Agam 15 Upang 04 Pragnapana Sutra Pannavanna Terapanth - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Agam 15 Upang 04 Pragnapana Sutra (Pannavanna) from the provided Jain text, focusing on its content and context as presented.

Book Title: Agam 15 Upang 04 Pragnapana Sutra Pannavanna Authors: Tulsi Acharya, Mahapragna Acharya Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003571/1

Overall Context and Publication: This volume, part of the "Niggantham Pavayanam" series, is the second part (Khand 2) of the Upanga Suttani. It was published by Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, Rajasthan, in Vikram Samvat 2045 (1986 AD) during the "Pragyaprav Year" and "Maryada Mahotsava." The publication was made possible through the munificence of Shri Ramlal Hansraj Golchha of Viratnagar, Nepal, and the printing was facilitated by the Jain Vishva Bharati Press. Acharya Tulsi served as the Vachana Pramukha (Chief Mentor), and Yuvacharya Mahapragna as the Editor. The book is an extensive compilation of several Āgamas, including the Pragnapana Sutra itself.

Content of the Volume (Upangas Included): The book contains nine Upangas, presented in this second part of the Uvangasuttani series:

Paṇṇavaṇā (Prājñāpanā)
Jambudivapaṇṇattī (Jambūdvīpaprajñapti)
Candapaṇṇattī (Candraprajñapti)
Sūrapannattī (Sūryaprajñapti)
Nirayāvaliyāo
Kappavadisiyaō (Kappavāḍismīyāō)
Puṣpmiyāo (Puṣpīyāō)
Puşpachūliyāo (Puṣpacūliyāō)
Vaṇhidavāo (Vārṣṇidaśā)

Key Aspects of the Work:

Critical Editing: The publication is a critically edited version of the original texts, including variant readings (pāṭhāntar) and critical annotations.
Comprehensive Series: This volume completes the publication of 32 Āgama texts under the "Agama-Sutta Granthamala" series.
Editorial Philosophy: The introduction emphasizes the meticulous and scholarly approach to editing these ancient texts, acknowledging the challenges of linguistic and conceptual evolution over millennia. It highlights the guiding principles of research, neutrality, and dedication.
Role of Acharya Tulsi and Yuvacharya Mahapragna: Acharya Tulsi's leadership and guidance were crucial, initiating the project of Āgama editing in 1955 AD. Yuvacharya Mahapragna played a vital role in the editing and critical analysis, drawing upon his deep understanding and dedication.
Support and Collaboration: The project benefited from the contributions of many Sadhus and Sadhvis in text refinement, research, and proofreading, underscoring a collective effort within the Jain tradition. Various Jain institutions and trusts also provided financial and material support.

Summary of Key Texts within the Volume:

Prājñāpanā (Paṇṇavaṇā):
- Name and Etymology: Likely named after its initial chapter (pada), which deals with 'prajñāpanā' (exposition). It expounds extensively on the two substances: Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul).
- Subject Matter: Contains 36 topics (padas) detailing various classifications and aspects of soul and non-soul. It is considered a foundational text for understanding Jain metaphysics. Notable descriptions include the classification of botanical beings, especially "common-bodied" (sādhāraṇaśarīrī) beings, which are depicted as a unique portrayal of socialism. It also contains important sutras on 'leshya' (subtle karmic coloration) and 'karma' (action and its consequences).
- Relationship to Bhagavati Sūtra: Devarddhigani incorporated a significant portion of the Prajñāpanā into the Bhagavati Sūtra, often referencing it with "Jaha Paṇṇavaṇāe" (as in Prajñāpanā).
- Author and Date: Attributed to Arya Syama, a powerful Vachaka (preacher/scholar) of the lineage of Sudharma Swami, who lived in the 4th century of Vira Nirvana. The composition date is estimated between 335 and 375 AD. Its precursor, the "Mahāprajñāpanā," is now extinct.
Jambūdvīpaprajñapti (Jambūddīvapaṇṇattī):
- Nomenclature: Named for its exposition of Jambūdvīpa (the central continent in Jain cosmology). Sthānānga mentions four such 'prajñaptis', including this one.
- Subject Matter: Focuses primarily on Jambūdvīpa, covering a vast array of topics: Lord Rishabha, Kulakaras (progenitors), Bharata Cakravarti, the cycle of time (kālacakra), and the solar system. The descriptions of Bharata Cakravarti's fourteen jewels and nine treasures are vivid. The description of the sixth spoke of the Avsarpini cycle, detailing the "pralaya" (dissolution), is particularly noted for its relevance to modern atomic warfare fears. It also highlights similarities between Lord Rishabha and Lord Mahavira, such as their five great vows and initial period of wearing clothes.
- Author and Date: Composed by anonymous elders in the period following Mahavira's Nirvana. Likely dates around the 4th-5th century AD, possibly before the clear distinction between Svetambara and Digambara traditions, as Jambudvipa's geography is largely agreed upon by both.
Candraprajñapti & Sūryaprajñapti:
- Nomenclature: Named for their respective expositions on the moon (Chandra) and the sun (Surya). Nandi classifies Candraprajñapti as 'Kālika' and Sūryaprajñapti as 'Utkalika'.
- Subject Matter: Candraprajñapti is largely unavailable today; the available text is mostly identical to Sūryaprajñapti. Malayagiri wrote commentaries on both, which are also similar. There's a conjecture that Candraprajñapti might have begun after the 10th chapter of Sūryaprajñapti, where the moon and stars gain more prominence.
- Commentaries: Malayagiri's commentaries are available, and their differences are noted in an appendix.
Nirayāvaliyāo & Related Texts:
- Nomenclature: Nirayāvaliyāo is described as a śrutaskandha (division of scripture) whose ancient name might have been 'Upanga'. The term 'Upanga' later came to refer to the twelve Āgamas. Nandi lists these five (Nirayāvaliyā, Kalpavatansikā, Pushpikā, Pushpacūlikā, Vārṣṇidaśā) as separate Āgamas. It's suggested that 'Upanga' as a collective term for these five emerged later. Some manuscripts also refer to Nirayāvaliyā as 'Kalpikā'. The name 'Nirayāvaliyā' (relating to hellish consequences) likely arose from its content.
- Subject Matter: The core theme is auspicious and inauspicious conduct, karma, and their results. The first section describes the fierce battle between Chetaka and Konika, noting its mention in Bhagavati, Avaśyaka Churni, and Buddhist literature, while surprisingly absent in historical records. It advocates an anti-war stance and critiques the religious justification of war. Subsequent sections describe the salvation of Shrenika's ten grandsons, the observance and violation of vows, the ten disciples of Parśvanātha, and the conduct and rebirth of twelve princes of the Vriṣṇi dynasty in 'Sarvārthasiddhi.'
- Author and Date: Author and date are unknown. It's an Angabahya śrutaskandha, implying it's a work of the Sthaviras (elder monks). It discusses topics found in Bhagavati, Jñātā, Upaśakadaśā, Oupapātika, and Rajapraśnīya, but this doesn't definitively establish the composition date.
Kappavāḍisiyāo (Kappavāḍismīyāō), Puṣpmiyāo (Puṣpīyāō), Puṣpachūliyāo (Puṣpacūliyāō), Vaṇhidavāo (Vārṣṇidaśā): These are mentioned as part of the larger collection of Upangas within this volume. While the detailed subject matter for each isn't elaborated in the provided text, they are listed as distinct Āgamas included in the critical edition.

Methodology of Editing: The editing process involved consulting multiple manuscripts (named with letters like क, ख, ग, घ, etc., indicating specific collections or libraries), commentaries (like Malayagiri's Vṛtti), and cross-referencing with other Āgamic texts and linguistic principles to ensure textual purity and accuracy.

Overall Significance: This publication represents a significant milestone in Jain Āgama scholarship, making 32 Āgama texts available in a critically edited format for the first time. It reflects a deep commitment to preserving and disseminating the foundational scriptures of Jainism.

This summary provides a structured overview of the book's contents, context, and the scholarly effort behind its publication, based on the provided text.