Agam 05 Bhagwati 02 Gujarati Translation - Book Summary

This is a detailed summary of the provided Gujarati translation of the Jain text, Bhagavati Sutra (Agam 05), specifically Volume 2, as translated and edited by Muni Dipratnasagarji.

Overall Context:

Title: Agam 05 Bhagwati 02 Gujarati Translation
Author/Translator/Editor: Muni Dipratnasagarji (Agam Divakar, Maharshi)
Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
Date of Publication: March 30, 2020
Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035606/1
Purpose: Jain Education International for Private and Personal Use Only.

Content and Structure:

The document is a Gujarati translation of the Bhagavati Sutra, Volume 2, part of the Agam Sutra series, which is the 5th Anga Sutra. The text is divided into numerous chapters (Shatak) and sub-chapters (Uddesha), which are detailed by their respective verse numbers (Sutra). The content covers a vast range of Jain philosophical and ethical discussions, presented in a question-and-answer format, primarily between Lord Mahavir Swami and his disciple Gautam Swami.

Key Themes and Topics Covered (based on the provided text snippets):

The Bhagavati Sutra, as presented in this translation, delves into a wide array of topics essential to Jain philosophy and practice. Based on the provided text, the following are some of the prominent themes:

Classification of Agamas: Page 3 presents a comprehensive classification of Jain Agamas, listing Angasutras, Upangasutras, Mulasutras, Padyannasutras, Chulikasutras, and Chedasutras, indicating the vastness of the Jain scriptural canon.
Discourses on Various Subjects (Shatak-wise): The bulk of the text outlines specific discussions (Uddesha) within each chapter (Shatak) of the Bhagavati Sutra. These discussions cover an extensive range of subjects, including:
- The nature of beings and their existence: Discussions on the soul (Atma), the different types of beings, their origins, lifespans, and states of being (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 2 'Jayanti', Shatak 12, Uddesha 10 'Atma').
- Cosmology and Geography: Descriptions of the universe, lokakasha (loka-space), different planes of existence (like hell realms - Nairyikavas), heavens (Vaimanikavas), and celestial bodies (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 3 'Prithvi', Shatak 12, Uddesha 6 'Rahu', Shatak 12, Uddesha 7 'Lok').
- Metaphysics and Ontology: Discussions on the nature of reality, the existence of different entities, the composition of matter (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 4 'Pudgal'), and the concept of substances (astikaya).
- Karma and Rebirth: The text touches upon how actions (karma) influence rebirth and the cycle of existence, and the different types of karma (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 10 'Atma', Sutra 533 discusses the impact of anger, pride, delusion, and greed on karma binding).
- Spiritual Practices and Attainments: The text elaborates on the concept of 'Jagrika' (vigilance or wakefulness) and its different types (Buddha Jagrika, Abuddha Jagrika, Sudaksha Jagrika), as well as the path to liberation (Siddha).
- Ethics and Morality: Discussions on virtues and vices, the consequences of actions, and the importance of right conduct (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 5 'Atipat' discusses the karmic consequences of actions like violence, lying, stealing, etc.).
- The Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavir: The text recounts instances of Lord Mahavir's interactions with disciples and laypeople, his teachings, and his philosophical explanations (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 1 'Shankh' describes an encounter with a devout lay follower named Shankh).
- The Role of Deities and Celestial Beings: The text mentions various types of celestial beings (devas) and their characteristics, including their lifespans, realms, and activities (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 9 'Dev').
- The Nature of Speech and Mind: Discussions on the characteristics and types of speech (Bhasha) and mind (Man) (e.g., Shatak 13, Uddesha 7 'Bhasha', Shatak 13, Uddesha 8 'Karma').
- The Concept of 'Atma' (Soul): Various aspects of the soul, its attributes, and its relationship with karma are explored (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 10 'Atma').
- The Nature of Pudgala (Matter): Detailed explanations of the formation of matter from atoms (paramanu pudgala) into larger aggregates (skandha) and their properties are provided (e.g., Shatak 12, Uddesha 4 'Pudgal').
- Specific Incidents and Examples: The text includes numerous narratives and examples to illustrate philosophical points, such as the story of Shunaka Shravaka (Shatak 12, Uddesha 1), the conversation with Jayanti (Shatak 12, Uddesha 2), and the detailed discussion on the nature of the universe and its constituent elements.
- The Teachings of Goshalak Mankhaliputra: The text includes dialogues and clarifications regarding the teachings of Goshalak, highlighting discrepancies and refuting his claims in relation to Lord Mahavir's pronouncements (e.g., Shatak 14, Uddesha 9 'Rahu', Shatak 14, Uddesha 9 'Rahu' discusses Goshalak's claim of being a Jina).
- The Nature of Existence and Reality: The text explores the subtle distinctions between different states of being and the manifestations of karma, the senses, and mental states.
Author's Previous Works: Page 5 lists Muni Dipratnasagarji's extensive literary output, categorizing them into Agam Literature (original, translated, and commentary) and Non-Agam Literature, demonstrating his prolific contribution to Jain scholarship.

Key Features of the Translation:

Gujarati Language: The translation is presented in Gujarati, making it accessible to Gujarati-speaking Jain scholars and practitioners.
Muni Dipratnasagarji's Scholarship: The translation is by a recognized authority in Jain Agam literature, suggesting a high level of scholarship and adherence to traditional interpretations.
Comprehensive Coverage: The text indicates a detailed breakdown of the Bhagavati Sutra, covering a vast number of chapters and sub-chapters, suggesting a thorough translation.

In essence, this document is a scholarly Gujarati translation of the second volume of the Bhagavati Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism. It offers in-depth discussions on a wide spectrum of Jain doctrines, cosmology, ethics, and the teachings of Lord Mahavir, as meticulously rendered by Muni Dipratnasagarji.