Agnatkartuk Arhatpravachan Sutra Savivaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Agnatkartuk Arhatpravachan Sutra Savivaran" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Agnatkartuk Arhatpravachan Sutra Savivaran (Unattributed Arhat Pravachan Sutra with Commentary) Author: Shilchandrasuri (Editor/Compiler) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Source: A single palm-leaf manuscript preserved in the Shri Shantinath Prachin Tadpatri Jain Bhandara in Cambay (Khambat).

Overall Nature of the Work:

This text is identified as an "Arhatpravachan-Panchadhyayaatmaka" (Arhat Pravachan in Five Chapters) attributed to an unknown author. The manuscript is a collection of various works, with this particular text being the tenth item. It spans 16 folios (pages 122-138) and is incomplete. The author and date of writing are unknown, though it is estimated to have been written in the first half of the 13th century Vikram era. The text itself is described as simple yet profound, written in a sweet and concise, sutra-like style. It aims to explain the principles of Jain philosophy using clear language.

The core of the text consists of five "adhyayas" (chapters), each discussing a specific set of subjects. Crucially, each chapter is accompanied by its own commentary ("vivaran"), which is likely authored by the original sutra-creator.

Key Distinguishing Features and Points of Interest:

The "Agnatkartuk Arhatpravachan Sutra" presents several points that deviate from or offer unique perspectives compared to the generally accepted Jain traditions. These are highlighted by the editor as particularly noteworthy:

Six Anuvaratas (Minor Vows): The text lists the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) and then includes the renunciation of eating at night as a sixth Anuvarata. In the prevalent tradition, this is usually counted as the seventh vow.
Order of Gupta and Samiti: While the standard order is Samiti before Gupta, this text presents Gupti first, followed by Samiti (1/6-7).
"Picchaka" for Rajooharan: The term "Picchaka" is used for the broom used by ascetics (1/7), which is typically associated with the "morpiccha" (peacock feather broom) in the Digambara tradition.
"Dharmabhumi" for Hell Realms: The ten types of Yati-dharma (ascetic dharma) are referred to as "Dharmam" (1/8), and the seven hellish realms (like Ratnaprabha) are described as "Dharmabhumi" (3/9).
Twelve Types of Penance: The text lists twelve types of penance, which differ from the commonly known ten types and do not fully encompass them (2/15).
Nine Tattvas and Seven Tattvas: The text distinguishes between the nine substances (Jiva, Ajiva, etc.) and the seven tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha), presenting them as separate enumerations (2/1 and 2/2). This is a unique way of categorizing.
Four Types of Meditation: The explanations for the four types of meditation are presented differently from the standard tradition, with accompanying verses noted as worthy of attention (2/19).
Classification of Heavenly Beings:
- The text presents 16 types/names for Kalpasthitika and Vaimanika beings, differing from the accepted numbers (4/5).
- It mentions 10 types of Kalpatita deities (Ahamindras), comprising the nine Graiveyakas and the Anuttaras, with the five Anuttaras being listed separately (4/6).
- Nine "Anudisha" types of deities are mentioned (4/5), for which there is no reference in the Tattvarthasutra. The editor speculates if these might be the Lokantika deities.
Unique Classifications: Several classifications are considered unique and noteworthy:
- Two types of Seel (Conduct) (4/14).
- Two types of Nirjara (Shedding of Karmas) (5/6).
- Two types of Samyama (Restraint) (1/8).
- "Desh" and "Sarva" (partial and total) types of Moksha (Liberation) (5/11).
- Three types of Siddhas (Liberated Souls) (5/15).
- Twelve Siddhayanugadvaras (Aspects of Siddha State) (5/16).
Five Types of Nirgranthas: The text describes the five types of Nirgranthas (ascetics) as completely different from the accepted traditional classifications. The mention of "Prathamānuyoga" within the description of these five types of Nirgranthas is also noted as significant (5/14).
Names of Ignorances and Purvas:
- The third type of ignorance, commonly known as "Vibhangajnana," is referred to as "Vibhangajnana" here as well (2/10).
- Among the fourteen Purvas (ancient texts), the eleventh Purva, known as "Avandhya" in texts like Nandisutra, is identified here as "Kalyana" (2/13).
Notable Names: Several names mentioned in the text are considered noteworthy, including Triprishtha, Dwiprishtha, Aru (Tirthankara), Ravana, Padhal, Jarashindhu, Prāgāmya (Prākāmya), etc.

