Ansho Shastrona - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ansho Shastrona," compiled and edited by Acharya Shri Amarguptasuri and Acharya Shri Chandraguptasuri, respectively, and published by Shri Anekant Prakashan Jain Religious Trust. The book is a compilation of essential teachings and principles from various Jain scriptures.

The text is structured as a detailed index and explanation of numerous Jain concepts, practices, and classifications, covering a wide spectrum of Jain philosophy and lore. Here's a breakdown of the key areas and their content:

I. Core Jain Principles and Concepts:

Navpad (Nine Auspicious Ones): The book extensively details the qualities and significance of the Navpad, including:
- Arahant Bhagwan's Twelve Qualities: These are described as the eight Pratiharyas (special attendants) and four Mula-Atishayas (fundamental inherent powers/qualities).
- Siddha Bhagwan's Eight Qualities: These are described as Anant-Gyan (infinite knowledge), Anant-Darshan (infinite perception), Avyabadh Sukha (unhindered happiness), Anant-Charitra (infinite conduct), Akshay-Sthiti (imperishable state), Aroopi-pana (formlessness), Agurulaghu (neither heavy nor light), and Anant-Veerya (infinite strength).
- Acharya Maharaj's Thirty-Six Qualities: This includes control over the five senses, nine types of chastity, four qualities of abandoning Kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed), five great vows (Mahavratas), five ethical codes (Acharas), five restraints (Samitis), three guards of conduct (Guptis), and the mastery over sensual temptations.
- Upadhyaya Maharaj's Twenty-Five Qualities: This comprises the eleven Angas and twelve Upangas of Jain scripture, along with the disciplines of Charan-Sittari and Karan-Sittari.
- Sadhu Maharaj's Twenty-Seven Qualities: This encompasses the five Mahavratas, the vow of abstaining from night-eating, the protection of the six Kayas (life forms), control over the five senses, overcoming greed, practicing forgiveness, purity of mind, careful inspection of robes, engagement in practice, control of the mind, speech, and body, enduring hardships, and facing calamities.
- Navpad's Names and Colors: The colors associated with each of the Navpad are mentioned (Arihant - white, Siddha - red, Acharya - yellow, Upadhyaya - blue, Sadhu - dark, others white).
- Significance of the Navkar Mantra: Its power to destroy sins and its various configurations (Nandavart, Shankhavart).
- Twenty Sthanakas: A list of twenty categories with their associated qualities.
- Explanation of "Ekantik" and "Aatyantik": Defining these terms as complete lack of suffering and eternal existence, respectively, as found in Moksha.
- Thirty-One Initial Qualities of Siddhas: Explained through the absence of 28 types of defilements and the three states of being without body, without attachment, and without birth.
- Thirty-Five Qualities of the Lord's Speech: Details the characteristics of the divine pronouncements.
- Thirty-Four Atishayas (Miraculous Attributes) of Arihant Bhagwan: Categorized into those inherent from birth, those gained through Kevalgyan, and those performed by celestial beings.
- Five Kalyanaka (Sacred Life Events): Conception, birth, renunciation, omniscience, and liberation.
- Sixteen Facts about Lord Simandhar Swami: Specific details about this currently living Tirthankar.
- Annual Charity of a Tirthankar: Describing the immense wealth distributed.
- The practice of Varshidaan (Annual Charity): Its elaborations and associated miracles.
- The Lord's Strength: A comparative description of the Lord's strength.
- Four Types of Jinas: Shrutajin, Avadhijin, Manah-paryayajin, and Kevalijin.
- Number of Lives after Attaining Samkit: The number of lives lived by various Tirthankaras after achieving right faith.
- Mahavir Swami's Mas-kshamana: A specific penance performed by Lord Mahavir in a past life.
- Five Types of Deities: Differentiating between celestial beings and enlightened souls.
- Twelve Assemblies in the Lord's Samavasarana: The composition of the divine congregation.
- 363 Types of Heterodox Individuals in the Samavasarana: Categorization of non-Jain participants.

