Agam 06 Ang 06 Gnatadharma Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Gnatadharma Sutra Part 02 (Sthanakvasi Gujarati)" by Ghasilal Maharaj, based on the pages you've shared:

Book Title: Agam 06 Ang 06 Gnatadharma Sutra Part 02 Author: Ghasilal Maharaj Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti

Overall Content of the Provided Pages:

The provided text is the Gujarati translation and commentary (Anagar Dharmamrit Varshini Vritti) of the sixth Anga of the Jain Agamas, the Gnatadharma Sutra, specifically Part 2. This section appears to detail the lives and teachings of various individuals, illustrating Jain principles through their narratives. The text also includes crucial procedural information regarding the study of these scriptures.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Invocation and Introduction (Pages 1-4):

   • Begins with the Navkar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, etc.), highlighting its auspicious and purifying nature.
   • Introduces the "Jain Agam Prakashan Yojana" and acknowledges Acharya Shri Ghanshilalji Maharaj as the author of the commentary.
   • Confirms this is the second part of the Shree Gnatadharma Kathanga Sutra.
   • Details the publication details, including the year (Vikram Samvat 2020 / 1963 CE), the number of copies printed (1200), and the price. It also acknowledges the financial assistance from Lala Kishan Chandji Johri of Delhi.
   • A Sanskrit verse and its Gujarati translation express the hope for the work to be recognized by those of similar Dharma and the vastness of time and space.

2. Guidelines for Studying the Sutra (Asvadhyaya Niyam) (Pages 6-10):

   • This section provides very specific and detailed rules for the svadhyaya (study) of the original text. It outlines times when study is permitted and when it is not.
   • Permitted Times: First and fourth quarters of the day and night.
   • Prohibited Times:
     • 2 Ghadis (approx. 48 minutes) before and after sunrise, sunset, noon, and midnight.
     • Specific astrological/celestial conditions like meteor showers, directional fires (digdah), loud thunder, lightning, and specific lunar phases (Yūpak).
   • Specific Restrictions: Women undergoing monthly periods are prohibited from studying the text or being in the same room during study.
   • 32 Prohibitions (Asvadhyaya Prasanga): The text meticulously lists 32 specific situations that prevent svadhyaya. These are categorized into:
     • 10 related to the sky (Akash Sambandhi): Including meteor showers, directional fires, thunder, lightning, and specific atmospheric conditions like fog (Dhumika Krishna, Mahika Shwet).
     • 10 related to the physical body (Audarik Sharir Sambandhi): This covers instances like the visible presence of burnt bones/flesh/blood, broken eggs, visible excreta/urine with foul odor, presence near a cremation ground (100 hands radius), lunar/solar eclipses (specific durations in Muhurtas), royal unrest (1 day/night after conflict), death of a king/leader (until cremation and appointment of successor), and the presence of a dead body of a five-sensed being within 100 hands of the study place.
     • 8 related to festivals and specific days: Four major festivals (Mahotsav) and four corresponding Pratipada (first lunar day) days are mentioned, totaling eight days of prohibited study.
   • Important Caveat: The rules for asvadhyaya apply only to the original text's recitation, not to translations in Gujarati or other languages. Humility and following the guidance of elders/gurus in difficult situations are emphasized as the essence of Dharma.

3. Table of Contents (Vishayanukramani) (Pages 11-13):

   • This section lists the studies (Adhyayan) covered in this second part of the Gnatadharma Sutra, from the 4th to the 13th.
   • It provides the subject matter of each study, which appears to be a collection of stories and narratives about prominent individuals and events:
     • Chapter 4: Avatarnika (introduction) of the 5th study, description of Dwarkavati city, Nandanvan garden, Krishna Vasudev, Sthapatyaputra Gathapati, Arishtanemi Tirthankar's Samavasaran, Sthapatyaputra's departure, Shailak, Surshreshta, and Shailaka's initiation and nirvana.
     • Chapter 6: Mahavir Swami's Samavasaran, questions about Indrabhuti.
     • Chapter 7: Dhanya Sarthavah's departure.
     • Chapter 8: Avataran of the 8th study, Ashra Varya, Ashra initiation, Mahapadma Ratna, Prabhawati Devi, Tirthankar's birth festival, Mohagriha nirvana, sister's doll nirvana, Koshladhipati Swarup, Sangram's departure, Sangram's character, Marhan Shravak's departure, Sangram's departure, Kushaladhapati Jivmi's royal life, Dashray's "Shankh" king's life, Mahakshatra king's life, Chaharam's great war, Dumara war, Mithila city's destruction, Suvarna Nirmit Putali's nirvana, kings becoming ascetics.
     • Chapter 9: Jiva's state of increase and decrease.
     • Chapter 10: Jiva's condition of virtue and vice.
     • Chapter 11: Examples of good conduct in various subjects.
     • Chapter 12: Kings of Nandabhadra, Jitasatru's kingdom.
     • Chapter 13: Conclusion of 13 studies, Nandabhadra king's kingdom.

