Angabahya Agam Jain History Series 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text provided, focusing on its historical and literary aspects as presented in "Angabahya Agam Jain History Series 2" by Jagdishchandra Jain and Mohanlal Mehta.

The text, "Jain Sahityano Bruhad Itihas: Bhag-2: Angabahya Agamo" (A Comprehensive History of Jain Literature: Part 2: External Agamas), published by Shri 108 Jain Tirth Darshan Bhavan Trust, is a detailed exploration of the Jain Agama literature that falls outside the Anga or primary canonical texts. The work aims to provide a comprehensive history and understanding of this significant body of Jain scripture.

Key Aspects and Content Covered:

• Purpose and Scope: The book serves as a vital resource for understanding the vast and complex world of Jain Agamas, specifically focusing on the Angabahya (external or supplementary Agamas). It delves into the history, content, authors, and significance of these texts.

• Structure of Angabahya: The summary within the text outlines the categorization of Angabahya Agamas into five main sections:

  • Upanga (Sub-limbs): These are considered secondary texts within the Agamas. The text mentions the traditional twelve Upangas, though it notes that explicit mention of twelve Upangas is not found in the earliest Agama texts, with some scholars suggesting this categorization might be later.
  • Mul-sutra (Root Sutras): These are foundational texts, generally considered to be older. The text identifies four main Mul-sutras: Uttaradhyayana, Avasyaka, Dashavaikalika, and Pindaniryukti (or Oghaniryukti). It provides information about their potential authors and approximate time periods.
  • Chhed-sutra (Division/Separation Sutras): These texts deal with the rules for monastic conduct and the consequences of transgressions, often including disciplinary actions. The text lists six Chhed-sutras: Dashashrutaskandha, Brihatkalpa, Vyavahara, Nishitha, Mahanishitha, and Jithakalpa (or Panchakalpa). It discusses their authorship and historical context.
  • Chulika-sutra (Appendage Sutras): These are supplementary texts that often elaborate on or provide additional information related to the main Agamas. Nandisutra and Anuyogadvara are mentioned as examples.
  • Prakirnaka (Miscellaneous): These are texts that cover various topics not fitting into the other categories. Ten Prakirnaka texts are considered important, including Chatursharan, Chatursharan, Atura Pratyanakhayana, Mahapratyanakhayana, Bhakta Parignna, Tandulavaicharika, Samstaraka, Gachchachara, Ganividya, Devendra Stava, and Maranasamadhi.

• Detailed Content of Specific Texts: The provided text offers summaries and detailed descriptions of several key Angabahya texts, including:

