Agam Satik Part 17 RaiPaseniya Jivabhigam Sutra Gujarati Anuwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam Satik Part 17 RaiPaseniya Jivabhigam Sutra Gujarati Anuwad," in English:

Book Title: Agam Satik Part 17 RaiPaseniya Jivabhigam Sutra Gujarati Anuwad Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009008/1

Overall Purpose and Context:

This document is part 17 of a larger series titled "Agam Satik Anuwad" (Commentated Translation of Agamas), a monumental project undertaken by Muni Dippratnasagar to translate and comment upon the Jain Agamas (sacred scriptures). This specific volume focuses on two important scriptures:

1. Rajprashniya (or RayapaseNiya) Upanga Sutra (Part 2): This scripture is the second Upanga text, known in Prakrit as "RayanaYa" and in Sanskrit as "Janprakrug," but commonly referred to as "Rajprashniya." It is highly valued for its narrative (Kathānuyog) content, particularly the story of King Pradeshi and the detailed description of Subhadeva. While it doesn't have formal divisions like Shrutaskandhas or Adhyayanas, it delves deeply into the Jaina philosophy of life and existence (Jivadi Tattvas) through the lens of Dravyanuyog. It also touches upon Chāranakaraṇānuyog through practices like Vandanā and Paushadha. The text explains how it is called "Rajprashniya" due to the questions posed by King Pradeshi to the ascetic Keshikumar and the insightful answers provided, leading to the king's spiritual awakening and eventual liberation. It is considered an Upanga of Sūtrakr̥tānga, elaborating on its concepts.

2. Jivabhigam Upanga Sutra (Part 1): This is the third Upanga text, known in Prakrit as "Nava Nava" and in Sanskrit as "Jivabhigam." It is divided into multiple parts, with "Pratipatti-1" being presented in this volume. Subsequent parts (Pratipatti-2 and 3) covering up to Sutra 184 are in Part 18, and the rest up to Pratipatti-9 are in Part 19. This Agama is primarily focused on Dravyanuyoga, discussing the nature of life (Jiva) in detail. It is also associated with the "Rayapaseniya" text. The commentary used for this translation is the renowned Vṛtti by Acarya Malayagiri.

Key Themes and Content:

The provided text, pages 16 through 112, primarily consists of the detailed exposition and commentary on the Rajprashniya Upanga Sutra. The summary below focuses on the content presented in these pages:

1. Narrative Introduction and Setting (Sutras 1-2):

   • The text begins by establishing the setting: an ancient, prosperous city named Āmalaka in India.
   • It describes the city's grandeur and beauty, highlighting its infrastructure, markets, and inhabitants.
   • Outside the city, in the northeastern direction, lies the Āmaśāla grove with a venerable Chaitya (temple).

2. Description of the Sacred Grove and Its Elements (Sutras 3-6):

   • A detailed description of a magnificent Ashoka tree is provided, adorned with numerous auspicious symbols (Ashtamangalas) and divine banners.
   • The text meticulously describes the surrounding flora, including various types of trees and flowering plants, emphasizing their beauty, fragrance, and the joyful sounds of birds and bees.
   • The narrative focuses on the vibrant and auspicious atmosphere of the grove, which serves as the backdrop for significant spiritual events.

3. The Arrival of Suryābha Deva and Celestial Display (Sutras 5-15):

   • The story progresses to the celestial realm with the descent of Suryābha Deva from the Saudharma heaven.
   • Suryābha Deva, accompanied by his retinue (4000 Sāmānikas, four chief queens, seven armies, seven generals, 16,000 protective deities, and other celestial beings), arrives in a grand procession.
   • The text vividly describes the opulence of Suryābha Deva's divine palace (Vimāna), its jeweled construction, the celestial music, dances, and the festive atmosphere.
   • Suryābha Deva observes the mortal realm, specifically Jambudvipa and Bharatakshetra, through his divine knowledge (Avadhijñāna). He sees Lord Mahavira in Āmalaka city, meditating under the Ashoka tree.
   • Moved by devotion, Suryābha Deva performs a spectacular display of his divine powers and a magnificent celestial dance before Lord Mahavira and his disciples, showcasing the grandeur of the heavens.

