Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" by Muni Chotalalji, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra (Jain Agam, 10th Anga, Prashna Vyakaran Sutra) Author: Muni Chotalalji (Disciple of Acharya Ladha Ji Swami, Limbdi tradition) Publisher: Nathalal Dahyabhai Shah (Secretary, Pujya Shri Ladha Ji Swami Pustakalaya, Limbdi) First Edition: Veer Samvat 2459 (1933 CE), Vikram Samvat 1989

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book is a Gujarati translation and commentary on the "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra," a significant text within the Jain Agamas, specifically the 10th Anga. The text, as explained in the introduction, deals with the nature of "Āsrav" (influx of karmas) and "Samvar" (cessation of karma influx), which are fundamental concepts in Jain philosophy for achieving liberation. The translation aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider Gujarati-speaking audience.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured around the core teachings of the Prashna Vyakaran Sutra, focusing on the causes of karma and the methods to prevent it.

Āsrav Dwār (Gateway of Karma Influx): This section, comprising the first five chapters (Adhyayans), elaborates on the five types of Āsrav, which are the primary means by which karmic matter attaches to the soul.
- Adhyayan 1: Hinsa Karma (Violence): This chapter details the various forms of violence, its nature, names (30 identified), reasons (for skin, fat, flesh, etc.), the types of beings affected (aquatic, terrestrial, aerial), the motivations behind it (desire for materials, food, pleasure), and the severe consequences in hell and the animal realm. It also lists the geographical origins of those who practice violence extensively. The suffering experienced in various hellish states is described in graphic detail.
- Adhyayan 2: Mrushavada (False Speech): This chapter explores the concept of lying, its numerous (30 identified) forms, the types of people who engage in it (cheaters, deceivers, fraudulent merchants, etc.), and the philosophies of non-Jain schools that promote false doctrines. It covers the devastating consequences of falsehood, leading to suffering in hell and rebirths in lower realms, and the loss of human qualities in this life.
- Adhyayan 3: Adattadan (Taking What is Not Given/Stealing): This section delves into the act of stealing, its various (30 identified) names and forms, the perpetrators (thieves, robbers, kings engaging in unjust taxation), and the elaborate descriptions of warfare and the cruel punishments meted out to thieves. It highlights the immense suffering caused by theft, both in this life and the afterlife, leading to degradation and rebirth in lower realms. The text also describes the vast cycle of suffering within the "Samsara Samudra" (ocean of existence).
- Adhyayan 4: Abrahma-charya (Unchastity): This chapter discusses the pervasiveness of unchastity, its allure, and how it leads to bondage. It describes the debauchery of celestial beings, kings (like Chakravarti), and even the adverse effects of attachment and desire. The text describes the characteristics of beautiful celestial beings and the consequences of indulging in sensual pleasures, even for powerful individuals, ultimately leading to suffering and death.
- Adhyayan 5: Parigraha (Possession/Attachment): This final chapter on Āsrav focuses on the insatiable nature of attachment and greed. It details the vast array of possessions that humans and even deities accumulate (wealth, land, animals, servants, ornaments, etc.) and the constant desire for more. The text describes Parigraha as a tree that grows with desire, bearing the fruits of anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It lists 30 names for Parigraha and the motivations behind it. The consequences of excessive attachment are described as leading to suffering, loss of peace, and continued cycles of birth and death.
Samvar Dwār (Gateway of Karma Cessation): This section, comprising the next five chapters, outlines the practices that prevent the influx of karma, leading to purification of the soul.
- Adhyayan 1: Ahimsa (Non-violence): This chapter defines Ahimsa as a supreme virtue, the source of all other virtues, and essential for liberation. It describes the 62 names of Ahimsa and emphasizes its role in protecting all beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings). The chapter details the practices of a pure ascetic (Sadhu) who upholds Ahimsa, focusing on mindful actions, speech, and thought. It outlines five important "Bhavanas" (meditative contemplations) that support the practice of Ahimsa: mindful movement (Irya Samiti), mindful speech (Bhasha Samiti), mindful receiving of alms (Eshana Samiti), mindful handling of objects (Adan Nikshepan Samiti), and mindful excretion (Utsarg Samiti).
- Adhyayan 2: Satya Vachana (Truthful Speech): This chapter highlights the power and sanctity of truth. It describes how truth protects from dangers and leads to liberation. The text emphasizes speaking truthfully, beneficially, and gently, avoiding harsh, false, or slanderous speech. It details the types of speech to be avoided and the importance of mindful communication. The chapter emphasizes that truth is the foundation of virtue and the path to ultimate well-being.
- Adhyayan 3: Dattadan-grahan (Accepting what is Given/Honesty): This section focuses on the virtue of honesty and accepting only what is rightfully given. It condemns stealing in all its forms, including taking what is not given, cheating, and misappropriation. The text stresses the importance of returning lost items and accepting alms or gifts with proper intention and without any ulterior motive. It outlines the severe karmic consequences of dishonesty.
- Adhyayan 4: Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This chapter discusses the importance of controlling sensual desires and practicing chastity. It highlights Brahmacharya as the root of all virtues and the path to spiritual advancement. The text describes the forms of unchastity to be avoided, the temptations that arise, and the severe karmic repercussions of succumbing to them. It emphasizes the need for detachment and control over the senses.
- Adhyayan 5: Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): The final chapter of Samvar focuses on detachment from all forms of possession, both external (material objects) and internal (possessiveness, attachment to the body, opinions, etc.). It defines Aparigraha as freedom from desire and the accumulation of worldly goods. The text explains that true detachment involves minimizing one's needs and renouncing all that is not essential for spiritual progress. It lists numerous virtues and practices that support Aparigraha, such as contentment, self-control, and mindfulness.

Introductory and Concluding Remarks:

Dedications: The book is dedicated to the feet of Pujya Shri Ladha Ji Swami, the author's guru.
Author's Apology: Muni Chotalalji expresses regret in the preface for the delay in publication and for not being able to include a preface by Muni Punyavijayji as initially planned, due to health reasons and the necessity of a complete rewrite.
Praise for the Work: The translator expresses hope that the translation will benefit the readers in their spiritual journey towards self-realization and liberation.
Colophon: The book concludes with a dedication to the well-being of all beings, a standard Jain benediction, and the publication details.
Subscriber List: An extensive list of donors and subscribers is included, indicating the community support for this publication.

Significance:

The "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" is a foundational text for understanding the mechanisms of karma and the path to its cessation. Muni Chotalalji's translation into Gujarati makes these complex philosophical and ethical principles accessible, contributing to Jain education and spiritual practice. The detailed explanations of each Āsrav and Samvar, along with the emphasis on the consequences of actions and the path to virtue, make this book a valuable resource for seekers of Jainism.