Agam Ka Adhyayan Kyo - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam ka Adhyayan Kyo" by Mainasundariji, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

Title: Agam ka Adhyayan Kyo? (Why Study the Agams?) Author: Mahasati Shri Mainasundariji M.S. Publisher: Z_Jinavani_003218.pdf Core Theme: The necessity and importance of studying the Agams (sacred Jain scriptures).

The text, compiled from discourses by Mahasati Shri Mainasundariji M.S., emphasizes the profound significance of studying the Jain Agams, which are understood as the nectar-like teachings of the Tirthankaras (omniscient spiritual guides). These teachings are originally spoken by the Tirthankaras and meticulously compiled by their disciples (Ganadharas). The core purpose of studying the Agams is to achieve liberation (Moksha).

What are the Agams? Agams are the Amruth-like (nectar-like) sermons delivered by the Tirthankara Bhagwants, stemming from their infinite compassion for all living beings, for their welfare and benefit. These sermons are then systematized into sutras (aphorisms) by their Ganadharas. Essentially, Agams are the words of the Tirthankaras and other spiritually victorious beings (Vitaraga Bhagwants).

Why Study the Agams?

The study of Agams serves several crucial purposes:

Destruction of Vices: It eradicates desires like lust, anger, delusion, and other vices that have been ingrained in life since time immemorial.
Illumination of Knowledge: It brings forth the great light of knowledge into life, dispelling ignorance and delusion. As stated in the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, through the full manifestation of knowledge, the destruction of ignorance and delusion, and the complete annihilation of attachment and aversion, one attains the ultimate bliss of Moksha.
Vachana Atishay (Eloquence and Authority): The Vitaraga Bhagwants' words possess a unique authority. Teachers who impart this knowledge are also described as having authoritative speech, which the entire Jain community (Chaturvidh Sangha) upholds. The Tirthankaras' words are considered supremely impactful and lead to crossing the ocean of worldly existence.
Benefit to the Sangha and Self: Reading and teaching the Agams also serves the purpose of propagating the Jain faith and upholding its glory. The Sthananga Sutra outlines five reasons for studying and teaching scriptures:
- For Collection (Sangrahthaya): To help disciples accumulate knowledge, become well-versed in the nine fundamental truths (Navatattva), distinguish between the soul and matter, and excel among scholars. It also attracts others to listen and gain spiritual benefit.
- For Support and Strength (Upagrahanarthaya): To strengthen disciples in austerity and self-restraint, making them steadfast in their spiritual path. It enables them to guide others towards righteousness, thereby enhancing the glory of the sect and preserving its dignity.
- For Karma Nirjara (Shedding Karma): Studying the scriptures is a form of austerity (Tapa) that helps in shedding accumulated karma, even that accumulated over countless lifetimes.
- To Enhance One's Own Knowledge (Sutte va me paryavata bhavissati): Teaching others reinforces one's own understanding and knowledge, as knowledge grows when shared.
- To Maintain the Tradition (Suttassa va avochchhitinayathaya): To ensure the continuous flow of knowledge and prevent the tradition of scriptural study from breaking.

Why Does a Disciple Study the Agams?

Disciples study the Agams with specific motivations:

For Knowledge (Gyanathaya): To gain knowledge and understand the profound mysteries and solve their own confusions.
For Righteous Vision (Darshanarthaya): To strengthen their Righteous Vision (Samyak Darshan). Understanding the truths leads to pure faith in the Vitaraga Bhagwants' teachings, which are considered essential for spiritual well-being.
For Conduct (Charitrayathaya): Every word and verse in the Agams purifies conduct. True knowledge leads to detachment and a purified character.
To Counter Arguments (Vigrah Vimochanarthaya): To defeat stubborn or misguided individuals and guide them away from false beliefs towards Righteous Vision.
To Understand the Nature of Things (Arthe va bhave janishsami): To understand the true nature of substances and their qualities and modifications.

Factors for Attaining Enhanced Knowledge:

The Sthananga Sutra details four factors that contribute to a practitioner (Nigrantha/Nigranthi) achieving enhanced knowledge and insight:

Abstaining from Vikathas (Idle Talk): Avoiding gossip about women, food, countries, and kings, as these lead the soul away from its true Dharma.
Self-Contemplation through Viveka (Discrimination) and Vyutsarga (Renunciation): Continuously reflecting on the self through discrimination and renouncing attachment to possessions and the body, including performing Kayotsarga (standing still for a period).
Dharma Jagaran (Spiritual Vigil): Engaging in spiritual awakening and contemplation, often in a quiet environment, especially during the night when the mind is calm.
Pure and Defect-free Food (Phasuss Esaniyass): Consuming pure, unsullied food that does not contain forty-two defects, as pure food keeps the intellect clear.

