Agam 45 Chulika 02 Anuyogdwar Sutra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 45 Chulika 02 Anuyogdwar Sutra" authored by Abhayshekharsuri, published by Divya Darshan Trust, in English:

Overview of the Text:

The "Anuyogdwar Sutra" (अनुयोगद्वार सूत्र) is a fundamental Jain scripture that serves as a gateway to understanding the profound meanings and underlying principles of the Jain Agamas (sacred scriptures). This particular edition, edited and annotated by Acharya Vijay Abhayshekharsuri, is presented with a detailed commentary (Vritti) by the renowned Acharya Shrimad-MaladhariShri Hemchandrasuri and further enriched by "Vishampad Tippan" (विषमपदटिप्पणी) by Acharya Vijay Abhayshekharsuri himself. The text is highly regarded for its systematic explanation of the four main Anuyogas (अनुयोग) or branches of Jain literature:

1. Dravyanuyoga (द्रव्याणुयोग): Deals with the nature of substances (dravyas) and their attributes.
2. Ganeetanuyoga (गणितानियोग): Focuses on mathematics, cosmology, and calculations.
3. Karananuyoga (करणानुयोग): Explains the practical application of Jain principles and rituals.
4. Bhakti-Dharmakathanuyoga (भक्ति-धर्मकथानुयोग): Concerns devotion, narratives, and ethical teachings.

The "Anuyogdwar Sutra" acts as a key to unlock the intricate and often subtle doctrines contained within the vast body of Jain Agamas.

Key Themes and Contents:

This text, as detailed in its extensive table of contents (विषयानुक्रमः), systematically explores various concepts within Jain philosophy and literature, primarily focusing on the foundational elements needed to comprehend the Agamas. The primary aim of Acharya Abhayshekharsuri's commentary and annotations is to clarify complex or ambiguous terms and concepts, making the profound teachings accessible to contemporary and future generations of scholars and practitioners.

Specific Areas Covered by Acharya Abhayshekharsuri's Commentary (Tippan):

The commentary (Tippan) by Acharya Vijay Abhayshekharsuri highlights several crucial areas of discussion and provides unique insights into the original text and its commentary by Hemchandrasuri. These include:

• The Logic of Permission for Anuyoga: The text delves into the philosophical reasoning behind when permission is granted for studying different Anuyogas, clarifying that while permission for studying Agamic texts (Sutra Dana Anugya) may be granted earlier, the comprehensive permission for teaching all Anuyogas (Sarva Anuyoga Anugya) is given at the time of conferring the title of Anuyogacharya (अनुयोगचार्य).
• Analysis of Specific Terms and Concepts:
  • The term 'Shesha' (शेष) in Dravyaanumal: The commentary clarifies linguistic nuances, suggesting that the 'a' in 'ashesh' might be a Prakritic or Arsha form for 'ashesh' (meaning 'all' or 'entire').
  • Quantity of Dravya (Substance): It addresses subtle points regarding the relative quantity of Ananupurvi Dravya (अनानुपूर्वीद्रव्य) and Avaktavya Dravya (अवक्तव्यकद्रव्य), suggesting that based on mathematical principles, they are asankhyeya (countless) times greater, not just infinite.
  • The Concept of Space (Kshetra): The text engages in detailed discussions about whether Ananupurvi Dravyas are more or less than Avaktavya Dravyas in terms of spatial expanse, proposing arguments using concepts like Pratara (प्रतर) and Shreni (श्रेणी).
  • The Nature of Time (Kala): It explores the divisibility or indivisibility of the smallest unit of time (Samaya - समय), using practical examples like Paisaka (पैसक) and Tilakachana (तिलकचणक) to establish its divisibility in relation to space but its indivisibility in relation to time itself.
  • Number of Pudgala Parivartas (पुद्गलपरावर्त): The text contemplates the concept of an infinite number of past pudgala parivartas for all souls, questioning its mathematical possibility and suggesting the need for a different definition of pudgala parivarta within scriptural context, referencing the authority of learned scholars (Bahushruta Geetarthas).
  • Nigamanaya (नायग नय): It explains the concept of Nigamanaya (नायग नय) in relation to purity and impurity, linking it to the Vyavaharnaya (व्यवहारनय).
• Highlighting Novel Interpretations: Acharya Abhayshekharsuri's commentary is praised for revealing many new and previously unarticulated interpretations (Nava Rahasyartha) of concepts like Nishkepha (निक्षेप - categorization), the omnipresence of the four Nishkhepas, and providing logical resolutions to doubts raised in other texts concerning the omnipresence of Nishkhepas.
• Preservation of Jain Literature: The text emphasizes the importance of the "Anuyogdwar Sutra" as a key to entering the vast treasury of Jin Agamas, alongside Niyukti (नियुक्ति) and Bhashya (भाष्य) texts.
• Gurus and Scholars: The publication and commentary are dedicated to the lineage of esteemed gurus, including Acharya Vijay Premsoorishwarji Maharaj, Acharya Vijay Bhuvanbhanusoorishwarji Maharaj, Acharya Vijay Dharmjitsurishwarji Maharaj, and Acharya Vijay Jayashekharsoorishwarji Maharaj, acknowledging their profound contributions to Jain literature and practice.

Overall Significance:

The "Agam 45 Chulika 02 Anuyogdwar Sutra," with Acharya Abhayshekharsuri's insightful commentary, stands as a significant contribution to Jain scholarship. It not only elucidates complex philosophical and scriptural points but also demonstrates a deep engagement with the tradition, offering novel perspectives and reinforcing the logical framework of Jain teachings. The text is a testament to the continuous effort in preserving and propagating the profound wisdom of the Jain Agamas.