Agam 31 Ganividya Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the "Ganividya Sutra" portion and the surrounding context:

The text is identified as Agam 31 Ganividya Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad (Agam 31, Ganividya Sutra, with Commentary, Gujarati Translation). The author(s) are Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Deepratnasagar. The catalog link provided leads to JainQQ.org. This publication is part of a larger series of "Agam Satik Anuvad" (Agam with Commentary Translation) volumes.

Overall Context of the Publication:

• Series: The text is part of a comprehensive series of Gujarati translations of Jain Agamas (sacred scriptures) with commentaries. The preface indicates that "Agam Satik Anuvad" spans 42 volumes, with a total cost of ₹5,000.
• Dedication and Acknowledgements: The work is dedicated to various Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders) and expresses gratitude for their inspiration and financial support. Many trusts and Sangh (religious organizations) are listed as donors, highlighting a collaborative effort in bringing these translations to fruition.
• Scope of the Series: The latter pages (8-15) detail the extensive publishing efforts of the organization, including:
  • Original Agamas in multiple volumes.
  • Gujarati translations of the Agamas.
  • Commentary-based Gujarati translations (Satik Anuvad): This is the core of the publication, comprising 48 volumes in total, covering Angas, Upangas, Mula Sutras, and Panna Sutras with their available commentaries. It also includes analyses of Nandi and Anuogdvara Sutras.
  • Other Jain literature, including grammar, discourses, philosophy, rituals, worship guides, calendars, and study materials.

Focus on Ganividya Sutra (Agam 31):

The main body of the provided text focuses specifically on Ganividya Sutra, which is identified as Agam 31 and a Prakirnaka Sutra (miscellaneous or supplementary scripture).

• Nature of the Sutra: The text states that no commentary (Vritti, Avasyuri, etc.) has been found for this specific sutra. Therefore, only the original sutra's translation is provided.
• Structure: Since there are no commentaries to follow, the sutra is presented in the form of Gathas (verses). The translation is done sequentially, with each Gatha numbered (Gatha-1, Gatha-2, etc.).
• Content of Ganividya Sutra: The translated Gathas reveal the subject matter of this sutra:
  • Astrology and Auspicious Times (Muhurta, Nakshtra, Tithi, Karana, Graha, Lagna, Nimitta): The primary focus is on determining auspicious times and days for various activities, particularly in the context of Jain monastic life and the spiritual path.
  • Key Themes Covered:
    • Strength and Weakness of Times: The sutra discusses "Balabal Vidhi" (rules of strength and weakness) for different times, days, lunar phases, constellations, etc.
    • Specific Auspicious Activities: It details auspicious timings for:
      • Diksha (Initiation/Ordination): A major focus is on the best times and conditions for initiating new monks and nuns.
      • Vrata (Vows) and Upasthapana: Performing vows and establishing disciples.
      • Tapa (Austerities/Penance): Performing various types of austerities.
      • Gana Sangraha (Gathering of the Monastic Community/Order): Organizing or consolidating monastic groups.
      • Acharya/Ganadhara Installation: Establishing leaders.
      • Anumati (Permission) and Adesh (Command): Seeking permission from senior monks.
      • Anashana (Fasting unto Death): Determining auspicious times for the ultimate fast.
      • Lochakarma (Hair-plucking ceremony).
      • Swadhyaya (Study) and other spiritual practices.
    • Unfavorable Times and Activities: The sutra explicitly lists times and constellations to be avoided for specific religious activities, highlighting the potential negative consequences (e.g., quarrels, disputes, death, illness).
    • Specific Astrological Elements: It categorizes constellations based on their nature (e.g., favorable, unfavorable, gentle, fierce, hot) and discusses the influence of planets (graha), lunar days (tithi), constellations (nakshatra), time divisions (karana), and ascendants (lagna).
    • The Importance of Nimitta (Omens/Signs): The sutra emphasizes that omens are not created but are indicators of the future. It distinguishes between auspicious and inauspicious omens and advises actions based on them.
    • Hierarchy of Importance: A key point made is the hierarchical strength of astrological elements: Day < Tithi < Nakshatra < Karana < Graha < Muhurta < Shakuna < Lagna < Nimitta (Most Supreme).

In essence, the Ganividya Sutra as presented here is a treatise on Jain astrology and temporal auspiciousness, providing guidelines for monastic conduct and spiritual progression by aligning actions with favorable cosmic timings and signs. The translation is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the intricacies of Jain temporal science as it pertains to religious practice.