The Importance of Swadhyaya (Self-Study):

Swadhyaya is highlighted as a lamp that illuminates a life filled with ignorance and delusion, enabling one to discern what to abandon (Hevya), what to know (Gneya), and what to accept (Upadeya). It is likened to a life-giving herb that revives the soul.

Control over Vices: Swadhyaya helps in conquering mental vices, controlling passions (Kashayas), and subduing the senses.
Regular Practice: It is recommended to practice Swadhyaya at all times ("Chaukalams Sajjhyam Kareh").
Comparison to Ancestors: The text contrasts the current haphazard approach to study with the diligent practice of ancestors who understood that knowledge, like ghee in milk or fire in wood, requires effort (Swadhyaya) to manifest.
A Powerful Remedy: Swadhyaya acts as a potent medicine for the soul's afflictions of attachment and passion, similar to how medicine cures physical ailments.
Discipline and Devotion: Disciples should approach their Gurus with reverence and ask for guidance on their daily duties, whether it be service or Swadhyaya, performing them with dedication and cheerfulness.
A True Companion: Swadhyaya is presented as the true companion that provides solace and leads to liberation when all other companions depart.
Mental Purity and Clarity: Through Swadhyaya, the intellect becomes pure, doubts are resolved, contemplation deepens, and the ability to answer opponents' questions arises.
Self-Protection: Repeated study offers self-protection and enhances detachment and austerity.
Connection to Great Souls: Swadhyaya brings one closer to the wisdom and examples of past great beings.

Swadhyaya as a Garden of Bliss:

Swadhyaya is compared to the celestial Nandana Garden, where one finds peace and joy, forgetting worldly suffering. It helps in understanding the realms of heaven and hell and provides guidance to attain heavenly pleasures and ultimately, liberation (Nirvana).

The Need for Pure Literature:

Just as impure food is harmful to the body, impure literature is detrimental to the soul. Reading obscene literature leads to degradation and is considered worse than consuming poison. Therefore, one should listen to and study Agam literature and religious texts.

Living Knowledge:

Knowledge without righteous conduct is merely for ego display. Swadhyaya helps purify one's conduct. Studying the lives of virtuous individuals provides inspiration for self-improvement. The Agams are referred to as the "third eye" that reveals the glorious lives of great souls, allowing us to transform our own lives.

Learning from Examples:

The text points to inspiring examples within the Agams, such as Mahamuni Rajkumar, Kamdev Sravaka, Skandhak, Sudarshan, Arjunmali, and King Pradeshi, whose stories offer lessons for a better life. The 19th chapter of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, the Mrigaputra chapter, is particularly highlighted as inspirational.

The Suffering of Samsara:

The teachings emphasize the inherent suffering in the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death. The entire world is described as a place of immense suffering for living beings. The only way to escape these sufferings and attain Nirvana is through Swadhyaya.

The Importance of Spiritual Provisions:

The Uttaradhyayan Sutra illustrates the importance of taking spiritual provisions for the journey to the next life. Those who embark without religious merit suffer from hunger and thirst, while those who perform Dharma and carry spiritual provisions are happy and free from suffering.

The Fruit of Swadhyaya:

In response to a disciple's question, Lord Mahavir states that Swadhyaya leads to the shedding of knowledge-obscuring karma (Gyanavarniya karma). Ignorance is the root cause of suffering. The text quotes Acharya Hastimal Ji M.S., stating that ignorance doubles suffering and that one should dispel ignorance through Swadhyaya and devotion to the Jin.

Shraddha (Faith) and the Agams:

The Agams must be studied with Shraddha (faith), as true knowledge is attained by the faithful. Shraddha is extremely rare and difficult to obtain. Studying the Agams with doubt leads to destruction. Faithfully studied Agams lead to karma Nirjara.

The Four Anuyogas:

The Jain Agams are divided into four Anuyogas: Karananuyoga, Dravyanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, and Dharamkathanuyoga. These have guided countless souls towards liberation.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by stating that the glory of the Agams is immense and beyond the capacity of the author's tongue to describe. It reaffirms that whatever the Jinas have proclaimed is the ultimate truth, free from doubt. The fundamental message is that studying the Agams is essential for spiritual growth, the eradication of vices, the attainment of true knowledge, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of suffering.