Agam 31 Chulika 01 Nandi Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This document is a substantial portion of the Nandi Sutra, a foundational text in Jain Agamas, specifically from the Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsī tradition. It appears to be a scanned and digitized version of a printed book, likely an edition with commentary.

Here's a breakdown of its content and a comprehensive summary:

Book Details:

Title: Shri Nandi Sutra (શ્રી નન્દી સૂત્ર)
Author of Commentary: Ghasilal Maharaj (p.p. Acharya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj Saheb) (પૂજ્યશ્રી ઘાસીલાલજી મહારાજ સાહેબ)
Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti (અખિલ ભારત શ્વેતાંબર સ્થાનકવાસી જૈન શાસ્ત્રોદ્ધાર સમિતિ)
Publication Year: Vīra Samvat 2484 (Veer Nirvāṇa Samvat 2484), Vikrama Samvat 2014, E.S. 1958 (ઈ.સ. ૧૯૫૮)
Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006373/1 (Indicates it's part of a larger Jain library collection).

Content Summary:

The provided text is not the Nandi Sutra itself, but rather the preliminary pages and endorsements for a specific edition of the Nandi Sutra published by the Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsī Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. These pages primarily consist of:

Maha-Mangala: The initial pages (1-3) contain the traditional Jain Maha-Mangala (Namo Arihantāṇaṁ, etc.), followed by the title and basic identification of the work.
Publication Information: Pages 4 and 5 detail the publication, including the name of the esteemed Acharya Ghāsilālji Maharaj who provided the commentary (Jnana Chandrika), the patron who supported the publication, the first edition print run, and the publication year. It also lists the printing press and location.
Endorsements and Testimonials (Pages 6-45): This is the most extensive part of the provided text. It features numerous Sammati Patras (letters of endorsement or approval) and Abhiprayas (opinions) from highly respected Jain scholars, monks, nuns, professors from colleges, and lay scholars. These testimonials are for the work of Acharya Ghāsilālji Maharaj in publishing and commenting on various Jain Agamas, including, but not limited to, the Nandi Sutra. The testimonials highlight:
- Acharya Ghāsilālji Maharaj's Scholarship: His deep knowledge of Jain Agamas, mastery of logic and grammar, clarity of explanation, and insightful commentary (tika).
- The Importance of the Publications: The value of these works for the Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsī community and for Jain scholars in general, enabling wider access to and understanding of the Agamas.
- Dedication and Effort: Recognition of the immense effort, dedication, and hard work involved in compiling, editing, and annotating these ancient texts.
- Impact and Need: The crucial role of this project in revitalizing Jain knowledge and making it accessible in multiple languages (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi).
- Support for the Samiti: Encouragement for the Akhil Bharat Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsī Jain Shastroddhar Samiti and its mission.
- Inclusion of Various Sutras: While the main focus is Nandi Sutra, the testimonials often refer to other texts Ghasilal Maharaj commented on, such as Āchārāṅga Sūtra, Upāsakadashāṅga Sūtra, Jñātādharmakathāṅga Sūtra, Anu'ttarau'p'apātikā Sūtra, and Daśavaikālika Sūtra. This suggests the Samiti's broader project of reviving and publishing all Agamas.
List of Contributors/Members (Pages 88-105): This section provides a detailed list of patrons, patrons, supporting members, and regular members, categorized by their donation amounts (Ādhamurabbīśrī, Murabbīśrī, Sahāyak Members) and then by village/city. This demonstrates the widespread support and financial backing for the Shastroddhar Samiti's work.
Swādhyāya Niyam (Pages 52-56): This section outlines rules and specific times and circumstances under which Swādhyāya (scriptural study) should or should not be performed, including various aswādhyāya (inauspicious times/conditions) related to celestial phenomena and bodily purity. This is a practical guide for devotees.
Vishayānukramaṇikā (Table of Contents) (Pages 57-64): This is a detailed index of the topics covered within the Nandi Sutra itself, showing the chapter and page numbers. It reveals the text's structure, focusing on the classification and description of different types of knowledge (matijñāna, śrutajñāna, avadhijñāna, manahparyaya-jñāna, kevalajñāna), karma, and other philosophical concepts.
Sthirāvali (List of Elders/Teachers) (Pages 65-86): This section lists the lineage of respected Jain monks (Sthaviras) who contributed to the tradition, starting with salutations to Mahavir Swami and his Ganadharas, and then tracing a lineage of esteemed āchāryas and muniśvaras. This is crucial for establishing the authenticity and unbroken tradition of the teachings.
Maha Mangala and Commentary Excerpts (Pages 106 onwards): These pages begin the actual content of the book, starting with Mangalacharan (auspicious verses) in Sanskrit, Gujarati, and Hindi, followed by the start of the commentary (Jnana Chandrika) by Ghasilal Maharaj, explaining the meaning and significance of the initial verses and the structure of the Nandi Sutra. It touches upon concepts of knowledge, the five types of knowledge, and then delves into the details of matijñāna and śrutajñāna.

