Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 02 Of 01

The provided text is the beginning of the Jain scripture, the Sutra-kritanga, specifically Part 02 of 01 of Agam Sudha Sindhu, authored by Jinendravijay Gani and published by Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala. The text details the publication information and then delves into the Sutra-kritanga itself, presenting the original Sanskrit text along with introductory and supplementary materials.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects presented in the provided pages:

1. Publication and Editorial Information:

• Title: Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 02 of 01
• Author/Editor/Researcher: P. Panyas Shri Jinendravijay Gani
• Publisher: Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, Lakhbawal, Shantipuri (Saurashtra), Gujarat.
• Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2521 / 2031, Sand 1954.
• Inaugural Prayer: Salutations to Lord Mahavir Jinendra and Pujyacharya Dev Shri Vijay Karpur Suri Guruvar, and Pujyacharya Dev Shri Vijay Amrut Suri Guruvar.
• Underlying Scripture: The text is a rendition of the Srimat Sutrakritanga Sutra, originally composed by the fifth Ganadhar, Shrimat Sudharma Swami.
• Purpose of Publication: To provide the original text of the Sutra-kritanga in Nagari script with large print for easy reading and study, particularly beneficial for monks and scholars.
• Acknowledgement of Financial Constraints: The publication mentions that the cost of paper, printing, etc., exceeded the budget due to the use of large font and increased page count.
• Other Jain Texts Published: Page 7 lists numerous other Jain scriptures and commentaries published by the same Granthmala, indicating a broader effort to disseminate Jain literature.

2. Contents of the Sutra-kritanga (as indicated by the index and text):

The Sutra-kritanga is divided into two main Shruta-skandhas (sections of scripture), which are further divided into Adhyayanas (chapters) and Uddeshas (sub-sections). The provided pages cover:

• First Shruta-skandha:

  • First Adhyayana (Samaya): Covers 17 chapters/topics, including Manvan-krama, Vaitaliya, Upsargaparijna, Stri-parijna, Naraka Vibhakti, Virastuti, Kushilaparibhasha, and Virya. The text begins with verses discussing bondage, attachment, and the nature of suffering.
  • Second Adhyayana (Vaitaliya): Explores topics related to the impermanence of life, the cycle of birth and death, the futility of worldly attachments, and the path to liberation.
  • Third Adhyayana (Upsargaparijna): Focuses on understanding and overcoming afflictions and calamities through spiritual discipline and knowledge.
  • Fourth Adhyayana (Stri-parijna): Discusses the nature of women, the dangers of attachment to them, and the importance of maintaining celibacy and restraint.
  • Fifth Adhyayana (Naraka Vibhakti): Details the various hellish realms (Narakas), the punishments and suffering endured by beings there due to their negative karma.
  • Sixth Adhyayana (Virastuti): A hymn or praise of the virtues and powers of the Victorious Ones (Viras).
  • Seventh Adhyayana (Kushilaparibhasha): Defines and discusses impure or unchaste conduct and its consequences.
  • Eighth Adhyayana (Virya): Emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and exertion in the path to liberation.
  • Ninth Adhyayana (Dharma): Explains the true nature of righteousness and the Jain path.
  • Tenth Adhyayana (Samadhi): Discusses the state of mental tranquility and concentration.
  • Eleventh Adhyayana (Marga): Outlines the path or way to liberation.
  • Twelfth Adhyayana (Samavasarana): Describes the divine assembly where the Tirthankara preaches.
  • Thirteenth Adhyayana (Yathathathya): Deals with truthfulness and reality.
  • Fourteenth Adhyayana (Grantha): Focuses on scriptures and their importance.
  • Fifteenth Adhyayana (Adaniya): Discusses things that should be accepted or followed.
  • Sixteenth Adhyayana (Gatha): Likely a collection of verses or a summary.

• Second Shruta-skandha:

  • First Adhyayana (Poundarika): Begins with a detailed allegorical narrative involving a lotus pond, different types of lotuses, and various human figures attempting to reach them, symbolizing the spiritual journey and the different paths taken by individuals. This section also discusses the concept of the six life-forms (Jeeva-kayas) and the karma associated with harming them. It also touches upon the conditions of human beings and their rebirths.
  • Second Adhyayana (Kriyasthan): Discusses actions and their consequences, categorizing them into righteous and unrighteous conduct, and the importance of understanding these distinctions.
  • Third Adhyayana (Aharaparijna): Analyzes the nature of food and eating, the karma generated by different types of consumption, and the spiritual implications of one's diet. This section delves into the origin and transformation of beings through different life forms and the food they consume.
  • Fourth Adhyayana (Pratyakhyana): Focuses on renunciation and the vows of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of abstaining from harmful actions and the correct understanding of these principles. This section discusses the consequences of various actions and the doctrines of karma, rebirth, and liberation.

3. Key Philosophical and Ethical Themes:

The Sutra-kritanga, as presented in this excerpt, emphasizes:

• The Impermanence of Life: Repeatedly highlights the transient nature of existence and the inevitability of death.
• The Law of Karma: Stresses that all actions (karma) have consequences, and individuals are responsible for their own suffering and liberation.
• Rebirth and the Cycle of Samsara: Explains that beings undergo repeated cycles of birth, death, and suffering due to their attachments and karma.
• The Dangers of Attachment and Desire: Identifies attachment to worldly possessions, sensual pleasures, and even relationships as the root cause of suffering.
• The Importance of Righteous Conduct (Dharma): Advocates for non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession as the path to spiritual purity.
• The Dangers of Wrong Faiths (Mithyadarshana): Critiques various heterodox views and philosophical schools that deviate from the Jain path, such as those who deny the existence of karma, rebirth, or the soul.
• The Path of Renunciation and Asceticism: Portrays the life of an ascetic (bhikshu/muni) as the means to overcome karma and achieve liberation.
• The Nature of Hellish Realms (Narakas): Provides graphic descriptions of the punishments and suffering in the hellish realms, serving as a warning against sinful actions.
• The Importance of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct (Tattva Traya): While not explicitly named as such in every passage, the text consistently points towards these as the foundational elements for spiritual progress.

4. The "Four Types of Men" Analogy (from Adhyayana 1, Sutra 5 onwards):

This analogy is introduced to illustrate different approaches to spiritual practice and understanding. It describes four types of men who encounter a lotus pond with a beautiful lotus:

• The first man is ignorant and fails to reach the lotus.
• The second man is also ignorant and tries to reach it, but fails.
• The third man is similarly ignorant and tries but fails.
• The fourth man is wise, understands the path, and successfully reaches the lotus.

This allegory likely symbolizes how different individuals approach the spiritual path (the lotus) with varying degrees of understanding and effort, leading to different outcomes.

5. Emphasis on Ethical Conduct for Ascetics:

Throughout the text, there is a strong emphasis on the strict ethical conduct required of Jain monks, including:

• Restraint of the senses: Controlling sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
• Mindfulness and awareness: Being vigilant about one's actions, words, and thoughts.
• Non-violence: Avoiding harm to all forms of life.
• Celibacy: Complete abstinence from sexual activity.
• Non-possession: Renouncing all worldly possessions.
• Patience and forbearance: Enduring hardships and afflictions without complaint.

In essence, this excerpt of "Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 02 of 01" serves as a foundational text for understanding the core teachings of Jainism as articulated in the Sutra-kritanga. It combines philosophical discussions on the nature of reality, karma, and liberation with practical guidance on ethical conduct and the path of asceticism, all presented in the form of dialogues, allegories, and detailed descriptions.