Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Shwetambar - Book Summary

This document is a digitized copy of the Jain text "Prashna Vyakarana Dashanga Sutra" (प्रश्रव्याकरणदशाङ्गम्), specifically the 10th Anga of the Agamas, as interpreted and published by the Shvetambara tradition. The text is presented in Gujarati script with Sanskrit and Prakrit verses.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Overall Context:

The document is a scholarly edition of the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, a foundational text within the Agamas (scriptures) of Jainism, belonging to the Shvetambara sect. It's presented by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, highlighting its commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The publication is dedicated to various esteemed Acharyas and gurus who have contributed to its preservation and study.

Key Content and Themes:

Invocation and Dedication: The initial pages include traditional Jain invocations (namaskars) to important figures like Lord Mahavir, Lord Gautam Swami, and various Acharyas. This sets a reverent tone for the text.
Historical Context of Agama Recensions (Vachanas): A significant portion of the early pages (around pages 6-10) provides a detailed historical account of the different recensions (Vachanas) of the Jain Agamas. This narrative explains:
- The origin of the Agamas: Attributed to the eleven Ganadharas led by Lord Gautam Swami immediately after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
- The challenges faced by the Agamas: Due to severe famines, political upheavals, and persecution, leading to the loss and disorganization of scriptural knowledge.
- The necessity of successive recensions: To preserve, compile, and ensure the accuracy of the scriptures. The text outlines six major recensions:
  - First Vachana: (Approx. Vira Nirvana Samvat 160) at Pataliputra under Sthulabhadra to compile the Dvadasanga Shrut.
  - Second Vachana: (Approx. Vira Nirvana Samvat 245-281) at Ujjain under Arya Suhamsti to protect and organize the Agamas.
  - Third Vachana: (Approx. Vira Nirvana Samvat 300-330) involving both Jinakalpi and Sthavira kalpi monks and nuns, as well as lay followers, to organize the eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
  - Fourth Vachana: (Approx. Vira Nirvana Samvat 592) at Dashapura under Arya Rakshit Suri, who organized the four Anuyogas to make the Agamas accessible.
  - Fifth Vachana: (Approx. Vira Nirvana Samvat 830-840) split into Mathura (North) under Arya Skandila Suri and Valabhi (South) under Arya Nagarjun Suri.
  - Sixth Vachana: At Valabhipur (Valabhi) under Arya Deva Sagani Kshamasramana and Arya Kalaka Suri, where 84 Agamas were compiled and written on palm leaves.
- The subsequent decline of oral tradition: Highlighting the difficulty in accessing and preserving handwritten manuscripts due to the influence of Kaliyuga and the decline in scholarly traditions.
- The modern revival efforts: Praising the work of Acharya Anand Sagar Suri (referred to as "Sagarji Maharaj") in the late 20th century for his diligent efforts in researching, editing, and reprinting the Agamas, making them accessible through communal readings and publications. This section emphasizes the arduous task of preserving and propagating the scriptural heritage.
The Prashna Vyakarana Sutra Text: The core of the document presents the actual sutras (verses) of the Prashna Vyakarana. This section is presented in Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi) script with explanations and elaborations. The content primarily focuses on:
- The Five Samitis (Conducts): The sutras begin with the explanation of the five Samitis (conducts) that are essential for spiritual progress and protection from negative karmas. These are detailed extensively.
  - 1. Irya Samiti (Wandering Righteously): Emphasizing careful movement to avoid harming living beings, especially subtle beings. It details the importance of examining the path before stepping, avoiding harm to plants, and maintaining awareness of one's surroundings. This section is very elaborate, describing various types of creatures and the consequences of harming them.
  - 2. Bhasha Samiti (Right Speech): Focusing on the avoidance of falsehood (Aliya Vayana), harsh speech, gossip, and pointless talk. It highlights the detrimental effects of lying and the importance of truthful, beneficial, and mild speech. The text details the numerous synonyms and consequences of untruthful speech.
  - 3. Adatta Dana Samiti (Right Taking): Addressing the sin of theft and taking what is not freely given (Adatta Dana). It elaborates on the various forms of stealing and their severe karmic repercussions.
  - 4. Brahmacharya Samiti (Celibacy/Chastity): Explaining the importance of controlling sensual desires and practicing celibacy. It discusses the allure of worldly pleasures and the adverse consequences of succumbing to them. The text emphasizes the sanctity of pure conduct.
  - 5. Parigraha Samiti (Non-possession): Detailing the concept of non-attachment and renunciation of possessions. It describes how excessive attachment and greed lead to suffering and hinder spiritual progress. The text explains the various types of possessions and the need to transcend them.
- The Five Samvaras (Restraints): Following the explanation of Samitis, the text moves on to the five Samvaras, which are the active restraints and practices that protect the soul from the influx of new karmas. These are:
  - 1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Described as the supreme virtue, the source of all well-being and spiritual progress, and the path to liberation. It is explained in immense detail, covering its philosophical aspects and practical application.
  - 2. Satya (Truthfulness): Emphasizing the power and purity of truth, its ability to overcome obstacles, and its adherence to reality.
  - 3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Reinforcing the principle of not taking what is not given.
  - 4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Reaffirming the importance of controlling desires.
  - 5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Reiterating the need for detachment from material possessions.
- The purpose of these virtues: The text connects these virtues to the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha), emphasizing that their practice leads to the purification of the soul and the cessation of suffering.
Detailed Descriptions of Karmic Consequences: The sutras, particularly in their detailed explanations, vividly describe the suffering and consequences (Phala Vivaga) that arise from violating these principles. These descriptions, especially concerning violence (Panavaha) and falsehood (Aliya Vayana), are graphic and serve as cautionary tales about the karmic results of negative actions, including rebirths in hellish realms, as animals, and as unfortunate humans.
The role of Acharyas and the Publishers: The introductory and concluding sections highlight the contributions of the Acharyas and the publishing institution. The mention of "Purnachandrasagar" as an author, and "Jainanand Pustakalay" as the publisher, along with references to Acharya Anand Sagar Suri's revival efforts, underscore the lineage of scholarship and dedication involved in bringing this text to light.

Key Jain Concepts Illustrated:

Karma: The text repeatedly emphasizes the law of karma, illustrating how actions (karmas) directly lead to specific consequences in this life and future lives.
Ahimsa: Non-violence is presented as the foundational principle of Jainism, encompassing all living beings.
Samiti and Samvara: The importance of disciplined conduct and active restraints for spiritual purification is a central theme.
Moksha: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death is implied throughout the discussion of virtue and its consequences.
The Authority of the Agamas: The text's historical context highlights the reverence for the Agamas as the word of the Tirthankaras and the continuous effort to preserve their integrity.

In essence, this digitized manuscript of the Prashna Vyakarana Dashanga Sutra is a valuable resource for understanding a crucial part of Jain scripture, its historical transmission, and its ethical teachings, presented through the lens of meticulous scholarship and devotion.