Agam 10 Prashnavyakaran Sutra Hindi Anuwad

This document is a Hindi translation of the Prashnavyakaran Sutra, the tenth Anga Sutra of the Jain Agamas, translated and edited by Muni Dipratnasagarji.

The text is structured into two main sections:

1. Ashravadwar (The Gateways of Influx): This section details the causes of karmic influx (ashrava) into the soul. It is divided into five gateways, each further explained in its own chapter:

• Ashravadwar-1: Himsa (Violence): This chapter describes violence in its various forms, listing numerous synonyms for killing and detailing the various creatures (aquatic, terrestrial, aerial) that are harmed by different actions and for various purposes (skin, flesh, fat, etc.). It elaborates on the suffering in hellish and animal realms due to violence.
• Ashravadwar-2: Mrisha (Falsehood/Lying): This chapter discusses the nature and consequences of speaking falsely. It lists many names for deceitful speech and details the various types of people who engage in falsehood, including atheists, those with wrong beliefs, and those who falsely accuse others. It highlights the negative impacts on the speaker, such as loss of reputation and suffering in lower realms.
• Ashravadwar-3: Adattadan (Stealing/Taking what is not given): This chapter explains the sin of theft and illicit gain. It details the acts of ordinary thieves, the actions of kings who wage war to plunder, and the horrific consequences faced by thieves, including imprisonment, torture, and subsequent rebirths in hell or as animals.
• Ashravadwar-4: Abrahmacharya (Unchastity/Celibacy): This chapter defines unchastity as a significant cause of bondage, affecting all beings. It describes the allure of sensual pleasures and the various classes of beings (celestial, human, sub-human) who indulge in it. It highlights the dangers of attachment to sensory experiences and the ultimate suffering that follows. The chapter also presents the exemplary lives of virtuous individuals and the qualities of virtuous kings and celestial beings, emphasizing the importance of celibacy.
• Ashravadwar-5: Parigraha (Possession/Attachment): This chapter describes excessive attachment and accumulation as a root cause of suffering. It likens it to a tree with boundless desire as its roots. The chapter details how attachment to wealth, family, possessions, and even sensory pleasures leads to suffering in this world and the next. It describes the endless cycle of desire and the ultimate futility of material accumulation.

2. Sanvardwar (The Gateways of Restraint): This section outlines the means to prevent the influx of karma, thereby achieving liberation. It is also divided into five gateways:

• Sanvardwar-1: Ahimsa (Non-violence): This chapter describes non-violence as the first and foremost virtue, beneficial to all beings. It lists numerous synonyms for ahimsa and emphasizes its practice through the five bhavanas (contemplations) and five samitis (careful conduct). It highlights the importance of ethical conduct, compassion, and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
• Sanvardwar-2: Satya (Truthfulness): This chapter defines truthfulness as pure, auspicious, and beneficial speech, spoken after careful consideration. It highlights the power of truth to overcome obstacles and protect one from harm. It also defines different types of truth and emphasizes speaking truthfully, beneficially, and in a way that does not cause harm or division.
• Sanvardwar-3: Adattadanaviraman (Abstinence from Stealing): This chapter reiterates the importance of not taking what is not given. It details the strict guidelines for monks regarding the acceptance of alms and possessions, emphasizing purity in conduct and the avoidance of any form of attachment or illicit acquisition. It stresses the importance of right livelihood and the consequences of failing to adhere to these principles.
• Sanvardwar-4: Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This chapter emphasizes the supreme importance of celibacy as the foundation for spiritual progress, leading to liberation. It describes the profound benefits of observing celibacy, including mental stability, purity, and the attainment of ultimate bliss. It outlines various practices and attitudes to maintain celibacy, such as avoiding sensual stimuli, controlling thoughts, and engaging in virtuous activities.
• Sanvardwar-5: Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): This chapter concludes the section on Sanvara by highlighting the virtue of non-possession as the ultimate means to freedom. It explains that true liberation comes from detachment from all material possessions, relationships, and even the body itself. It stresses the importance of renouncing all forms of attachment and cultivating contentment to achieve spiritual purity and final emancipation.

The text also includes discussions on the classification of Jain Agamas, the author's published literature, and the profound suffering that results from the five ashravas, leading to rebirths in hellish realms and as animals, and the eventual liberation through the practice of the five sanvaras. The work is presented as a detailed explanation and commentary on these crucial Jain teachings.