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Agam 05 Bhagwati 01 Gujarati Translation

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Agam 05 Bhagwati 01 Gujarati Translation

Summary

This is a detailed summary of the provided Gujarati translation of the Bhagavati Sutra (Agam 05, Bhagwati 01), authored by Munishri Dipratnasagarji. The summary is based on the provided text, which appears to be the first volume of a larger translation.

Overall Context:

  • Title: Agam 05 Bhagwati 01 Gujarati Translation
  • Author/Translator/Editor: Munishri Dipratnasagarji (Agam Diwakar, Shrut Maharshi, M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D.)
  • Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
  • Publication Date: March 30, 2020
  • Purpose: For private and personal use only, distributed by JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL.
  • Content: This volume is the first part of the Gujarati translation of the Bhagavati Sutra, an important Jain Agama (sacred scripture).

Key Sections and Content:

  1. Invocations and Salutations: The text begins with standard Jain invocations, including salutations to the pure vision (Nirmal Darshan), Brahmachari Shri Neminath, and respected Gurus (Anand, Kshama, Lalit, Sushil, Sudharmasagar).

  2. Classification of Agamas: Page 3 provides a classification of Jain Agamas, listing various Angas, Upangas, Painnas, Chulikasootras, Moolasootras, etc., with their corresponding numbers and names. This serves as a foundational reference for the Bhagavati Sutra's place within the Jain canon. The Bhagavati Sutra is identified as Angasutra 5.

  3. Table of Contents for Volume 1: Page 4 outlines the structure of Volume 1, divided into Part 1 (Anukramanika) and Part 2 (Anukramanika). It lists the "Shataks" (chapters) covered, indicating that Volume 1 includes Shatak 1 to Shatak 14, and then jumps to Shatak 27 through Shatak 41. This suggests a large multi-volume translation project.

  4. Author's Previous Works: Page 5 lists the extensive literary contributions of Munishri Dipratnasagarji, categorized into Agama literature, translation literature, other literature, and research papers. This highlights his prolific output in Jain studies and translation.

  5. Content of Shatak 1 (Chapters 1-117): The bulk of the provided text comprises a detailed translation of the first Shatak of the Bhagavati Sutra, which is presented in the form of dialogues between Lord Mahavir and his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam (Gautam Swami).

    • Structure of Dialogues: The dialogues are presented in a question-and-answer format (Sutra #X, followed by Bhagavan Mahavir's response, often referencing Gautam Swami's questions).
    • Key Topics Discussed: The dialogues cover a vast range of Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts, including:
      • The nature of existence and causality: Discussions on what "moved" or "ended" and whether it applies to different beings.
      • The realms of existence: Detailed explanations of hellish beings (Nairayikas), their lifespan, breathing, and sustenance. This is followed by similar discussions for Asurakumars, Nagakumars, Suvarnakumars, Vayukumar, Vanaspatikayikas, and other beings with fewer senses.
      • Karma Theory: Extensive discussions on the binding, modification, and dissolution of karmas, including concepts like "chalit karma" (moving karma) and "achalit karma" (non-moving karma), and their relation to liberation (nirjara).
      • The nature of beings and their actions: Discussions on whether beings are self-involved (Atmarambhi), other-involved (Pararambhi), or both, and their relation to different types of activities (kriya).
      • Knowledge and Perception: Inquiries into the nature of knowledge (Jnana) and perception (Darshan) – whether they are of this life (ihbhavik), other lives (parbhavik), or both.
      • Virtues and Vows: Discussions on the attainment of liberation, the role of vows (samyam), penance (tapas), and the destruction of karma.
      • Cosmic Concepts: Explanations regarding the nature of souls, substances, space, time, and the classification of these according to Jain cosmology. This includes detailed discussions on the characteristics of different types of hells, celestial realms (Vaimanikas), and the nature of hellish beings.
      • Theories of Other Sects: The text frequently contrasts Jain views with those of other contemporary philosophical schools (anyatirathikas), highlighting their differing perspectives on topics like the continuity of existence, the nature of atoms, the cause of suffering, and the path to liberation.
      • Metaphysical Concepts: Discussions on concepts like soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), karma, the nature of reality, and the relationship between cause and effect.
      • Specific Examples: The dialogues often use specific examples and scenarios to illustrate complex philosophical points, such as the classification of karmic conditions in different life forms or the qualities of various celestial beings.
      • The Role of the Omniscient (Kevali): The text emphasizes that only the omniscient (Kevali) possesses complete and accurate knowledge of reality, in contrast to the limited understanding of embodied souls (chhadmastha).

