Agam Ke Anmol Ratna

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam ke Anmol Ratna" authored by Hastimal Maharaj, published by Lakshmi Pustak Bhandar Ahmedabad. The book appears to be a collection of biographies and teachings from Jain scriptures, aiming to inspire readers by presenting the lives of great souls.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content based on the provided pages:

I. Introduction and Philosophy (Pages 5-9):

• Inspiration from Great Lives: The preface emphasizes the inspirational power of great lives, stating that by following their footsteps, we can make our own lives sublime. This aligns with the sentiment of "Mahajano yen gatah sah panthah" (the path taken by great souls is the right path).
• The Importance of Remembering the Past: The text addresses the question of why we should remember the past. It argues that memory and experience are vital for human progress and cannot be confined to a single life. We are not separate from our past experiences, even across lifetimes.
• Categorization of Souls: The text draws an analogy from celestial bodies to categorize human beings into three types:
  1. Sun and Moon: Those who are self-illuminated and can illuminate others (exemplary figures).
  2. Stars: Those who shine but cannot dispel deep darkness or illuminate others significantly (generally good individuals).
  3. Rahu and Ketu: Those who are themselves shrouded in darkness and spread negativity and corruption.
• Value of Ancient Wisdom: In the context of modern life's complexities and anxieties, the book highlights the importance of drawing from the rich treasury of ancient experiences from great souls, which can be purer and more complete than our own limited experiences.
• Authenticity and Decision Making: Our own judgments can be flawed. Therefore, it's crucial to test our decisions against the experiences of great individuals to ascertain their authenticity.
• The Glorious Past: The text expresses pride in India's glorious past, crediting numerous exemplary men and women who have contributed to its rich tradition.

II. Editor's and Publisher's Notes (Pages 10-16):

• The Editor's (Muni Hastiimal Mewadi) Perspective:
  • Shraman Culture: The editor highlights the bright and inspirational past of Shraman culture, emphasizing its role in protecting human purity and its struggle and sacrifices. Shraman tradition preserved Indian culture and civilization by self-sacrifice, even during crises.
  • Core Principles: Shraman culture promoted non-violence (Ahimsa), self-control (Sanyam), and austerity (Tapo). It opposed exploitation and championed equality, truth, and non-violence.
  • The Need for a Comprehensive History: Acknowledges the lack of a chronological history of Shraman representatives but points to Agam scriptures, Churnis, Tikas, and Bhashyas as sources containing the lives of thousands of Mahapurushas, their sacrifices, detachment, control, forgiveness, penance, and non-violence.
  • Inspiration for the Book: The inspiration for writing this book came from a young man's suggestion to the editor's Guru, Shri Mangilalji Maharaj Saheb, to present ancient ideals in the form of stories in simple language to counter Western cultural influence. The Guru resolved to compile these characters.
  • Guru's Legacy and Author's Endeavor: The editor mentions his Guru's passing and his own resolve to fulfill his Guru's wish. He acknowledges that this is his first attempt at such a compilation and asks for forgiveness for any mistakes.
• The Publisher's (Dhanraj Ghasiram Kothari, Lakshmi Pustak Bhandar) Perspective:
  • Purpose of Publication: The publisher explains that while stutis and namavalis exist to remember saints and sapis, there's a lack of detailed books in Hindi that shed complete light on their lives. This book aims to fill that gap.
  • Content: It presents the ideal lives of saints and sapis from 45 Agams in a new and simple Hindi style.
  • Gratitude: The publisher thanks the liberal donors, the editor Muni Hastiimalji Maharaj Saheb for his hard work, Shri Rupendrakumarji for his editorial contribution, Shri Pyarchandji Sancheti for his efforts, and the Ramanand Press for their assistance.

III. Table of Contents (Pages 17-25):

This section provides an extensive and detailed index of the individuals and topics covered in the book. It's highly comprehensive, indicating a vast scope. Key categories include:

• Mangalacharan: Invocation.
• Tirthankar Charitra: Lives of the Tirthankaras (from Rishabhdev to Mahavir, detailing their multiple births, key events, teachings, and the concept of time cycles). This is a very significant portion of the book.
• Chakravartis: Lives of the 12 Chakravartis.
• Vasudev and Baldev: Biographies of these figures.
• Gana-dhars: Lives of the 11 chief disciples (Gana-dhars) of Lord Mahavir.
• Other Notable Figures: The index lists numerous other individuals, including scholars, ascetics, householders, and even animals who achieved spiritual heights or played significant roles in Jain narratives. This indicates the book goes beyond just Tirthankaras and prominent figures to encompass a broader spectrum of exemplary lives.

