Agam Asmita

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Asmita" by Priyam, focusing on the provided pages:

The book "Agam Asmita" by Priyam is a journey of reverence and deep appreciation for the Agamas, the sacred Jain scriptures. The author posits that while many might revere the Agamas through ritual, there's a disconnect when it comes to truly listening to and following their teachings. The core idea presented is that the Agamas' "Asmita" (essence, identity, significance) must be recognized to foster this profound reverence (Ahobhav).

The text then proceeds to delineate the multifaceted significance of the Agamas by presenting them in the guise of various powerful and beneficial entities, each highlighting a unique aspect of their value:

1. Shrutamaharaj (The Great King of Scriptures): The Agamas are presented as the true king, whose dominion extends over the entire universe, influencing every living being. Their commands are supreme, and their violation leads to suffering, while adherence brings liberation. This is the "Ajnā Aishvarya" (Majesty of Command) of the Agamas.

2. Sanrakshi Sagar Yaan Patram (The Ship of Protection in the Ocean): Just as a ship carries one across a vast ocean, the Agamas are the vessel to navigate the perilous ocean of worldly existence (Sansar Sagar). Relying on one's own efforts is futile; surrendering to the Agamas provides safe passage.

3. Mahadeepa (The Great Lamp): The Agamas are a self-illuminating lamp that accompanies one everywhere, unlike divine beings or gurus whose presence is limited. They dispel the darkness of ignorance and illuminate life with their unfading light, a light that multiplies infinitely.

4. Sarvatragam Chakshu (The All-Pervasive Eye): Unlike any material or technological observation tool, the Agamas possess an all-seeing eye that penetrates all barriers, seeing through everything. They represent true perception beyond physical limitations.

5. Papamay Aushadham (The Medicine for the Disease of Sin): The Agamas are the potent medicine for the soul's ailment – sin. Sin distorts the soul's inherent nature of bliss and equanimity. The Agamas, by addressing the root of the disease, offer the ultimate cure.

6. Ragomay Mayur (The Peacock of Freedom from Attachment): Attachment (Rag) is identified as the root of all suffering, a venomous serpent. The Agamas, like a peacock, arrive and cause all attachments to flee, thereby eradicating suffering.

7. Davanalaghna (Extinguisher of the Forest Fire): Just as heavy rain extinguishes a destructive forest fire, the Agamas, in the form of compassion and other virtues, quell the fire of hatred (Dvesha) that burns away all positive qualities.

8. Navaranga Prakashak Sahitya (The Illuminator of Infinite Light): The Agamas are described as a super-sun, illuminating not just the external world but also the infinite darkness within the soul.

9. Sarvasattapra shamana Chandrama (The Moon that Pacifies All Afflictions): While the moon's rays have medicinal properties, the Agamas are the true moon that cools the burning mind, bringing peace and alleviating physical suffering.

10. Dosha Vairi Vrushabham (The Bull that Vanquishes Flaws): Just as a lion overpowers an elephant, the Agamas are the mighty force that defeats the powerful inner enemies (flaws) that uproot our potential for well-being.

11. Apurva Ghrutataru (The Unprecedented Desire-Fulfilling Tree): The Agamas are likened to a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree), but far superior. They fulfill desires even before they are expressed, and always in a manner that benefits the soul.

12. Sarva Kamadhenu (The All-Fulfilling Cow): The Agamas are the true Kamadhenu, not just a conduit for past merit, but a powerhouse of merit itself. They transform the unfortunate into fortunate, the impoverished into emperors, and the worldly into liberated souls.

13. Suguna Ratna Parvat (The Mountain of Precious Gems of Virtues): The Agamas are the source of all virtues like humility, compassion, forgiveness, and truthfulness. Those who follow the Agamas become the wealthiest, possessing virtues that far outweigh material riches.

14. Antah Shastra Varshanad (The Inner Confluence of Scriptural Sound): The Agamas are like the sound of a conch shell, a powerful war cry that shakes the inner enemies (kashayas) and ensures victory in the internal battle for the soul.

15. Yadumoolam (The Root of Compassion): The Agamas are the root of compassion, which is itself the tree of all happiness. Without the Agamas, true happiness is impossible.

16. Saptapranaya Indradhanu (The Rainbow of Seven Perspectives): The Agamas contain seven Nayas (perspectives) – Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhut – which offer a profound philosophical understanding.

17. Nirvanamargam Yanam (The Vehicle for the Path to Nirvana): The Agamas are the fastest vehicle for traversing the path to liberation, enabling a soul to reach the ultimate spiritual destination with unimaginable speed.

18. Moksha Nagara Dvaram (The Gateway to the City of Moksha): The Agamas are the grand entrance to the city of Moksha. Once this gate is opened through the grace of a true guru, entering this ultimate abode of prosperity becomes accessible.

