Agam Gyan Ki Adharshila Pacchis Bol

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Gyan Ki Adharshila: Pachchis Bol" by Varunmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam Gyan Ki Adharshila: Pachchis Bol (Foundation of Agamic Knowledge: Twenty-Five Principles) Author: Varunmuni 'Amar Shishya' (Disciple of Amar Muni) Publisher: Padma Prakashan Dedication: The book is dedicated to the memory of Shri Padma Chand Ji M.S.A. and is presented by Shri Amar Muni Ji M.S.A. Occasion: Published during the Diamond Birth Anniversary year (2010-2011) of Shri Amar Muni Ji M.S.A.

Overview:

This book, "Agam Gyan Ki Adharshila: Pachchis Bol," is a commentary and exposition of the "Twenty-Five Principles" (Pachchis Bol) of Jainism. These principles are presented as a foundational key to understanding Jain philosophy and doctrine. The author, Varunmuni, a disciple of Shri Amar Muni, aims to present these ancient principles in a simple, accessible, and scientifically relevant manner for contemporary audiences, especially the youth who are inclined towards logic and scientific reasoning. The book is structured to explain each of the twenty-five principles with detailed commentary, and includes a questionnaire at the end of each chapter to aid in comprehension.

Key Themes and Content:

The book systematically elaborates on twenty-five core principles of Jainism, covering essential aspects of the faith. Each principle is a "Bol" (statement or concept), and the book provides a "Vivechan" (commentary) on it. The twenty-five principles covered are:

