Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Stahanakvasi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 10 Ang 1a Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Stahanakvasi," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prashnavyakaran Sutram (प्रश्नव्याकरणसूत्रम्) - The Tenth Anga of the Jain Agamas Author(s): Madhukarmuni, Shobhachad Bharilla (as per publisher and editor information) Publisher: Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar (Rajasthan) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003450/1

This particular edition of the Prashnavyakaran Sutra is presented in Hindi, with the original Sanskrit text, a Hindi translation, detailed explanations (Vivechan), annotations, and an appendix/glossary. The publication is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Gurudev Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj.

Core Content and Structure:

The Prashnavyakaran Sutra is the tenth Anga (limb or section) of the twelve Angas of Jain Agamas, which are considered the foundational scriptures of Jainism. This particular volume is part of a larger series aiming to make the Agam literature accessible to all.

The text is structured into two main parts, called Dwaras (Doors or Sections):

Asrav Dwar (आस्रवद्वार): This section deals with the concept of Asravas (आस्रव), which are the channels through which karmic particles flow into the soul, leading to bondage and suffering. The Prashnavyakaran Sutra elaborates on five primary Asravas:
- Himsa (हिंसा - Violence): Discussed extensively, covering its nature, various names (30 listed), causes, effects, and the types of beings involved. It also touches upon Vedic violence and the concept of violence in the name of religion. Various hellish realms and the suffering of beings there are vividly described.
- Mṛṣāvāda (मृषावाद - False Speech): Explores false speech, its various names (30 listed), its practitioners, and its dire consequences. It critiques various philosophical viewpoints that deny the existence of the soul, karma, or liberation, including Nāstika (Chārvāka), Bauddha (Panchaskandha), and other heterodox views.
- Adattādāna (अदत्तादान - Stealing): Details the act of taking what is not given, its various names (30 listed), the methods of thieves, the punishments they face in this life and the consequences in future lives, and the suffering in hell and animal realms. It also describes the lives of various groups of people who engage in sinful activities.
- Abrahma (अब्रह्म - Unchastity/Sensual Indulgence): This section delves into the pervasive nature of lust and sensual indulgence, affecting even celestial beings, humans, and animals. It describes the severe consequences of succumbing to desires, including rebirth in lower realms and suffering. The text highlights the importance of Brahmacharya (celibacy) and the challenges in its practice.
- Parigraha (परिग्रह - Attachment/Possession): This final Asrava covers the concept of attachment to external objects, wealth, relationships, and even one's own body. It describes how attachment fuels desire and leads to suffering. The text uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate how attachment grows and ensnares the soul. It notes that even celestial beings and powerful kings remain unfulfilled despite their vast possessions.
Sanvar Dwar (संवरद्वार): This section deals with Sanvaras (संवर), which are the means to prevent the influx of new karmas and to control the existing ones, thus leading to liberation. The Prashnavyakaran Sutra outlines five primary Sanvaras:
- Ahimsa (अहिंसा - Non-violence): Presented as the primary and most important Sanvara, this chapter elaborates on its immense significance, describing it as a refuge and protector for all beings. It lists sixty names of Ahimsa, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its ability to bestow ultimate peace and liberation. The text emphasizes the importance of meticulous conduct and mindfulness to uphold Ahimsa.
- Satya (सत्य - Truthfulness): Discusses the power and glory of truth, its various forms, and its benefits. It highlights how adhering to truth, even when difficult, brings divine favor and protection. The text also touches upon the nuances of speech, cautioning against truthful but harmful or excessively jovial speech.
- Asteya (अस्तेय - Non-stealing): This chapter focuses on the principle of not taking what is not given, covering its literal meaning and its broader implications. It stresses the importance of being content with what one has and avoiding any form of illicit gain or attachment to others' possessions.
- Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य - Chastity/Celibacy): This section emphasizes the rigorous practice of celibacy and the control of sensual desires. It outlines the dire consequences of transgressing this principle and the supreme benefits of adhering to it, linking it to spiritual progress and liberation.
- Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह - Non-possession/Non-attachment): The final Sanvara deals with detachment from all external possessions, including wealth, relationships, and even the body. It explains how excessive attachment fuels desire and leads to suffering, while detachment paves the path to freedom.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Karma: The text strongly emphasizes the law of karma, explaining how actions (Asravas) lead to karmic influx, bondage, and subsequent suffering in various realms. The Sanvaras are presented as the means to arrest this influx and ultimately achieve liberation.
Ahimsa as the Supreme Principle: While all five Sanvaras are crucial, Ahimsa is presented as the foundational principle, encompassing and protecting all other vows and virtues.
The Nature of Suffering: The Asrava section vividly depicts the immense suffering experienced in hellish realms and animal births as a direct consequence of harmful actions like violence, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and attachment.
Spiritual Discipline: The Sanvar section outlines the path to spiritual progress and liberation through discipline, self-control, and adherence to vows and ethical principles.
The Importance of Intent and Practice: The text subtly highlights that the purity of intent and meticulous practice of these principles are paramount for true spiritual advancement.
Literary and Linguistic Merit: Thevivechan (explanation) sections highlight the sophisticated use of language, metaphors, and philosophical arguments to convey complex Jain doctrines. The detailed descriptions, especially of the hellish realms and the physical attributes of beings, showcase the literary richness of the text.

Editorial and Publication Aspects:

Dedication: The book is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj.
Contributors: The translation is attributed to Muni Shri Praveen Rishiji Maharaj, and the editing and explanation are by the late Pt. Shobhachandra Bharilla. Yuvacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar' is credited for his efforts as the convener and founder editor. The direction is by Sadhwi Shri Umravkunwar 'Archana'. Various other Munis and scholars contributed to the board of editors and the publication.
Second Edition: This is the second edition, published in Vir-Nirvana Samvat 2519 / Vikram Samvat 2049 (1993 AD).
Goal: The overarching goal of the Agam Prakashan Samiti is to make the Agam literature accessible to everyone, promoting its study and dissemination.
Comprehensive Nature: The inclusion of original text, Hindi translation, detailed explanations, annotations, and a vocabulary/glossary makes this edition a comprehensive resource for students and scholars of Jain Agamas.

In essence, this book provides a detailed exploration of the fundamental Jain concepts of Asrava (karmic influx) and Sanvar (prevention of karmic influx), emphasizing the practical and ethical guidelines for a spiritual life leading to liberation.