Angpanntti

This comprehensive summary outlines the content and context of "Angapannatti" (अंगपण्णत्ति), authored by Acharya Shubhachandra and translated/edited by Ganini Aryika Suparshvamati Mataji, published by Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad.

Book Title: Angapannatti (अंगपण्णत्ति) - Also known as Anga Prapnapti or Anga Pragnapti.

Author: Acharya Shubhachandra (आचार्य शुभचन्द्र)

Translator/Editor: Ganini Aryika Suparshvamati Mataji (गणिनी आर्यिका सुपार्श्वमती माताजी)

Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad (भारतवर्षीय अनेकान्त विद्वत् परिषद्)

Context of Publication: The book is dedicated to the "Hirak Jayanti" (Diamond Jubilee) publication series of Pujya Acharya Shri Vimalasagarji Maharaj. The publication is a part of a larger initiative by the Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad to publish 75 scriptures during this auspicious occasion. This initiative also includes organizing 75 religious education camps and establishing 75 schools. The publication aims to propagate true knowledge, combat misinformation, and preserve Jain scriptures for future generations.

Core Content of Angapannatti: "Angapannatti" is a significant Jain text that deals with the structure, content, and classification of the twelve Angas, fourteen Purvas, and fourteen Prakirnakas of the Jain Agamas. It essentially serves as a guide to the scriptural canon.

Summary of Key Sections:

1. Introduction and Dedication: The book begins with a dedication to Acharya Shri Vimalasagarji Maharaj, acknowledging his spiritual guidance and contributions. It also includes blessings from Upadhyaya Bharat Sagarji Maharaj and Aryika Syadvadmati Mataji, who express the importance of disseminating Jain literature to counter the spread of erroneous philosophies and to protect the Jain tradition. They highlight the need for accurate, accessible scriptures to promote true knowledge.

2. The Author and Translator:

   • Acharya Shubhachandra: The text is attributed to Acharya Shubhachandra. The introduction discusses the possible identities of this Acharya, mentioning at least two prominent figures named Shubhachandra in Jain history: the author of "Jnanaarnav" (likely from the 9th century) and a later Acharya from the 16th century known for his poetic abilities. The text itself provides a lineage of Acharya Shubhachandra, tracing back to Acharya Sakalkirti, indicating a specific philosophical lineage for this work.
   • Aryika Suparshvamati Mataji: The Hindi translation and editing are done by Aryika Suparshvamati Mataji, who is praised for her profound scholarship, dedication to Jain scriptures, and her ability to present complex philosophical concepts in a simple and accessible manner. Her life and contributions are briefly outlined, highlighting her prolific literary work and her commitment to spiritual practice.

3. Purpose and Significance:

   • Propagation of True Knowledge: The primary goal of publishing this work is to make the profound knowledge contained within the Jain Agamas accessible to a wider audience.
   • Countering Misinformation: The text aims to provide authentic scriptural understanding to counter the spread of false doctrines and misinterpretations that may arise in the present age.
   • Preservation of Tradition: It serves to preserve the original teachings of the Tirthankaras and the subsequent Acharyas, ensuring the continuity of the Jain tradition.
   • Spiritual Upliftment: The ultimate aim is to guide individuals towards spiritual liberation (Moksha) by providing them with the correct path and knowledge.

4. Detailed Outline of the Twelve Angas (as presented in the text):

   • The text systematically elaborates on the content and structure of each of the twelve Angas of the Jain Agamas. For each Anga, it details:

     • Its Meaning and Purpose: Explaining the core subject matter and its significance.
     • Number of Gathas (verses): Providing quantitative data on the size of each Anga.
     • Key Concepts and Topics: Summarizing the main philosophical, ethical, and cosmological teachings within each Anga.
     • Examples and Illustrations: Using verses and explanations to clarify the complex ideas.

   • The Twelve Angas covered are:

     1. Acharaanga: Deals with conduct, ascetic practices, and the code of ethics for monks (28 मूलगुण - primary virtues).
     2. Sutra Kṛutanga: Focuses on the essence of scriptures, refuting false doctrines, and outlining right conduct (36,000 verses).
     3. Sthanaanga: Discusses the various states, categories, and classifications of beings and entities, providing a detailed enumeration (42,000 verses).
     4. Samavaayaanga: Explains the order, arrangement, and interrelationship of various phenomena and categories, emphasizing the principle of "Samavaya" (confluence or association) (164,000 verses).
     5. Vyakhyāprajñapti (Vyakhyāprajñapti): Elucidates the meaning and interpretation of scriptural texts, often presented as dialogues and explanations of philosophical concepts (228,000 verses).
     6. Jñaata Dhaarmakathaanga: Narrates the lives and teachings of great souls, Tirthankaras, and other significant figures, illustrating spiritual principles through stories (556,000 verses).
     7. Upāsakādhyayanaanga: Focuses on the duties and conduct of lay followers (Shravakas), detailing the eleven stages of their spiritual progress (1,170,000 verses).
     8. Antakṛutdaśāanga: Recounts the lives and spiritual achievements of those who attained liberation in a single lifetime (Antakṛut Kevalins) (2,328,000 verses).
     9. Anuttaropapādikadāśāanga: Describes the beings who attain rebirth in the highest heavens (Anuttara Vimanas) and their enlightened existence (9,244,000 verses).
     10. Praśna Vyākaraṇa: Deals with questions and answers related to destiny, auspicious and inauspicious signs, astrology, and the resolution of doubts through scriptural reasoning (9,316,000 verses).
     11. Vipāka Śrutaanga: Explains the fruition of karma, the results of actions, and the causes and effects of both auspicious and inauspicious deeds (18,400,000 verses).
     12. Dṛṣṭivādaanga: This is the most complex Anga, encompassing various philosophical viewpoints, refutations of heterodox philosophies, and discussions on different paths and doctrines. It is further divided into five parts: Parikarma, Sutra, Pratimaanuyoga, Chulika, and Purva. The text provides a detailed overview of these sub-divisions, including the various schools of thought being debated and refuted.

