Agam Nimbandhmala Part 02

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Nimbandhmala Part 02" by Tilokchand Jain, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Scope:

The "Agam Nimbandhmala Part 02" is the second volume in a series aimed at explaining Jain scriptures (Agams) in a comprehensive and accessible manner. Following earlier volumes on Agam summaries and question-and-answer formats, this part focuses on essays and detailed discussions on various Jain principles, stories, and philosophical concepts. The author, Tilokchand Jain, a renowned Jain scholar ("Agam Manishi"), presents these essays drawing from the Agams, aiming to provide profound spiritual and practical guidance to readers, students, and those seeking self-improvement. The series is published by Jainagam Navneet Prakashan Samiti, Rajkot.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured as a collection of individual essays (nibandh), each exploring a specific topic within Jainism. Based on the detailed index and content provided, the following are the major themes covered:

1. Explaining Core Jain Practices and Principles:

• Tapas (Austerities) and Vows: Several essays delve into various types of austerities (tapas) and vows (vrata), detailing their classifications, meanings, and practical application.
  • Ten Types of Vows (Pratyakhyan) and their Conditions (Aagar): A detailed explanation of ten types of vows, including Navkarasi, Porisi, Purimaddh, Ekasan, Ekalthana, Nivi, Ayambil, Upavas, Divas Charim, and Abhigrah. Each vow's duration, restrictions, and allowed exceptions (aagar) are discussed. A table summarizes the applicability of various exceptions to different vows.
  • Twelve Types of Tapas: A brief explanation of twelve fundamental types of tapas, encompassing both external (kaya klesh, ras parityag, etc.) and internal (swadhyaya, dhyan, vyutsarg, etc.) austerities.
  • Leshyas: An exploration of the six types of leshyas (Kṛṣṇa, Nīla, Kāpota, Tejo, Padma, Śukla) and how to identify them through one's conduct and inner states, emphasizing the importance of cultivating the three pure leshyas (Tejo, Padma, Śukla).
  • Pundit Maran (Wise Death): A detailed explanation of the three types of "pundit maran" – Bhakta Pratyakhyan, Ingeni Maran, and Padopagman – which are intentional, conscious, and spiritually prepared deaths through fasting and renunciation, emphasizing the importance of detachment and equanimity.
  • Samayika and Pratikraman: Discussions on the importance of these daily practices for purification and self-reflection, with specific focus on forgiveness (kṣamāpanā).
  • Four Types of Moksha Marg (Path to Liberation): An explanation of the interconnectedness of Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra), and Austerities (Tapas) as the path to liberation.

2. Illustrating Jain Philosophy through Stories and Examples:

The book extensively uses narratives from Jain scriptures (Agams) to illustrate complex concepts and provide practical lessons.

