Agna Stotra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agna Stotra" by Kalyankirtivijay, based on the provided catalog link and text:

Book Title: Agna Stotra (आज्ञा- स्तोत्र) Author: Acharya Shri Jinaprabhasuri (आचार्य श्रीजिनप्रभसूरि) Compiler/Editor: Muni Kalyankirtivijay (मुनि कल्याणकीर्तिविजय) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (अनुसंधान)

Core Theme:

The "Agna Stotra" is a devotional hymn written in Prakrit by the revered Acharya Shri Jinaprabhasuri. Its central theme is the praise and glorification of the divine commandments (Agna) of the Jineshvara Bhagwants (Tirthankaras). The text explores the profound benefits of adhering to these commandments and the severe consequences of violating them.

Key Points and Content:

Praise of the Jineshvara's Agna: The primary purpose of the stotra is to extol the divine commands of the Jineshvara Bhagwants. It highlights that these commands are the true guiding principles for spiritual advancement.
Benefits of Adherence: The stotra emphasizes the positive outcomes for those who diligently follow the Jineshvara's Agna. It suggests that adherence leads to auspiciousness and well-being.
Consequences of Violation: Conversely, the text clearly outlines the detrimental effects and losses incurred by those who disregard or violate the divine commandments.
The Power of a Single Agna: Verse 2 powerfully illustrates that a single Agna from the Lord is equivalent to both poison and nectar. Its impact, whether positive or negative, is determined by whether it is followed or not. This suggests the immense potency and significance of the Lord's word.
The Cycle of Birth and Death: The stotra points out that beings who have violated the Lord's Agna have been endlessly wandering in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Furthermore, those who have not accepted the Agna will continue to experience this cycle.
Dual Nature of Authority: Verse 4 presents a thought-provoking duality: one who doesn't follow the Lord's Agna is considered an authority (or dictates) for the three worlds, implying a self-willed path that ultimately leads to suffering. Conversely, one who does follow the Jinas' Agna holds true authority and is revered in all three worlds.
The True Measure of a Relationship: Verse 5 states that a son, grandson, or even an unequalled, wise companion is truly valuable (or well-known) only if they understand and follow the Jinas' Agna correctly. This highlights that genuine connection and value lie in aligning with the divine will.
Heaven and Hell Transformed by Agna: The stotra declares that for those who have internalized the Lord's Agna, even the hellish realms (Narakgati) become like heaven. Conversely, for those who are free from the Lord's Agna, even heaven (Swarga) is worse than hell. This signifies the transformative power of righteous conduct based on divine commandments.
Wealth vs. Inner Peace: Verse 7 asserts that those who have deviated from the Lord's Agna do not find happiness even with the wealth of all three worlds. On the other hand, even a destitute person who adheres to the Agna experiences no suffering. This underscores that true contentment and freedom from suffering come from adherence to the Agna, not material possessions.
Confession and Seeking Grace: The latter part of the stotra (verses 8-10) expresses a sincere confession from the compiler/author (Muni Kalyankirtivijay) for any past violations due to negligence or the wandering of the soul in the cycle of births. They seek forgiveness (Michchhadukkada) and express their earnest desire to understand the Agna through the empirical and ultimately the absolute truth. They humbly request the Lord's grace for peace and solace.
Concluding Invocation: The concluding verses express a prayer for the completion of the work without obstacles through the Lord's grace, recognizing Acharya Jinaprabhasuri as the foremost spiritual guide.
Manuscript Details: The colophon at the end of the text indicates that this particular manuscript was written on Friday, the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha in the year 1717 of the Vikram Samvat (V.S. 1717). This provides important historical and bibliographical information about the text.

In essence, the "Agna Stotra" serves as a profound reminder of the critical importance of living in accordance with the divine teachings of the Tirthankaras. It presents a clear dichotomy between the path of adherence, leading to ultimate bliss and liberation, and the path of violation, resulting in perpetual suffering and entanglement in the cycle of existence.