Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Jambuddivpannatti Terapanth

The Agam 18, Upang 07, Jambudveep Prajnapti Sutra, also known as Jambuddivpannatti, is a significant text within the Jain canon, specifically belonging to the Angas (or rather, its commentary tradition as an Upanga). This particular volume, published by Jain Vishva Bharati and edited under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi and Yuvaacharya Mahapragna, represents a critical edition of this ancient scripture.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text, highlighting the key aspects and information:

1. Title and Context:

• Book Title: Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Jambuddivpannatti
• Author(s): Tulsi Acharya, Mahapragna Acharya
• Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, Rajasthan
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003572/1
• Significance: The text is part of the larger "Agam Sutra Granthamala" series by Jain Vishva Bharati, aimed at critically editing and publishing the Jain Agamas. This specific volume (Uvangasuttani, Khand 2) includes nine Upanga texts.

2. Contents of the Volume: This volume contains the following nine Upanga āgamas:

1. Paṇṇavaṇā (Prajñāpanā)
2. Jambudvīpa Prajñapti (Jambuddivapaṇṇatti)
3. Candra Prajñapti (Candapannatti)
4. Sūrya Prajñapti (Sūrapannatti)
5. Nirayāvaliyāyo
6. Kappavaḍisiya'o (Kappavāḍisiyāo)
7. Puṣphiya'o (Pupphiyao)
8. Puṣpacūliyā'o (Puşphacūliyāo)
9. Vanhidaśāo (Vanhidasão)

3. Editorial Vision and Process:

• Objective: The publication aims to present the Jain Agamas with original text, variant readings, and critical annotations. This particular volume completes the publication of 32 Āgamas in the Āgama Sūtra Granthamala series, marking a significant milestone in Āgama publication history.
• Leadership: Ācārya Tulsi served as the Vācanā Pramukha (chief inspiration and guiding force), and Yuvaacharya Mahapragna was the Editor and primary interpreter.
• Methodology: The editorial process involved meticulous text research, consulting multiple manuscripts, critical explanation of commentaries, and comparing readings with other Āgamic texts. The text purification and editing work spanned from Vikram Samvat 2014 (1957 AD) to 2037 V.S. (1980 AD).
• Challenges: The text acknowledges the immense difficulty in editing ancient texts (2500 years old) due to language evolution, meaning shifts, and manuscript inaccuracies. It mentions challenges faced by earlier commentators like Ācārya Malayagiri and Abhayadevasūri.
• Collaboration: The project benefited from the active participation of many monks and nuns as text research collaborators, lexicographers, and proofreaders. Institutions like L.D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, and various Jain libraries provided crucial manuscript resources.

4. Overview of Key Texts within the Volume:

• Paṇṇavaṇā (Prajñāpanā):

  • Subject Matter: Primarily deals with the exposition of soul (jiva) and non-soul (ajiva) elements in detail. It's considered a foundational text for Jain metaphysics.
  • Unique Aspects: Mentions classifications of beings, including the concept of 'common-bodied' (sādhāraṇaśarīrī) beings, which is described as a unique depiction of socialism, unimaginable in human society. It also contains significant discussions on 'leshyā' (aura/disposition) and karma.
  • Relationship to other Agamas: It is closely linked to the Bhagavati Sutra (an Anga), with Devarddhigani incorporating much of Prajñāpanā's content into Bhagavati. It's categorized as an Utkalika (kalika/utkalika) Angabahya text.
  • Author and Period: Attributed to Ārya Syāma, a disciple of Sudharma Swami, flourishing in the 4th century Vira Nirvana era. Its composition is estimated between 335-375 V.N.

• Jambudvīpa Prajñapti (Jambuddivapaṇṇatti):

  • Subject Matter: Focuses on the geography and cosmology of Jambūdvīpa, the central continent in Jain cosmology. It covers a vast array of topics including Lord Rishabha, Kulakaras, Bharata Chakravarti, the time cycle (Kālacakra), and the solar system.
  • Key Highlights: The description of Bharata Chakravarti's fourteen jewels and nine treasures is lively. The account of the sixth era (Shashtha Arā) of the descending time cycle (avasarpiṇī) is particularly captivating, drawing parallels to the horrors of nuclear war. It also discusses the similarities between Lord Rishabha and Lord Mahāvīra.
  • Structure: Divided into seven chapters called 'Vakkhāro' or 'Vakṣaskāra'.
  • Author and Period: Classified as an Upanga, its composition post-Mahavira's nirvana is inferred. The author is unknown, possibly an elderly Sthavira. It's estimated to be from the 4th-5th century V.N., possibly preceding Umāsvāti's Tattvärthasutra.

• Candra Prajñapti and Sūrya Prajñapti:

  • Subject Matter: These texts deal with astronomical phenomena, specifically the moon (Candra Prajñapti) and the sun (Sūrya Prajñapti).
  • Availability: Candra Prajñapti is largely unavailable, with only a small introductory part surviving. The currently available text under this name is often considered to be Sūrya Prajñapti, as their content and commentaries are largely similar.
  • Classification: Nandi Sutra classifies Candra Prajñapti as Kālika and Sūrya Prajñapti as Utkalika.
  • Research: Dr. Walter Schubring theorized that Candra Prajñapti might begin after the 10th 'Pahud' of Sūrya Prajñapti, where the moon and stars gain more significance.

• Nirayāvaliyāyo (and other associated Upangas):

  • Subject Matter: This section of the volume focuses on ethical conduct, karma, and their consequences (vipāka).
  • Content:
    • The first section describes the fierce battle between Chetaka and Konia, also mentioned in Bhagavati and Āvaśyaka Chūrṇi, surprisingly absent in historical records. It highlights an anti-war sentiment, opposing the religious justification of violence.
    • The second section details the salvation of Shrenika's ten grandchildren through religious observance.
    • The third section discusses the observance and violation of restraint (sanyam) and right faith (samyakva).
    • The fourth section describes the ten disciples of Pārśvanātha.
    • The fifth section narrates the conduct-observance of the twelve princes of the Vṛṣṇi dynasty and their rebirth in Sarvārthasiddhi.
  • Nomenclature: Nirayāvaliyā is described as a Śrutaskandha (a division of the canon) with five sections, possibly once collectively known as 'Upānga'. It's also known as 'Kalpikā' in some Nandi manuscripts, possibly due to its focus on hellish karmas.
  • Author and Period: The author and period are unknown, but it's classified as an Angabahya Śrutaskandha. It discusses topics related to other Angas, but this doesn't definitively determine its composition date.

5. Scholarly Contribution: The publication of this volume is a testament to the dedication of Jain scholars and institutions to preserving and disseminating the Jain Agamas. The critical editing, including textual variations and comprehensive introductions, makes these ancient texts accessible and valuable for modern readers and researchers. The effort is praised as a significant contribution to the history of Āgama publication, being the first time 32 Āgamas have been critically published with such detail.

6. Dedication: The text is dedicated to "Jayaacharya" (likely a reference to Ācārya Hemaprabha Sūri, a renowned commentator) and "Kalugani" (likely referring to Ācārya Kālu Gani), both respected figures in Jain scholarship and lineage.

In essence, this volume is a monumental effort to present a scientifically and critically edited version of a crucial part of the Jain Āgamic literature, offering insights into Jain philosophy, cosmology, ethics, and history.