Agam Sahitya Nu Anushilan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam Sahitya nu Anushilan" by Rasiklal C. Sheth, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The book "Agam Sahitya nu Anushilan" by Rasiklal C. Sheth is an exploration and exposition of the Jain Agamas, the sacred scriptures of Jainism.

Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with a prayer and salutation to the Agamas, comparing them to a vast, deep ocean. Just as one cannot cross a mighty ocean solely by their own strength but needs the help of a navigator and a boat, understanding the profound meaning and essence of the Agamas (Jinavani) is extremely difficult. It can only be truly grasped by humbly seeking refuge in enlightened Gurus and serving them with devotion. The Agamas, which are the words of the Tirthankaras, are presented as the only means to achieve ultimate welfare and liberation, containing the essence of all worldly substances.

Etymology and Definition of Agama: The text delves into the etymology of the word "Agama."

• Primary Etymology (from Syadvada Manjari): "Agama" is derived from "Apta Vachana" (words of an enlightened being) and "samvedana" (true understanding). Therefore, Agama refers to the accurate understanding of things (like soul, non-soul) that arises from the words of an "Apta Purusha" (a trustworthy and enlightened being). Tirthankaras, who have conquered all passions and possess omniscience, are considered "Apta Purushas." The scriptures they have expounded are Agamas.
• Secondary Etymology (from Upsarga "A" and Dhatu "Gam"): The word "Agama" is formed from the prefix "A" (meaning "all around" or "completely") and the root "Gam" (meaning "to go" or "to know"). Thus, "Agama" signifies the complete and accurate knowledge of the essence of things (Jiva, Ajiva, etc.) in all their aspects.
• Further Definition: It is also explained as the knowledge that comes down from generation to generation of Acharyas through the medium of "Vachana" (teaching and recitation). In essence, "Agama" represents the invaluable, self-beneficial teachings that are "A" (spoken by Tirthankaras), "G" (compiled by Ganadharas), and "M" (established by Mahatmas).

The Omniscience of Tirthankaras and Compilation of Agamas: The text emphasizes that Agamas are considered "Tirthankar Praṇīta" (expounded by Tirthankaras). Tirthankaras are born with innate knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi). After taking initiation, they achieve Kevala Jnana (omniscience) by destroying karmas through deep meditation and asceticism. It is only after becoming omniscient that they deliver their profound teachings, which are expressed in the "Tripadi" – "Upatyate" (arises), "Vigamate" (ceases), and "Dhruvam" (is eternal). The Ganadharas, upon hearing these teachings, meticulously compile them into the twelve Angas (limbs) of the Agamas. This knowledge, received through hearing, is termed "Shruta Jnana" (learned knowledge).

The Eternal Nature of the Dwadashangi (Twelve Limbs): The Samavayanga Sutra declares the Dwadashangi to be eternal. It has always existed, exists now, and will continue to exist. It is described as constant, determined, eternal, imperishable, immutable, and everlasting. The Dwadashangi is also referred to as "Gaṇipitaka" (the collection of Gaṇadharas), as it primarily outlines the conduct (Achara) of monks, which is characterized by compassion, non-violence (Ahimsa), self-restraint (Sanyam), and penance (Tapa).

The Twelve Angas (Limbs) and their Descriptions: The text then provides a brief overview of the twelve Angas of the Jain Agamas:

