Agam 39 Mahanisiha Chheysutt 06 Moolam

This Jain text, identified as "Agam 39 Mahanisiha Chheysutt 06 Moolam" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Agam Shrut Prakashan, is a segment of the vast Jain Agamas. The provided pages focus on acknowledging and listing the various individuals, families, and organizations that provided financial support for the publication and dissemination of this significant religious work.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Core Text: The title indicates it's the sixth text ("Chheysutt 06") from the "Moolam" (Root) section of the Agam series, specifically focusing on the "Mahanisiha" text, which is the 39th Agama in the 45 Agam collection. The "Chheysutt" category generally refers to texts dealing with ascetic practices, discipline, and conduct.

• Acknowledgments of Support: A significant portion of the provided pages (Pages 3-8) is dedicated to listing the "Maha-Daanadata" (Major Donors) and "Pradhan Arthik Anudanta" (Principal Financial Contributors) for the 45 Agam set, and specifically mentions "Shri Mahanisiha Sutra" in relation to some donors. This highlights the community effort involved in preserving and making these sacred texts accessible. The donors are listed with their names, often including their family lineage, and their city or location (e.g., Vadodara, Madras, Surendranagar, Los Angeles, USA).

• Key Contributors: Prominent figures and institutions mentioned as inspirational sources or direct supporters include:

  • Sadhv Shree Ratntrushaji M. 60; Sadhv Shree Soumyagunashriji M.
  • Sadhv Shree Samashriji M.
  • Sadhv Shree Moksharatnashriji M.
  • Acharya Shree Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir (the institution overseeing the publication).
  • Various Jain Sanghs (communities) from different cities.
  • The publisher, Agam Shrut Prakashan.
  • Specific families and individuals like Shrimati Naynaben Rameshchandra Shah, Shri Indravadan Ratilal Damani, and Sw. Ratalal Kalidas Vora's family.

• Scope of Publication: Page 6 and 7 provide a list of numerous other Jain Agam texts and related publications, indicating the extensive work done by Agam Shrut Prakashan in bringing out the entire collection. This contextualizes the "Mahanisiha" within a larger project of scriptural revival.

• Textual Content (Pages 11-48 onwards): The later pages (starting from Page 11) contain the actual script of the Mahanisiha text itself, written in Prakrit or a similar ancient Jain language. The introductory verses and some initial verses (e.g., "Namo Namo Nirmal Dassanassa," "Om Namo Tirthassa," "Om Namo Arhantaanam") are standard invocations. The text appears to delve into profound spiritual and ethical discussions, likely related to asceticism, conduct, and the path to liberation, as suggested by the chapter titles like "Samuddharan" (Extraction/Deliverance) and "Karmavidag Vaghan" (Discussion of Karmic Results). The detailed transliteration into Devanagari script suggests a scholarly effort to preserve and present the original text.

• Nature of Mahanisiha: The text's focus on "Mahanisiha" (Great Night) within the "Chheysutt" (Conduct/Discipline) category implies a deep exploration of rigorous practices, possibly related to austerities, meditation, or specific observances undertaken during nights, which are often considered potent times for spiritual advancement or facing internal struggles. The extensive verse numbering suggests a detailed and structured discourse.

In essence, this publication represents a dedicated effort by the Jain community and scholarly institutions to preserve and propagate ancient Jain scriptures. The Mahanisiha text, as part of the Agam tradition, is a vital source for understanding the core principles and practices of Jainism, with a particular emphasis on the spiritual path and the support system required for its propagation.