1. Gatiyan Char (Four States of Existence): Explains the four realms of rebirth: Naraka (hell), Tiryancha (animal/sub-human), Manushya (human), and Deva (divine). It delves into the nature of the soul, karma, and the cycle of birth and death, detailing the characteristics and destinations of beings in each realm.
2. Jati Paanch (Five Classes of Souls based on Senses): Categorizes souls based on the development of their sensory organs: Ekendriya (one-sensed), Dviendriya (two-sensed), Triindriya (three-sensed), Chaturindriya (four-sensed), and Paanchindriya (five-sensed). It describes the nature of beings in each category, from basic forms of life to humans, animals, and celestial beings.
3. Kay Chhah (Six Types of Bodies): Classifies living beings based on their bodily composition: Prithvikaya (earth-bodied), Apkaya (water-bodied), Tejas Kaya (fire-bodied), Vayukaya (air-bodied), Vanaspati Kaya (plant-bodied), and Traskaya (mobile/sentient-bodied). It discusses the concept of sthavar (immobile) and tras (mobile) souls and the animacy of even inanimate elements according to Jainism.
4. Indriya Paanch (Five Sense Organs): Details the five sensory organs – Shrotra (hearing), Chakshu (sight), Ghrana (smell), Rasana (taste), and Sparsha (touch) – and their respective objects of perception. It also touches upon the concept of Man (mind) as a non-sensory organ.
5. Paryapti Chhah (Six Types of Fulfillment/Development): Explains the six stages of bodily and mental development essential for a soul's manifestation in a particular life form: Ahara (nutrition), Sharira (body formation), Indriya (sense organ development), Shvasochchvas (respiration), Bhasha (speech), and Manah (mind).
6. Pran Das (Ten Life Forces): Encompasses the ten vital energies that sustain life: five sensory powers (corresponding to the five sense organs), three powers of yoga (mind, speech, body), respiration, and lifespan. It highlights the importance of Ayushya Pran (life-span force) as the primary determinant of life.
7. Sharira Paanch (Five Types of Bodies): Describes the five subtle and gross bodies that a soul can inhabit: Audarik (gross physical body), Vaikriyik (transformative body), Aharak (ethereal body for carrying spiritual knowledge), Taijas (fiery/radiant body), and Karman (karma-carrying subtle body).
8. Yoga Paandrah (Fifteen Types of Activities/Intentions): Categorizes activities based on the combination of mind, speech, and body, and their quality (pure/impure). It outlines four types of mental yoga, four types of speech yoga, and seven types of bodily yoga.
9. Upyog Baarah (Twelve Types of Consciousness/Perception): Discusses the soul's perceptive capacities, dividing them into knowledge (Jñana) and intuition/perception (Darshan). It details five types of knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manahparyav, Keval) and three types of wrong knowledge (Ajñana), along with four types of perception (Chakshu, Achakshu, Avadhi, Keval).
10. Karma Aath (Eight Karmas): Explains the eight principal types of karmas that bind the soul, obscuring its true nature and dictating its experiences. These are categorized into four ghati (destructive) karmas (Jnana-varna, Darshana-varna, Mohaniya, Antaraya) that affect the soul's innate qualities, and four aghati (non-destructive) karmas (Vedaniya, Nama, Gotra, Ayushya) that influence the physical body and lifespan.
11. Gunasthan Chaudah (Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Development): Maps the soul's journey of spiritual purification and evolution through fourteen distinct stages, starting from ignorance (Mithyadrushti) to complete liberation (Yogakevali and Ayogikevali). This framework illustrates the progressive shedding of karmic impurities and the ascent towards omniscience and salvation.
12. Paanch Indriyon Ke Teis Vishay (Twenty-Three Objects of the Five Senses): Elaborates on the specific objects that each of the five sense organs can perceive (sound, color, smell, taste, touch), detailing the various classifications within each sensory domain.
13. Das Prakar Ka Mithyatva (Ten Types of False Beliefs): Identifies and explains ten fundamental errors in belief or perception that lead to spiritual downfall, such as mistaking the non-soul for the soul, the wrong path for the right one, or the unliberated for the liberated.
14. Nav Tattva Ke Ek Sau Pandrah Bhed (115 Categories of the Nine Truths): Provides a detailed classification of the nine fundamental truths of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Punhya, Pap, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha), breaking them down into 115 sub-categories. This demonstrates the intricate analytical framework of Jain philosophy.
15. Atma Aath (Eight Aspects of the Soul): Explores the multifaceted nature of the soul, describing it in eight aspects: Dravya Atma (substance soul), Kashaya Atma (soul affected by passions), Yoga Atma (soul engaged in activities), Upyoga Atma (soul in perceptive state), Jñana Atma (soul as knowledge), Darshan Atma (soul as perception), Charitra Atma (soul as conduct), and Virya Atma (soul as energy).
16. Dandak Chobis (Twenty-Four Divisions of Karma-related Realms): Outlines the twenty-four realms or divisions associated with experiencing the fruits of karma, categorized by the type of existence (hellish, sub-human, human, divine) and the specific nature of their karmic conditioning.
17. Leshya Chhah (Six Types of Psychic Dispositions): Explains the six subtle psychic hues or colors that color the soul's state based on its intentions and actions: Krishna (black), Neela (blue), Kapota (pigeon/grey), Tejo (fiery/yellow), Padma (lotus/red), and Shukla (white). These are linked to spiritual progress and suffering.
18. Drishti Teen (Three Types of Views/Beliefs): Differentiates between three ways of perceiving reality: Samyak Drishti (right belief), Mithya Drishti (wrong belief), and Samyak-Mithya Drishti (mixed belief), highlighting the role of correct understanding in spiritual advancement.
19. Dhyan Char (Four Types of Meditation): Describes the four states of meditation or mental focus: Arta Dhyana (sorrowful meditation), Raudra Dhyana (fierce meditation), Dharma Dhyana (meditation on Dharma/righteousness), and Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation). The first two are considered impure and lead to negative karmic consequences, while the latter two are pure and lead to spiritual liberation.
20. Shaddravya Aur Unke Bhed (Six Substances and Their Divisions): Presents the six fundamental substances of the universe according to Jainism: Dharmastikaya (principle of motion), Adharmastikaya (principle of rest), Akashastikaya (space), Kal (time), Jivastikaya (soul), and Pudgalastikaya (matter). It details their properties and interactions.
21. Rashi Do (Two Aggregates/Categories): Divides all existent entities in the universe into two primary categories: Jiva Rashi (conscious entities/souls) and Ajiva Rashi (unconscious entities/non-souls).
22. Shravak Ke Baarah Vrat (Twelve Vows of a Layperson): Encompasses the ethical and spiritual observances undertaken by Jain lay followers, consisting of five minor vows (Anuvratas), three qualitative vows (Gunavratas), and four training vows (Shikshanuvratas).
23. Sadhu Ke Paanch Mahavrat (Five Great Vows of an Ascetic): Details the five stringent vows (Mahavratas) that Jain ascetics undertake: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). These are practiced in their most comprehensive form.
24. Bhang Unchash (Forty-Nine Modes of Renunciation/Abstinence): Explains forty-nine specific ways in which renunciation and abstinence from worldly actions and possessions can be practiced, providing a detailed guide to ethical conduct.
25. Charitra Paanch (Five Types of Conduct): Outlines five progressive stages of righteous conduct or spiritual discipline: Samayika Charitra (equanimity), Chedopasthapana Charitra (re-initiation after transgression), Parihar Vishuddhi Charitra (conduct requiring special purification), Sukshma Samparaya Charitra (conduct with subtle passions), and Yathakhyat Charitra (conduct free from passions).

Author's Approach:

Varunmuni's approach is characterized by:

• Simplicity and Clarity: Making complex Jain concepts understandable for a wide audience.
• Scientific Relevance: Connecting ancient Jain principles with modern scientific understanding to appeal to rational minds.
• Inspirational Tone: Aiming to inspire readers, especially the youth, to engage with and understand Jain philosophy.
• Comprehensive Explanation: Providing detailed commentary on each of the twenty-five principles.
• Pedagogical Tools: Including questionnaires to facilitate learning and retention.

Significance of the Book:

"Agam Gyan Ki Adharshila: Pachchis Bol" serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to grasp the fundamental tenets of Jainism. By breaking down the core principles into digestible lessons, it aims to demystify the vastness of Agamic knowledge and provide a solid foundation for further study and spiritual practice. The book highlights the scientific and logical underpinnings of Jainism, demonstrating its timeless relevance.