Angpavittha Suttani - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Angapavittha Suttani" based on the provided pages, focusing on the key themes and information presented:

Book Title: Angapavittha Suttani Author(s): Ratanlal Doshi, Parasmal Chandaliya Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004390/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

The provided text is the beginning of a Jain religious scripture, "Angapavittha Suttani," specifically focusing on the "Acharanga Sutra." This volume is presented as a significant undertaking by the Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh, aiming to make these foundational Jain texts accessible for private and personal study. The text includes an introduction, a section detailing rules for study (Aswadhyay), and then delves into the scriptural content, starting with the first chapter, "Acharanga Sutra," and its various sections (Uddesha).

Key Themes and Information:

Introduction and Publisher's Note (Pages 4-5):
- The book expresses joy in presenting "Angapavith Suttani" to devout and studious readers.
- It acknowledges the publication of the first, second, and third parts of the first department, with the current volume being a combined edition of 1000 copies.
- The publishers highlight the challenges faced during publication, including time estimation difficulties, acquisition of materials, and the impact of electricity disruptions on press machinery, which led to delays.
- The work aims to complete the "Anga Vibhag" of 11 Sutras of Jinagamas.
- The editor, Ratanlal Doshi, expresses humility, stating he is not a scholar and cannot provide research-based introductions or comparative studies. Instead, he aims to offer an introductory study of the Agamas, their methodologies, and unique features. He acknowledges limitations due to workload, scarcity of materials, and his own modest education.
- The publication is made possible by the generous support of "Jinadharmo.pasak Sangh-Sanrakshak Danveer Mahanubhavo."
Rules for Study (Aswadhyay) (Pages 6-7):
- A significant portion is dedicated to listing "Aswadhyay" (times or conditions when study should be avoided). These are categorized into two main groups:
  - Aakash Sambandhi (Related to the Sky) - 10 reasons: These include celestial events like falling stars, directional fires (disadaha), unseasonal cloudbursts or lightning, specific nights in the lunar calendar (first three nights of Shukla Paksha), and celestial symbols. The definition of "disadaha" is provided.
  - Audarik Sambandhi (Related to the Physical Body/Environment) - 10 reasons: These involve impurities like bone, blood, or flesh of living beings within certain distances (60 hands for animals, 100 hands for humans), lingering smells of impurity, proximity to cremation grounds, celestial eclipses (solar and lunar), changes in rulership (until a new king is declared), proximity to war zones, and the presence of a five-sensed being's corpse in the Upashraya.
- Additional Study Guidelines: The text also mentions not to speak with an open mouth and not to read in the light of a lamp.
- Note on Timings: A clarification is given that "unseasonal" cloudbursts (megh garjana) refer to times before the Ardra nakshatra and after Swati.
Textual Content (Starting from Page 14):
- Acharanga Sutra (Acharo): The text then transitions into the scriptural content, beginning with the first chapter, "Acharo."
- First Chapter, First Section (A. 1 U. 1): This section discusses the nature of the soul (Aaya), its origin, and future. It questions whether one's existence is fixed or transient, and emphasizes understanding the soul's journey through different directions and life forms. It speaks of the "Atma" (soul) being related to "lok" (world), "kamma" (karma), and "kriya" (actions). The importance of understanding karmic beginnings and consequences is highlighted.
- Subsequent Sections (Uddesha): The following sections, as indicated by the numbering and headings (e.g., Pages 15-37), begin to detail the principles of Jain conduct, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa) in various forms. This includes:
  - Vitharuvhehi satthehi (through various means/objects) associated with Earth (Pruthvi karma), Water (Uda karma), Fire (Agni karma), Air (Vayu karma), and Vegetation/Life (Tasa kaya). The text repeatedly stresses the need to avoid harming living beings in any of these forms.
  - The concept of "Parignata Karma" (fully understood karma) is central, implying that one who understands the karmic implications of actions can achieve liberation and become a Muni.
  - Descriptions of the nature of existence: The text touches upon the impermanence of life, the cycle of birth and death (jaimaran), and the consequences of actions (karmas).
  - Emphasis on righteous conduct: It outlines the path of a monk (anagar) who is diligent, follows the teachings of the virtuous (Vira), and refrains from harming any living being.
  - The importance of introspection: The text encourages understanding one's own mind and actions.
  - The dangers of attachment and worldly pleasures: It implicitly warns against being engrossed in worldly desires and the cycle of actions.
  - The role of knowledge and wisdom: The emphasis is on "medhavi" (wise) individuals who understand the principles and act accordingly.
  - The text details various categories of beings and their actions, often contrasting them with the path of a Muni.
Errata (Shuddhi-patra) (Page 8):
- A section is dedicated to corrections for inaccuracies found in the original printing of the text. This shows a commitment to accuracy in presenting the scriptural content.

In essence, the provided portion of "Angapavittha Suttani" (specifically the initial chapters of the Acharanga Sutra) lays the groundwork for Jain philosophy by:

Establishing the ethical framework: Emphasizing non-violence and the avoidance of harm to all forms of life.
Highlighting the importance of knowledge: Stressing the need to understand the nature of karma and the soul's journey.
Guiding the practitioner: Providing rules for study and conduct (Aswadhyay, avoiding certain conditions).
Showcasing the path to liberation: The concept of "Parignata Karma" signifies the ultimate goal of understanding and transcending the cycle of actions for spiritual advancement.

The text uses specific Jain terminology and philosophical concepts, making it a deep dive into the foundational principles of Jainism, particularly concerning conduct and the understanding of karmic laws.