• Stories of Saints and Kings:
  • Nami Rajarshi and Shakrendra's Dialogue: A ten-question dialogue from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra that tested Nami Rajarshi's renunciation and detachment, highlighting the superiority of spiritual conquest over worldly power.
  • Meghkumar's Five Births: A detailed account of Meghkumar's past lives as an elephant, illustrating the cycle of karma, suffering, and the importance of perseverance in spiritual practice even after setbacks.
  • Dhanya Sarthavah's Life Lessons: Emphasizing detachment from one's body and possessions, even in extreme circumstances, to maintain spiritual focus.
  • Krishna Vasudev's Duty towards a Disciple: Demonstrating Krishna's role in supporting and guiding someone towards spiritual initiation, highlighting the ideal of spiritual mentorship.
  • Shailak's Study and Subsequent Fall: Illustrating the dangers of overconfidence and laxity in spiritual practice, even for highly accomplished individuals, and the role of compassion and timely guidance.
  • Malli Bhagavati's Three Births: A significant narrative about the 19th Tirthankar, Malli Bhagavati, highlighting her journey through various lives, her interactions with former companions, and her ultimate attainment of Kevala Gyana. It also touches upon the concept of Tirthankar Nam Karma.
  • Raja and Minister's Life: The story of King Jitsatru and his minister Subuddhi, demonstrating the transformative power of truth, virtue, and adherence to Jain principles.
  • Udak Pethalaputra and Gautam Swami's Discussion: A dialogue clarifying fine points of Jain vows and their interpretation, showcasing the depth of understanding required in spiritual practice.
  • Ambad the Ascetic and his 700 Disciples: Illustrating the possibility of maintaining spiritual discipline while adhering to certain worldly practices, and the ultimate devotion to Jain principles.
  • Suryaabh Dev's Arrival: Describing a divine being's visit to Lord Mahavir, showcasing the reverence shown to Tirthankaras and the detailed descriptions of celestial beings and their rituals.
  • King Pradeshi's Life Transformation: A powerful story of how a wicked king, through a single spiritual discourse from Keshishraman, underwent a radical transformation, becoming a devout follower and ultimately achieving a celestial birth and destined for liberation. This highlights the immense power of spiritual guidance.
  • Chit Sarathi's Duty: Demonstrating the loyalty and wisdom of a minister in guiding his king towards righteousness.
  • King Pradeshi's Dialogue with Keshishraman: A detailed philosophical debate on the nature of the soul, karma, and rebirth, showcasing Keshishraman's profound knowledge and Pradeshi's intellectual journey.
  • Draupadi's Lessons: Extracting moral and spiritual lessons from the story of Draupadi.
  • Susama's Study: Highlighting the importance of purity of intention and detachment even in extreme circumstances.
  • Shailak's Study and Fall: Illustrating the importance of consistent vigilance in spiritual practice.
  • The Significance of Following a Guru: The story of Shailak and his disciple Pankhak, showing how devotion and timely advice from a disciple can help a guru.
  • The Importance of Renunciation and Detachment: Lessons derived from the lives of various individuals, emphasizing the path to liberation.
  • Kakadi's Dhanna Angar's Austerities: Highlighting extreme austerities and unwavering devotion through the example of Dhanna Angar.
  • Dukhavipak and Sukhavipak Studies: Discussions on the consequences of past actions (karma) in different lifetimes, illustrating the doctrines of karma and rebirth.
  • Ambad Ascetic and his Disciples: The integration of worldly practitioners into the Jain fold.
  • Suryaabh Dev: Divine beings' devotion and the grandeur of celestial realms.
  • King Pradeshi: The transformative power of spiritual discourse and the concept of karma.
  • Chit Sarathi: Loyalty and the role of a wise advisor in guiding towards dharma.
  • Keshishraman's Dialogue with Pradeshi: Philosophical debate on soul, karma, and rebirth, emphasizing logical reasoning in spiritual understanding.
  • Meghkumar's Study: Lessons on the consequences of past actions and the importance of perseverance in spiritual practice.
  • Dhanaya Sarthavaha: The virtue of detachment and performing actions without attachment.
  • The Story of the Thief Mani Sagar: Demonstrating the power of good company and the role of a guru in transforming a life of crime through truthfulness.
  • Lessons from Draupadi: Moral and spiritual insights derived from her story.
  • Susama's Example: The importance of pure intention and detachment.
  • Lessons from Shailak: The pitfalls of laxity and the significance of vigilant practice.
  • The Twelve Types of Tapas: A detailed explanation of various austerities.
  • The Six Leshyas: Understanding one's inner disposition and its impact.
  • Lord Mahavir's Asceticism: Insights into his rigorous spiritual practices.
  • Types of Pundit Maran: Detailed explanations of voluntary, conscious death.
  • The Significance of Kshama (Forgiveness): Exploring its importance in spiritual progress.
  • The Greatness of Bahushrut (Learned Monks): Illustrated through sixteen similes.
  • The Four Paths to Moksha: Knowledge, Faith, Conduct, and Austerity.
  • The Twelve Types of Tapas: Categorized and explained.
  • The Six Leshyas: Understanding one's inner disposition.
  • Lord Mahavir's Ascetic Practice: Detailed account from the Acharya Sutra.
  • Pundit Maran: Three types of conscious death.
  • The Teachings of Kakaadi's Dhanna Angar: Exemplifying extreme austerities.
  • Lessons from Dukhavipak and Sukhavipak: Karma and rebirth.
  • The Story of the Virtuous Sarthavaha's Son: Detachment and intention.
  • The Significance of Mani Sagar's Transformation: The power of good company and truth.
  • The Importance of Forgiveness: A dedicated essay with 15 couplets.
  • The Dialogue of Nami Rajarshi and Shakrendra: A Q&A on detachment.
  • The Glory of Bahushrut: Sixteen similes highlighting their importance.
  • The Four Paths to Moksha: Knowledge, Faith, Conduct, and Austerity.
  • The Twelve Types of Tapas: Explained.
  • The Six Leshyas: Understanding inner disposition.
  • Lord Mahavir's Asceticism: From Acharya Sutra.
  • The Three Types of Pundit Maran: Conscious death.
  • The Teachings of Dhanna Angar: Extreme austerities.
  • Lessons from Dukhavipak and Sukhavipak: Karma and rebirth.
  • The Importance of Truthfulness: Mani Sagar's story.
  • The Nature of Nimda (Slander): A Q&A.
  • The Concept of Pap and Punna (Sin and Merit): A discussion.
  • Karma and Rebirth: A philosophical exploration.
  • The States of Karma: An explanation.
  • The 34 Miracles of Tirthankaras:
  • The Number of Queens and 64 Arts of Women:
  • Description of the Body:
  • The Nine Treasures:
  • The Fourteen Gems of a Chakravarti:
  • Bharat Chakravarti's Kevala Gyana:
  • The Six Eras of Utsarpini and Avsarpini:
  • The Origin of Samvatsari in the Second Era:
  • A Review of Manah Paryav Gyana:
  • A Comparison of the Twelve Angas:
  • Lord Mahavir's Physique:
  • The Classification of Countable, Uncountable, and Infinite:
  • A Detailed Analysis of Palyopam:
  • Knowledge of the Seven Musical Notes:
  • Knowledge of Three Types of Angul and Utsedhangul:
  • The Secret and Practice of Four Nikshepas:
  • The Nature and Examples of Seven Nayas:
  • An Analysis of the Eleven Padimas of a Shravaka:
  • The Meaning of the Word Chaitya:
  • 25 Actions for Shravakas to Know:
  • Lord's Religious Discourse: Aupapatic Sutra:
  • The Twelve Divisions of Tapas:
  • Synonyms and Meanings of Shraman:
  • "Apni Baat" (Author's Personal Note):

