Agam 11 Ang 11 Vipak Sutra Sthanakvasi

This Jain text is the Vipak Sutra, the eleventh Anga of the Jain Agamas, presented by Guru Pran Prakashan Mumbai. The authors are Ushabai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, and Subodhikabai Mahasati. The book is dedicated to the memory of Gurudev Pt. Shri Pranalalji M. Sa. and celebrates the 10th death anniversary of Tapasamrat Gurudev Pt. Shri Ratilalji M. Sa.

Key aspects covered in the text:

• Reverence and Dedication: The text begins with reverence to Vitragay and dedications to various Gurudevs of the Gondal Gachh, particularly Guru Pranal and Guru Ratilalji.
• Agam Publication Initiative: It highlights the "Guru Pran Agama Batrisi" initiative, a project to publish the 32 Agamas, started in 1997-98 during the birth centenary of Pt. Pranalalji M. Sa.
• Sthaniyak Tradition: The specific mention of "Sthanakvasi" in the title indicates the version or commentary is aligned with this Jain tradition.
• Gondal Gachh Lineage: The lineage of Gurudevs of the Gondal Gachh is traced, emphasizing the spiritual succession and teachings.
• Biographies of Gurudevas: Brief life sketches of key spiritual figures like Gurudev Pt. Shri Dungarsinhji M. Sa., Saurashtra Kesari Pt. Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M. Sa., and Tapasamrat Pt. Gurudev Shri Ratilalji M. Sa. are included, highlighting their lives, contributions, and virtues.
• Agam Study and Dissemination: The text emphasizes the importance of studying the Agamas, understanding their fundamental principles, living a life of Panchachar (five vows), and propagating Jain Dharma.
• Vipak Sutra Content: The preface and introduction to the Vipak Sutra itself are provided. It is described as a significant Jain text, particularly focusing on the concept of Karma Vipak (the fruition of actions).
  • Karma Theory: It explains the Jain principle of Karma, stating that actions (Karmas) lead to specific consequences (Vipak). Good actions lead to happiness, and bad actions lead to suffering. It details the concept of Karma as subtle matter (Pudgal Parmanu) that binds the soul.
  • Shubh and Ashubh Karmas: The text differentiates between auspicious (Shubh) and inauspicious (Ashubh) karmas and their respective consequences, which are happiness and suffering.
  • Dukh Vipak and Sukh Vipak: The Vipak Sutra is divided into two parts: Dukh Vipak (detailing karmic consequences leading to suffering) and Sukh Vipak (detailing karmic consequences leading to happiness).
  • Illustrative Stories: The Dukh Vipak section begins with the story of Mrigputra, illustrating the severe consequences of past negative actions, including rebirths in hellish realms, animal lives, and human lives with severe afflictions. The stories serve as cautionary tales and examples of karmic causality.
  • Details of Dukh Vipak Studies: The text provides summaries of the narratives from the Dukh Vipak section, including:
    • Adhyayan 1: Mrigputra: The story of Mrigputra, born blind and deaf due to severe past karma, and his detailed karmic journey through numerous hellish births and subsequent lives.
    • Adhyayan 2: Ujjitak: The tale of Ujjitak, who suffered due to his past cruel actions, including being tortured and eventually facing death by various means, leading to hellish births and a cycle of suffering.
    • Adhyayan 3: Agnisen: The narrative of Agnisen, a thief and murderer, who experienced extreme torture and death by being burned alive and then facing hellish existence, illustrating the consequences of violence and theft.
    • Adhyayan 4: Shakatkumar: The story of Shakatkumar, who, along with Sudarshana, faced severe punishments and hellish births due to their past actions, including cruelty and attachment to vices.
    • Adhyayan 5: Brihaspatidatta: The account of Brihaspatidatta, a Brahmin priest who engaged in human sacrifice, leading to hellish births and subsequent suffering.
    • Adhyayan 6: Nandivardhan: The story of Nandivardhan, who, due to his desire for the throne and the actions stemming from it, faced severe karmic consequences including hellish births and torturous punishments.
    • Adhyayan 7: Umbardatta: The narrative of Umbardatta, a physician who promoted meat-eating and intoxication, leading to severe hellish suffering and a cycle of painful rebirths.
    • Adhyayan 8: Shaurikdatt: The story of Shaurikdatt, a fisherman and habitual meat-eater, who suffered immensely due to a fishbone lodged in his throat, leading to hellish births and a cycle of suffering.
    • Adhyayan 9: Devadatta: The tale of Devadatta, who, driven by lust and hatred, murdered her mother-in-law, leading to her own brutal death and subsequent hellish existence, illustrating the severe karmic repercussions of such heinous acts.
    • Adhyayan 10: Anjushri: The story of Anjushri, a courtesan and later a suffering patient due to severe karmic consequences, illustrating the results of attachment and past actions.
  • Sukh Vipak Section: This section is mentioned to contain stories of virtuous individuals like Subahukumar, highlighting the positive consequences of good deeds.
• Compilation and Translation Efforts: The text acknowledges the efforts of the Mahasatijis (Smt. Lilambai M., Dr. Smt. Artibai M., and Smt. Subodhikabai M.) in translating and compiling these Agamas, particularly mentioning the guidance of Pt. Jayantmuni M. Sa. and Pt. Girishmuni M. Sa.
• Support and Acknowledgements: Gratitude is expressed to various individuals and foundations, including Guru Prana Foundation, Parasdham, and donors, for their support in the publication.
• Rules for Agama Study: Specific guidelines and rules for the study of Agamas are provided, including the concept of "Aswadhyay Kala" (times when scripture study is prohibited) and proper conduct during study.
• Table of Contents: A detailed table of contents for the entire Agama Batrisi (32 Agamas) is provided, showing the structure and content of the larger publication.
• Biographies of Spiritual Gurus: The text includes biographical information about prominent figures like Pt. Shri Dungarsinhji M. Sa., Pt. Shri Pranalalji M. Sa., and Pt. Shri Ratilalji M. Sa., detailing their lives, teachings, and spiritual achievements.

In essence, the Vipak Sutra, as presented here, is a profound text within Jainism that elaborates on the intricate workings of karma. Through illustrative stories and detailed explanations, it aims to guide individuals towards righteous conduct by showcasing the far-reaching consequences of actions, both positive and negative, across lifetimes. The publication itself represents a significant effort by the monks and nuns of the Gondal Gachh to preserve and disseminate these vital Jain scriptures.