions and their detailed answers.
   • The primary questioner is Gautam Indrabhuti, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. Other disciples like Makandi Putr, Rahan, Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Manditra Putr also appear occasionally.
   • Interactions with adherents of other sects (anyatirbhik) are also included, sometimes leading to debates or clarifications.
   • The text emphasizes that the scripture is largely a dialogue between Gautam and Mahavir, so much so that Mahavir is once addressed as "Hey Gautam" while answering a question posed by Makandi Putr, indicating Gautam's primary role as questioner.
   • The author notes that questions are often presented to frame the answers, with the questioner's views sometimes being stated to elicit the Kevalin's perspective.
   • The questions and their arrangement within the sutra do not strictly follow a logical or subject-based order. Commentators attempt to establish connections, but it's not always evident.
   • There's an acknowledgment of duplication or referral to other texts for detailed answers, which, if fully included, would greatly increase the original text's size.

3. Purpose and Nature of the Text:

   • The Bhagvati Sutra is considered ancient. When the canons were finalized by Devardhigani and others around 454 CE, some questions' answers were deferred to later texts, suggesting a pragmatic approach to compilation.
   • The text observes that many descriptions (like of men, women, cities, mountains) follow a standardized format, understood as references rather than verbatim repetitions.
   • The core subject matter involves intricate philosophical discussions and doctrine (siddhant), not simple religious discourse (upadesh).
   • It is characterized as "Ganitanug" (following mathematical principles or logic), providing logical checks for doctrines, rather than presenting the doctrines themselves.
   • The author suggests the text serves as a pure and sacred tool for concentration and intellectual exercise for sadhus after they have fulfilled their duties of meditation and other practices. It's compared to Buddha's instruction to focus on breath for controlling the mind.
   • The text is deemed not primarily for "shravya" (auditory) learning or recitation, as it requires deep contemplation of each point. The purpose of reciting it might be for the merit of hearing the words spoken by the Kevali.

4. Structure of the Translation:

   • The translation is divided into broad sections:
     • Khand 1: Sadhan-Khand (Path/Method Section): Covers topics related to spiritual practices, penance, karma, attachment, etc.
     • Khand 2: Charitra-Khand (Conduct Section): Features narratives of various individuals and their lives, illustrating Jain principles.
     • Khand 3: Siddhant-Khand (Doctrine Section): Delves into Jain philosophy, discussing soul (Jiv), karma, substance (Pudgal), space (Astikay), and time (Kal).
     • Khand 4: Anyatirbhik-Khand (Section on Other Sects): Discusses views from non-Jain traditions.
     • Khand 5: Param Vigyan-Khand (Higher Knowledge Section): Includes various specific topics like mathematics, astronomy, medicine, etc.
     • Khand 6: Kutuhal-Khand (Curiosity Section): Contains diverse philosophical and practical questions.
     • Khand 7: Dev-Mandala (Heavenly Realm Section): Discusses various celestial beings and their realms.
     • Khand 8: Narak-Khand (Hellish Realm Section): Details the hellish realms and beings.
     • Khand 9: Anya Jiv Khand (Other Life Forms Section): Covers a range of life forms.

5. Examples of Content:

   • Mangalacharan (Invocation): Salutations to Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayass, Sadhus, Brahmi script, and scriptures.
   • Praise of Satsang (Good Company): A story about wealthy Jain householders in Tungika who valued the company of virtuous monks.
   • Dharma Jnan ka Mool (Root of Religious Knowledge): Discusses how religious knowledge is attained, emphasizing the role of karma reduction and inherent potential. It touches upon the idea that true understanding comes from internal purity.
   • Karma and Bandha (Karma and Bondage): Explores the nature of actions and their binding effects, with detailed dialogues.
   • Vedana and Nirjara (Experience and Shedding of Karma): Discusses the experience of suffering and happiness as karmic results and the process of shedding karma.
   • Upayoga (Consciousness/Awareness): Defines the concept and its types.
   • Leshya (Aura/Disposition): Explains the six types of Leshya and their connection to karmic states.
   • Classification of Souls (Jiv): Discusses various types of souls and their characteristics.
   • Various Forms of Actions and Karmic Consequences: Detailed analysis of actions and their karmic effects.
   • Sadhaka's Powers: Describes the extraordinary abilities of accomplished ascetics, like shapeshifting, levitation, and influencing elements.
   • Jiva and Pudgala Interaction: Explains how the soul and matter interact.
   • Various Concepts: Includes discussions on Lok (universe), Kal (time), and the classification of beings.

6. Target Audience:

   • The text states that it is not for primary study. It is intended for scholars who already possess knowledge of other Jain scriptures like Tatvarthasutra.

7. Appendices:

   • The text mentions a detailed index at the end, designed to function as a glossary (dictionary) for the work, carefully noting all technical terms and explanations.

In essence, the excerpt provides a glimpse into the extensive and complex philosophical and doctrinal content of the Bhagvati Sutra, presented in a summarized Gujarati translation format, highlighting its profound nature and the intricate details of Jain cosmology, philosophy, and ethics.