  • Oupapatika (Oupapātikā): Described as the first Upanga, it details the origins and states of existence of beings. The summary highlights its description of the city of Champa, religious practices, and the arrival of Lord Mahavir.
  • Rajprashniya (Rājapraśnīya): This text is presented as the second Upanga, focusing on a dialogue between King Pradeshi and the Jain monk Keshi Kumara regarding the nature of the soul and body. It explores philosophical arguments and the king's eventual enlightenment.
  • Jivajivabhigama (Jīvājīvābhigama): The third Upanga, it elaborates on the classifications and characteristics of living beings (jiva) and non-living entities (ajiva). The summary details its intricate classifications of beings, celestial beings, and cosmological elements.
  • Prajnāpanā (Prajñāpanā): The fourth Upanga, it delves into complex philosophical concepts like dharma, karma, senses, and consciousness, presented through dialogues.
  • Suryaprajnapti (Sūryaprajñapti) and Chandraprajnapti (Candraprajñapti): These are discussed together as texts dealing with Jain cosmology and astronomical calculations related to the sun and moon. The text details their structure, the concept of multiple suns and moons in Jain cosmology, and the intricate calculations involved.
  • Nirayāvalikā (Nirayāvalikā): Presented as the fifth Upanga, it focuses on the consequences of actions, particularly detailing the experiences of beings in hellish realms and the lives of righteous individuals. The summaries of various chapters describe the lives and karmic journeys of various figures, including King Shrenik and Kounika.
  • Brihatkalpa: This Chhed-sutra is crucial for understanding monastic discipline, outlining rules, exceptions, offenses, and their corresponding penances. The text provides details on the regulations for monks and nuns, highlighting the importance of adhering to the code of conduct.
  • Vyavahara: Considered complementary to Brihatkalpa, this Chhed-sutra also deals with monastic conduct, outlining rules for monastic communities, conduct towards superiors and inferiors, and rules for interactions.
  • Nishitha: A significant Chhed-sutra, it is known for its detailed discussion of penances for various offenses committed by monks and nuns. The text outlines the different types of penances, such as Gurumasa, Laghu-masa, Gurucharaturmasa, and Laghu-charaturmasa, and the specific offenses that warrant them.
  • Mahanishitha: Discussed as a supplementary text to Nishitha, it further elaborates on various aspects of monastic discipline.
  • Jitakalpa: Attributed to Acharya Jinabhadragani Kshamashramana, this text deals with penances based on the "Jita-Vyavahara" (victorious conduct) and is essential for understanding the restorative and disciplinary aspects of Jain monasticism.
  • Dashashrutaskandha: This text is highlighted as the first Mul-sutra and is noted for its antiquity and the similarity of its content and language to early Buddhist scriptures. It describes various aspects of the monastic life, ethical principles, and narratives.
  • Avasyaka: Considered the second Mul-sutra, it details the essential daily duties and rituals of Jain monks, including Samayika, Chaturvimshati Stava, Vandana, Pratikramana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyana.
  • Dashavaikalika: Identified as the third Mul-sutra and possibly authored by Shyyambhavacharya, it is known for its linguistic and thematic antiquity, often compared to early Buddhist sutras. It covers essential teachings for monks.
  • Pindaniryukti/Oghaniryukti: Considered the fourth Mul-sutra, it focuses on the rules and ethics surrounding alms-seeking (bhiksha) and the proper consumption of food, detailing various "doshas" (faults) associated with obtaining and consuming food.
  • Nandi: This text, along with Anuyogadvara, is classified as a Chulika-sutra. It extensively discusses the nature and types of knowledge (jnana) in Jainism, including the five types of knowledge (mati, shruta, avadhi, manahparyaya, and kevala).
  • Anuyogadvara: Also a Chulika-sutra, it serves as a commentary and glossary for understanding Jain Agama literature, defining various technical terms and concepts through the unique "nikshepa" method.
  • Prakirnaka: The text introduces the concept of Prakirnaka texts, noting the variability in their number but highlighting ten important ones like Chatursharan, Atura Pratyanakhayana, Bhaktaparignna, etc. It provides brief descriptions of Chatursharan, Atura Pratyanakhayana, Mahapratyanakhayana, Bhaktaparignna, Tandulavaicharika, Samstaraka, Gachchachara, Ganividya, Devendra Stava, and Maranasamadhi.

• Authorship and Historical Context: The book attributes the authorship of various texts to prominent Jain Acharyas like Bhadrabahu, Jinadasagani, Haribhadra Suri, Malayagiri, and others, placing them within the historical development of Jain literature.

• Emphasis on Monastic Conduct: A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the strict rules and ethical conduct (achara) prescribed for Jain monks and nuns, covering aspects like diet, interaction with the opposite sex, travel, and dealing with difficult situations.

• Literary and Linguistic Value: The text implicitly highlights the literary and linguistic richness of the Angabahya literature, noting its antiquity and the philosophical depth of its content. The comparison of some texts with early Buddhist scriptures underscores their historical significance.

• Publisher and Patronage: The publication by Shri 108 Jain Tirth Darshan Bhavan Trust, with support from various Jain Sangh associations and individuals, demonstrates a commitment to preserving and propagating Jain knowledge. The acknowledgment of patrons like Shri Vilapra Swetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh & Charities further emphasizes the community's role in disseminating this literature.

In essence, this book is a scholarly endeavor to systematically present the history and content of the Angabahya Agamas, providing a roadmap for those seeking to understand this crucial segment of Jain canonical literature. It details the vast knowledge contained within these texts, covering cosmology, philosophy, ethics, monastic discipline, and the historical evolution of Jain traditions.