  6. Specific Examples from Shatak 1:

    • Nairayikas (Hellish Beings): Extensive details are provided about their lifespan, the types of suffering they endure, their diet, their actions (karma), and their characteristics.
    • Asura Kumars, Naga Kumars, etc.: Similar details are provided for various classes of celestial beings (Devas), describing their lifespan, residences, sensory experiences, and interactions.
    • Indriyas (Senses): The text discusses the nature and functioning of the five senses.
    • Karmas: Detailed analysis of different types of karmas, their duration, their effects, and how they are acquired and shed.
    • Gati (Destinies): The discussion extends to the four destinies: hellish beings (Narak), animals (Tiryang), humans (Manushya), and celestial beings (Deva).
    • Qualities of Beings: The dialogues explore characteristics like strength (Virya), knowledge (Jnana), conduct (Charitra), and the influence of passions (Kashayas) and dispositions (Leshya) on beings.
    • The concept of "Pudukgal" (Matter): The text delves into the subtle nature of matter and its interactions.
    • The nature of time and space: Discussions on the infinite and finite aspects of time and space within the Jain cosmology.
    • The concept of "Kriya" (Action): Analyzing different types of actions and their karmic consequences.
    • The nature of "Kanthi" (Desire/Attachment) and its role in suffering.
    • The concept of "Paryaya" (States/Modes) and "Dravya" (Substance).
    • The existence and nature of various celestial palaces and realms.
    • The conversion of Skandaka and its impact on his understanding.
    • The teachings on various kinds of penance (tapas) and their results.
    • Discussions on the causes and effects of pleasure and pain.
    • The influence of Lishya (disposition of the soul) on beings.
    • The nature of the Soul (Jiva) and its relationship with Karma.
    • The path to liberation (Moksha) through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
    • The analysis of "Anubandha" (connection) and its role in karmic bondage.

Summary of Shatak 1 (Selected Topics):

The first Shatak, as presented, is a comprehensive discourse covering a wide spectrum of Jain philosophy. The dialogues between Lord Mahavir and Gautam Swami delve into the intricacies of:

  • Cosmology: The structure of the universe, different realms of existence (hells, heavens, earth), the cosmic timeline, and the celestial bodies.
  • Metaphysics: The nature of soul, matter, space, time, motion, and the causality of phenomena.
  • Karma: The detailed mechanics of karma, including its types, duration, effects, and the process of karmic bondage and liberation.
  • Ethics and Practice: The importance of right conduct, control of passions, penance, and the path to spiritual purification.
  • Philosophy of Other Schools: Critical engagement with the doctrines of other philosophical systems of ancient India, highlighting their differences from Jainism.
  • Theology: The nature of gods, their powers, lifespans, and their place in the cosmic order.
  • The Soul's Journey: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the path to final liberation.

Overall Impression:

The Bhagavati Sutra, as translated and presented in this volume, is an encyclopedic work within Jainism. It aims to provide a systematic and detailed explanation of Jain principles through extensive dialogues, covering almost every conceivable aspect of spiritual, ethical, philosophical, and cosmological inquiry. The translation by Munishri Dipratnasagarji is presented as a scholarly and accessible rendition for Gujarati-speaking Jains. The sheer breadth and depth of topics suggest the Bhagavati Sutra is a cornerstone text for understanding Jainism.