4. Detailed Narratives (Starting from Page 14):

   • Chapter 5 Avatarnika: Explains the connection between the 4th and 5th studies, highlighting the transition from uncontrolled senses to controlled senses.
   • Description of Dwarkavati City (Page 14-15): Details the city's vastness (9 yojans area, 12 yojans length), golden ramparts, jewel-studded battlements, and its resemblance to Alkapuri (Kubera's city). It also describes the happy and playful citizens.
   • Description of Mount Raivataka (Page 15-16): Located northeast of Dwarkavati, it's depicted as a majestic mountain full of trees, birds, streams, waterfalls, and frequented by Apsaras, celestial beings, and Vidyadharas. It was also a venue for the celebrations of the ten Dashahas (like Samudravijaya, etc.).
   • Description of Nandanvan Garden (Page 16): Situated near Raivataka, it was rich with flowers and fruits, pleasing to the eye, and contained a Yaksha shrine named Surapriya.
   • Description of Krishna Vasudeva (Page 17): The ruler of the three continents, residing in Dwarkavati, with a vast empire including ten Dashahas, Baldev, 16,000 kings, 3.5 crore Yadav princes, 56,000 strong Mahasenas, 32,000 women led by Rukmini, and 1000 courtesans led by Anang Sena.
   • Description of Sthapatyaputra Gathapati (Page 18): A prosperous individual whose son, Sthapatyaputra, learned 72 arts and was married to 32 daughters of wealthy merchants. He lived a life of pleasure.
   • Samavasaran of Arishtanemi Tirthankar (Page 19): The 22nd Tirthankar, Arishtanemi, arrived in Dwarkavati. His description includes his ten-bow height and complexion. He was accompanied by 18,000 monks and 40,000 nuns.
   • Krishna Vasudeva's Arrival at Samavasaran (Page 20): Krishna Vasudeva, upon hearing of Arishtanemi's arrival, summoned his ministers to prepare the assembly hall and announce the event with beating drums.
   • Koumudri Bheri and its Impact (Page 21): The sound of the Koumudri drum spread throughout Dwarkavati, causing joy and satisfaction.
   • Krishna Vasudeva's Preparations (Page 22): Krishna Vasudeva summoned his kinsmen and ordered them to prepare his four-division army and the victorious elephant.
   • Sthapatyaputra Gathapati's Renunciation (Page 22-23): Sthapatyaputra, after hearing the teachings, sought permission from his mother to renounce worldly life and become an ascetic, similar to Meghkumar.
   • Sthapatyaputra's Mother's Plea (Page 23-24): His mother tried to dissuonade him with various arguments, but failed. She ultimately gave her reluctant permission.
   • Krishna Vasudeva's Role in Sthapatyaputra's Renunciation (Page 24): Krishna Vasudeva oversaw the grand ceremony for Sthapatyaputra's renunciation, providing him with royal insignia.
   • Sthapatyaputra's Dialogue with Krishna Vasudeva (Page 25-26): Sthapatyaputra articulated his desire for liberation from suffering (birth, old age, death) and the futility of worldly pleasures, emphasizing the spiritual path.
   • Sthapatyaputra's Renunciation and Attainment (Page 31-32): Sthapatyaputra, after studying under Arishtanemi and performing austerities, attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha (liberation).
   • Shailak King's Story (Page 35-36): The king of Shailakpur, after hearing the teachings of an ascetic (identified later as Sthapatyaputra), renounced his kingdom and became a lay follower (Shramanopasak). His ministers also followed him.
   • Sudarshan Seth's Story (Page 38-47): The story of Sudarshan Seth, who embraced the principle of Shauch (purity), contrasting it with the teachings of the ascetic Shuk. The detailed dialogue about the nature of purity and its comparison to washing away blood with blood highlights a philosophical debate.
   • Sthapatyaputra's Teachings to Sudarshan Seth (Page 40-41): Sthapatyaputra clarifies that true purity (Shauch) is not merely external but internal. He elaborates on the principles of Vinay (humility and respect) as the root of Dharma.
   • Shuk the Ascetic's Subsequent Action (Page 45-46): Shuk, after observing Sudarshan's adherence to Vinay, attempts to lure him back to his Shauch-centric philosophy, leading to a continued debate.
   • Shailak King's Renunciation and Subsequent State (Page 57-71): Shailak Raja, initially devoted to the teachings of Shuk, later becomes influenced by Sthapatyaputra. However, due to indulgence in worldly pleasures and attachment to comfort (like the special bed, Pithaphalak), he loses his spiritual fervor and becomes prone to pramada (negligence). This leads to his spiritual decline, requiring the intervention of his disciples.
   • Mahavir Swami's Samavasaran (Page 79): The narrative shifts to Lord Mahavir Swami's arrival in Rajagriha, where he encounters Indrabhuti Gautam.
   • Indrabhuti Gautam's Question about Soul's Movement (Page 79-81): Gautam asks about the soul's upward and downward movement. Lord Mahavir explains this using the analogy of a clay-covered gourd sinking in water due to its weight, and how it floats when the clay is removed, illustrating the impact of karma on the soul's state.
