Agam 14 Upang 03 Jivabhigam Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

The provided text is the third part (Volume 3) of the Jain text "Jivabhigam Sutra," authored by Ghasi Lal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The text is a detailed commentary and explanation, likely in Gujarati, of the original Jain scripture.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Preliminaries:

• Invocation: The text begins with the standard Jain invocation: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam..." (Homage to the Arihants, Homage to the Siddhas...).
• Publisher Information: It highlights the "Jina Agam Prakashan Yojana" and the involvement of Acharya Shri Ghanshilalji Maharaj.
• Study Instructions: Crucially, pages 4-8 detail specific instructions for the study (Swadhyaya) of the Sutra. These include:
  • Timing: When to study the original text (day and night first and fourth quarters) and when not to study (specific times of dawn, dusk, noon, midnight, and durations around sunrise/sunset).
  • Restrictions: Rules regarding women in menstruation (not to read or be present during study) and the necessity of performing study in a clean, undisturbed environment.
  • Unfavorable Times (Aswadhyaya): A significant portion is dedicated to listing 32 specific circumstances or phenomena that are considered "unfavorable" for study. These are categorized into:
    • 10 related to the Sky (Akash Sambandhi): Falling stars (Ulkapat), directional fire (Digdah), loud thunder and lightning (Garjarav), divine roars (Nirghat), lightning strikes (Vidyut), specific lunar/twilight conditions (Yupak), light flashes from celestial beings (Yakshadip), black fog (Humika Krishna), white fog (Mahika Shwet), and dust storms obscuring the sun (Rajo Udbhat).
    • 10 related to the Physical Body (Audarik Sharir Sambandhi): Bones, flesh, and blood not completely incinerated or washed, or if visible; broken eggs; visible excrement or urine and their smell; proximity to a cremation ground (shmashan); lunar and solar eclipses (with specific durations of unfavorability); political unrest involving kings or national leaders (Raj Vyudgat); death of a king or prominent figure and the period until a successor is appointed (Patan); presence of a dead five-sensed creature within or near the study area (Audarik Sharir); and specific festival days and their preceding days (four Mahotsavas and four Pratipadas).
• Emphasis on Respect: It's noted that these unfavorability rules are for the original text, not for translations. The importance of humility and following the guru's or elders' wishes in difficult situations is emphasized.

2. Table of Contents/Subject Index (Vishayanubram): Pages 9-20 provide a very detailed table of contents, outlining the various topics covered in the text, which seems to be divided into "Pratipadatis" (sections or chapters). These topics are highly descriptive and cover:

• Descriptions of forests, lakes, wells, water reservoirs, their construction, materials (gems, gold, silver, diamonds), flowers, aquatic life, and surrounding areas.
• Details about various continents (dvips) and oceans.
• Descriptions of the Sun and Moon's movements and configurations.
• Specific mountains, national capitals, and their extensions.
• Details about Sidh-ayatanas (abodes of Siddhas) and Upapat-sala (places of origin for celestial beings).
• Descriptions of celestial vehicles (Vimans), their arrangements, and the gods residing in them.
• The movement and families of celestial beings.
• The nature of the physical body (Audarik Sharir) and its relation to birth and death.
• The characteristics of sentient beings (Jiv) based on the number of senses they possess (one-sensed to five-sensed).
• The cycle of existence (Sansar) and the classifications of beings based on their journey through it (five-sensed, six-sensed, etc.).
• Detailed descriptions of celestial realms, their cities, palaces, halls, and the activities of celestial beings.
• Specific geographical features like mountains (e.g., Yam Parvat), trees (e.g., Champak, Ashoka), and their characteristics.
• The nature of the "Jambudvipa Dwara Sankhya Nirupan" (description of the number of gates/entrances of Jambudvipa) and the detailed description of the "Vijay Dwar" (Victory Gate), including its dimensions, materials, construction, carvings, and surrounding elements.
• Descriptions of "Nishdhikadi" (sitting places), sandalwood urns (Chandankalash), Nagadanta (serpent's tooth-like structures), flower garlands, incense burners, and decorative elements.
• Descriptions of various types of mandaps (pavilions), their flower decorations, and their associated celestial beings.
• Detailed descriptions of various types of altars and seating arrangements (e.g., Hansasan, Kraunchasan, Simhasan).
• Descriptions of various types of dwellings, houses, and gardens, including those with specific plants and trees.
• Discussions on the characteristics of different types of beings, their lifespans, their bodies, and their subtle aspects.
• The text delves into the classification of souls based on their movement through the cycle of rebirth (Sansar).
• It also details the celestial regions, the residences of gods, their lifespans, their enjoyments, and their activities.
• A significant portion describes the cosmology, including the arrangement of continents, oceans, mountains, and the celestial bodies like the sun and moon.
• There are instructions on how to properly study the text.
• The text mentions the concept of "Avaran" (layers or enclosures) and the characteristics of beings within them.
• The text elaborates on the characteristics of different types of bodies and their relationship with the soul.
• It discusses the subtle energies and forces that influence the existence of beings.

3. Specific Examples of Detailed Descriptions:

• Vanas (Forests) and Jalasthans (Water Bodies): Pages 12-20 provide extremely vivid and detailed descriptions of various types of water bodies found in these celestial realms, highlighting their purity, cleanliness, the materials used in their construction (gems, gold, silver), the flora and fauna within them, and the presence of celestial beings enjoying these places.
• Gates and Structures: The description of "Vijay Dwar" and other gates, mandaps, and palaces is exceptionally ornate, detailing the materials, carvings, and decorative elements, suggesting a highly advanced and aesthetically rich civilization.
• Celestial Beings and Their Activities: The text mentions various types of gods and their activities, including their enjoyment of different pleasures, their lifespans, and their interactions with the environment.
• Cosmological Details: The descriptions extend to the movements of celestial bodies, the characteristics of different realms, and the classification of beings based on their sensory capabilities and karmic influences.

Overall Purpose: The Jivabhigam Sutra, as explained in this commentary, is a fundamental Jain text that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of living beings (Jiva). It covers a vast range of topics, including:

• Jiva (Soul/Living Beings): Their types, origins, lifespans, bodies, senses, lifecycles, movements through different realms, and their karmic connections.
• Cosmology: The structure of the universe, including continents, oceans, mountains, celestial bodies, and realms.
• Dwellings and Celestial Architecture: The ornate and opulent descriptions of palaces, gates, and divine abodes showcase a detailed understanding of celestial forms.
• Ethical and Ritualistic Guidelines: The specific instructions for study (Swadhyaya) highlight the importance of proper conduct and reverence in seeking spiritual knowledge.

The text emphasizes a deep and systematic approach to understanding the Jain worldview, particularly concerning the vast and intricate classifications of existence and the cycles of life and rebirth. The detailed descriptions aim to foster an internal visualization of these concepts, aiding the aspirant in their spiritual journey.