Overall Assessment:

The editor concludes that the work contains many elements that are distinct from the prevalent traditions. This might explain its limited propagation. The editor suggests that if the work belongs to the Digambara tradition, its texts and doctrines need to be examined in that context. However, it's noted that even the Tattvarthasutra, accepted by the Digambara tradition, has some differing points from this text.

Despite its unique nature, the text is praised for its uniqueness, linguistic excellence, and exceptional presentation. The editor even speculates if the work might be by Ā. Rāmacandra, a disciple of Hemacarya, based on its language, ideas, and originality, though this remains an unanswered question.

The editor welcomes further insights from knowledgeable individuals on this work.

Content Breakdown by Chapter (as listed in the text):

Chapter 1 (Adhyaya 1): Lists the Six Life-Elements (Jeevanikayas), Five Great Vows (Mahavratas), Five Minor Vows (Anuvratas), Three Virtue Vows (Gunavratas), Four Training Vows (Shikshavratas), Three Guards (Guptis), Five Conducts (Samitis), Ten Adherents to Dharma (Dharmānubhāvanā), Twelve Meditations (Anuprekshas), and Twenty-two Self-restraints (Parishahas).
Chapter 2 (Adhyaya 2): Covers Nine Substances (Padarthas), Seven Tattvas (Principles), Fourfold Placement (Nyasa), Seven Nayas (Standpoints), Four Means of Knowledge (Pramanas), Six Substances (Dravyas), Five Existences (Astitakayas), Twofold Quality (Guna), Five Kinds of Knowledge (Jnanas), Three Ignorances (Ajnanas), Four Kinds of Vision (Darshanas), Twelve Limbs (Angas), Fourteen Purvas, Twofold Austerity (Tapas), Twelve Penances (Prayashchittas), Fourfold Reverence (Vinaya), Ten Acts of Service (Vaiya Vrittyas), Fivefold Self-Study (Swadhyay), Four Meditations (Dhyanas), and Twofold Renunciation (Vyutsarga).
Chapter 3 (Adhyaya 3): Discusses Threefold Time (Kala), Sixfold Time-Cycle (Kalasamaya), Threefold World (Loka), Three and a Half Continents and Oceans, Fifteen Land Regions (Kshetras), Thirty-four Mountain Ranges (Varshadharaparvatas), Fifteen Karmabhumis, Thirty Enjoyment Regions (Bhūmis), Seven Dharma-Realms (Dharmabhūmis), Seven Great Hell Realms (Mahanarakas), Fourteen Kulakaras, Twenty-four Tirthankaras, Nine Baladevas, Nine Vasudevas, Nine Prototypes of Vasudevas (Prativāsudevas), Eleven Rudras, Twelve Chakravartis, Nine Treasures (Nidhis), Fourteen Jewels (Ratnas), and Twofold Matter (Pudgala).
Chapter 4 (Adhyaya 4): Deals with Four Classes of Deities (Deva Chatura Nikaya), Ten Types of Dwelling-Deities (Bhavanavāsina), Eight Types of Intermediate-Deities (Vyantara), Five Types of Luminary-Deities (Jyotishka), Twofold Celestial-Deities (Vaimanika), Kalpasthitika and Ahamindras, Five Uttaras, Five Kinds of Life-Migrations (Jeeva Gatayas), Six Kinds of Matter-Migrations (Pudgala Gatayas), Eightfold Nature of the Soul (Atma Sadbhava), Fivefold Bodies (Sharira), Eightfold Supernatural Powers (Riddhi), Five Sensory Organs (Indriyas), Six Dispositions (Leshya), and Twofold Conduct (Sheel).
Chapter 5 (Adhyaya 5): Covers Threefold Yoga, Four Passions (Kashayas), Three Faults (Doshas), Five Influxes (Ashravas), Threefold Cessation (Samvara), Twofold Shedding of Karmas (Nirjara), Five Attainments (Labdhas), Fourfold Bondage (Bandha), Five Causes of Bondage (Bandha Hetava), Eight Karmas, Twofold Liberation (Moksha), Four Causes of Liberation (Moksha Hetava), Threefold Path to Liberation (Moksha Marga), Five Types of Nirgranthas, Threefold Siddhas, Twelve Aspects of the Siddha State (Siddhayanugadvarani), Eight Qualities of Siddhas (Siddha Guna), and Twofold Siddhas.

This summary aims to capture the essence and key highlights of the provided text, focusing on its unique aspects and the editor's commentary.