   • The Role of Karma (Page 81-82): The analogy emphasizes how karmic particles weigh down the soul, and liberation from these karmas leads to upward movement and ultimate liberation (Siddhahood).
   • Dhanya Sarthavah's Character (Page 83): The seventh study begins by introducing Dhanya Sarthavah, a wealthy merchant, and his family.
   • Dhanya's Test of His Daughters-in-Law (Page 87-98): Dhanya tests his four daughters-in-law regarding their prudence and resourcefulness with five grains of paddy. Ujjika discards them, Bhogamathika eats them, Rakshita preserves them carefully, and Rohini cultivates them, resulting in abundance.
   • The Significance of Rohini's Actions (Page 94-95): Rohini's foresight and diligence are rewarded, leading to great prosperity for her family. This highlights the virtue of prudence and diligent action.
   • The Significance of the Five Grains (Page 97): The story illustrates the importance of nurturing and multiplying resources rather than discarding or consuming them carelessly, leading to long-term benefit.
   • The Story of the Six Kings and their Renunciation (Page 97-128): This section details the lives of six kings, including Mahabal (son of King Bal and Queen Dharini), Balbhadra (son of Mahabal and Kamalashri), and others. Their renunciation after hearing teachings, their adherence to vows, and their ultimate attainment of liberation are described. The stories often involve divine interventions and symbolic events.
   • Malli's Story (Page 128-135): Malli, a princess of Videha, is described as exceptionally beautiful and virtuous. Her divine dreams, the elaborate birth festival, and her eventual renunciation after hearing teachings are narrated. Her suitors, including the kings from various regions, are discussed.
   • The Story of the Six Kings' War and Kimbak's Humiliation (Page 191-202): This narrative describes the humiliation of King Kimbak of Mithila when the six kings, led by Jitasatru, come to ask for Malli's hand. Kimbak's disrespect towards their envoys leads to a conflict.
   • Malli's Intervention and the Kings' Renunciation (Page 202-217): Malli intervenes by showing the kings her statue. The story culminates in the kings' renunciation and their attainment of liberation after following Malli's teachings.
   • The Story of Nanda the Jeweler (Page 301-326): This lengthy narrative describes Nanda's life, his initial prosperity, his subsequent fall into mithyatva (wrong belief) due to negative company, his illness, and his eventual rebirth as a frog in the Nanda pond. His realization of past mistakes through jati smaran (remembrance of past lives) and his subsequent adoption of right conduct under Lord Mahavir's guidance are detailed. The story emphasizes the consequences of negative associations and the power of true spiritual guidance.
   • The Significance of Nanda's Actions (Page 313-318): The story of Nanda highlights the karmic consequences of actions and the path to purification through repentance and adherence to Jain principles.
   • The Story of the Six Kings' Return and Renunciation (Page 301-307): The narrative returns to the six kings, who, after being impressed by Malli's teachings, eventually renounce their kingdoms and follow the path of asceticism.
   • Jitasatru's Experience with the Khai (Ditch) (Page 290-300): This episode details King Jitasatru's encounter with a foul-smelling ditch and his minister Subuddhi's explanation of the nature of purity and impurity in matter. The story highlights the transformative power of right understanding and adherence to Dharma.
   • The Twelve Studies (Adhyayan): The table of contents indicates a broad scope, covering stories from the 4th to the 13th study, illustrating various aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, and the consequences of actions.

Overall Message and Significance:

The Gnatadharma Sutra, as presented in this section, serves as a didactic text that uses narratives to illustrate key Jain principles. The stories emphasize:

• The importance of virtuous conduct: Actions like prudence, diligence, humility, and renunciation lead to positive outcomes.
• The consequences of negative traits: Negligence, attachment to worldly pleasures, Maya (deceit), anger, and association with wrong views lead to suffering and lower births.
• The power of spiritual guidance: The example of the monks and their teachings guiding individuals toward the right path is prominent.
• The cyclical nature of birth and death (Samsara): The text illustrates how actions in one life impact future lives.
• The ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha): The pursuit of liberation from the cycle of birth and death is the underlying aspiration.
• The meticulousness of Jain practice: The detailed rules for studying the scriptures highlight the seriousness and discipline required in spiritual practice.

This summary provides a framework for understanding the complex and rich content within the provided pages of the Gnatadharma Sutra.