Agam 10 Prashna Vyakraan Gujarati Translation - Book Summary

This document is the Gujarati translation of the Prashnavyakaran Sutra, the tenth Anga of the Jain Agamas, translated and edited by Muni Dippratnasagarji.

Here's a summary of the key themes and content based on the provided text:

1. Introduction and Context:

The text begins with salutations to the Tirthankaras and revered gurus.
It establishes the text as the 10th Anga Sutra, Prashnavyakaran, translated into Gujarati.
The translator and editor, Muni Dippratnasagarji, is highlighted.
The publication date and contact information are provided.

2. Classification of Agamas:

Page 3 provides a comprehensive classification of Jain Agamas, listing various Anga Sutras, Upanga Sutras, Mula Sutras, Cheda Sutras, Chulika Sutras, and Panna Sutras. This places Prashnavyakaran within the broader framework of Jain scriptures.

3. Structure of Prashnavyakaran:

Page 4 indicates that the Prashnavyakaran Sutra is divided into two main sections (Shruta Skandhas):
- Ashrava Dwar (Gateway of Influx/Bondage)
- Samvara Dwar (Gateway of Cessation/Stopping of Influx)
Each section contains five Adhyayanas (chapters).

4. Ashrava Dwar (Gateway of Influx/Bondage):

The majority of the provided text details the Ashrava Dwar, which describes the various types of influx of karma that bind the soul. This is presented as a dialogue between Arya Sudharma Swami and Arya Jamboo.
The text elaborates on five specific types of Ashrava (Adharma Dwaras):
- Adhyayan 1: Hinsa (Violence/Killing): This extensively details various forms of violence committed against different types of living beings (water-bodied, earth-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings with two, three, four, and five senses). It describes the reasons for violence (for leather, fat, flesh, etc.) and the suffering caused. It also lists numerous classifications of beings and the methods of violence used against them. The severe consequences of violence, leading to rebirth in hellish and animal realms, are vividly described, including graphic depictions of hellish punishments.
- Adhyayan 2: Mrusha (Falsehood/Lying): This section discusses the nature and consequences of speaking falsehood. It lists 30 names associated with untruthfulness and describes how various people, including cunning individuals, traders, false witnesses, and those with wrong faith (Nāstika, Vāmaloka), engage in lying. The text explains the karmic repercussions of lying, leading to unfavorable rebirths and suffering. It also highlights the power of truth.
- Adhyayan 3: Adattadana (Stealing/Taking what is not given): This chapter focuses on theft in its various forms, including physical theft, taking lost items without permission, and even the more subtle forms of coveting others' possessions. It details the punishments and suffering associated with stealing, including imprisonment, physical harm, and rebirth in lower realms. It also touches upon the king's justice system and the suffering of thieves.
- Adhyayan 4: Abrahmacharya (Unchastity/Celibacy): This section discusses the transgression of celibacy and its consequences. It describes how unchastity leads to the destruction of right conduct and is a root cause of attachment and suffering. It mentions the allurements of sensual pleasures and the elaborate descriptions of celestial beings and their opulent lifestyles, highlighting that even they are not free from attachment. The text emphasizes the importance of controlling desires and the consequences of failing to do so, leading to unfavorable rebirths.
- Adhyayan 5: Parigraha (Possession/Acquisitiveness): This final Ashrava theme discusses the accumulation of possessions and the insatiable desire for more. It explains how attachment to wealth, property, family, and sensual pleasures leads to suffering and keeps the soul bound in the cycle of birth and death. The text lists 30 names associated with possessiveness and describes the various ways it manifests, from material accumulation to mental attachment. It emphasizes that even divine beings are subject to attachment and the resulting suffering. The consequences of excessive attachment are depicted as leading to unfavorable rebirths and continued suffering.

5. Samvara Dwar (Gateway of Cessation/Stopping of Influx):

The text then transitions to the Samvara Dwar, which describes the means of stopping the influx of karma and achieving liberation.
It outlines five main types of Samvara (Maha-vratas or Great Vows):
- Adhyayan 1: Ahimsa (Non-violence): This section explains Ahimsa as beneficial to all living beings. It lists 60 names associated with Ahimsa, highlighting its virtues as a path to liberation, renunciation of suffering, and attainment of happiness. It details the practices of a righteous monk in upholding Ahimsa, including careful movement (Irya Samiti), controlled speech (Bhasha Samiti), pure food (Aushadha Samiti), accepting what is given with permission (Aadana Samiti), and proper disposal of waste (Utsarga Samiti).
- Adhyayan 2: Satya (Truthfulness): This section emphasizes the importance of truthful, beneficial, and gentle speech. It describes the power of truth to protect one from harm and lead to favorable outcomes. It also advises against speaking harsh, divisive, or untimely truths that can cause suffering. The text emphasizes the need for careful consideration before speaking and the importance of speaking for the welfare of all beings.
- Adhyayan 3: Datta-anujnata (Giving what is received with permission/Non-stealing): This chapter focuses on the principle of not taking what is not given, emphasizing the importance of accepting offerings only with permission. It details how monks should conduct themselves in their alms-round (bhiksha) and the strict adherence to principles to avoid any form of stealing, even indirectly.
- Adhyayan 4: Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This extensive chapter highlights Brahmacharya as the root of all virtues, including penance, discipline, knowledge, faith, conduct, and equanimity. It describes Brahmacharya as the path to liberation, protection from the cycle of birth and death, and a state of supreme purity. The text uses numerous metaphors and analogies to illustrate the profound importance and virtues of Brahmacharya, emphasizing the need for complete control over senses and desires. It outlines practices to uphold Brahmacharya, such as avoiding tempting situations, controlling speech and thoughts, and maintaining purity in all actions.
- Adhyayan 5: Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): This final Samvara theme discusses the concept of non-possession, highlighting its role in achieving liberation. It explains that true detachment from possessions, desires, and worldly attachments is essential for spiritual progress. The text describes the virtues of a monk who lives in non-possession, emphasizing equanimity, detachment, and freedom from all forms of bondage. It details practices to cultivate Aparigraha, such as accepting only what is necessary for sustenance and avoiding accumulation.

6. Concluding Remarks:

The text concludes with a summary of the 25 types of Samvara and the ultimate goal of achieving liberation (Moksha) through the practice of these vows.
It reiterates the significance of the Prashnavyakaran Sutra in explaining the path to liberation.
The text also includes lists of Muni Dippratnasagarji's other published works, showcasing his prolific contribution to Jain literature.

Overall Significance: The "Agam 10 Prashna Vyakraan Gujarati Translation" serves as an in-depth explanation of the Jain path of Ashrava (causes of karmic bondage) and Samvara (means to stop karmic influx). It meticulously details the negative consequences of the five types of Ashrava (violence, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and possessiveness) and the virtues and practices required to cultivate the five Samvara principles (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession) for spiritual upliftment and ultimate liberation. The translation aims to make these profound teachings accessible to Gujarati-speaking audiences.