1. Achārānga Sutra: Deals with the conduct of monks.
2. Sūyagaḍānga Sutra: Refutes one-sided philosophies of other schools using logic and establishes the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada (non-absolutism). It also describes Jiva, Ajiva, and the path of restraint.
3. Sthānānga Sutra: Organizes Jiva, Ajiva, and various objects like rivers, lakes, and mountains into ten categories across ten chapters.
4. Samavāyānga Sutra: Similar to Sthānānga, it enumerates substances from one up to crores.
5. Bhagavati Sutra: Contains 36,000 questions posed by Gautam Swami and answered by Bhagavan Mahavir Swami, presented in question-answer format and covering the four types of Anuyoga (classification of knowledge).
6. Jñātādharmakathā Sutra: Uses stories and examples to illustrate the path of monks, the rules of conduct, and how followers of Jain Agamas progress towards liberation, while those who oppose them remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death.
7. Upāsakadashānga Sutra: Describes the lives of ten devoted lay followers (Upāsakas), detailing the twelve vows of a lay follower, their transgressions, eleven stages of spiritual progress, fasting, renunciation, and ascetic practices.
8. Antagaḍa Dashānga Sutra: Narrates the stories of virtuous souls like Gajasukumara, who attained Kevala Jnana and Kevala Darshana at the end of their lives without preaching, becoming liberated. It also describes various penances.
9. Anuttaropapātika Dashānga Sutra: Details the lives of great souls who, due to short lifespans or immense accumulation of merit, are reborn as celestial beings in Anuttara heavens and will eventually attain liberation in future human lives.
10. Praśnavyākaraṇa Sutra: Explains the five channels of influx (Ashrava) and the five means of stopping influx (Samvara). It states that the practice of violence, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and possession leads to lower realms, while their opposites – non-violence, truthfulness, giving, celibacy, and non-possession – lead to liberation.
11. Vipāka Sutra: Illustrates with examples how actions (Karma Vipaka) lead to happiness or suffering, with good deeds resulting in happiness and bad deeds in suffering.
12. Dṛṣṭivāda: This Anga contained the knowledge of the fourteen Purvas (ancient texts) but is now considered extinct.

The Twelve Upangas (Sub-limbs): Following the Angas, the text lists and briefly describes the twelve Upangas:

1. Ujvāyā Sutra: Describes the glory of King Konika, the divine assembly (Samavasarana) of Mahavir Prabhu, the births of celestial and hellish beings, and the Kevali Samudghata.
2. Rājapraśnīya Sutra: Narrates how a irreligious foreign king became religious and how his queen, despite being given poison, maintained equanimity and attained celestial happiness, eventually progressing towards liberation.
3. Jīvābhigama Sutra: Explains the classifications of the soul in ten ways and describes the differences between worldly and liberated souls.
4. Prajñāpanā Sutra: Details the distinctions and similarities of souls, their relative strengths, realms of rebirth, passions, beliefs, consciousness, knowledge, karma, sustenance, cognition, language, assimilation, and actions across 36 categories.
5. Jambūdvīpa Prajñapti: Describes the Jambu Dvipa continent, its regions, time cycles, the six periods (Aras), and the lives of Rishabhadeva Bhagavan and Chakravarti Bharata.
6. Sūrya Prajñapti: Explains the movement of celestial bodies like the sun, their rising and setting, the measure of days and muhurtas, the cosmic structure, planets, and their heat.
7. Chandra Prajñapti: Similar to Sūrya Prajñapti, it details the movement of the moon and other celestial bodies. These three Prajñaptis cover Jain mathematics and astronomy.
8. Nirayāvalikā Sutra: Illustrates how beings overcome by greed and desire fall into hellish realms, using examples of ten Kumaras.
9. Kallavaddṁśiyā Sutra: Compares the ten princes of King Shrenik who fell into hell due to passions with their ten sons who attained heaven by taking vows, emphasizing that the soul's fall and rise are due to its own good or bad deeds and inclinations.
10. Puṣpya Sutra: Describes ten celestial beings like the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter visiting Mahavir Prabhu and, in response to Gautam Swami's questions, the Prabhu recounting their past lives, explaining the principles of karma and rebirth, and clarifying right and wrong perspectives.
11. Puṣpacūlikā Sutra: Narrates how ten goddesses like Shri, Shri, and Dhriti took initiation from Parshvanath Prabhu in past lives. Although they served the Lord, they attained celestial realms instead of liberation because they did not perfectly adhere to the vows. Bhagavan Mahavir imparts the essence of observing vows without transgression and performing introspection.
12. Vāhindashā Sutra: Explains how the twelve sons of Balarama, including Nishadhakumara, attained liberation through perfect observation of vows. It is stated that they will attain liberation in future lives in Mahavideha.

