Angsuttani Part 02 Bhagavai

This is a summary of the provided Jain text, "Angsuttani Part 02 - Bhagavai," authored by Tulsi Acharya and Nathmal Muni, and published by Jain Vishva Bharati. This volume presents the Bhagavai Sutra (also known as Vyāhapannatti), a crucial text within the Jain Agamas.

Core Content and Structure:

The book is a critical edition of the Bhagavai Sutra, the fifth Anga of the Jain Agamas. It is presented in the form of a dialogue, primarily between Lord Mahavira and his disciple, Lord Gautama, who poses questions to the Tirthankara. The text is known for its immense scope, addressing a vast array of philosophical, cosmological, ethical, and practical topics through question-and-answer sessions.

Key Features of the Edition:

• Critical Editing: The text has undergone critical editing based on seven different manuscripts, including palm-leaf manuscripts, to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The editors have focused on determining the original text by considering various readings, contextual coherence, and citations from commentaries.
• Comprehensive Scope: The Bhagavai Sutra, as presented here, is vast, with over 138 Satas (chapters) and 1925 Uddeśakas (sections). It is estimated to contain around 618,224 syllables.
• Prākṛta Language: The language of the text is Prākṛta, with occasional use of Śauraseni and several vernacular words.
• Dialogue Format: The sutra is primarily in a question-and-answer format, making complex Jain philosophy accessible through direct discourse.

Publisher's Note (Prakashakiy):

The publication of this volume is a significant event, coinciding with the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The Jain Vishva Bharati undertook this extensive project with the goal of providing a thoroughly researched and well-edited version of the Agamas. The editorial effort was a massive undertaking, involving the meticulous study of numerous ancient manuscripts. The project was supported by various individuals and organizations, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The publication aims to fulfill the need for a well-organized and scholarly presentation of these foundational texts.

Editorial Introduction (Sampadakiy):

The editorial section explains the classification of Āgama Sūtras into Anga-praviṣṭa (internal to the Angas) and Anga-bāhya (external to the Angas). The Anga-praviṣṭa texts, believed to be the original compositions of the Ganadharas (principal disciples of Mahavira), are considered the most authoritative. The Bhagavai Sutra is the fifth Anga, and this volume specifically focuses on it, presenting its original text along with critical readings. The editorial details the extensive process of text purification, including the use of multiple manuscripts, and the challenges faced due to textual variations, abridgements, and scribal errors over centuries. It also mentions the significance of various Nayas (perspectives) and the process of deciphering and compiling the vast content.

Content Highlights (as indicated in the "Vishayanukram" and "Upodghat" - Table of Contents and Preface):

The text delves into a wide range of subjects, including:

• Cosmology: Descriptions of various realms, including hellish realms (Narakas), celestial realms (Devaloka), and the structure of the universe (Loka and Aloka).
• Metaphysics and Ontology: Discussions on Jiva (soul) and Pudgala (matter), their properties, interactions, and the concept of Panchastikayas (five fundamental substances).
• Karma Theory: Detailed explanations of karma, its types, bondage, fruition, and liberation, covering various stages of spiritual development.
• Psychology and Consciousness: Exploration of consciousness, senses, mental states, and the workings of the mind.
• Ethics and Conduct: Principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), vows, austerities, and the path to spiritual liberation.
• Soteriology: The process of liberation (Moksha), the nature of the liberated soul (Siddha), and the conditions for attaining it.
• Philosophical Debates: The text engages with various philosophical schools of thought prevalent in Lord Mahavira's time, including discussions on concepts like soul, causality, and eternalism versus annihilationism.
• Narratives and Examples: The abstract principles are often illustrated through stories and dialogues involving deities, kings, ascetics, and common people, making the teachings relatable and memorable.
• Scientific and Biological Insights: The text contains observations on the life cycles, characteristics, and even subtle aspects of living beings, including plants, earth-bodied beings, and other elemental bodies, some of which are considered remarkably advanced for their time and align with modern scientific discoveries.
• Logic and Epistemology: Discussions on knowledge (Jnana), faith (Shraddha), and the validity of knowledge sources are also present.

Significance:

The Bhagavai Sutra is considered one of the most important and comprehensive texts in Jainism, providing deep insights into the Jain worldview. This particular edition, compiled by Acharya Tulsi and Muni Nathmal, represents a significant effort to present this complex text in a scholarly and accessible manner, particularly during the auspicious occasion of Lord Mahavira's 2500th Nirvana anniversary. It serves as a vital resource for scholars, monks, nuns, and lay followers seeking to understand the intricacies of Jain philosophy and practice.