3. Philosophical and Scientific Explanations:

• Jain Principles in the Modern World: Discussing how Jain principles are relevant to contemporary understanding.
• Scientific and Agamic Views on the Zodiac: Exploring Jain cosmology and astronomy.
• Keval Gyana: The attainment of omniscience at different stages of spiritual development.
• The Concept of Countable, Uncountable, and Infinite: A mathematical and philosophical exploration of these concepts.
• Palmyopama and Sagaropama: Detailed analysis of these units of time in Jain cosmology.
• The Seven Musical Notes: Their significance and origin.
• Angul and Utsedhangul: Measuring units in Jain texts.
• The Four Nikshepas: Categories for understanding reality.
• The Seven Nayas: Different perspectives on understanding truth.
• The Eleven Padimas of a Shravaka: Stages of spiritual development for lay followers.
• The Meaning of "Chaitya": Exploring its various interpretations.
• 25 Actions for Shravakas: Practical guidelines for lay practitioners.
• Aupapatic Sutra: The nature of Lord Mahavir's discourses.
• The Twelve Types of Tapas: Detailed.
• Synonyms for Shraman: Understanding the multifaceted roles of ascetics.
• "Apni Baat": A personal reflection from the author.

4. Comparative Analysis:

• Jain Siddhanta and Modern Science: Comparing Jain cosmology, time cycles (utsarpini, avsarpini), and celestial bodies with modern scientific understanding, often highlighting perceived discrepancies and proposing explanations.
• The Twelve Angas: Comparing the content and structure of different Angas as described in Samvayanga and Nandi Sutras.

5. Special Focus on Key Concepts:

• The Importance of Viveka (Discernment): Emphasized in stories like Shailak and Kandrik, highlighting how lack of viveka can lead to downfall.
• The Nature of Desire (Trushna): Discussed as a root cause of suffering and attachment.
• The Significance of Jinvasani (Jain teachings): Their immutability and truthfulness.
• The Difference between Naya, Durnaya, and Syadvada: Clarifying Jain epistemological principles.

6. Author's Personal Reflection:

• "Apni Baat" (Author's Personal Note): The author shares a personal health struggle and his decision to undertake further spiritual practices (Nivritti, Santhara) for self-purification.

Publisher and Author:

• Publisher: Jainagam Navneet Prakashan Samiti, Rajkot.
• Author: Tilokchand Jain (Agam Manishi).
• Editor: Tilokchand Jain.

Publication Details:

• Publication Date: 30/7/2014
• First Edition: 1000 copies
• Price: Rs. 50.00 per book, Rs. 250.00 for a set of five books.

Overall Tone and Approach:

The book adopts a scholarly yet devotional tone. It aims to educate, inspire, and guide readers through the rich philosophical and narrative tapestry of Jain scriptures. The author's deep understanding of the Agams is evident in the detailed explanations and the use of numerous scriptural references and stories. The essays are designed to be practical, offering moral guidance and spiritual insights applicable to daily life.

This summary covers the main aspects of the book based on the provided pages, offering a glimpse into its comprehensive exploration of Jain teachings.