Agam 06 Gyatadharmkatha Gujarati Translation - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, Agam 06 Gyatadharmkatha Gujarati Translation, authored by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Nature of the Text:

This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Gyatadharmakatha, the sixth Angasutra within the Jain Agamas. It is presented as "Agam-6 Gyatadharmakatha Gujarati Translation" and is meticulously prepared and edited by Muni Deepratnasagarji, who is recognized as an "Agam Diwakar" and holds multiple academic degrees (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D.). The publication aims to make this important Jain scripture accessible to a Gujarati-speaking audience.

Key Information about the Publication:

Title: Agam-6 Gyatadharmakatha Angasutra Gujarati Bhaavanuvad (Agam-6 Gyatadharmakatha Angasutra Gujarati Translation)
Author/Editor/Translator: Muni Deepratnasagarji
Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
Publication Date: 30/03/2020, Monday
Key Figures and Reverence: The text begins with invocations to "Nirmal Darshan" (Pure Vision), Bal Brahmachari Shri Neminath, and revered gurus like Anand, Kshama, Lalit, Sushil, and Sudharmasagar. It also acknowledges the lineage of teachers and scholars.
Scope: This translation covers the Gyatadharmakatha, which is the sixth Angasutra, part of the foundational Jain scriptures. The provided text details the structure and content of this specific Agam.

Structure and Content Outline (as seen in the pages):

The document meticulously outlines the structure of the Jain Agamas, specifically listing the 12 Angasutras and various other classifications of scriptures (Upangasutras, Chulikāsutras, Chedasutras, Mūlasutras, etc.) on page 3. This contextualizes the Gyatadharmakatha within the broader Jain canon.

The core of the provided text focuses on the Gyatadharmakatha Angasutra-1 Gujarati Bhaavanuvad (Agam-6), specifically detailing its content through a series of Adhyayanas (chapters/sections). The summary begins to detail the narrative of these Adhyayanas, starting with:

Shrutskandh-1 (Section-1):
- Adhyayana-1 (Uksipta): This section begins the narrative, starting with verses of salutation to the omniscient beings and setting the scene in Champā nagari during the time of King Konik and Bhagwan Mahavir's disciple, Arya Sudharma. It introduces Arya Sudharma's qualities and his disciple Arya Jambu. Arya Jambu experiences spiritual contemplation leading to doubt and inquiry, which he then poses to Arya Sudharma. The dialogue between Arya Sudharma and Arya Jambu forms the basis of the teachings.
- Adhyayana-1 (Uksipta) - Detailed Narrative (Sutras 9-12): The narrative continues by describing the city of Rajagriha, King Shrenik, his queens Nandā and Dharini, and his son Prince Abhay. It then delves into a detailed description of Queen Dharini's dream of an elephant, which is interpreted by King Shrenik as a sign of future fortune and the birth of a virtuous son. The description of the palace and Queen Dharini's dream is quite elaborate.
- Adhyayana-1 (Uksipta) - Continued Narrative (Sutras 13-14): The dream is further discussed, with Shrenik assuring Dharini of good fortune and the birth of a powerful and righteous son.
- Adhyayana-1 (Uksipta) - Detailed Morning Routine of King Shrenik (Sutras 15-17): The text vividly describes King Shrenik's morning activities, including his exercise, bathing, adornment, and preparation for court.
- Adhyayana-1 (Uksipta) - Queen Dharini's Unique Pregnancy Craving (Dohad) (Sutras 18-24): This section details Dharini's craving for the sights and sounds associated with the monsoon season. The description of the monsoon's impact on nature and the longing of mothers for such experiences is presented. King Shrenik endeavors to fulfill her unusual craving. Prince Abhay's role in fulfilling the craving is highlighted.
- Adhyayana-1 (Sutras 25-29): Dharini successfully fulfills her craving. The birth of the child, named Meghkumar (due to the monsoon craving), is described. The detailed rituals and celebrations surrounding the birth are recounted.
- Adhyayana-1 (Sutras 30-37): Meghkumar's upbringing, education, marriage, and subsequent renunciation to become an ascetic are detailed. His spiritual journey and the teachings he receives from Bhagwan Mahavir are narrated.
- Adhyayana-1 (Sutras 38-41): Meghkumar's rigorous penance and attainment of liberation (Moksha) are described, emphasizing his detachment and spiritual discipline. The interaction with his parents, who initially tried to dissuade him, is also part of this section.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sanghat): This section introduces a new narrative, starting with the city of Rajagriha, King Shrenik, and the Guṇashīla Chaitya. It describes a dilapidated garden and a broken well, setting a scene of decay.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sutras 43-45): The narrative introduces Dhanay, a wealthy merchant, his wife Bhadra, and their servant Chidak. It also introduces Vijaya, a notorious thief.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sutras 46-47): Bhadra's longing for a child and her vows to various deities for offspring are detailed.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sutra 48-49): Bhadra conceives and gives birth to a son named Devadatta, named so due to her vows. The subsequent events of Devadatta's upbringing, including his playing with other children and his eventual abduction by the thief Vijaya, are narrated. The merchant Dhanay's grief and subsequent search for his son are described.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sutras 50-51): The city guards apprehend Vijaya the thief, recover Devadatta's ornaments, and bring Vijaya to justice. Dhanay performs the last rites for his son. Later, Dhanay is wrongly accused and imprisoned, encountering Vijaya in prison. Dhanay's act of sharing food with Vijaya is depicted.
- Adhyayana-2 (Sutra 52-53): Following his release, Dhanay's wife Bhadra is upset about his charity to the thief. However, Dhanay explains his actions stemmed from a desire for spiritual merit and not just worldly motives. The text contrasts the paths of those who remain attached to worldly pleasures (like the thieves) with those who pursue spiritual liberation.
- Adhyayana-3 (And): This section introduces a new narrative concerning two merchant friends, Jinadatta and Sagardatta, who make a pact for mutual support.
- Adhyayana-3 (Sutras 56-57): The narrative describes their pact and their subsequent visit to the courtesan Devadatta. The story then shifts to the concept of the peacock's eggs, and how the two friends' actions led to different outcomes.
- Adhyayana-4 (Kurma): This Adhyayana begins with a description of a water reservoir and the presence of two sinful jackals. The narrative describes the jackals' attempts to prey on tortoises and the outcome of their actions.
- Adhyayana-5 (Shailak): The narrative moves to Dwaraka city and introduces King Krishna Vasudeva, his queens, and the story of Meghkumar (who later becomes a Tirthankar). It also details the interaction between King Krishna and the sage Narada, and the king's subsequent renunciation. The story of the Tirthankar Meghkumar's life, his spiritual journey, and attainment of liberation is outlined.
- Adhyayana-6 (Tumbar): This section begins with a discussion about the soul's journey through different life forms, using the analogy of a gourd (Tumbara) being coated with mud. It illustrates how actions and attachments lead to spiritual bondage and liberation.
- Adhyayana-7 (Rohini): This Adhyayana focuses on the story of Rohini, one of the wives of Dhanay, and her virtuous conduct, contrasting it with the actions of others. It highlights the importance of righteous actions and their karmic consequences.
- Adhyayana-8 (Malli): This Adhyayana narrates the life story of Malli Kumar, who was destined to become the 19th Tirthankar. It details his birth, upbringing, renunciation, and eventual attainment of omniscience and liberation. The narrative emphasizes the importance of detachment and spiritual discipline.
- Adhyayana-9 (Makandi): This section begins with a story of two merchant friends, Jinadatta and Sagardatta, and their encounter with a demoness on a journey. It illustrates the consequences of attachment and the importance of spiritual practice.
- Adhyayana-10 (Chandra): This Adhyayana uses the waxing and waning of the moon as an analogy to explain the concepts of spiritual growth and decline in a soul's journey. It highlights the importance of consistent spiritual effort.
- Adhyayana-11 (Davdrava): This Adhyayana uses the example of the Davdrava tree to explain how external influences and actions affect one's spiritual state. It emphasizes the importance of proper conduct and association.
- Adhyayana-12 (Udak): This Adhyayana uses the analogy of water to illustrate the purification of the soul. It highlights how water, when subjected to certain processes, can become pure and beneficial. Similarly, through sincere spiritual practices, the soul can attain purity.
- Adhyayana-13 (Dardur): This Adhyayana uses the story of a frog and its interaction with jackals to illustrate the consequences of ignorance and attachment. It highlights the importance of self-restraint and wisdom.
- Adhyayana-14 (Tetliputra): This Adhyayana features the story of Tetliputra, an advisor to King Kankarakatha, and his interactions with a jeweler's daughter. It touches upon themes of desire, attachment, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Adhyayana-15 (Nandifala): This Adhyayana narrates the story of the merchant Dhanay and his virtuous daughter-in-law Rohini, who diligently performs her duties, contrasting her actions with those of others. It emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct and fulfilling one's duties.
- Adhyayana-16 (Aparakanka): This Adhyayana describes the story of the divine beings who witness the spiritual endeavors of various characters. It highlights the consequences of karma and the importance of righteous actions.
- Adhyayana-17 (Ashwa): This Adhyayana uses the analogy of horses and their training to illustrate the discipline and control required for the senses and mind in a spiritual journey.
- Adhyayana-18 (Susuma): This Adhyayana presents the story of Susuma, a princess, and her interactions with various characters, emphasizing themes of karma, righteousness, and spiritual aspiration.
- Subsequent Adhyayanas (19 onwards): The provided text outlines the titles of further Adhyayanas (Makandi, Chandra, Davdrava, Udak, Dardur, Tetliputra, Nandifala, Aparakanka, Ashwa, Susuma), providing brief synopses or key themes for each. It notes the progression of stories and their allegorical meanings related to spiritual development, karma, and liberation.

Key Themes and Teachings:

Karma and its Consequences: The narratives consistently illustrate how actions (karma) lead to specific consequences, shaping one's destiny in this life and future births.
Attachment and Detachment: The stories highlight the pitfalls of excessive attachment to worldly pleasures, wealth, and sensory experiences, and the liberation that comes with detachment.
Righteous Conduct (Dharma): The importance of following the path of Dharma, exemplified by the virtuous characters, is a central theme. This includes ethical behavior, compassion, and spiritual discipline.
Spiritual Progress and Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of the teachings is spiritual liberation. The stories depict characters undertaking rigorous austerities, renouncing worldly life, and striving for self-realization.
The Nature of the Soul: The text implicitly explores the soul's journey through various life forms and the influence of karma on its spiritual evolution.
Wisdom and Ignorance: The contrast between wisdom and ignorance is often presented through characters' choices and their subsequent outcomes.

Translator's Contribution:

Muni Deepratnasagarji's extensive work is evident in the detailed translation and commentary, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Gyatadharmakatha for Gujarati readers. The extensive list of his previous publications further underscores his dedication to disseminating Jain knowledge.

This summary provides a structured overview of the content covered in the provided pages, emphasizing the narrative, themes, and the detailed approach of the translation.