Agam Deep 24 Chausaranam Gujarati Anuvaad

This document, "Agam Deep 24 Chausaranam Gujarati Anuvaad" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Agam Shrut Prakashan, is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Jain scripture Chausaranam (or Chatuhsaranam), which means "Four Refuges" or "Four Shelters." The book is the first part of a larger series, focusing on the first four Angas (Agamas) of the Jain canon: Aayaro (Acharanga Sutra), Suyagado (Sutrakritanga Sutra), Thanu (Sthananga Sutra), and Samavao (Samavayanga Sutra).

The text begins with invocations and dedications to Jain deities and revered gurus. It then proceeds to provide a detailed Gujarati commentary ("Gurjar Chhaya") on the Chausaranam.

Key Content and Themes:

• The Four Refuges (Chausaranam): The core of the text is an elaboration on the concept of the four refuges in Jainism, which are:

  1. Arhants: The perfected beings, the conquerors of passions and enemies.
  2. Siddhas: The liberated souls who have attained omniscience and eternal bliss.
  3. Sadhus (Monks): Those who follow the path of righteousness and asceticism.
  4. Dharma (Jain Teachings): The true path as expounded by the Tirthankaras. The text describes each of these refuges in detail, highlighting their virtues and significance for spiritual liberation. It emphasizes seeking refuge in these four is essential for overcoming the cycle of birth and death and attaining moksha (liberation).

• Commentary on Jain Practices and Principles: The Chausaranam commentary within the book also touches upon:

  • Aavashyakas (Essential Duties): It explains the six Aavashyakas (Samayika, Chaturvimsatistava, Vandanaka, Pratikramana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyana) and their role in purifying conduct and spiritual progress.
  • Purity of Conduct (Achar): The importance of adhering to the principles of Jain conduct for spiritual advancement.
  • The Sixteen Imprints (Svastikas): Page 12 mentions fourteen "Svastikas" (auspicious symbols) that the mothers of Tirthankaras see in their dreams during conception. While the text lists 14, the number often cited is 16.
  • Virtues and Qualities: The text extols the virtues of Tirthankaras, Siddhas, and Sadhus, describing their qualities such as knowledge, compassion, non-violence, and detachment.
  • Ethical Conduct: It stresses the importance of renouncing vice, practicing virtues, and cultivating right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Repentance and Approval (Ninda and Anumodana): The text emphasizes the practice of confessing and repenting for one's sins (duskruta) and approving and supporting the good deeds of others (sukruta).

• Structure of the Book:

  • The book is part of the "Agam Deep" series, a comprehensive project to translate and comment on Jain Agamas.
  • This specific volume, "Agam Deep 24 Chausaranam," is a Gujarati commentary on the Chausaranam section of the Jain scriptures.
  • It is presented as "Gurjar Chhaya," meaning a Gujarati rendering or explanation.
  • The catalog link provided suggests it is a part of a larger collection of Jain scriptures.
  • The list of sponsors and supporters indicates a collaborative effort in bringing this publication to light.
  • The later pages list numerous other Jain Agama texts published by related organizations, showcasing a broad effort to preserve and disseminate Jain knowledge.

In essence, "Agam Deep 24 Chausaranam Gujarati Anuvaad" is a vital resource for Gujarati-speaking Jains seeking to understand the profound teachings of the Chausaranam through a detailed and accessible commentary, reaffirming the core principles of the Jain faith.