Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 01 Of 01

This document is the first part of the Jain text "Agam Sudha Sindhu," compiled and edited by Jinendravijay Gani. It is published by Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala and was printed in 1974. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/004360/. The text is intended for private and personal use.

The book presents the original text of the Acharaanga Sutra, which is considered the first and most fundamental of the Agamas, composed by the fifth Ganadhara, Shrimat Sudharma Swami. The edition is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir and reveres the spiritual lineage of Acharyadevas including Vijaykapursuri and Vijayamritsuri.

The content is structured as follows:

Structure of the Acharaanga Sutra (Part 01):

• First Shruta Skandha (Brahma-charya Shruta Skandha): This section contains a total of six Adhyayanas (chapters).
  • Adhyayana 1: Shastra Parigya (Weapon Knowledge): Consists of seven Uddeshas (sections), covering topics like the nature of actions, the consequences of violence, and the importance of discerning the truth.
  • Adhyayana 2: Lokavijaya (Victory over the World): Contains four Uddeshas, focusing on worldly attachments, the impermanence of life, and the path to liberation.
  • Adhyayana 3: Sheetoshniya (Cold and Heat): With four Uddeshas, this chapter discusses enduring worldly dualities, non-attachment, and the qualities of an ascetic.
  • Adhyayana 4: Samyak-tva (Right Faith): Comprises four Uddeshas, emphasizing the importance of right faith, non-violence, and ethical conduct.
  • Adhyayana 5: Lokasara (Essence of the World): This chapter has six Uddeshas, exploring the nature of worldly existence, desires, and the path to spiritual attainment.
  • Adhyayana 6: Dhuta (Asceticism): Contains six Uddeshas, detailing the rigorous practices of ascetics, their endurance of hardships, and their detachment from worldly pleasures and pains.
• Second Shruta Skandha (Agra Shruta Skandha): This section is divided into four Chulikas (subsidiary sections), each containing multiple Adhyayanas.
  • First Chulika: Contains Adhyayanas 1 through 4, discussing Aeshana (quest/solicitation) for food, bedding, language, and attire, along with their ethical implications.
  • Second Chulika: Contains Adhyayanas 5 through 7, focusing on the nuances of behavior, conduct, and the correct approach to various aspects of monastic life.
  • Third Chulika: Contains Adhyayana 8, which deals with "Bhavana" (meditation/contemplation), and is the only chapter listed under this Chulika.
  • Fourth Chulika: Contains Adhyayana 9, which is titled "Vimukta" (Liberation), and is the sole chapter in this Chulika.

Key Themes and Principles:

The text, as presented in this volume, emphasizes the core tenets of Jainism, including:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of refraining from harming any living being, in thought, word, or deed, is a recurring theme. The text elaborates on the different types of beings and the repercussions of violence against them.
• Karma Siddhanta: The detailed discussion on "Karmas" (actions) and their consequences underscores the Jain belief in the law of karma, where every action leads to a reaction. The concept of "Pariganay Karma" (understood karma) is highlighted as crucial for spiritual progress.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: The text describes the disciplined life of monks and nuns, their adherence to strict vows, and their detachment from worldly possessions and desires.
• Ethical Conduct and Self-Control: The Agamas provide detailed guidelines on ethical behavior, self-discipline, and the proper conduct in various situations, from begging for alms to interacting with the world.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: The importance of right knowledge (Samyak-gyan) and its application in understanding the nature of reality and achieving liberation is a central focus.

Editorial and Publishing Details:

• The editor and reviewer is the esteemed Pandit-Panyas Shri Jinendravijay Gani.
• The publisher, Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, has undertaken the task of publishing these essential Agam Sutras.
• The publication marks a significant effort to make these sacred texts available in the Nagari script with larger print, facilitating study and practice.
• A Shuddhipatraka (errata) is included, indicating corrections for printing errors.
• The text also includes a Stavana (hymn) praising the lineage of Jain Acharyas, from Gautam Swami to the modern era, highlighting the unbroken spiritual tradition.
• A section on Chand-Amrutras is included, which appears to be a discourse on poetic meters and prosody, likely related to the scriptural recitations or commentaries.

In essence, "Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 01" serves as a foundational text, providing the original script of the Acharaanga Sutra, a vital scripture for understanding Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices, presented in an accessible format for the spiritual seeker.