Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 07

This Jain text, "Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 07" by Jinendravijay Gani, published by Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, is the seventh volume in a series dedicated to presenting Jain Agamic literature. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/004368/1. The publication is intended for private and personal use only, as indicated by "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY".

Key Points from the Text:

• Dedication: The book is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of Jinendravijay Gani, specifically to Acharya Dev Shri Vijaykapur Surishwar and Acharya Dev Shri Vijayamrutsuri, who are referred to as "Halardeshoddharak" (Savior of Halara region).
• Content: This seventh volume focuses on specific Agam texts:
  • Shri Jambudweep Prajapti Sutra
  • Shri Chandraprajapti Sutra
  • Shri Suryaprajapti Sutra
  • Shri Nirayavalika Sutra (as part of the eight Upanga Sutras)
• Editorial Note (Page 4-6):
  • The editorial note emphasizes the importance of the Jinavani (the teachings of the Jinas) as the foundation and life force of the Jain tradition.
  • It highlights that the current scriptural knowledge consists of 45 main Agam texts, with further knowledge found in 84 Agamas and related commentaries like Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, and Tikas.
  • The text explains that the current Jain practice (Jnana, Darshan, Charitra, Tapa, and Virya Achara) is based on these Agamas.
  • It outlines the five characteristics of Swadhyaya (study): Vachana (reading), Puchhana (questioning), Paravartana (repetition), Anupreksha (contemplation), and Dharmakatha (religious discourse).
  • The editorial emphasizes the sequential purity of knowledge, right perception, right conduct, austerities, and energy, leading to the radiance of the Jain tradition.
  • The work is part of a larger project to edit and publish all 45 principal Agam Sutras, divided into 14 sections. This is the seventh section to be published.
  • The editor expresses gratitude to various individuals and institutions for their contributions, including authors, editors, publishers, and libraries that provided original manuscripts.
  • The printing was managed by Gautam Art Printers, Bavyar, under the supervision of Shri Chhaganlal Jain.
• Corrections (Shuddhipatraka - Page 15-18): The text includes a significant section of "Shuddhipatraka" which lists numerous errors and their corrections, indicating a meticulous editing process. This suggests that the original manuscripts might have variations or that the initial typesetting process encountered many issues.
• Structure of Agamas: The 45 Agam Sutras are categorized into six divisions:
  1. Anga Sutras (11)
  2. Upanga Sutras (12)
  3. Paiññā (Paiyyannā) Sutras (10)
  4. Cheda Sutras (6)
  5. Mula Sutras (4)
  6. Chūlikā Sutras (3)
• Manuscript Sources: The editor mentions using various published versions and manuscripts for compilation, including those published by Shri Dhanpat Singhji Bahadur, Acharya Shri Sagaranand Surishwarji Maharaj, Seth Shri Devchandra Lalbhai, Acharya Shri Shantichandraji Gani, and contributions from Jain Bhandars and institutions.
• Content of this Volume: Specifically, this volume contains:
  • Jambudweep Prajapti Sutra
  • Chandraprajapti Sutra
  • Suryaprajapti Sutra
  • Nirayavalika Sutra (as one of the five Upanga Sutras)
• Underlying Philosophy: The editorial notes highlight the importance of scripture (Agam) for attaining liberation through right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, emphasizing the foundational role of Jinavani.
• Target Audience: The work is intended for scholars, monks, nuns, and lay followers who engage in the study and practice of Jain Agamas.
• Publication Details: The volume was published in Vikram Samvat 2034 (1978 AD) and Gujarat Vir Samvat 1504. The price is mentioned as Rs. 75.00.

In essence, "Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 07" is a scholarly compilation and publication of crucial Jain Agam texts, focusing on cosmology and celestial phenomena as described in the Jambudweep, Chandraprajapti, and Suryaprajapti Sutras, along with the Nirayavalika Sutra. The project aims to make these ancient scriptures accessible and accurate for the Jain community through meticulous editing and printing.