Agam 39 Mahanishitha Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

This Jain text, "Agam 39 Mahanishitha Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Deepratnasagar, is a commentary and Gujarati translation of the Jain Agam scripture known as the Mahanishitha Sutra. Based on the provided pages, here's a comprehensive summary of its content and context:

Overall Purpose and Context:

• Commentary and Translation: The book's core purpose is to provide a detailed commentary (Satik Gujarati Anuvad) of the Mahanishitha Sutra, making this complex Jain scripture accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers.
• Part of a Larger Series: The text explicitly mentions this is "Agam Sutra Satik Anuvad" (Commented Translation of Agam Sutras) and specifically "a part of this series," indicating it's volume 30 out of a planned 42 volumes covering all Agam Sutras. The total set is valued at ₹10,000.
• Focus on Mahanishitha Sutra: This particular volume (Part 30) covers "Mahanishitha - Chhedasutra" starting from Adhyayan (Chapter) 1 and completing up to Adhyayan 8.
• Support and Sponsorship: The early pages highlight extensive financial and inspirational support from various Jain Sangh (communities), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), and individuals, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind this massive undertaking. This indicates the importance placed on propagating these scriptures.
• Publisher and Contact: The publisher is Deepratnasagar, and the contact point is the Agam Aradhana Kendra in Ahmedabad.

Content of the Mahanishitha Sutra (as described in the text):

• Significance: The Mahanishitha Sutra is the sixth and final Chhedasutra in Jain tradition. In Prakrit, it's known as 'Mahanishidhu,' and in Sanskrit and common usage, it's called 'Mahanishitha.'
• Structure: It comprises six chapters (Adhyayans) and two supplementary sections called 'Chulikas,' totaling eight sections.
• Themes:
  • Emphasis on Purity of Conduct: The text strongly emphasizes the purity of conduct in ascetic life (Sanyam Jeevan ki Shuddhi).
  • Primary Focus on Charana (Conduct): Although primarily focused on Charana (conduct), it also incorporates Katha (narrative) through stories of saints like Lakshmana Sadhvi and Nandishena Muni.
  • Secondary Focus on Dravyanuyoga (Metaphysics/Substance): It also touches upon Dravyanuyoga through discussions on Dravya Stava (worship of substance) and Bhava Stava (worship of inner spiritual state), the nature of Upadhana Tapa (a specific penance), and 'Mitartha Vihar' (living with minimal possessions).
  • Detailed Explanation of Vardhamana Vidya: A significant aspect is the clear and extensive explanation of 'Vardhamana Vidya' (a spiritual practice or knowledge) and how to achieve it.
• Target Audience and Importance:
  • All Ascetics: The text is considered essential for all monks and nuns (Sadhu-Sadhvi) for their spiritual discipline.
  • Laypeople: It's also highly relevant for laymen and women (Shravak-Shravika) as it contains practical guidance and inspiration that can bring significant positive change to their lives due to its accurate subject matter and clear presentation.
  • Universally Beneficial: The Mahanishitha Sutra is described as having a clear message and objective (Spasht Talan).
• Compilation: The text mentions a re-compilation of the original Agam based on its re-reading, with acknowledgments from past Acharyas themselves within the text.

Key Discussions and Topics (from the translated excerpts):

The provided text delves into several profound spiritual and ethical concepts:

1. The Nature of Suffering and the Soul: The text begins by establishing the omnipresence of suffering across all beings (Sanjna, Asanjna, Bhavya, Abhavya) and the inherent desire for happiness. It contrasts the suffering of various life forms (insects, hell-dwellers, animals, humans, gods) to highlight the pervasive nature of worldly existence.
2. The Cause of Suffering: The root cause of suffering is identified as attachment (Raga), aversion (Dvesha), delusion (Moha), ignorance (Ajnana), and the resulting negative karmas (Karmashraya).
3. The Importance of Shalya (Mental Impurities/Splinters): A significant portion of the text focuses on 'Shalya' – mental impurities or 'splinters' that hinder spiritual progress. It details how various negative emotions, attachments, and wrong beliefs act as Shalyas.
4. The Process of Purification and Salvation: The text emphasizes that liberation (Moksha) is only possible by eradicating these Shalyas through correct knowledge (Samyak Darshan), right conduct (Samyak Charitra), and austere practices (Tapa). It stresses that mere knowledge without action (Kriya Rahit Jnana) is futile, and action without knowledge is also unsuccessful.
5. The Role of Guidance (Gurus): The importance of learned and virtuous gurus is highlighted for understanding and practicing the teachings, especially in overcoming Shalyas.
6. The Path to Kevala Jnana (Omniscience): The text describes various actions and states of being that can lead to Kevala Jnana, such as correct introspection, penance, ethical conduct, and the eradication of Shalyas.
7. The Consequences of Misconduct and Improper Practices: The text meticulously details the negative karmic consequences of various transgressions, particularly those related to improper conduct (Kusheel), attachment to sensual pleasures (especially women), and deviations from ascetic vows. It uses vivid examples and narratives to illustrate the severe repercussions in future lives and hellish realms.
8. The Impermanence of Worldly Life: It repeatedly underscores the transient nature of worldly pleasures, relationships, and possessions, urging readers towards detachment and spiritual pursuit.
9. The Importance of Shuddhi (Purification): The entire discussion on Shalyas and their eradication points to the paramount importance of mental and spiritual purification for achieving liberation.
10. The Role of Pratikraman and Prayschitta: The text emphasizes the necessity of confession (Alochan), self-reproach (Ninda), remorse (Garha), and atonement (Prayschitta) for overcoming karmic impurities. The detailed procedures for Prayschitta are outlined.
11. The Dangers of Maya (Illusion/Deception): The text strongly warns against practicing religion with deception or ulterior motives, highlighting that such practices are fruitless and lead to further downfall.
12. The Nature of Women and Sensual Attachments: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the potential pitfalls associated with sensual desires, particularly those involving women, detailing the consequences of attachment and improper conduct for ascetics. It provides detailed descriptions of the potential negative karmic results of such attachments.
13. The Nature of the Jain Sangha and Gachha: The text discusses the characteristics of a pure and virtuous Sangha (community) and Gachha (sect or lineage), contrasting them with impure or deviated ones. It outlines the qualities of a good guru and the importance of adhering to the established disciplinary rules and guidelines.
14. The Role of the Acharya: The text emphasizes the critical role of the Acharya in guiding disciples and maintaining the purity of the doctrine, with severe consequences for violating their teachings or the established rules.

In essence, this volume of the Agam Satik Anuvad provides a rigorous and cautionary exploration of ascetic conduct, the eradication of mental impurities, the consequences of actions, and the path to spiritual purification within the framework of Jain philosophy.