Agam 40 Aavassayam Mulsutt 01 Moolam - Book Summary

This document is a catalog and partial excerpt of "Agam 40 Aavassayam Mulsutt 01 Moolam" (Agam 40: Aavasyaka Mulasutra, Part 1, Root Text) published by Agam Shrut Prakashan and compiled by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The document serves as an introduction and part of the publication of a key Jain scripture, the Aavasyaka Sutra, which is considered the first Mulasutra (root text) within the Jain Agamas. It highlights the importance of this text and acknowledges the contributors and sponsors of its publication. The latter part of the document presents the actual text of the Aavasyaka Sutra in Prakrit, with some accompanying notes.

Key Sections and Information:

Title and Publication Details (Pages 1-2):
- Book Title: Agam 40 Aavassayam Mulsutt 01 Moolam (આવશ્યક સૂત્ર, પ્રથમ મૂલ સૂત્ર).
- Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (મુનિ દીપરત્નસાગર).
- Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan (આગમ શ્રુત પ્રકાશન).
- Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009769/1 (This link likely leads to a digital archive or catalog entry for the book).
- Affiliations: Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir, www.kobatirth.org are mentioned, indicating the organizational and academic backing for the publication.
- Dedication/Salutations: The text begins with salutations to the pure vision (निर्मल दर्शन) and veneration of esteemed gurus like Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri and Muni Shri Sudharma Sagarji Maharaj.
Acknowledgements and Sponsorship (Pages 3-5):
- This section is extensive and lists numerous individuals, families, and Jain Sanghs (communities) who provided financial or inspirational support for the publication.
- Key Sponsors/Contributors: A prominent mention is made of Shrimati Nayanaben Rameshchandra Shah and family from Vadodara as a primary financial supporter for the 45 Agam set. Many other individuals and Sanghs from various cities (Vadodara, Surendranagar, Madras, Jamnagar, Nandoorbar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Morvi, etc.) are acknowledged for their contributions, often in memory of departed family members or during religious observances like Chaturmas and Paryushan.
- The contributions are often linked to specific motivations, such as "jnani upaj" (proceeds from knowledge-related activities), "upavasa" (fasts), or "punyatithi" (anniversary of death).
Instructions and Indexing (Page 6):
- Notice (सूचना पत्र): This section provides crucial instructions on how to navigate the text:
  - The first number on the left page indicates the sequential number of the Sutra and Gatha.
  - The Hindi number on the right indicates the Sutra and Gatha number as per the original text.
  - Vertical lines (|) between numbers denote the Sutra number.
  - Two vertical lines (||) denote the Gatha number.
  - The English number on the right indicates the reference to the commentary (Vritti). An 'R' after the number means the Sutra/Gatha appears a second time in the commentary.
  - Square brackets [] indicate supplementary text added to complete the original wording.
Text of the Aavasyaka Sutra (Pages 7-17):
- This section presents the Prakrit text of the Aavasyaka Sutra, divided into its various chapters (Adhyayanas).
- Adhyayan 1: Samayika (सामायिक): Begins with the foundational Pancha Namaskara Mantra and the commitment to renouncing sinful actions.
- Adhyayan 2: Chaivishathiya (चउवीसात्थओ / Chaubees Tirthankar Stavan): A hymn praising the 24 Tirthankaras, starting with Rishabhanatha (Usabha) and ending with Mahavira (Vardhamana). It includes verses seeking their blessings for health and spiritual well-being.
- Adhyayan 3: Vandanaka (वंदनक): Contains a ritual apology and request for forgiveness for any inadvertent transgressions during the day, particularly concerning speech, mind, and actions.
- Adhyayan 4: Pratikramana (प्रतिक्रमण): This is a substantial section detailing various types of transgressions (Acharas) and rituals of self-purification and confession (Pratikramana). It covers:
  - Confession of errors related to Samayika, the Pancha Namaskara, and the Mahavratas (great vows).
  - Confession related to the six types of living beings (Jeeva Kayas), the three types of speech (Vachana), the four passions (Kashayas), etc.
  - Confession of errors in various activities like movement (Iryapatha), speech, and daily conduct.
  - Specific confessions related to actions that cause harm to living beings, impurities in food and drink, and transgressions of vows.
  - Confessions related to attachment, desire, falsehood, and other moral failings.
- Adhyayan 5: Kausagga (कायौत्सर्ग): Describes the practice of Kausagga (standing in meditation, renouncing body consciousness) and includes further confessions and hymns praising the Tirthankaras. It also mentions the importance of renouncing worldly attachments and dedicating oneself to the path of liberation.
- Adhyayan 6: Pratyakhyana (प्रत्याख्यान): This chapter details the renunciations (Pratyakhyana) undertaken by a lay follower (Shravaka). It outlines:
  - The principal vows (Mula Vratas): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
  - The additional vows (Guna Vratas) and disciplinary vows (Siksha Vratas).
  - Specific renunciations related to food, drink, and other worldly possessions.
  - The five transgressions (Acharas) associated with each vow.
  - Renunciations related to fasting (Pausadha Upavasa), specific types of food, and the conditions under which these renunciations apply.
Notes on Commentaries (Page 17):
- The document mentions two main commentaries (Vritti) on the Aavasyaka Sutra:
  - Timapriya-Vritti (तिमप्रिय-वृत्ति): Not fully included here due to being incomplete.
  - Malayagiri-Vritti (मलयगिरि-वृत्ति): Attributed to Acharya Malayagiri, it is extensive but only the first chapter is complete.
  - Haribhadra Suri's Vritti (हरिभद्रसूरि कृत् वृत्ति): This is noted as being comprehensive and complete, and its reference numbers are used in the publication.
- It also highlights that this particular sutra is unique for being printed with its Niryukti (exegetical commentary) alongside the original text, as revised by Acharya Anand Sagar Suri.
List of Publications (Pages 18-20):
- This extensive list details numerous other publications by the same publishing house or related organizations, covering a wide range of Jain philosophical and devotional literature, including commentaries on other Agamas, collections of hymns, guides for religious observances, and biographical works.
Appendix/Index Information (Page 21):
- Mentions several intended future publications related to comprehensive indexes of the Agamas, such as subject indexes, word indexes, name indexes, and verse indexes.

In Essence:

The document introduces the Aavasyaka Sutra as a fundamental text in Jainism, emphasizing its role in daily religious practice, confession, and renunciation. It showcases the collaborative effort involved in publishing such important religious texts, with deep gratitude extended to the many supporters. The provided text excerpts offer a glimpse into the structure and devotional content of this crucial Jain scripture.