Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

Based on the provided text snippets, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi":

Book Title: Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi Author(s): Amarmuni, Varunmuni, Sanjay Surana Publisher: Padma Prakashan

Core Subject Matter:

The Prashnavyakarana Sutra is the tenth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas (canonical scriptures). Its central theme revolves around the five Ashravas (inflow of karmas) and the five Samvars (blockage of karmas). The Sutra aims to explain the nature of these spiritual concepts and guide the practitioner towards liberation by renouncing the former and embracing the latter.

Key Concepts:

Ashrava (Inflow of Karmas): The Sutra identifies five primary Ashravas that lead to the soul's bondage and suffering:
- Himsa (Violence): Causing harm or injury to life force (Praan Vadh), which is described with numerous negative attributes and severe consequences, including rebirth in hellish and animal states.
- Mrishavada (Falsehood/Lying): Deception, untruth, and speech that causes harm or disturbance, leading to personal ruin, societal discord, and negative rebirths. The text highlights various philosophical views that deny the existence of an eternal soul, which are presented as forms of falsehood.
- Adattadan (Stealing/Taking what is not given): The act of taking anything without permission, described as a severe sin with dire consequences, including punishment in jail and subsequent rebirths in lower realms. It emphasizes the importance of contentment and avoiding greed.
- Abrahmacharya (Non-celibacy/Lust): This is portrayed as a pervasive force affecting all beings, including gods and humans, leading to attachment, delusion, and subsequent suffering. It is seen as an obstacle to spiritual progress.
- Parigraha (Attachment/Covetousness): An endless desire for possessions, leading to accumulation and an inability to find satisfaction. It is described as a great tree with roots of desire, a trunk of passions like greed and anger, and branches of worries.
Samvara (Blockage of Karmas): In contrast to Ashrava, the Sutra also outlines the five Samvars, which are the means to block the inflow of karmas and attain liberation:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount Samvara, described as beneficial for all living beings and the path to ultimate peace and liberation. It is elaborated through sixty synonyms highlighting its immense virtues and importance.
- Satya (Truth): Truthfulness is presented as crucial for non-violence, leading to protection, purity, and respect. The Sutra details its glory, its ten types, and the importance of speaking thoughtful and beneficial words.
- Achaurya (Non-stealing): The principle of taking only what is given with permission and the avoidance of taking anything that is not freely offered. This leads to self-restraint and freedom from fear.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): The vow of controlling sensual desires and leading a life of chastity, which is essential for spiritual progress.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Detachment): The practice of renouncing attachment to worldly possessions and desires, which is crucial for achieving liberation.

Structure and Content:

Ashrava Section (First Volume): The first part of the Sutra details the five Ashravas.
- Chapter 1 (Himsa): Explains violence in great detail, including its 22 negative attributes, 30 synonyms, the types of beings involved, the motivations for violence, and the horrific consequences of violence, especially rebirth in hellish realms with torturous descriptions.
- Chapter 2 (Mrishavada): Discusses falsehood, its 30 synonyms, the philosophy of various groups denying the existence of the soul or eternal truths, and the severe consequences of lying, including societal downfall and negative rebirths.
- Chapter 3 (Adattadan): Covers stealing, its 30 synonyms, the various methods of theft, the brutal punishments inflicted on thieves, and the dire consequences of such acts, including suffering in hell and animal states.
- Chapter 4 (Abrahmacharya): Focuses on lust and non-celibacy, describing its pervasiveness, its seductive nature, and its negative impact on spiritual practice, leading to negative rebirths. It details the lifestyles of gods, humans, and animals in the context of lust.
- Chapter 5 (Parigraha): Explains attachment and covetousness, its roots in desire and greed, and its consequences. It illustrates how even powerful beings like Chakravartis and celestial beings remain unsatisfied despite immense possessions.
Samvara Section (Second Volume): The second part of the Sutra details the five Samvars as the antidote to the Ashravas.
- Chapter 1 (Ahimsa): Explains the profound glory of non-violence, listing sixty synonyms and illustrating its importance through analogies and the practices of various spiritual aspirants, including the Tirthankaras themselves. It emphasizes the role of five sentiments (Irya Samiti, Manah Samiti, Vachan Samiti, Aahāraishaṇā Samiti, Ādāna-nikshepaṇ Samiti) in its practice.
- Chapter 2 (Satya): Elucidates the glory and nature of truth, its ten types, its importance in human life, and the ten types of truth, twelve types of language, and sixteen parts of speech. It highlights the benefits of practicing truth and avoiding faulty or harmful speech.

Purpose and Significance:

The Sutra serves as a guide for spiritual seekers to understand the causes of suffering (Ashravas) and the path to liberation (Samvara). The detailed descriptions of the consequences of negative actions and the virtues of positive practices aim to inspire renunciation of vices and adoption of virtues, ultimately leading to the attainment of Moksha (liberation). The inclusion of vivid illustrations in this edition aims to make the profound spiritual concepts accessible to a wider audience. The English translation caters to a global audience interested in Jain teachings.

Key Takeaway:

The book emphasizes the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession) as the path to overcoming suffering and achieving spiritual liberation. It vividly portrays the severe consequences of indulging in the five Ashravas and the immense benefits of practicing the five Samvars.