Agam 14 Upang 03 Jivabhigam Sutra Part 01 Stahanakvasi

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Agam 14 Upang 03 Jivabhigam Sutra Part 01 Stahanakvasi

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Jivabhigama Sutra Part 01 (Agam 14 Upang 03), based on the provided pages:

Overall Scope:

The provided text is the first part of the Jivabhigama Sutra, an important Upanga (subsidiary scripture) within the Jain Agamas. This particular edition, published by Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti, is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj and is presented in Hindi with original Sanskrit text, translation, commentary, and appendices. The text aims to explain the profound philosophical concepts of Jainism, particularly concerning the nature of life and non-life (Jiva and Ajiva).

Key Elements and Themes:

  1. Dedication and Publisher: The book is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Guru Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj. It is published by Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti in Beawar, Rajasthan, with the third edition released in April 2002 (Vir Nirvana Samvat 2528 / Vikram Samvat 2058).

  2. Nature of the Text: The Jivabhigama Sutra is an Ananga Pravishta (non-Anga originating) scripture, authored by Sthavira Bhagavantas (senior monks) who were scholars of the Tirthankaras' teachings. It is considered a significant text for understanding the theoretical aspects of Jain philosophy, especially the comprehensive description of the soul (Jiva).

  3. Purpose and Importance: The text is considered essential for anyone who wants to understand the soul (Jivatattva) from a philosophical perspective. It clarifies the nature of Jiva and Ajiva, which are the foundational elements of Jain philosophy. The commentary and translation are designed to make the profound concepts accessible to Hindi-speaking readers.

  4. Structure and Content Overview:

    • Abhiggama: The term "Abhiggama" means knowledge or science. Therefore, "Jivabhigama" refers to the knowledge of Jiva and Ajiva.
    • Focus on Jiva: While the title mentions both Jiva and Ajiva, the primary focus of the sutra is on the Jiva (soul). The Ajiva (non-soul) is discussed to further clarify the nature of Jiva by contrast.
    • Classification of Jiva: Jiva is broadly classified into Siddha (liberated souls) and Samsarasamapannaka (worldly souls).
    • Nine Pratipattis (Theories/Viewpoints): The sutra elaborates on nine distinct viewpoints or classifications concerning Samsarasamapannaka souls, each from a different perspective. These viewpoints, despite their differences, are presented as non-contradictory and factually based, reflecting the Jain principle of Anekanta (manifold perspectives).
    • Detailed Categorizations: The text delves into detailed classifications of souls based on various attributes like:
      • Movement: Trasa (mobile) and Sthavara (immobile).
      • Gender: Strī (female), Puruṣa (male), and Napumsaka (eunuch).
      • Realm: Nāraka (hell beings), Tiryañca (animals), Manuṣya (humans), and Deva (celestial beings).
      • Senses: Ekendriya (one-sensed) to Pañcendriya (five-sensed).
      • Element/Form: Pṛthvīkāya (earth-bodied), Apkāya (water-bodied), Tejaskāya (fire-bodied), Vāyukāya (air-bodied), Vanaspati-kāya (plant-bodied), and Trasa-kāya.
      • Time of Origin/Maturity: Distinguishing between beings at the beginning of an era vs. later times, or those who have completed their spiritual development (qualified) vs. those who haven't (unqualified).
      • Other Attributes: Including consciousness (sanjñi/asamjñi), perception (dr̥ṣṭi), knowledge (jñāna), conduct (yoga), etc.
    • Cosmology: The text includes detailed descriptions of the universe, including the classification of Ajiva into Rūpi (corporeal) and Arūpi (incorporeal). The incorporeal substances include Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akash (space), and Kala (time). The corporeal substance is Pudgala (matter), described in various forms like atoms and aggregates.
    • Geographical Descriptions: There are extensive descriptions of geographical entities within the Jain cosmology, such as islands (dvipa), oceans (samudra), mountains (e.g., Meru Parvata), and specific regions like the Jambudvipa. These descriptions include details about their dimensions, formations, and the types of beings inhabiting them.
    • The Nature of Karma and Liberation: The text touches upon the cycle of birth and death (samsara) driven by karma, and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha) through right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Triratna).
    • Agam Tradition: The introductory sections discuss the tradition of Jain Agamas, differentiating between Angapravishta (those compiled by Ganadharas) and Ananga Pravishta (those compiled by Sthaviras, but in accordance with Tirthankara teachings). The Jivabhigama is classified as an Upanga and Ananga Pravishta.
    • Commentarial Tradition: The text acknowledges the importance of commentaries, specifically mentioning the extensive commentary by Acharya Malayagiri, which is a primary source for the current edition's explanations.
  5. Specific Examples and Details (Pages 6-43):

    • Page 6-7 (Prakashakiy): Highlights the text's theoretical importance, its detailed explanation of Jiva, and the translator's effort to simplify complex concepts by referencing other scriptures.
    • Page 7-12 (Sampadakiy Vaktavya): Emphasizes Jain scripture as a treasure, the core message of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Samata (equanimity), and the need for its propagation. It explains the origin of Jain Agamas from Tirthankaras and Ganadharas, and the eternal nature of the Dvadashangi (twelve Angas).
    • Page 12-17 (Identification of Jivabhigama): Identifies Jivabhigama as an Ananga Pravishta (external to Angas) scripture and an Upanga. It explains the difference between Angapravishta and Anangapravishta scriptures.
    • Page 17-20 (Vachana Tradition): Discusses the five major recensions (vachanas) of the Agamas that occurred after Lord Mahavir's nirvana, aimed at preserving the scriptural tradition amidst challenging times like famines.
    • Page 19-36 (Contents of Jivabhigama): Details the nine pratipattis (theories/classifications) concerning the Samsarasamapannaka (worldly) souls. It outlines the broad classifications of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul), discussing the nature of Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala, and Pudgala. It then systematically breaks down the Jivas into Trasa (mobile) and Sthavara (immobile), providing 23 points of analysis (dwaras) for each category, covering aspects like body, lifespan, senses, consciousness, etc. It details the characteristics of Naraka (hell beings), Tiryancha (animals), Manushya (humans), and Deva (celestial beings).
    • Page 36-43 (Index): Provides a detailed table of contents outlining the vast scope of the text, covering various classifications of beings, cosmological details (Jambudvipa, oceans, etc.), and philosophical discussions.
  6. Editorial and Scholarly Contributions: The text highlights the significant contributions of various scholars and monks in compiling and editing this edition, including Yuvaacharya Shri Madhukar Muni (convener and chief editor), Muni Shri Rajendra Muni (editor), and Pandit Shobhachandra Bharilla (chief editor).

In essence, this first part of the Jivabhigama Sutra serves as a foundational text for understanding the Jain cosmology and metaphysics, with a deep dive into the soul's nature, its various states of existence, the structure of the universe, and the fundamental principles governing life and non-life. The detailed classifications and descriptions underscore the Jain emphasis on comprehensive knowledge and rigorous analysis of reality.