19. Sarva Saram (The Essence of All Essences): The Agamas are the supreme wealth, outvaluing all worldly treasures. Their value lies in their ability to lead the soul to ultimate spiritual dominion.

20. Atma Jala Shodhan Katakchurnam (The Purifying Agent for the Soul's Waters): Like a purifying agent, the Agamas cleanse the soul's waters, removing the impurities of ancient flaws and karma, making the soul clear and transparent.

21. Darpanam (The Mirror): The Agamas act as a mirror reflecting the entire universe, allowing the knower to perceive all realities as they truly are.

22. Sadgunopavanarani (The Channel for the Garden of Virtues): The Agamas are the life-giving channel that nourishes the garden of virtues. Without them, virtues wither, and the desert of flaws appears.

23. Bhavavriksha Uchalan Garana (The Uprooter of the World-Tree): The Agamas are like a mighty elephant that can uproot the enormous, deeply rooted tree of worldly existence.

24. Moha Nidra Prabhoosham (The Ornament of the Sleep of Delusion): The Agamas signify the dawn that ends the night of faults, the completion of the sleep of delusion, and the end of the darkness of ignorance, ushering in an era of spiritual joy and strength.

25. Trailokya Chudamani (The Crest Jewel of the Three Worlds): The Agamas are the supreme ornament of Jainism, the most excellent part of the spiritual realm, adorning the head with unparalleled brilliance.

26. Param Rasam Ghebaram (The Ultimate Nectarous Sweet): The Agamas are a divine sweet that surpasses all worldly delights. They nourish the body, mind, and life with nectar, pacify passions, and grant eternal satisfaction and immortality.

27. Vidyut Tamranam (The Shining Ornament): The Agamas are the true inner ornament of the throat, their divine words gracing the speaker with the most exquisite adornment.

28. Virada Samudra Dhananidhi (The Ocean of Immense Wealth): The Agamas are a vast ocean of profound sayings and meaningful jewels, holding a completeness and depth that surpasses even the physical ocean.

29. Nirvanamargam Pramukh Pavitra Margam (The Direct Path to Nirvana): The Agamas present the most straightforward and shortest path to liberation, free from the winding detours of other spiritual paths.

30. Sarva Sattva Karuna Jaladhayah (The Ocean of Compassion for All Beings): The Agamas are a boundless river of compassion that flows for every living being, offering supreme happiness and peace to those afflicted by violence.

31. Punya Mandira Krurashila (The Foundation Stone of the Temple of Merit): The Agamas are the sturdy foundation of the temple of merit. Following them diligently leads to strong and lasting spiritual progress.

32. Sukhaprasa Amkuram (The Sprout of Happiness): The Agamas are the initial sprout of happiness. To deny the Agamas is to deny happiness itself.

33. Jinashasan Nirbhaya Nira (The Fearless Water of Jinashasana): The Agamas act as an impregnable fortress for the Jain faith, preventing deviation and ensuring the continuity of its core traditions.

34. Paramanaada Nandanavanam (The Blissful Garden of Nanda): The Agamas are a perpetually green and blissful garden of eternal joy, offering an experience of divine bliss that never fades.

35. Atmaramanata Vasantam (The Springtime of Self-Contemplation): The Agamas bring about the springtime of self-contemplation, causing inner joy and delight to blossom fully.

36. Bhavasagar Tirta Setu (The Bridge to Cross the Ocean of Existence): The Agamas are the bridge that allows one to cross the ocean of worldly existence (Sansar Sagar) without being touched by attachment and aversion.

37. Sarva Sattva Ahimsadundubhih (The Drumbeat of Non-Violence for All Beings): The Agamas proclaim the universal message of non-violence, a profound declaration heard and followed by only a select few, leading them to eternal bliss.

38. Ayudha Nivartana Chakram (The Wheel that Turns Away Weapons): The Agamas are a powerful discus that can defeat inner enemies like anger, ego, deceit, and greed, ensuring victory in the internal struggle of life.

39. Vishayapratighata Vayu Samira (The Wind that Drives Away Worldly Attachments): The Agamas are a strong wind that clears away the dust of worldly attachments (senses: sound, touch, form, taste, smell), allowing the soul to regain its pure form and supreme happiness.

40. Avichintya Shaktimayi Vidya (The Knowledge of Unthinkable Power): The Agamas are the ultimate knowledge, a great vidya that not only removes the suffering of the cycle of birth and death but also grants the experience of liberation even in this life.

The book concludes by emphasizing that to truly study the Agamas, one should seek initiation from wise and disciplined gurus, engage in rigorous spiritual practices (yogoddhavahana) as prescribed, and then study the Agamas under their guidance. If initiation is not possible, listening attentively to the Agamas from a guru is recommended.