Comprehensive Summary of the Nandi Sutra's Content (as indicated by the introductory material and partial commentary):

The Nandi Sutra, as part of the Jain Agamas, is primarily concerned with the classification and understanding of Jain knowledge (Jñana) and its related principles. Based on the table of contents and commentary excerpts provided:

Classification of Knowledge: The text meticulously classifies knowledge into five types:
- Matijñāna (Indriya-pratyaksha/Puroksha): Sensorial or empirical knowledge obtained through the senses and mind. The text details its sub-categories like avagraha, īhā, avāya, and dhāraṇā.
- Śrutajñāna (Puroksha): Scriptural knowledge, derived from the teachings of the Jinas and transmitted through scriptures.
- Avadhijñāna (Pratyaksha): Clairvoyant knowledge, which can perceive subtle forms and colors, even across distance and time, but is limited to the 'Corporeal' (rūpi) realm. It's further divided into bhava-pratyayika (arising from birth) and kṣāyopaśamika (arising from gradual spiritual development).
- Manahparyaya-jñāna (Pratyaksha): Telepathic knowledge, the ability to know the thoughts of others, limited to the 'Corporeal' realm and requiring specific spiritual development.
- Kevalajñāna (Pratyaksha): Omniscience, the pure, all-pervading, unconditional knowledge that encompasses all reality. It is considered the highest form of knowledge, attained after the complete removal of all karmic obscurations.
Detailed Explanation of Matijñāna: A significant portion of the commentary seems dedicated to explaining matijñāna, breaking it down into its stages (avagraha, īhā, avāya, dhāraṇā) and the specific sensory organs involved. The text also elaborates on the nuances of vyanjana-avagraha and artha-avagraha.
Distinction between Mati and Śruta: The commentary emphasizes the differences between matijñāna and śrutajñāna, particularly how śruta depends on mati, but also how they are distinct.
Emphasis on Pure Knowledge: The text discusses the progression of knowledge towards purity and completeness, culminating in Kevalajñāna.
Support for Women's Liberation: The extensive testimonials from various scholars, including the chapter on "Stri Moksha Samarthan" (Support for Women's Liberation), clearly indicate that this edition aims to address and refute the misconception that women cannot attain liberation, arguing for their equal spiritual potential and capability for moksha. This is a significant aspect, highlighting the evolving thought within the tradition or emphasizing an important point.
Importance of Study and Discipline: The inclusion of Swādhyāya Niyam emphasizes the disciplined approach to scriptural study prescribed in Jainism.

Overall Impression:

The Nandi Sutra, as presented in this commentary, is a rigorous philosophical and epistemological text within Jainism. Acharya Ghāsilālji Maharaj's commentary (Jnana Chandrika) is highly praised for its depth and clarity. The extensive endorsements underscore the significance of this particular edition for the Śvetāmbara Sthānakavāsī community and Jain scholarship at large, providing a comprehensive and well-supported translation and explanation of a vital scripture. The inclusion of the "Stri Moksha Samarthan" section is particularly noteworthy, indicating a potential emphasis on the spiritual equality of women within this tradition's interpretation of the Agamas.