5. The Fourteen Purvas (as detailed in the text): The text then systematically outlines the fourteen Purvas, which are considered the earliest and most profound parts of the Jain canon. For each Purva, it provides:

   • Its Title and Core Subject: Identifying the specific area of knowledge it covers.

   • Number of Verses: Indicating the extent of the text.

   • Key Philosophical Concepts: Summarizing the advanced doctrines and principles discussed.

   • The Fourteen Purvas detailed are:

     • Utpāda Pūrva: On origination, destruction, and permanence, with extensive discussion on permutations and combinations of existence (10,000,000 verses).
     • Agrāyaṇīya Pūrva: On the principles of right conduct, virtuous practices, and essential truths, covering various classifications of substances, qualities, and actions (9,600,000 verses).
     • Vīryānvāda Pūrva: On the power, energy, and capabilities of beings and substances, including various forms of strength and their manifestations (7,000,000 verses).
     • Astitva-Nāstitva Pūrva: Discusses the principles of existence and non-existence, the nature of reality from various perspectives, and the theory of Syadvada (7-fold predication) (6,000,000 verses).
     • Jñana Pravāda Pūrva: Focuses on the nature and types of knowledge, particularly the five types of Jñana (mind-based, scriptural, clairvoyant, telepathic, and absolute knowledge) and their characteristics (9,999,999 verses).
     • Satya Pravāda Pūrva: Deals with truthfulness, speech, communication, and the art of persuasion, including the classification of different types of speech and their impact (10,000,006 verses).
     • Ātma Pravāda Pūrva: Explores the nature of the soul, its attributes, its journey, and its ultimate liberation, including various interpretations of the soul's existence and functions (26,000,000 verses).
     • Karma Pravāda Pūrva: A detailed account of karma, its bondage, fruition, and cessation, including the classification of karmas, their duration, intensity, and subtypes (18,000,000 verses).
     • Pratyākhyāna Pūrva: Focuses on renunciation, vows, fasting, and the ethical practices for lay followers and ascetics, detailing various methods of abstention and purification (8,400,000 verses).
     • Vidyanvāda Pūrva: Discusses the knowledge of sciences, arts, astrology, omens, and auspicious/inauspicious signs, covering various magical and occult practices (11,000,000 verses).
     • Kalyāṇavāda Pūrva: Elaborates on the life events of the Tirthankaras (Kalyanakas), their auspicious qualities, virtues, the practice of sixteen special vows (Shodashkaran), and the cosmic phenomena associated with their lives (26,000,000 verses).
     • Prāṇāyāma Pūrva: Focuses on the science of life force, breath control, Ayurveda, and the vital energies within the body and cosmos (13,000,000 verses).
     • Kriyāviśāla Pūrva: Details various actions, rituals, arts, crafts, and social practices, outlining their procedures and significance (90,000,000 verses).
     • Triloka Bindusara: Describes the structure of the universe, the distribution of beings in different realms, the cosmology, and the principles of mathematics and astronomy as understood in Jainism (125,000,000 verses).

6. The Fourteen Prakirnakas (Anga Bahya): The text also briefly mentions and classifies the fourteen Prakirnakas, which are considered external Angas (Anga Bahya) and are also important for understanding Jain scriptural knowledge. These include texts like Samayika, Chaturvinśati Stavana, Vandanā, Pratikramaṇa, Vaiyāvṛttya, Kṛutikarman, Daśavaikālika, Uttarādhyayana, Kalpa Vyavahāra, Kalpyākalpya, Mahākalpya, Puṇḍarīka, Mahāpuṇḍarīka, and Niṣedhikā. The text provides a brief explanation of Samayika, Vandanā, Pratikramaṇa, Vaiyāvṛttya, Kṛutikarman, Daśavaikālika, Kalpa Vyavahāra, Kalpyākalpya, Mahākalpya, Puṇḍarīka, and Niṣedhikā, highlighting their core teachings.

7. Emphasis on Syadvada and Anyaāntavāda: Throughout the text, there's an underlying emphasis on the Jain philosophical principles of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication) and Anyaāntavāda (non-absolutism), which are crucial for understanding the multi-faceted nature of reality as presented in the Agamas.

Overall Tone and Impact: "Angapannatti" is presented as a profound and foundational text within Jainism. The translation and editing by Aryika Suparshvamati Mataji are highly regarded for their clarity and accuracy. The publication reflects a significant effort to preserve and propagate the rich scriptural heritage of Jainism, making complex philosophical and scriptural knowledge accessible to a wider audience. The book is considered an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Jain Agama literature.