Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 05

This is a summary of the Jain text "Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 05" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, published by Shrut Prakashan Nidhi. This book is part of a larger series of six volumes on the "Agam Kathanuyoga" (Narrative Yoga of Agamas).

Overall Purpose:

The "Agam Kathanuyoga" series aims to compile and translate stories and narratives found within the Jain Agamas (scriptures). The goal is to make these ancient teachings accessible and understandable through engaging stories, illustrating Jain principles and the lives of revered individuals.

Content of Part 5 (Shrāvak Kathā, Shrāvikā Kathā):

As indicated by the title and the table of contents, this specific volume, Part 5, focuses on:

• Shrāvak Kathā (Layman/Follower Stories): Narratives about male lay followers who observe Jain principles and vows.
• Shrāvikā Kathā (Female Lay Follower Stories): Narratives about female lay followers who observe Jain principles and vows.

Structure and Scope:

The provided text includes detailed tables of contents for all six parts of the Agam Kathanuyoga series. This allows us to understand the broader scope of the work:

• Part 1: Kulkar Kathā (Stories of the Lineage Holders) and Tirthankar Kathā (Stories of the Spiritual Teachers).
• Part 2: Stories of Chakravarti (Universal Emperors), Baldev (Elder Heroes), Vasudev (Younger Heroes), Prativasudev (Antagonists), Ganadhar (Chief Disciples of Tirthankaras), Pratyekabuddha (Individually Enlightened), Nilav (Specific ascetics), and Goshala (A contemporary of Mahavir).
• Part 3: Shraman Kathā – based on original Agams (stories of monks).
• Part 4: Shraman Kathā – based on Agams with commentaries (stories of monks), and Shramani Kathā (stories of nuns).
• Part 5: Shrāvak Kathā (stories of laymen) and Shrāvikā Kathā (stories of laywomen).
• Part 6: Stories of Devas (Gods), Devis (Goddesses), Animals, Followers of Other Sects, Stories of Karmic Consequences, Miscellaneous Stories, and Illustrative Examples.

Key Features and Presentation:

• Compilation and Translation: The work involves compiling narratives from various sources within the Agamas and translating them into Gujarati.
• Authenticity: The text emphasizes its basis in the original Agamas and their commentaries (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Vritti, Avchuri).
• Detailed Table of Contents: The extensive table of contents reveals a vast collection of stories covering a wide range of characters and events within Jain tradition, from ancient times to the era of Tirthankaras and influential figures.
• Inspirational Goal: The author's introduction highlights the intention to provide spiritual nourishment, foster detachment, and offer profound truths through these narratives.
• Financial Support Acknowledgment: Several pages list the names of numerous individuals, families, and Jain sanghas (communities) who provided financial support for this publication, indicating a collaborative effort in preserving and disseminating Jain literature.
• Specific Story Examples (from Part 5 content): The beginning pages of Part 5 showcase some specific Shravak and Shravika stories with their respective page numbers, such as:
  • Lep Shrāvak Kathā (Story of Layman Lep) - Pages 34-39
  • Rishibhadraputra Shrāvak Kathā (Story of Layman Rishibhadraputra) - Pages 39-44
  • Shankh and Pushkali Shrāvak Kathā (Stories of Layman Shankh and Pushkali) - Pages 44-47
  • Somil Brahmin Kathā (Story of Brahmin Somil) - Pages 47-54
  • Abhichi Kathā (Story of Abhichi) - Pages 54-58
  • And many more, indicating a comprehensive collection of lay follower stories.

Author and Publisher:

• Author(s): Muni Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
• Publisher: Shrut Prakashan Nidhi
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005012/1
• Compiler and Translator: Muni Deeparullisa

Overall Impression:

"Agam Kathanuyoga Gujarati Part 05" is a significant work in Jain literature, dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich narrative tradition embedded within the Agamas. It focuses on the exemplary lives of lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas), offering moral and spiritual guidance through their stories. The publication appears to be a comprehensive and meticulously organized effort, supported by the Jain community, to make these ancient teachings accessible to a wider audience.