Other Canonical Texts: The text further mentions that in addition to the 12 Angas and 12 Upangas, Shvetambara Murtipujakas accept other texts:

• Four Mula Sutras: Āvaśyaka Sūtra, Daśavaikālika Sūtra, Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, and PiṇḍaNiyukti Sūtra.
• Six Cheda Sutras: Daśāśrutaskandha Sutra, Bṛhatkalpa Sūtra, Vyavahāra Sūtra, Jita Kalpa Sūtra, Niśītha Sūtra, and Mahāniśītha Sūtra.
• Two Chūlikā Sutras: Nandī Sūtra and Anuyogadvara Sūtra.
• Ten Patra Sutras: (These are listed later as various stotras and works, not explicitly numbered as "Patra Sutras" in this section but rather as part of the further enumeration of works).

Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi Acceptance: It is noted that the Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi traditions accept only 32 Agamas, as the Drishtivada is considered extinct. They accept the 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, 4 Mula Sutras, and the 4 Cheda Sutras (Niśītha, Vyavahāra, Bṛhatkalpa, Daśāśrutaskandha) plus the 32nd chapter of Āvaśyaka Sūtra.

Enumeration of Various Sutras (Detailed List): The latter part of the excerpt provides a more extensive list of important Jain scriptures, categorized and described briefly:

• Dwadashangi (as listed by Acharya Gunaratna): Renames the 12 Angas based on their core teachings (e.g., Āchārānga as "Pancha Achara Pradipaka," Sūyagaḍānga as "Sva-samaya Para-samaya Pradipaka").
• Anuyogadvara Sutra: Explains the concept of "Anuyoga" as the detailed commentary on Tirthankara's meaningful words, covering Shruta Jnana, Āvaśyaka, Upakrama, Dravya-Kṣetra-Kāla-Bhāva, etc.
• Ten Patra Sutras (re-enumerated as distinct works):
  1. Chatusaraṇa: Understanding the purpose of the six Āvaśyakas and accepting four refuges.
  2. Āchārapratyākhyāna: Lay followers adhering to five Āchāras and twelve vows.
  3. Mahāpratyākhyāna: Monks observing pure fasting (Santhara) and attaining liberation.
  4. Bhatta Paya: Monks attaining liberation by renouncing worldly pleasures, affection, and attachment.
  5. Tandula Veiyaliya: Thoughts on detachment from the sorrows of birth, death, and conception.
  6. Gaṇi Vijja: Observing pure conduct on auspicious dates and times.
  7. Chanda Vijjaya: The rarity of attaining peace in the world.
  8. Devendra Stavana: The praise of the Tirthankara by Indra and other celestial beings on Mount Meru.
  9. Marana Samadhi: Monks achieving peace at the time of death.
  10. Santhārag: Monks and Tirthankaras achieving liberation by remaining firm like trees and observing Paadopagamana Santhara (fast unto death).
• Nandi Sutra: Detailed explanation of the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala) and the methods of acquiring knowledge.
• Other important works: Sthaviravali (genealogy of elders), and descriptions related to various philosophical concepts and practices.

The Essence of Agamas: The text concludes by reiterating the core message of the Agamas, which is found in the Āchārānga Sūtra: "Do not harm any living being, do not cause them pain, not even mentally." This principle of compassionate non-violence is presented as the ultimate essence of Jainism, preached by the Tirthankaras. The author concludes with a prayer for the followers to adhere to this profound principle of compassionate non-violence. The essence of all these Agamas is summarized in a single Gatha: "Dasha Pai Dhammo Mantral Mushthithe Ahimsa Sanjamo Tavo" - the path of ten virtues, non-violence, self-control, and penance is the best auspicious Dharma.