Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra" (Vīrastava-Prakīrṇaka), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 33 Prakirnak 10 Viratthao Sutra (Vīrastava-Prakīrṇaka) Author(s): D S Baya (English Translation) Publisher: Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan, Udaipur

Overview:

The Vīrastava Prakīrṇaka is a Jain canonical text that belongs to the Prakīrņaka category of Jain literature. It is a eulogistic composition in the Prakrit language, primarily dedicated to praising Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthankara. The text is significant for its exploration of Lord Mahāvīra's virtues through twenty-six specific names.

Publisher's and Translator's Notes:

Publisher's Note: The Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan (Udaipur) is dedicated to making Jain Agamic literature accessible. Recognizing the importance of Prakirnakas, which are ancient and spiritual, they highlight that while original texts were published by Mahāvīra Jaina Vidyalaya, Hindi translations were lacking for many. This particular publication is the English translation of the Vīrastava Prakīrṇaka, made possible by the efforts of Colonel D. S. Baya. The publisher expresses gratitude to Dr. Subhash Kothari and Prof. Sagarmal Jain for their contributions to the Hindi edition, which served as a basis for the English translation.
Translator's Note: Colonel D. S. Baya emphasizes the challenge of translating ancient Prakrit texts into English, striving to maintain the closest possible meaning. He acknowledges the simplification provided by the Hindi version and expresses gratitude to the scholars involved. He highlights this work as a pioneering effort in translating Prakirnakas into English and dedicates the translation to his father, influenced by his encouragement to study Jain philosophy. He also credits the Agama Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrta Samsthana for supporting this endeavor.

Preface (General Introduction to Prakirnakas):

Importance of Agamas: Agamas hold the same esteemed position in Jainism as the Vedas in Hinduism, Tripitaka in Buddhism, etc. They are considered compilations of the preachings of enlightened Arhatas and saints, codified by their principal disciples (Ganadharas) and other learned monks.
Jain Linguistic Philosophy: Jain tradition prioritizes meaning (Artha) over words, allowing for linguistic evolution. This led to two streams: Ardhamāgadhī (older and closer to Mahāvīra's language) and Sauraseni. Ardhamāgadhī is the basis for Sauraseni.
Classification of Agamas: Agamas are broadly divided into Angapravista (primary canons like the eleven Angas and Drṣṭivāda) and Angabahya (secondary literature). Angabahya are further categorized into Avasyaka (essential) and Avashyakavyatirikta (other than essential). The latter is divided into Kālika (timely studiable) and Utkālika (anytime studiable). Prakirnakas fall under these categories.
Definition of Prakirnakas: The term 'Prakīrņaka' generally means a compilation of miscellaneous subjects. Commentators define them as treatises composed by learned disciples of Tirthankaras based on their preachings, or by learned monks for sermons.
Number of Prakirnakas: Traditionally, it's believed each monk composed one, with vast numbers attributed to the disciples of earlier Tirthankaras. Lord Mahāvīra had fourteen thousand monks, leading to an estimated fourteen thousand Prakirnakas. The Nandi Sutra links the number of Prakirnakas to the number of disciples with different types of intellect.
Current Status of Prakirnakas: While many Prakirnakas exist, only ten were accepted as canonical at the Valabhi conclave. However, there's variation in the names of these ten across different texts, with Vīrastava appearing in some lists.
Significance of Prakirnakas: Despite being secondary, some Prakirnakas are considered spiritually important and linguistically ancient, predating even some mainstream canonical texts like the Uttaradhyayana and Daśavaikālika.

