Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi

This Jain text, titled "Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi," is a detailed commentary and translation of the "Prashna Vyakarana Sutra," which is the tenth of the twelve Angas of the Jain Agamas. The text is a devotional offering and scholarly work presented by Sunitabai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, and Subodhikabai Mahasati, published by Guru Pran Prakashan in Mumbai.

The book is dedicated to the memory and spiritual legacy of Guru Pranalalji M.S. and Guru Ratilalji M.S., with blessings from various esteemed Jain Acharyas. It serves as a comprehensive resource, providing the original text (Mool Path), its Gujarati translation (Bhavarth), a detailed commentary (Vivechan), and supplementary information (Parishisht).

Key Aspects and Content Summary:

• Spiritual Lineage and Dedication: The text begins with salutations to Lord Vitarag and expresses reverence for the lineage of Gurus of the Gondal Gachha, particularly Guru Dungarsinghji M.S., Guru Pranalalji M.S., and Guru Ratilalji M.S. It is published in remembrance of Guru Pranalalji M.S.'s birth centenary.
• Prashna Vyakarana Sutra: This work focuses on the "Prashna Vyakarana Sutra," the tenth Anga of the Jain Agamas. The text highlights the significance of this Sutra, describing it as profound, rich in literary expression, and akin to a flowing river that reveals the subtle essence of Ashrava (influx of karma) and Samvara (cessation of karma).
• Ashrava and Samvara: A central theme is the explanation of Ashrava (causes of karmic bondage) and Samvara (prevention of karmic bondage). The book details the five Ashravas (Himsa - violence, Mrushavada - falsehood, Adattadana - theft, Brahmacharya - unchastity, Parigraha - possession) and their corresponding Samvaras (Ahimsa - non-violence, Satya - truth, Asteya - non-theft, Brahmacharya - chastity, Aparigraha - non-possession).
• Detailed Commentary and Explanation: The text provides elaborate explanations of the concepts related to Ashrava and Samvara. For instance, the section on Himsa describes its various forms, motivations, and dire consequences. Similarly, the commentary on Mrushavada delves into the nature of falsehood, the philosophical viewpoints it counters, and its disastrous outcomes. The discussions on Adattadana, Brahmacharya, and Parigraha also follow this pattern, detailing their forms, causes, consequences, and the virtuous qualities that counter them.
• Literary and Stylistic Analysis: The authors and commentators, including the Mahasatijis, highlight the unique and sophisticated literary style of the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, comparing it to intricate carvings on marble and artistic embellishments on gold. They emphasize the scholarly effort to make the complex concepts accessible through Gujarati translation and commentary.
• Scholarly and Devotional Contributions: The text acknowledges the contributions of various individuals and foundations, including the Guru Pran Prakashan, and numerous Mahasatijis who translated and compiled the work. It also mentions specific individuals and families who supported the publication as "Shrutadhar" (main donors), indicating a strong community effort in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures.
• Guidance on Scripture Study: A significant portion of the text (Page 14) offers guidance on the proper study of Agam Granthas, emphasizing reverence, systematic study, and the importance of seeking the Guru's permission. It also clarifies rules regarding periods of "Aswadhyaya" (times when scripture study is not permitted), such as during celestial phenomena, specific days of the lunar cycle, or when certain impure conditions are present. It also clarifies that while studying the original text (Mool Path) has specific rules, reading the Gujarati translation (Bhavartha) does not have these restrictions, even during menstruation for women.
• Biographies of Revered Gurus: Several pages (17-23) are dedicated to the life and contributions of prominent Gurus in the Jain tradition, including Guru Dungarsinghji M.S., Guru Pranalalji M.S. (Saurashtra Kesari), and Guru Ratilalji M.S. (Tapasamrat). These biographies highlight their spiritual achievements, ascetic practices, societal contributions, and the lineage they established.
• Inclusion of Lists and Appendices: The book includes various lists, such as the "32 Agamas" (Page 10), names of supporting Acharyas and Mahasatijis (Pages 12-13), and a table of contents (Pages 15-17), providing a structured overview of the work. There's also a list of "Aswadhyaya Kala" (times of non-study) (Page 51).
• Focus on Ethical Conduct: The commentary emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in daily life, particularly regarding ethical conduct, honesty, and the consequences of violating these principles, as described in the scriptures. The detailed explanations of Ashravas like violence, falsehood, theft, unchastity, and greed, and their rebirth in lower realms or suffering in hellish states, serve as a strong cautionary reminder. Conversely, the explanation of Samvaras like non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession is presented as the path to spiritual upliftment and liberation.

In essence, this publication is a devotional and scholarly endeavor to make the profound teachings of the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra accessible to a wider audience, particularly through Gujarati translation and detailed commentary, thereby fostering deeper understanding and practice of Jain philosophy and ethics.