Agam Satik Part 40 Nandi Sutra Gujarati Anuwad

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Satik Part 40 Nandi Sutra Gujarati Anuwad" (Agam Satik Part 40 Nandi Sutra Gujarati Translation), authored by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, and published by Deepratnasagar. The provided text is Volume 40 of a larger series of Agama Sutra translations.

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This particular volume, the 40th in a series of 42, presents a translated and commented-upon version of the Nandi Sutra (also known as Nandi Sutra Chulika). The core theme of the Nandi Sutra is Knowledge (Jnana). It elaborates on the various types, classifications, and characteristics of knowledge, offering profound insights into the Jain philosophical understanding of cognition. The work aims to make these essential Jain scriptures accessible to Gujarati readers by providing a translation along with critical commentary.

Key Components and Content:

1. Dedication and Acknowledgements:

   • The book begins with invocations and salutations, including to Bal Brahmachari Shri Neminath and P.P. Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharma Sagar Gurudev.
   • The translator is identified as Muni Deepratnasagarji.
   • Extensive acknowledgements are made to various individuals and organizations who supported the translation project financially and inspirationally. Key figures mentioned include Pujya Acharyashri Ruchakchandra Surishwarji M.Sa., Pujya Acharyashri Devendrasagar Surishwarji M.Sa., Pujya Acharyashri Harshsagar Suriji M.Sa., and Shataavadhani Chaalishri Amitgunashriji M.Sa. Numerous Jain Sanghas and trusts from various cities in India are credited as donors.

2. Introduction to the Nandi Sutra:

   • The Nandi Sutra is referred to as a Chulika Sutra, which are supplementary texts to the main Agamas. It is considered one of two Chulika Sutras, the other being Anuyogadwar Sutra.
   • The Sutra is known by the name Nandi Sutra in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. It is also listed as 'Nandi' in the count of Uchchhalik Sutras.
   • The primary subject of the Nandi Sutra is Knowledge (Jnana), delving into its various classifications, the comprehensive description of the Dwadasanga (the twelve limbs of Jain scripture), initial auspicious invocations, the significance of the Sangha (community), and veneration of the Ganadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras) and other revered figures.
   • The text notes that while a direct translation of a specific commentary like Niryukti or Bhashya was not undertaken, the commentary by Shri Malayagiri is highly recommended for deeper study.
   • The work presents a "Saanuvaad Vivechan" (Translation and Commentary) rather than a direct "Sateek Anuavaad" (Translation with Commentary) to better convey the meaning and nuances for a broader audience.

3. Content of the Nandi Sutra (as presented in the translation):

   The summary outlines the following key sections and themes discussed within the Nandi Sutra based on the translated text:

   • Invocation and Praise of Tirthankaras: The Sutra begins with invocations praising Lord Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankara) and Lord Mahavir (the last Tirthankara). It highlights their virtues and significance.
   • Significance of the Sangha (Community): The Sutra uses metaphors like a chariot, a fortress, a lotus, the moon, and the sun to illustrate the importance and grandeur of the Jain Sangha, emphasizing its collective strength, virtues, and role in propagating Dharma.
   • Veneration of Acharyas and Lineage: The text meticulously lists and praises numerous Jain scholars and spiritual leaders (Acharyas) from historical times, tracing a lineage of spiritual teachers. This veneration highlights the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition and the preservation of knowledge.
   • Classification of Knowledge (Jnana): A significant portion of the Sutra is dedicated to explaining the five types of knowledge:
     • Abhinibodhika Jnana (Mati Jnana - Sensory/Inferential Knowledge): This is described as the primary and most common form of knowledge, gained through the senses and mind. It is further broken down into various subtypes based on sensory organs and mental processes.
     • Shruta Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge): Knowledge derived from listening to or reading the teachings of the enlightened ones.
     • Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyant knowledge): Knowledge of subtle, distant, or past/future objects, limited by scope and duration.
     • Manahparyaya Jnana (Telepathic Knowledge): The ability to know the thoughts of others.
     • Keval Jnana (Omniscient Knowledge): The ultimate and perfect knowledge, possessed by Omniscients, encompassing all realities.
   • Detailed Exploration of Mati Jnana: The text elaborates extensively on Mati Jnana, discussing its subdivisions, the process of acquiring knowledge (Avagraha, Iha, Avaya, Dharana), the qualities of the knower and the known, and the temporal and spatial aspects of perception.
   • Types of Perceptual Knowledge: It explains the distinction between Indriya Pratyaksha (sensory perception) and Noyindriya Pratyaksha (non-sensory perception, primarily mental).
   • Sub-classifications of Avadhi Jnana: Avadhi Jnana is further categorized into Bhavapratyaya (born from one's disposition) and Kshayoapashamika (resulting from the partial destruction and suppression of karmas). It is also described in terms of its scope and intensity.
   • Manoaparyaya Jnana (Knowledge of others' thoughts): Its nature, limitations, and the type of souls that can attain it are discussed.
   • Keval Jnana (Omniscience): The ultimate knowledge is described as eternal, all-pervading, and perfect, free from all limitations and obscurations.
   • The role of the Sangha and the importance of correct understanding: The text repeatedly emphasizes the role of the community and the need for right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
   • Veneration of Teachers and Scholars: The inclusion of numerous Acharyas and their contributions underscores the importance of the spiritual lineage and the preservation of scriptural knowledge through teacher-disciple transmission.
   • Ethical Teachings and Virtues: While primarily focusing on knowledge, the underlying ethical framework of Jainism, emphasizing virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, non-possession, chastity, and forgiveness, is implicitly present.
   • Illustrative Narratives (Drishtanta): The text includes various illustrative stories and examples (like those of Rohak, the merchant, the potter, etc.) to explain complex philosophical concepts in an accessible manner. These narratives, often highlighting cleverness and foresight, serve to reinforce the practical application of wisdom.

Structure and Presentation:

• The volume is part of a larger published set, indicated by the "Agam Satik Anuwad" series and the numbering "40/1" (likely referring to volume 40, part 1).
• The Gujarati translation is accompanied by commentary, aiming for clarity and accessibility.
• The publishers have provided extensive details about their other published works related to Agamas, suggesting a dedicated effort to disseminate Jain knowledge.

In essence, this volume of the Nandi Sutra offers a scholarly translation and commentary on a fundamental Jain text, illuminating the multifaceted nature of knowledge within Jain philosophy, while also paying homage to the spiritual lineage and the contributions of various revered figures in preserving and transmitting this knowledge.