Agam 06 Nayadhammakahao Angsutt 06 Moolam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 06 Nayadhammakahao Angsutt 06 Moolam," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 06 Nayadhammakahao Angsutt 06 Moolam Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

Overall Nature of the Text:

This text is the sixth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas, titled "Naya-dhamma-kahao" (Tales of Righteous Conduct). The provided pages are from the foundational (Moolam) text of this Anga, published by Agam Shrut Prakashan and associated with Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra. The publication is a result of the dedication and efforts of Muni Dipratnasagar, a disciple of Muni Sudharmasagarji. It also highlights numerous financial contributors, primarily individuals and families, as well as Jain Sanghas, who have supported this publication.

Key Aspects and Content Identification:

Title and Identification: The text is clearly identified as the "Sixth Anga Sutra," Naya-dhamma-kahao. The publication is part of a larger set of Agam Sutras (pages 45 onwards list various Agam sets).
Spiritual Salutations and Reverence: The text begins with salutations ("Namo Namo Nirmal Darshanass," "Namo Namo Nimmala Dassanassa," "Bal Brahmachari Neeminathay Namah," "Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharma Guru Namah") and invocations to the Tirthankaras and Acharyas, indicating a deeply spiritual and devotional context.
Extensive Sponsorship and Contribution List: Pages 3 through 8 list a substantial number of individuals, families, and Jain Sanghas who provided financial support for the publication of the 45 Agam sets. This demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving and disseminating these sacred texts. The names and locations (e.g., Vadodara, Surendranagar, Mumbai, Madras, Los Angeles) indicate a wide reach of support. Notable patrons include individuals inspired by various Sadhviji's (nuns), such as Sadhviji Shri Saumya-gunashrijini.
Detailed Index and Structure of the Agam:
- Page 8 and 9: These pages offer a glimpse into the vastness of the Jain Agamas. Page 8 lists the 45 primary Agam Sutras and their Upa-angas and Prati-unnayanaga (supplementary texts). "Naya-dhamma-kahao" is identified as the sixth Anga Sutra.
- Page 9: This page details several "Parishishta" (appendices) intended for future publications, including:
  - "Vishayanukkamo" (Subject Index)
  - "Visishta Shabdannukkamo" (Special Word Index)
  - "Vishesha Namannukkamo" (Special Name Index)
  - "Gathanukkamo" (Verse Index)
  - "Sutrannukkamo" (Sutra Index) These appendices indicate a meticulous approach to organizing and studying the Agamas.
- Pages 10 and 11: These pages provide indices for specific sections within the Agam, specifically the "Sutta-Jambho" (likely referring to Sutra-skandha, meaning collection of sutras), listing verses (Gatha) and their respective indices. This suggests a highly structured and detailed compilation.
Beginning of the Naya-dhamma-kahao Sutra (Chapter 1):
- Page 12: The text then commences with the first chapter (Adhyayan) of Naya-dhamma-kahao, titled "Ukkitta-Na" (likely referring to "Uthapanika" or "Uttukshipta," meaning "upliftment" or "raising").
- Introduction of Setting and Characters: The narrative begins in Champa city, mentioning a king Konik. It introduces Acharya Anshuhamma, a disciple of Lord Mahavir, who is described with numerous virtues and spiritual accomplishments (e.g., fourteen Purvi, possessing four types of knowledge, liberated from fear of death).
- Introduction of another Monk: It introduces Anajandu, a senior disciple of Acharya Anshuhamma, also described with similar spiritual qualities and ascetic practices.
- The core teaching of the Anga is mentioned: Page 13 reveals that the sixth Anga, Naya-dhamma-kahao, has two Sutra-skandhas: "Nayaani" and "Dhamma-kahao." The first Sutra-skandha, "Nayaani," contains 21 Adhyayanas (chapters). The first Adhyayan, "Ukkitta-Na," begins with the story of King Seniya (Bimbisar) of Rajgriha.
- The Dream Sequence: Pages 13 onwards detail a significant narrative about Queen Dharini, King Seniya's wife. She experiences a profound dream of a regal bull. The King interprets this dream as an auspicious sign predicting the birth of a virtuous son, a king who will be a spiritual leader and eventually a spiritual seeker (anagar).
- The Queen's Pregnancy and Cravings: The narrative continues with the Queen's pregnancy, her desires (dohale), and the King's efforts to fulfill them, including a unique craving for seeing rain during a time of drought. This involves divine intervention by a celestial being (Purvadev) to bring forth rain and fulfill the craving, highlighting the power of pure intentions and divine grace.
- The Birth of Abhay Kumar: The story progresses to the auspicious birth of Prince Abhay, who is later described as a great spiritual figure and disciple of Mahavir.
- The narrative follows Abhay Kumar's journey: The text describes Abhay Kumar's upbringing, his pursuit of knowledge, his spiritual path, and eventual renunciation. It illustrates the consequences of past actions (karma) and the importance of righteous conduct and spiritual discipline.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Righteous Conduct (Dharma): The title itself, "Naya-dhamma-kahao," signifies the central theme of righteous conduct. The stories are likely intended to illustrate the principles of Dharma.
Karma and Rebirth: The detailed narrative of Abhay Kumar's past life as an elephant, the King's interpretation of the dream, and the divine intervention all point to the Jain understanding of karma and the cycle of rebirth.
Asceticism and Spiritual Pursuit: The text highlights the path of ascetics, their austerities, and their dedication to spiritual practices.
Virtues of Monks and Nuns: The descriptions of Acharyas and Sadhvis emphasize virtues like detachment, equanimity, knowledge, and spiritual power.
The Importance of Dreams: The queen's dream and its interpretation by the king signify the role of divine signs and the impact of past karma on present circumstances.
King Seniya (Bimbisar) and Queen Dharini: These characters serve as central figures in the initial narrative, illustrating royal life, dharma, and the circumstances surrounding the birth of a significant spiritual personality.
The Anga Structure: The detailed listing of Angas and appendices highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of the Jain Agamas.

Overall Message (Implied):

The text aims to impart moral and spiritual lessons through captivating narratives. It emphasizes the importance of righteous living, adherence to Jain principles, understanding karma, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. The stories, while potentially containing miraculous events, are likely allegorical or illustrative of deeper spiritual truths and the consequences of actions. The extensive lists of donors also underscore the cultural and religious significance of these texts and the collective effort involved in their preservation.