Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 10 Ang 10 Prashna Vyakaran Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati," authored by Ghasilal Maharaj, based on the provided pages:

Overall Scope and Purpose:

The text is identified as the tenth Anga of the Jain Agam, specifically the "Prashna Vyakarana Sutra," presented in Gujarati by the Shwetambar Sthanakvasi tradition. The primary purpose of this work, as indicated by the commentary ("Vyakhya") called "Sudarshini" by Acharya Ghasilal Maharaj, is to elucidate the profound teachings within the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra. The text delves into the intricacies of Jain philosophy, particularly focusing on concepts of Asrava (influx of karma) and Samvara (cessation of karma). It aims to guide spiritual seekers towards liberation (Moksha) by explaining the causes of suffering in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the means to overcome them.

Key Themes and Content:

The summary reveals a structured approach to Jain teachings, divided into several main sections or studies ("Adhyayan") as presented in the table of contents:

1. Mangalacharan and Avatarnika (Invocation and Introduction):

   • The text begins with traditional Jain invocations ("Namo Arihantanam," etc.) and praises for the enlightened beings (Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu).
   • The introduction by Ghasilal Maharaj emphasizes the purpose of the commentary ("Sudarshini") in explaining the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra.
   • It highlights the illusory nature of worldly happiness and points to Moksha as the source of true, eternal bliss, attainable only through knowledge and action.
   • The text establishes the Prashna Vyakarana itself as a form of Shruta Jnana (scriptural knowledge), essential for discerning right from wrong.
   • It addresses the absence of a separate Mangalacharan at the beginning of the sutra, arguing that the sutra itself is auspicious and contains internal auspicious elements.
   • The text explains the etymological meaning of "Prashna Vyakarana" as the detailed exposition of questions, encompassing 108 types of questions, non-questions, and mixed questions.
   • It connects the Prashna Vyakarana to the ninth Anga, Anuttaropapatika Sutra, underscoring its role in understanding the path to higher realms and ultimate liberation.

2. Asrava and Samvara (The Core Teachings):

   • The text is structured into two main parts, dealing with Asrava (five types) and Samvara (five types).
   • Asrava, being the cause of karmic bondage, is discussed first.
   • The primary emphasis is placed on Himsa (violence) as the root cause of Asrava, with other Asrava categories like untruthfulness, stealing, unchastity, and possession stemming from it.
   • The text meticulously details the various forms of Himsa, including Pranavada (life-inflicting) and its numerous synonyms (30 in total), illustrating the multifaceted nature of violence.
   • It then systematically describes the causes and perpetrators of Himsa across different types of living beings:
     • Vayukaya (Air beings)
     • Prithvi-kaya (Earth beings)
     • Apo-kaya (Water beings)
     • Tejo-kaya (Fire beings)
     • Vayu-kaya (Air beings) (again, likely a repetition or further detail)
     • Vanaaspati-kaya (Vegetable beings)
     • Sthavara (immobile beings), detailing their connection to violence.
     • Trasa beings (mobile beings), categorized by their sensory capabilities (one-sensed to five-sensed).
   • It elaborates on the motivations behind Himsa, including the pursuit of physical elements like skin, fat, flesh, marrow, liver, intestines, brain, heart, and bile, as well as motivations for obtaining valuable materials like bone, nails, teeth, hair, etc.
   • The text describes the specific harms inflicted on different categories of beings (e.g., aquatic creatures, land creatures, aerial beings) and the subsequent suffering in various hells (Naraka).
   • The consequences of Himsa are detailed, including rebirth in lower realms (hells, animal kingdoms) and experiencing immense suffering.
   • The concept of Samvara is presented as the antidote to Asrava, emphasizing the practice of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession as the means to curb karma.
   • The five Bhavanas (mental disciplines) that support Ahimsa are elaborated upon: IrRefSetmiti (careful movement), Bhasha Samiti (careful speech), Escana Samiti (careful alms-gathering), Artha Samiti (careful acceptance of belongings), and Pratishedha (avoiding places of violence). These are crucial for the practice of Ahimsa.

3. Specific Vows and Practices:

   • Brahma-charya (Chastity/Celibacy): This vow is described as a foundational principle for spiritual progress, emphasizing the need to control sensory desires and attachments.
   • Parigraha Virama (Abstinence from Possession): This section details the detrimental effects of excessive attachment to possessions and the importance of renunciation for spiritual growth.
   • The text also discusses various sins and their consequences, including those related to speech (Mrusa-vada), actions, and mental states. It outlines the different types of people who indulge in these sins and the resulting karma.

4. Rules for Swadhyay (Self-Study):

   • A significant portion of the text (pages 6-10) is dedicated to specific rules for the study of the sutra itself, known as Aswadhyay (non-study). These rules are detailed and numerous, outlining auspicious and inauspicious times and conditions for study. They are categorized into:
     • Akasha Sambandhi (Sky-related) 10 Aswadhyayas: These include phenomena like meteor showers (Ulkapata), directional fires (Digdaha), thunderous roars (Garjarava), divine roars (Nirghata), lightning (Vidyut), specific celestial alignments (Yupaka), celestial lights (Yakshadipta), smoke-like mist (Dhumika Krishna), white mist (Mahika Shwet), and dust storms (Rajodghata).
     • Audarika Sharira Sambandhi (Physical body-related) 10 Aswadhyayas: These include encountering remnants of the physical body (bone, flesh, blood), broken eggs, excrement/urine, crematorium grounds (Smashan), eclipses (Chandra Grahan, Surya Grahan), royal processions or unrest (Rajavyudgata), deaths of royalty or leaders (Patana), dead bodies of five-sensed beings within a certain radius of a monastery (Audarika Sharira), and specific festive days (four Mahotsavas and four Pratipadas).
   • The text clarifies that these Aswadhyaya rules apply to the Mool Path (original text) and not to translations. It emphasizes the importance of Vinaya (respect and humility), suggesting adherence to the guru's or elder's wishes in such circumstances.

Commentary and Interpretation:

• The commentary ("Vyakhya") by Ghasilal Maharaj, titled "Sudarshini," is noted as being comprehensive and insightful, drawing upon the author's deep knowledge of Jain Agams.
• The text includes Hindi and Gujarati translations, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• The publisher, Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti, is dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Jain scriptures.

Key Principles Highlighted:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the paramount principle, the foundation of all other virtues and the key to liberation. The text extensively details the various forms and causes of Himsa and the suffering it entails.
• Self-control and Renunciation: The text emphasizes the need to control desires, senses, and possessions to break free from karmic bondage.
• Knowledge and Right Conduct: True happiness and liberation are achieved through the combination of right knowledge (Jnana) and right conduct (Charya).
• Vinaya (Respect and Humility): This is presented as the root of Dharma, guiding practitioners to follow the teachings and the example of the enlightened ones.
• Karma Theory: The text implicitly and explicitly discusses the law of karma, explaining how actions (especially those related to Asrava) lead to consequences (Phala), including rebirth in different realms and experiencing suffering.

Structure and Organization:

The table of contents (pages 11-16) reveals a detailed structure of the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, divided into multiple studies (Adhyayanas), each covering specific aspects of Asrava, Samvara, and related concepts. The text moves from basic principles to more detailed explanations of sins, their motivations, and their consequences, then to the practices that counteract them.

In essence, this Gujarati edition of the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, with the commentary of Ghasilal Maharaj, serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Jain path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the paramount importance of Ahimsa, self-control, and righteous conduct as means to overcome the cycle of suffering. The detailed rules for Swadhyay and the extensive list of Aswadhyayas highlight the meticulousness and discipline required in the practice of Jainism.