IV. Specific Content Highlights from the Table of Contents:

• Tirthankar Lives (Extensive Detail): The book seems to meticulously detail the lives of all 24 Tirthankaras, including their previous births (often spanning 13 or more), their families, their renunciations, their ascetic practices, their attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), their teachings, their Nirvana, and various characteristics like lifespan, height, color, symbols, etc. It also includes details about their disciples, patrons, and the epochs they lived in.
• The Concept of Time (Kalachakra): The book explains the cyclical nature of time (Utsarpini and Avsarpini) and its divisions (Dushama-Dushama, Dushama, Dushama-Sushama, Sushama-Dushama, Sushama, Sushama-Sushama).
• Founding of Civilizations (Kulkaras): The lives of the Kulkaras, who are instrumental in establishing social order and customs, are also presented.
• Vasudev, Baldev, and Prativasudev: The narratives also include the stories of these prominent warrior figures in Jain mythology.
• Detailed Biographies of Gana-dhars: The lives and specific contributions of Lord Mahavir's chief disciples are also provided.
• Lives of Disciples: The vast number of individuals listed under various headings suggests a deep dive into the lives of ascetics (munis), nuns (sadhvis), laymen (shravakas), and laywomen (shravikas) who achieved spiritual heights.
• Specific Stories/Parables: From the detailed index, one can infer the inclusion of specific stories and parables that illustrate Jain principles. For example, the detailed descriptions of the previous births of Tirthankaras suggest narratives about their karma, renunciation, and spiritual development.

V. Corrections (Shuddhi Patra) (Pages 27-31):

This section lists errata, indicating that the text has undergone some editorial correction to ensure accuracy in spelling and phrasing.

VI. Glossary/Motto (Page 33):

• Dharmom Mangalam: "Dharma is auspiciousness. Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tapo are auspiciousness. Even gods bow to that, whose mind is always in Dharma." This verse encapsulates the core Jain values of non-violence, self-control, and austerity as the path to auspiciousness and divine favor.

VII. Sacred Mantras (Pages 34-36):

• Namaskar Mahamantra: The text includes the Panch Namaskar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aiyariyanam, Namo Uchajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sahunam), a foundational prayer in Jainism.
• Invocation (Vande): A detailed invocation praising the Tirthankaras and the Gana-dhars, highlighting their qualities and role in establishing the Jain path.

VIII. Tirthankar Biographies (Pages 35-289, and continuing throughout the Table of Contents):

The bulk of the book is dedicated to the lives of the Tirthankaras. The summaries provided in the Table of Contents give a glimpse into the depth of detail:

• Rishabhdev's 13 Lives: A specific mention of the 13 births of Lord Rishabhdev, starting from Dhanna Sarthavah.
• Detailed Life Events: For each Tirthankara, the book covers:
  • Chyavan (Descent into the Womb): The celestial event preceding conception.
  • Birthplace and Family: Details about their parents, lineage, and birth city.
  • Birth Date and Symbols: Auspicious days and defining symbols.
  • Physical Attributes: Lifespan, height, complexion, and physical characteristics.
  • Early Life: Childhood, marriage, and princely life.
  • Renunciation and Asceticism: The moment of renunciation, their severe penances, and the duration of their ascetic life.
  • Kevala Jnana: The attainment of omniscience, the location, and the accompanying divine assembly (Samavasarana).
  • Disciples and Teachings: The number and prominence of their chief disciples (Gana-dhars) and the scope of their teachings.
  • Nirvana: The time, place, and manner of their liberation.
  • Inter-Lifespan Cycles: The time between the Nirvana of one Tirthankara and the birth of the next, and the concept of Tirthankarottara (inter-Tirthankara periods).
  • Current Status (Viharman): For the Tirthankaras in the Eastern and Western Mahavideh regions, their ongoing presence and activities are mentioned.

IX. Other Key Figures and Concepts (Continuing through the Table of Contents):

• Chakravartis: The lives of the 12 Chakravartis are meticulously detailed, including their birth, reign, conquest, renunciation, and eventual destiny.
• Vasudev, Baldev, and Prativasudev: The narratives of these powerful figures, their deeds, and their fates are included.
• Gana-dhars: The lives and specific intellectual contributions of the 11 chief disciples of Lord Mahavir are presented.
• Individual Stories: The extensive list under various headings points to the inclusion of stories of countless individuals who achieved spiritual eminence through various paths, illustrating Jain principles through their life examples. This includes stories of householders, ascetics, kings, queens, and even animals.

Overall Purpose and Tone:

"Agam ke Anmol Ratna" is presented as a monumental work aimed at educating and inspiring Jains. It seeks to provide a rich tapestry of the lives of exemplary souls from Jain tradition, emphasizing the importance of adherence to Jain principles for spiritual upliftment and liberation. The tone is reverential, educational, and inspirational, aiming to connect the reader with the profound spiritual heritage of Jainism. The extensive detail in the table of contents suggests a scholarly and devotional approach to compiling this extensive biographical and doctrinal work.