Agam Suttani Satikam Part 12 Suryapragnapti Chandrapragnapati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Suttani Satikam Part 12: Suryapragnapti Chandrapragnapati," based on the provided text:

Book Title: Agam Suttani Satikam Part 12 Sub-title: Suryapragnapti, Chandrapragnapati Author(s): Muni Deepratnasagar (Editor & Compiler) Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003316/1

Overview:

This volume, part 12 of the "Agam Suttani Satikam" series compiled and edited by Muni Deepratnasagar, presents two significant Upanga Sutras of Jain Agamas: Suryapragnapti and Chandrapragnapti. The text includes the original sutras along with a commentary (Vritti) by Acharya Malayagiri. The compiler, Muni Deepratnasagar, highlights that while the Suryapragnapti Angasutra has been published with commentary, the Chandrapragnapti Angasutra, despite having a commentary by Acharya Malayagiri, had not been published in that form until his initiative. He notes that the initial four verses of the Chandrapragnapti are common to both texts, and he has translated those as well.

Key Contents of the Volume:

The volume is structured to present the content of both the Suryapragnapti and Chandrapragnapti sutras. The provided pages primarily focus on the index (vishayanukram) of the Suryapragnapti Angasutra, followed by the beginning of the text itself.

Suryapragnapti Angasutra (Part 12, Volume 1):

The index for Suryapragnapti outlines a detailed structure, covering numerous topics related to celestial bodies and their movements within the Jain cosmological framework. Some of the key topics covered include:

• Prakrutam-1 to Prakrutam-22: These sections seem to form the core of the text, dealing with various aspects of solar and lunar phenomena.
• Prakrutam-3 onwards: This section appears to cover detailed cosmological information, including:
  • Descriptions of cities and celestial phenomena: Like the city of Mithila, the Manibhadra Chaitya, and the presence of Lord Mahavir.
  • Detailed descriptions of the Jinas (Buddhas/Tirthankaras): Including their physical attributes, lifespan, and presence in the Samavasarana.
  • Discourses on Prakrutam (Prakrutam-1): This initial section describes the city of Mithila, the Manibhadra Chaitya, King Jitsatru and Queen Dharini, and the arrival of Lord Mahavir in the Samavasarana, followed by his discourse.
  • Discussions on celestial mechanics and time: This includes intricate details about the movement of the sun and moon, their paths, the number of their phases ('prakrutam-1' details the sun's path through various orbits), their influence, and the calculation of time related to them.
  • Specific topics within the Prakrutams: The index lists numerous specific subjects like:
    • The number of orbits (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-1).
    • The structure of celestial bodies (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-2).
    • The extent of light and illumination (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-4).
    • The influence of celestial bodies (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-7).
    • The time and duration of phenomena (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-10).
    • The nature of eclipses and phases (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-12).
    • The measurement of time, including minutes and hours (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-13).
    • The characteristics of the sun and moon (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-14).
    • The cycles of time and year (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-19).
    • The description of the cosmos and its parts (prabhṛt-prabhṛt-21).
  • Discussions on celestial bodies' characteristics: Such as their speed, luminosity, and position.
  • Mathematical and astronomical calculations: Pertaining to distances, measurements, and cycles.

Chandrapragnapti Angasutra (Part 12, Volume 2):

The index for Chandrapragnapti indicates its close relationship with the Suryapragnapti, stating that many of its topics are similar to Suryapragnapti and can be understood similarly. However, it also notes differences in the enumeration of certain sections (prabhṛt prabhṛt-1 up to prabhṛt prabhṛt-20). Specifically, it points out that while Suryapragnapti has 18 core sections (mūlāṅka: 18), Chandrapragnapti has 22 (mūlāṅka: 22), with variations in the numbering of subsections. The content likely mirrors the Suryapragnapti but focuses on the moon.

Commentary by Acharya Malayagiri:

The text explicitly mentions the commentary by Acharya Malayagiri, indicating a scholarly and detailed explanation of the sutras. The Vritti (commentary) begins by explaining the significance of terms like "tena kālena" and "tena samayena," emphasizing the contextual and linguistic nuances of the Prakrit language used in the sutras. It delves into the astronomical and cosmological details with precision.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The Suryapragnapti and Chandrapragnapti sutras are fundamental texts within Jainism that deal with the scientific and astronomical aspects of the Jain universe. They provide detailed explanations of:

• Cosmology: The structure of the universe, including the arrangement of celestial bodies.
• Astronomy: The movements, cycles, characteristics, and measurements of the sun, moon, stars, and planets.
• Time Calculation: The intricate systems of calculating time based on celestial phenomena.
• Influence of Celestial Bodies: The impact of these celestial bodies on the world and living beings.

The commentary by Acharya Malayagiri serves to clarify these complex details, making the text accessible to scholars and practitioners interested in the scientific underpinnings of Jain philosophy. Muni Deepratnasagar's compilation and commentary ensure the preservation and dissemination of this valuable knowledge.

Note on the Provided Text:

The provided pages are primarily the introductory pages, including the title, author, publisher, acknowledgments of financial supporters (which is extensive, showing broad community support for the publication), the table of contents for Suryapragnapti, and the beginning of the Suryapragnapti text with its commentary. The summary above synthesizes the information available from these pages and the common understanding of these sutras within Jain tradition.