Agam Sutra Satik 24 Chatusharan PainngSutra 01 - Book Summary

This document is a detailed table of contents and descriptive summary of "Agam Sutra Satik 24 Chatusharan PainngSutra 01," the 14th part of the "Agam Sutra Satik" series published by Agam Shrut Prakashan. The work, edited and compiled by Muni Diperatnasagar, presents a commentary (Satik) on various Jain Agamas.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam Sutra Satik 24 Chatusharan PainngSutra 01 Author(s): Muni Diperatnasagar (Editor/Compiler), with commentary attributed to Vijayvimalganivirechita Vritti/Avachurni. Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan Part of a Larger Series: This volume is Volume 14 of the "Agam Sutra Satik" series, covering nineteen Agamas (Agam 19 to 33).

Key Contents and Structure:

The book systematically lays out the contents of Volume 14, which includes five Upanga Sutras and ten Prakirnaka Sutras, along with the "Chatuhsharan Prakirnaka Sutra" being the primary focus of this particular volume.

The following Agamas are covered in detail:

Nirayavalika Upanga Sutra: (Pages 1-3)
- Covers 19 Upanga Sutras in total, with this volume specifically detailing the following:
  - Nirayavalika Upanga Sutra (Table of Contents for it)
  - Kalpavata-sika Upanga Sutra (Table of Contents for it)
  - Pushpika Upanga Sutra (Table of Contents for it)
  - Pushpachulika Upanga Sutra (Table of Contents for it)
  - Vrshni-dasha Upanga Sutra (Table of Contents for it)
Prakirnaka Sutras (Ten in total): (Pages 4-5)
- Chatuhsharan Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 5-27, specifically detailed from Page 8 onwards)
  - This is the main focus of this volume.
  - The commentary begins with invocations and mangala (auspicious verses).
  - It elaborates on the concept of "Chatuhsharana" – taking refuge in the fourfold path of Jainism: Arhant (Tirthankaras), Siddha (Liberated Souls), Sadhu (Monks), and Dharma (the Jain teachings).
  - Each of the four refuges is discussed in detail, outlining the qualities and significance of each.
  - The text explains how to approach these refuges with devotion, reverence, and proper understanding.
  - It emphasizes the importance of taking refuge for spiritual progress and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  - The commentary extensively explains the meanings and implications of various verses related to these refuges, including praises of the Arhats, Siddhas, and Sadhus, and the virtues of Dharma.
  - It also discusses the fruits of taking refuge and the consequences of neglecting this practice.
  - The section on Chatuhsharana is presented in a methodical way, dedicating multiple verses and detailed explanations to each refuge.
- Aturpratyakhyana Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 9-10)
  - Details the process and significance of renunciation for the sick or those facing death.
  - Covers primary pronouncements, atonement, and acts of penance.
  - Discusses a voluntary death (samadhi maran) and acts of worship.
- Mahapratyakhyana Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 10-11)
  - Focuses on major renunciations and vows.
  - Covers auspicious beginnings, forgiveness, and repentance.
  - Discusses criticism and condemnation of sins.
- Bhaktaparigyna Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 11-12)
  - Deals with the "vow of devotion" and understanding one's sustenance.
  - Covers introspection and confession, as well as attachment and penance.
  - Discusses the nature of eternal vs. temporary happiness and types of death.
- Tandulavaicharik Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 12-13)
  - Discusses the "Tandula" or grain-related philosophy and principles.
  - Covers auspicious beginnings, the description of the body, and dietary principles.
  - Emphasizes impermanence and impurity, with concluding advice.
- Samstarak Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 13-14)
  - Focuses on the "Samstara," a type of ascetic practice or self-mortification.
  - Covers auspicious beginnings, the qualities of Samstara, and its benefits.
  - Explains the nature of Samstara, renunciation of delusion, and atonement.
  - Includes various religious teachings and conclusions.
- Gachchachara Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 14-15)
  - Deals with the conduct and principles of Jain monastic orders (Gachchhas).
  - Covers auspicious beginnings, the qualities of those living in a Gachchha.
  - Describes the qualities of Acharyas (preceptors) and Gurus.
  - Includes the conduct of nuns and a conclusion.
- Ganividya Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 15-16)
  - Covers the knowledge related to auspicious times, astrological signs, and omens.
  - Details the six doors: day, tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (star), karana (astronomical division), graha (planet), and muhurta (an auspicious time).
  - Explains the seventh door: omens, and the eighth door: auspicious timings (lagna).
  - Concludes with the ninth door: omen power and a final summary.
- Devendrastava Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 16-17)
  - Focuses on hymns and prayers dedicated to celestial beings, particularly Indra.
  - Covers auspicious beginnings and the questioning of Indra.
  - Details various celestial abodes (Vaimanika, Bhavanapati, Vyanantara, Jyotishka).
  - Discusses the abode of the Siddhas and the powers of Jinans.
  - Concludes with the praise of Jinans and a summary.
- Maranasamadhi Prakirnaka Sutra: (Pages 17-20)
  - This is a significant section focusing on meditation and peaceful death.
  - Covers the methods of death, the beginning of meditation.
  - Discusses the characteristics of death, the qualities of an Acharya.
  - Details the description of atonement and the types of penance.
  - Explains the qualities of knowledge and the purification of the soul.
  - Includes the practice of Samlekhana (a specific type of voluntary fasting before death), and atonement for Aturpratyakhyana.
  - Discusses the protection of the five great vows and the importance of contemplation on meditation.
  - Covers various examples and the explanation of different types of death.
  - Concludes with meditation on Aradhana and the twelve Bhavanas (meditations), and the concept of Pandit Maran (wise death).

Commentary and Compilation:

The work is presented as "Satik" (with commentary).
The primary commentary is attributed to Vijayvimalgani (Vritti/Avachurni).
Muni Diperatnasagar is credited as the Shodhak (Corrector) and Sampadak (Editor).
The text includes invocations and salutations to respected Jain figures, including the first Ganadhara, Sudharma Swami, and various historical Acharyas and Munis.

Key Themes and Philosophical Aspects:

Fourfold Refuge (Chatuhsharana): The central theme, emphasizing reliance on the Arhats, Siddhas, Sadhus, and Dharma for spiritual upliftment and liberation.
Acharas (Conduct): The text delves into the purification of various conduct (Acharas) such as Jnanachara (conduct of knowledge), Darshanachara (conduct of faith), and Charitrachara (conduct of right action).
Importance of Penance and Austerity: Various forms of penance and austerity are discussed as means to purify the soul and attain liberation.
Meditation and Peaceful Death: The Maranasamadhi Prakirnaka Sutra highlights the importance of preparing for death with equanimity and devotion.
Moral and Ethical Principles: The Agamas cover principles of right conduct, renunciation of sin, and the cultivation of virtues.
Commentarial Tradition: The extensive commentary provides deep insights into the original texts, making them accessible and understandable to the readers.

Publication Details:

Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan
Contact: "Agam Aradhana Kendra," Ahmedabad.
Price: Rs. 110.00 (as indicated on page 2).
Date: The compilation date mentioned is April 14, 2000.

Overall Purpose:

This volume aims to provide a scholarly and insightful presentation of crucial Jain scriptures, making the wisdom of these ancient texts available to a wider audience through meticulous editing and comprehensive commentary. It serves as a guide for understanding the core tenets of Jainism, particularly the path to spiritual liberation through the four refuges and various ascetic practices.