Agam 31 Ganivijja Painnagsutt 08 Moolam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on "Agam 31 Ganivijja Painnagsutt 08 Moolam":

Book Title: Agam 31 Ganivijja Painnagsutt 08 Moolam Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

This document is a Jain religious text, specifically the eighth section (Painnayaga) of the Ganividya, which is part of the Agamas (sacred scriptures) of Jainism. The text is presented in Prakrit, the language of the Agamas, with a focus on the original text ("Moolam"). The publication is by Agam Shrut Prakashan and is dedicated to the "Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra" and "Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir."

The document begins with devotional salutations and acknowledgments to spiritual teachers and patrons. It highlights the importance of the Agam Sutras and lists various other Agam Sutras published by the same press.

Key Content of "Ganivijja Painnagsutt 08 Moolam":

The core of the text, as indicated by the numbered verses (e.g., ||2|| to ||72||) and the title "Ganivijja," deals with knowledge related to the movement of celestial bodies and auspicious/inauspicious timings and omens. This field is often referred to as Jain astrology or prognostication.

The content can be broadly categorized as follows:

Timings and Auspiciousness (Days, Tithis, Nakshatras, Karanas, etc.):
- The text details the auspiciousness of specific days of the fortnight and certain lunar tithis (dates) for various activities. For example, it mentions the auspiciousness of the first, fifth, tenth, and eleventh tithis (||6||, ||7||, ||8||, ||9||).
- It also discusses the auspiciousness of certain Nakshatras (lunar constellations) for journeys and other actions. Specific Nakshatras like Pushya, Hasta, Ashwini, and Rohini are mentioned as favorable for certain endeavors (||11||, ||12||, ||22||, ||23||, ||24||, ||25||).
- The influence of planetary positions and celestial events is discussed, including the impact of Rahu and other malefic influences (||14||, ||15||, ||16||, ||17||, ||18||, ||19||, ||20||, ||21||).
Activities and Undertakings:
- The text provides guidance on suitable times for undertaking significant actions. This includes:
  - Commencing journeys (Sehanikkhamanam): Specific Nakshatras and timings are recommended for auspicious departures (||22||, ||23||, ||24||, ||25||, ||26||, ||27||, ||29||, ||39||, ||40||, ||41||, ||45||, ||46||, ||47||, ||48||, ||57||, ||59||, ||64||, ||66||, ||69||, ||70||, ||78||).
  - Establishing/Founding (Gan Sangahahanam, Ganaharam Thavanam, Sthanam Thavaraani): Guidance on commencing organizational or foundational activities (||28||, ||39||, ||40||, ||41||, ||45||, ||46||, ||47||, ||48||).
  - Religious Practices and Asceticism (Tavokammam, Anavasanam, Paovavagamana): The text outlines specific practices, fasts, and observances suitable for certain times and celestial influences (||33||, ||35||, ||36||, ||38||, ||40||, ||46||, ||47||, ||48||, ||58||, ||60||, ||78||).
  - Studies and Chanting (Sajjhayam, Uddesyam, Samuddissyam): Recommendations for engaging in scriptural study and recitation (||30||, ||39||, ||40||, ||61||, ||66||, ||67||).
  - Other Activities: The text also touches upon activities like collecting alms (bhikkhaacharanam), holding meetings (sangaham), and adhering to principles of conduct (||30||, ||32||, ||38||, ||41||).
Omens and Portents (Sauna, Nimitta):
- A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the interpretation of omens and portents, particularly those related to animal sounds (Sauna) and other signs (Nimitta).
- It describes how to interpret these signs for predicting auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of events, journeys, and personal well-being (||43||, ||44||, ||46||, ||60||, ||61||, ||62||, ||63||, ||64||, ||65||, ||66||, ||67||, ||68||, ||69||, ||70||, ||71||, ||72||, ||73||, ||74||, ||75||, ||76||, ||77||, ||78||, ||79||, ||80||, ||81||, ||82||, ||83||, ||84||).
- The relative strength and influence of different elements (days, tithis, nakshatras, etc.) in predicting outcomes are also discussed, establishing a hierarchy of significance where "Nimitta" (omens) and "Vilagga" (associations/influences) are considered paramount (||82||, ||83||, ||84||).
Specific Instructions and Guidance:
- The text provides specific instructions for various situations, such as what to do when facing obstacles, illnesses, or natural calamities, and how to conduct oneself during important religious observances (||33||, ||34||, ||35||, ||36||, ||37||, ||38||, ||62||, ||63||).
- It emphasizes adherence to the teachings of the spiritual guides (Gurus) and the importance of faith and right conduct.

Patronage and Publication Details:

The document includes lists of individuals and families who provided financial support for the publication of the Agam Sutras, including this particular text. This reflects the community-driven effort to preserve and disseminate Jain scriptures. The details of the printing press and compositors are also provided.

Notes on the Edition:

A note at the end (Page 13) mentions that a printed commentary for this specific text was not found. It states that a Sanskrit translation was done by Acharya Anand Sagarsuri. The document also details the printing history and publication numbers of various Jain texts by Agam Shrut Prakashan, indicating a comprehensive effort to publish the Jain Agamas.

Overall Purpose:

"Agam 31 Ganivijja Painnagsutt 08 Moolam" is a technical text within the Jain tradition, focusing on the practical application of celestial knowledge for determining auspicious times and understanding omens. It serves as a guide for righteous living, religious practice, and the successful undertaking of various activities, all within the framework of Jain cosmology and philosophy. The emphasis is on precise timing and the interpretation of signs to ensure favorable outcomes and spiritual progress.