Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Pragnapti Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

The provided text is the Gujarati translation and commentary (Prakashika Vyakhyan) of the Jambudveep Prajnapti Sutra, specifically Part 1, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj. This Jain Agam text, revealed by the Tirthankaras, deals with the geography and cosmology of the Jain universe, focusing on the Jambudveep continent.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages, highlighting key themes and information:

1. Introduction and Devotional Obeisance:

• The text begins with the Jain Namaskara Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, etc.), which is considered the most auspicious mantra.
• It acknowledges the divine inspiration and guidance of prominent Jain Acharyas like Ghasilal Maharaj and Kanhaiyalal Maharaj.
• The opening pages establish the spiritual foundation and the importance of venerating the omniscient beings (Arihants) and liberated souls (Siddhas).

2. Textual Information and Publication Details:

• The book is identified as "Agam 18 Upang 07 Jambudveep Prajnapti Sutra Part 01," with Ghasilal Maharaj as the author and the A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti as the publisher.
• It mentions a DVD number and website, indicating a modern publication and dissemination effort.
• The text includes details about the first edition, publication year (1980), print run (1200 copies), and price, offering context about its availability.

3. Rules for Studying the Sutra (Swadhyaya):

• Pages 5-9 detail specific rules and auspicious timings for studying the original text (Mulpath).
• Timing: The original text should be studied during the first and fourth periods of the day and night. It should be avoided during dawn, dusk, noon, and midnight for specific durations.
• Prohibitions:
  • Women during menstruation are not to study or be present during the study.
  • Specific celestial phenomena and events listed as "Aswadhyay" (times when study is prohibited) are detailed, including:
    • Celestial: Meteor showers (Ulkapat), directional fires (Digdah), thunderous clouds (Garjarav), divine roars (Nirghat), lightning (Vidyut), specific twilight conditions (Yupak), flashes of light (Yakshadipta), dense fog (Dhumikakrish), white fog (Mahikasweta), and dust storms (Rajodghat).
    • Physical/Bodily: Exposure to burnt bone/flesh/blood, broken eggs, visible excrement/urine, or proximity to a cremation ground (Smashan).
    • Eclipses: Lunar and solar eclipses have specific durations for Aswadhyay.
    • Royal/Societal Disturbances: Royal conflicts, death of a king/nation's leader, and subsequent political instability.
    • Specific Festivals: Four major festivals and their immediate post-festival days are designated as Aswadhyay.
• Important Note: The text clarifies that these Aswadhyay rules apply to the original text (Mulpath) and not to translations or commentaries in other languages. It emphasizes that respect (Vinay) is the root of Dharma and advises following the guidance of elders or gurus in difficult situations.

4. Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika):

• Pages 10-12 provide a detailed table of contents, outlining the structure and topics covered in the first part of the Jambudveep Prajnapti Sutra. This includes:
  • Introduction to Vaxaswar (regions) and their structure.
  • Descriptions of Jambudveep, its dimensions, shape, and gates.
  • Detailed accounts of Bharatkshetra (Bharat region), including its features, mountains (like Vaitadhya), rivers, and subdivisions (Uttarardh Bharat, Dakshinardh Bharat).
  • The eras (Avasarpini, Utsarpini) and their subdivisions (Susama-Susama, Susama, Susama-Dusama, Dusama-Susama, Dusama, Dusama-Dusama).
  • The lives and activities of Rishabhanatha Swami (the first Tirthankara) and his lineage.
  • Descriptions of specific locations, mountains, and celestial beings.
  • Detailed explanations of astronomical concepts and measurements related to the continent.
  • Discussions on various aspects of human life, including their diet, lifespan, and activities during different eras.
  • The narrative of King Bharat, his conquests, and his relationship with the divine gems.

5. Commentary (Prakashika Vyakhyan) on Specific Sections:

• Mangalacharan (Devotional Recitation): Pages 13-16 explain the initial verses, offering salutations to the Tirthankaras, Gautam Swami (the chief disciple of Mahavir Swami), and the lineage of Acharyas, highlighting their virtues and contributions.
• Introduction to the Sutra's Purpose: Pages 13-16 also delve into the significance of the Sutra, explaining its connection to the "Ratnatraya" (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) which leads to Moksha (liberation). It emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge from enlightened beings (Aptapurush) and the role of the Angas and Upangas of the Jain Agamas.
• Detailed Description of Jambudveep: The commentary then proceeds to explain the geographical and cosmological details of Jambudveep, as outlined in the table of contents. This includes:
  • Dimensions and Shape: Explaining the size, shape (circular, like a lotus petal), and circumference of Jambudveep and its constituent parts.
  • Gates (Dwara): Describing the number and location of the gates of Jambudveep.
  • Bharatkshetra: Providing a detailed geographical description of Bharatkshetra, its boundaries, features like mountains (e.g., Vaitadhya Parvat), rivers (Ganga and Sindhu), and its division into two halves (Uttarardh and Dakshinardh Bharat).
  • Avasarpini and Utsarpini Kalas (Time Cycles): Explaining the six distinct phases of time within each half-cycle, detailing the decline and rise of human qualities, lifespan, and societal conditions.
  • Human Life in Different Eras: Describing the characteristics of humans in each era, from the blissful Susama-Susama to the most degraded Dusama-Dusama.
  • The Role of Kulakaras: Explaining the concept of Kulakaras, who maintain societal order during times of decline, and the specific instances of their appearance.
  • Rishabhanatha Swami: Detailing the life and teachings of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha, including his birth, renunciation, ascetic practices, attainment of omniscience (Kevalgyan), and Nirvana.
  • Celestial Beings and Their Roles: Discussing the involvement of deities in important events related to Tirthankaras, such as their birth, abhisheka (consecration), and Nirvana.
  • The Chakravarti Bharat: Providing a narrative of King Bharat, his conquests, his divine chariot (Chakra-ratna), his relationship with the divine beings, and his ultimate renunciation and attainment of liberation.
  • The Majestic Court and Divine Offerings: Describing the elaborate court of King Bharat, the welcoming gestures of deities, and the presentation of offerings, including the detailed description of the royal attire and the reverence shown to him.
  • Guhas (Caves) and Divine Abodes: Mentioning the presence of caves and the dwelling places of deities.
  • The Significance of Names and Characteristics: Explaining the etymology and significance of various geographical features and divine beings.
  • The Concept of Time Cycles (Kaal): Elaborating on the cyclical nature of time, Avsarpini and Utsarpini, and their respective subdivisions, along with the duration of each phase and the associated human lifespan.
  • The Nature of Humans in Different Eras: Describing the physical and mental attributes of humans during different eras, highlighting the progressive decline in virtues and physical attributes as the era progresses towards Dusama-Dusama.
  • The Role of Kalpavrikshas (Wish-Fulfilling Trees): Describing the divine trees that provide sustenance and fulfill desires, and how their nature changes with the progression of time.

Overall Theme:

The "Jambudveep Prajnapti Sutra" is a foundational text in Jainism that systematically explains the structure of the universe, with a primary focus on Jambudveep, the central continent. The commentary elaborates on its geography, history, the progression of time through its different eras, and the lives of key figures like Lord Rishabhanatha and King Bharat. It provides a detailed, often poetic, description of the celestial and human realms within this framework, emphasizing the principles of Jain philosophy like karma, liberation, and righteous living through the narrative of these lives. The text also reveals the intricate rules and customs associated with religious study and practice.