4. The King of Shravasti and Keshikumar (Sutras 43-65):

   • The narrative shifts to the earthly realm in Shravasti city, ruled by King Pradeshi.
   • King Pradeshi is depicted as irreligious and oppressive, causing suffering to his subjects and acting against dharma. He is contrasted with his righteous minister, Chitta Sārathi.
   • The ascetic Keshikumar, a disciple of Lord Mahavir, arrives in Shravasti.
   • Chitta Sārathi, impressed by Keshikumar's wisdom and virtue, invites him to Shravasti, hoping to reform King Pradeshi.
   • A significant portion of the text involves dialogues between Keshikumar and King Pradeshi, where Keshikumar skillfully uses logic, analogies (like the burning iron, the hollow pillar, the skilled archer), and parables to refute the king's materialistic and atheistic views.
   • King Pradeshi's initial skepticism and arrogance are gradually dismantled as Keshikumar addresses his doubts about the existence of the soul, karma, rebirth, and liberation.
   • The dialogues highlight key Jaina concepts such as the soul's distinctness from the body, the law of karma, the nature of sensory perception, the causes of suffering (kashayas), and the path to liberation.
   • Keshikumar's profound wisdom and compassionate approach lead King Pradeshi to renounce his unrighteous ways and embrace the Jaina path.

5. The King's Transformation and Devotion:

   • King Pradeshi, after a detailed philosophical discourse with Keshikumar, is deeply impressed and accepts the Jaina principles.
   • He becomes a devoted follower, offering respect and support to Keshikumar and the monastic order.
   • The narrative emphasizes the king's subsequent virtuous rule and his dedication to dharma.

6. Description of Suryābha Deva's Palace and Celestial Court:

   • The text provides an extremely detailed and elaborate description of Suryābha Deva's celestial vehicle (Yāna Vimāna), its construction, dimensions, the palaces within it, the various adornments, musical instruments, and the assembled celestial beings.
   • The description serves to illustrate the immense power, beauty, and perfection of the heavenly realms as understood in Jain cosmology.

7. Jiva and Ajiva Classification (Sutras 3-8):

   • The text then shifts to a more technical discussion of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) entities.
   • It classifies Ajiva into two main categories: Rūpi (formative) and Arūpi (formless).
   • Rūpi Ajiva is further divided into Pudgala (matter) and its various forms like color, smell, taste, and touch.
   • Arūpi Ajiva is described as having ten divisions: Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya, Ākāśastikaya, Kāla, and the five fundamental categories (Pudgalāstikāya, Dharmāstikāya, Adharmāstikāya, Ākāśastikāya, Kālāstikāya, and Mokṣa). This section elaborates on the characteristics of each of these fundamental principles.

8. Classification of Souls (Jivas):

   • The text explains that souls are classified into two primary types: Saṃsāri (those in the cycle of birth and death) and Asaṃsāri (those liberated, like Siddhas).
   • Saṃsāri souls are further categorized based on their journey through existence.
   • The text then delves into the classification of souls based on the number of senses (Ekendriya, Dvi-indriya, Tri-indriya, Chatur-indriya, Pañc-indriya). It meticulously details the characteristics, states, and activities of beings in various categories, including the microscopic (Sūkṣma) and macroscopic (Bādara) forms of life in each realm (earth-bodied, water-bodied, vegetation-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and the five-sensed beings).

9. Detailed Descriptions of Realms and Beings:

   • Extensive descriptions are given for the realms of Narakas (hell beings), Tiryanchas (animals), Manusyas (humans), and Devas (celestial beings).
   • The text specifies the lifespan, physical characteristics, sensory capacities, mind states (Sanjñā), passions (Kaṣāya), lineages (Veda), perceptual knowledge (Darśana), and the types of Jivas (like Sūkṣma Pṛthivīkāyika, Bādara Vāyukāyika, etc.).
   • The descriptions of the celestial realms, particularly Suryābha Deva's palace and court, are incredibly rich, highlighting the grandeur, splendor, and variety of celestial existence.

10. Philosophical Arguments and Analogies:

    • The text is replete with analogies and logical arguments used by Keshikumar to explain complex philosophical points, especially regarding the nature of the soul and its distinction from the body. These analogies aim to guide the listener towards right understanding (Samyagdarśana).

11. The Importance of Virtue and Conduct:

    • The dialogues with King Pradeshi underscore the Jain emphasis on virtuous conduct, adherence to dharma, and the consequences of irreligious actions.
    • The king's transformation illustrates the power of spiritual guidance and the possibility of redemption through sincere practice.

12. Commentary and Interpretation:

    • The text is presented with extensive commentary, likely from Acarya Malayagiri, which clarifies the meaning of the original sutras, explains complex terms, and provides further context and examples. The commentary is crucial for understanding the profound philosophical nuances.

Overall Significance:

This volume of the Agam Satik Anuwad provides a deep dive into two significant Jain scriptures. The Rajprashniya section offers a captivating narrative that illustrates core Jaina philosophical principles through a historical dialogue, showcasing the path from ignorance to enlightenment. The Jivabhigam section, although only partially presented here, lays the groundwork for understanding the intricate classifications of souls and the various forms of life according to Jain cosmology, emphasizing the meticulous detail with which the Agamas describe the universe. The extensive commentary ensures that these profound teachings are accessible to a wider audience. The publication reflects a significant effort to preserve and propagate Jain knowledge through accurate and detailed translations.