Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 02 - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 02," authored by Muni Dipratnasagar and published by Shrut Prakashan Nidhi. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/005009/1.

This particular volume, Agam Kathanuyoga Part 02, focuses on the stories (Kathas) of prominent figures and concepts within Jain scripture, specifically within the Kathanuyoga (narrative branch) of the Agams.

Here's a breakdown of its content based on the provided index and textual information:

Overall Structure:

The "Agam Kathanuyoga" series is presented in six parts, and this volume (Part 02) is part of that series. The index reveals a systematic organization of various categories of narratives.

Content of Agam Kathanuyoga Part 02:

The title explicitly states the focus: "Agam Kathanuyoga - Part 02 (Stories of Chakravarti, Baldev, Vasudev, Prativasudev, Ganadhar, Pratyekbuddha, Nilav, Goshala)."

The index further elaborates on the contents, indicating a detailed exploration of these figures and their associated narratives. Specifically, the content appears to be structured into several "Adhyayans" (chapters or studies) within "Khand" (sections):

Khand-1: Uttam Purush Charitra (Stories of Excellent Men) - Continued:
- This section starts with the ongoing discussion of "Uttam Purush Charitra" (Stories of Excellent Men), which likely began in Part 1.
- Adhyayan-2: Chakravarti Charitra (Stories of the Chakravartis): This part covers the general characteristics and the specific narratives of the twelve Chakravartis of the Bharat Kshetra during the current Avsarpini period. It details their lineage, the concept of the "Chakravarti" as a ruler of immense power and wealth, the fourteen precious jewels they possess, their divine origins, their imperial grandeur, and their eventual renunciation and spiritual path. The text lists the twelve Chakravartis of the current era: Bharat, Sagar, Maghva, Sanatkumara, Shanti, Kuntu, Arha, Subhuma, Mahapadma, Harishana, Jaya, and Brahmadata.
- Adhyayan-3: Baldev-Vasudev-Pratishatru (Stories of Baldev, Vasudev, and Counter-Vasudevs): This section delves into the lineage and stories of these important figures. It clarifies their accompanying nature (often appearing together), the meaning of "Dashar/Dashamandal," the nature of Vasudevas, and provides introductory stories for each of the nine Vasudevas. It also covers the characteristics of Baldevas and introduces the concept of Pratishatrus (counter-Vasudevas), listing their names and the fact that they are always killed by the Vasudevas. It also includes the story of Krishna-Rama-Jarasandha.
- Adhyayan-4: Ganadhar Katha (Stories of the Ganadharas): This section focuses on the chief disciples of Lord Mahavir. It explains the meaning of "Gana" and "Ganadhara" and provides the stories of the eleven Ganadharas of Lord Mahavir, including Indrabhuti Gautam, Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Vyakt, Sudharma, Manditputra, Mauryaputra, Akampit, Alabhrata, Metarya, and Prabhas.
- Adhyayan-5: Pratyekbuddha Katha (Stories of the Pratyekabuddhas): This part covers the narratives of Pratyekabuddhas, individuals who attain enlightenment independently. It lists and details the stories of several Pratyekabuddhas, including Karakandu, Dwimukh, Nami, and Nagnati, and mentions that the text will cover fifteen Pratyekabuddhas from the time of Lord Parshvanath and ten from the time of Lord Mahavir. It also notes that the total number of Pratyekabuddhas mentioned in the scriptures is thirty-six.
- Adhyayan-6: Nilav Katha (Stories of the Nilavs): This section discusses the Nilavs, who are described as deviating from the true Jain path. It lists eight individuals identified as Nilavs, including Jamali, Tishyguhya, Ashadha, Ashvamitra, Gangaacharya, Rohagupta, and Goshthilashak. It also briefly mentions their different incorrect doctrines.
- Adhyayan-7: Goshala Katha (Story of Goshala): This is a significant section dedicated to the life and teachings of Goshala Mankhaliputra, a prominent contemporary and opponent of Lord Mahavir. The text notes that while Goshala is not considered a true Shraman, his story is included due to his historical significance and the fact that his teachings often involved discussions with Jain monks. The narrative covers his origins, his initial association with Lord Mahavir, his distinct philosophical views (like determinism or strict fate), his claims of omniscience, his interactions with Jain figures, and his ultimate fate. The text also mentions his seven classifications of existence and his sixfold teachings.

Key Figures and Concepts Covered:

Chakravartis: Rulers of immense power and dominion.
Baldevas: A class of powerful spiritual warriors, often brothers to Vasudevas.
Vasudevas: Another class of powerful spiritual warriors, often associated with divine strength.
Pratishatrus/Prativasudevas: Antagonists who are ultimately defeated by the Vasudevas.
Ganadharas: The chief disciples of the Tirthankaras who organized and preserved the Jain teachings.
Pratyekabuddhas: Individuals who attain enlightenment independently of a Tirthankara's lineage.
Nilavs: Individuals who deviate from or distort the true teachings, often with different philosophical interpretations.
Goshala Mankhaliputra: A significant historical figure in the Jain tradition, often presented as a philosophical opponent or foil to Lord Mahavir.

Publisher and Author:

Publisher: Shrut Prakashan Nidhi
Author/Compiler/Translator: Muni Dipratnasagar (also mentioned as Deepratnasagar)

Overall Purpose:

The "Agam Kathanuyoga" series, and this volume in particular, aims to present the profound philosophical and ethical teachings of Jainism through engaging narratives. By recounting the lives and deeds of these significant individuals, the text makes the complex principles of Jainism accessible and understandable to a wider audience, particularly through the Kathanuyoga. The summaries of each figure's story highlight their spiritual journey, their roles in the Jain cosmology, and the lessons derived from their lives.

Additional Information from the Text:

The book lists many supporting donors ("Dravya Sahayako") from various Jain Sangh associations and individuals, indicating a collaborative effort in its publication.
The text also includes extensive references to various Agam texts (like Acharang, Suyagdang, Thaanang, Samavaya, Bhagwati, etc.), indicating that the narratives are rooted in authoritative Jain scriptures.
The preface by Muni Dipratnasagar expresses his dedication to fulfilling the vision of his predecessors and his passion for disseminating Jain knowledge. He highlights the vastness of Jain narrative literature ("Kathanuyog") and the importance of understanding these stories for spiritual growth.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the content and context of "Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 02."