Vīrastava Prakīrnaka - Specifics:

First Mention: The Vīrastava Prakīrņaka is first mentioned in the Vidhi-mārgaprapā (circa 14th century AD), indicating its recognition as a Prakīrņaka by then. It is not mentioned in earlier texts like the Nandi or Pāksika Sūtras.
Nature of the Work: It is a poetic eulogy in Prakrit, praising Lord Mahāvīra through twenty-six attributal names.
Tradition of Eulogy: The practice of praising objects of worship is ancient in India. In Jainism, while the focus is on spiritual practice, the veneration of Lord Mahāvīra led to the composition of panegyrics, starting possibly with Vīratthui in the Sūtrakṛtānga. Early Jain eulogies were generally free from pleas for personal favors. However, later compositions like Logassa (Caturvimśatistava) began to include requests for health, peace, and enlightenment, potentially influenced by the Vedic tradition.
Authorship: The author of Vīrastava is not explicitly mentioned within the text. While Vīrabhadra is cited as the author of some Prakirnakas, his direct connection to Vīrastava is not definitively proven. The lack of an author's name aligns with the ancient Jain tradition of anonymous canonical works, suggesting its ancient origin.
Period of Composition: The Vīrastava Prakīrņaka was composed sometime after the 6th century (when Nandi and Pāksika Sūtras were prevalent) and before the 14th century (when Vidhi-mārgaprapā mentions it). If attributed to Vīrabhadra-II, it would place it around the 10th century. The presence of only twenty-six names, compared to later Jina-sahasranāmas (thousands of names), suggests it predates the widespread composition of such exhaustive lists.
Subject-Matter: The Vīrastava comprises forty-three verses. The core of the work involves praising Lord Mahāvīra by explaining the meaning of twenty-six of His attributal names. These names highlight His spiritual qualities, achievements, and role as a Tirthankara.
- Key Names and Virtues Explained: The text elaborates on names like:
  - Aruha: Free from rebirth.
  - Arihanta: Destroyer of karmic enemies.
  - Arahanta: Worthy of worship, free from possessions and ignorance.
  - Deva: Divine, playing with liberty, conquering attachment.
  - Jina: Spiritual conqueror.
  - Vīra: Brave, piercing karma, detached from pleasures.
  - Paramakārunika: Most compassionate.
  - Sarvajña: Omniscient.
  - Sarvadarśī: All-seeing.
  - Pāragāmī: Transcended (births/deaths, karma, knowledge).
  - Trikālajña: Knower of past, present, and future.
  - Nātha: Protector of the helpless.
  - Vītarāga: Free from attachment and aversion.
  - Kevalī: Possessing pure and infinite knowledge.
  - Tribhuvanaguru: Universal teacher.
  - Sarva: Beneficial for all.
  - Tribhuvanavaristha: Universally supreme.
  - Bhagavanta: Lord of the universe, possessing sixfold glories.
  - Tīrthankara: Establisher of the fourfold religious order.
  - Śakrābhivandit: Bowed to by celestial kings.
  - Jinendra: Master conqueror, superior to other Jinas.
  - Vardhamāna: One who induces growth.
  - Hari: Guardian, remover of sin's curse.
  - Hara: Remover of karma-dust.
  - Kamalāsana: Lotus-seated (metaphorically, like Brahma).
  - Buddha: Enlightened (by pure knowledge).
Development of Subject Matter: The work exemplifies the growing tradition of Jain eulogistic literature, which praised revered figures through their attributal names. This style later influenced works like Jinasahasranama. Many of the names used in Vīrastava are found in older canonical works like Ācārānga and Sūtrakṛtānga, demonstrating continuity and development in the epithets used for Lord Mahāvīra.
Comparison of Names: The preface notes similarities in names and epithets used for Lord Mahāvīra with those used for deities in Vedic and Buddhist traditions, highlighting the evolution and cross-pollination of religious language.
Conclusion of the Work: The Vīrastava concludes with a prayer from the author to Lord Mahāvīra for eternal liberation, acknowledging His compassion.

Appendices:

The book includes appendices on:

Transliteration Convention: A key to understanding the diacritical marks used.
Alphabetical Order of Verses: An index of the verses based on their first word.
Bibliography: A list of relevant Jain and other scholarly works consulted.

In essence, the Vīrastava Prakīrņaka is a significant piece of Jain literature that offers a detailed and poetic exposition of Lord Mahāvīra's exalted qualities through an array of well-defined epithets, contributing to the rich tradition of Jain devotional literature.