Agam 27 Prakirnaka 04 Bhaktaparigna Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 27 Prakirnaka 04 Bhaktaparigna Sutra Shwetambar," based on the scanned pages:

Overview:

The document is the Bhaktaparigna Sutra, one of the Prakirnaka (miscellaneous) Agamas within the Shwetambar Jain tradition. It is presented as Agam 27, Prakirnaka 04. The text is attributed to Purnachandrasagar as an author/editor and published by Jainanand Pustakalay. The specific edition appears to be revised and edited by Acharya Shri Anandasagarsuri Shweshwarji Maharaj. The primary focus of the text is the concept of Bhaktaparigna, which relates to fasting and the proper undertaking of religious observances, particularly in the context of attaining liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction and Salutations: The initial pages contain numerous salutations to prominent Jain monks and scholars, highlighting the lineage of teachers and the importance of their contributions to Jain literature and practice. It also emphasizes the preservation and dissemination of Jain scriptures.

2. Significance of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge): The text strongly emphasizes the invaluable nature of scriptural knowledge (Shrut Gyan) as a guiding force for beings lost in the cycle of birth and death, leading them from darkness to light. Agamas are described as the very words of Lord Mahavir.

3. History of Agam Recensions (Vachanas): A significant portion of the introductory material details the historical six major recensions (Vachanas) of the Jain Agamas. This section explains the reasons behind each recension, which were primarily to preserve the Agamic knowledge due to:

   • First Vachana (Shri Dwadashangashrut Sankalan): Held in Pataliputra (Patna) around Veer Nirvana Samvat 160 due to the adverse effects of a severe famine and the scattering of monks.
   • Second Vachana (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Conducted in Ujjain, initiated by Emperor Samprati and guided by Arya Suhasti Suri, to address deficiencies in recitation and teaching.
   • Third Vachana: Undertaken in the period of Veer Nirvana Samvat 300-330, involving a large assembly of monks and nuns, to systematically arrange the texts of the eleven Angas and ten Purvas, necessitated by the persecution under King Pushyamitra.
   • Fourth Vachana: Held in Dashpur (Mandsaur) around Veer Vikram Samvat 192, during a severe famine, to preserve the Agamic heritage for future generations of monks with potentially lesser retention abilities. Arya Rakshit Suri played a key role in organizing the four Anuyogas.
   • Fifth Vachana: Took place around Veer Samvat 830-840 in Mathura (for monks of the northern region) and Vallabhi (for monks of the southern region), organized by Arya Skandil Suri and Arya Nagarjun Suri respectively, with the aim of future reconciliation of textual differences.
   • Sixth Vachana: Conducted in Vallabhi (Saurashtra) by Arya Devdhadhi Gani Kshamashraman and Arya Kalak Suri, with divine assistance. This recension involved the systematic compilation and writing down of the 84 Agamas on palm leaves, marking their transition into book form. This period is also noted for the discontinuation of Agam recitations after the 10th century.

4. The Modern Revival of Agamas: The text highlights the challenges faced in preserving Agamic knowledge during the 10th century and onwards due to the decline in strict adherence to practices. It then praises the efforts of Acharya Shri Anandasagarsuri Maharaj (referred to fondly as "Poo. Sagarji Maharaj") in the latter half of the 20th century. He is credited with:

   • Single-handedly undertaking the monumental task of Agam restoration.
   • Meticulously researching and compiling Agamas from various sources, including manuscripts and palm leaves.
   • Organizing communal recitations (Samuhik Vachanas) in various locations like Patan, Kapadvanj, Ahmedabad, and Surat from 1971 to 1977.
   • Facilitating the reading of Agamas for hundreds of monks and nuns.
   • Playing a significant role in the printing and dissemination of these restored Agamas. The current publication is a result of his research and editorial work.

5. The Bhaktaparigna Sutra Itself:

   • Meaning and Purpose: The Sutra elucidates the importance of Bhaktaparigna (proper understanding and observance of fasting) and its role in spiritual progress. It emphasizes that understanding the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the suffering in the cycle of existence is crucial for spiritual endeavors.
   • The Path to Liberation: It details how individuals, after receiving proper guidance from their Guru, should undertake acts of faith, repentance (Aalochana), and penance. The Sutra stresses the importance of abandoning worldly attachments, cultivating detachment, and embracing the principles of Jainism.
   • Stages of Observance: It outlines different levels of religious practice, from limited vows (Desh Virati) to complete renunciation (Sarva Virati). The text describes the proper way to accept religious life, including confession of sins, undertaking prescribed penances, and gradually progressing towards higher spiritual states.
   • Key Virtues: The Sutra repeatedly emphasizes the cultivation of virtues such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). It warns against negative traits like anger, ego, deceit, and lust.
   • The Power of Namokar Mantra: The importance of devotion to the Panch Namaskara Mantra (Namokar Mantra) is highlighted as a potent tool for spiritual upliftment and overcoming negative karma.
   • Detachment and Renunciation: The text expounds on the necessity of detachment from sensual pleasures, material possessions, and even the fruits of one's actions (Niyana Sallam). It explains how attachment to worldly things leads to suffering and how true liberation comes from renouncing them.
   • The Role of Right Faith (Samyaktva): Right Faith (Samyaktva) is presented as the foundation for all spiritual progress. Without it, even ascetic practices may not yield the desired results.
   • Examples and Analogies: The Sutra uses various analogies to illustrate its teachings, such as the example of a bird learning to fly, a needle guiding thread, or a king protecting his subjects, to explain the importance of scriptural guidance and diligent practice.
   • The Goal of Liberation: The ultimate aim described is to achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death, leading to eternal happiness. The text suggests that adherence to Bhaktaparigna and the principles outlined leads to spiritual gains, even reaching celestial realms or attaining omniscience.

In essence, the Bhaktaparigna Sutra, as presented in this volume, is a profound guide for Jain ascetics and laypeople alike, emphasizing the importance of understanding, practicing, and preserving the Agamic teachings, with a particular focus on the rigorous spiritual disciplines and renunciations that pave the way for ultimate liberation.