II. Concepts Related to the Jain Order and Practice:

Tirtha (Sacred Places/Communities): Two types: Jangam Tirtha (moving – monks/nuns) and Sthavar Tirtha (immovable – temples).
Shatrunjay's Proportion in Six Eras: The diminishing size of Mount Shatrunjay across the six eras.
Seven Fields of Sacredness: Associated with Jainism – idols, temples, scriptures, monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
Regulations regarding Devadravya (Resources for Deities): Specific guidelines for managing temple funds.
Ten Major, Forty-Two Medium, and Eighty-Four Gross Violations (Ashatanas) of Temple Etiquette: Detailing acts that disrespect the sanctity of temples.
The Phana (Hood) of Suparshvanath and Parshvanath Bhagwan: Specific details about the divine hood.
Proper Distance for Prayer: Guidelines on how far to stand when praying to the Jineshwara.
Five Abhigamas: Rules for entering sacred spaces.
Three Mudras (Gestures) in Chaitya-Vandana: Specific hand postures for worship.
Ten Triples (Dash Trik) and Three Truths (Tattva Trayi): Fundamental Jain principles and groupings.
Three Types of Worthy Recipients of Charity (Supaatras): The highest, middle, and lowest categories.
Four Types of Recipients (Paatra): Enumerating different levels of those who can receive charity.
Definition of Sangha (Community): The four-fold Jain community that adheres to the teachings of the Vitaraga.
Names of the Chaturvedha Sangha at the End of the Fifth Era: The last remnants of the four-fold community.
Six Principles to be Followed in the Sangha: Strict adherence to specific practices.
Characteristics of Sthapana-Acharyas: The criteria for spiritual preceptors.
Ten Holders of Dash Purva (Ten Anterior Teachings): A list of prominent disciples.
Six Shruta-Kevalis (Knowers of Fourteen Purvas): The lineage of those who knew the fourteen Purvas.
Disruption of the Monastic Lineage after Jambuswami: The decline in the transmission of scriptures.
Disruption of Ten Principles after Jambuswami: The loss of specific knowledge.
Disruption after the Nirvana of Sthulabhadra: The subsequent breaks in the transmission of knowledge.
Disruption after Vajraswami: Another instance of knowledge interruption.
Whether Manah-paryavajnanis and Fourteen Purva Holders Go to Nigoda: Clarifying their spiritual states.
Can a Sadhvi Lecture in the Presence of a Shravaka? Addressing a specific behavioral regulation.
Whether Fourteen Purva Holders Go Through Endless Cycles of Rebirth: Discussing the persistence of karma.
Whether Aavashyakadi Actions are Fixed at the Seventh Gunasthana: Examining the nature of spiritual progression.
Absence of Desire for Liberation at the Seventh Gunasthana: A nuanced point about spiritual detachment.
The Concept of Agurulatva and its Impact on Shatsthan-Gun Haani-Vriddhi: Discussing the principle of non-excess and its relation to gradual spiritual growth or decline.
Five Great Vows (Mahavratas): Including the prohibition of eating at night and their various permutations.
Significance of the Brahmacharya Vow: Its importance in spiritual progress.
Twenty-Five Sentiments (Bhavanas) Associated with the Great Vows: Elaborating on the psychological states that support the vows.
Twenty-Two Types of Hardships (Parishahas) to be Endured: The trials faced by ascetics.
Seventeen Types of Restraint (Samyama): Different methods of self-control.
Seventeen Types of Restraint (Second Classification): Another perspective on spiritual discipline.
Ten Types of Ascetic Conduct (Shramana Dharma): The core duties of a monk.
Ten Types of Monastic Etiquette (Sadhu Samachari): Rules of conduct for monks.
Eighteen Stages of a Monk's Vow (Pratigna): The progressive commitment to asceticism.
The Two Sittaris (Charan Sittari and Karan Sittari): Disciplines related to conduct and action.
The "Eighteen Thousand Shilanga Granth": A vast collection of ethical principles.
Twelve Meditations (Bhavanas): Contemplations for spiritual progress.
Four Types of Meditations (Bhavanas): Further classification of meditative practices.
Twelve Types of Austerities (Tapa): Six external and six internal austerities.
Ten Types of Service (Vaiyavachcha): Acts of service and respect.
Ten Types of Elders (Sthavira): Differentiating senior monks based on various qualities.
Thirty-Two Types of Yoga Sangraha: A collection of yogic practices.
Method of Padilehana (Cleaning): The detailed procedure for purifying objects.
Sixteen Forbidden Defects in Padilehana: Practices to avoid during the cleaning process.
Types of Monastic Possessions (Upadhi): Differentiating between essential and supplementary items.
The Measure of Upadhi: Guidelines on the appropriate quantity of possessions.
Monks Can Possess Audika and Aupagrahika Upadhi: Explaining the types of permissible possessions.
Defects in Clothing: Identifying flaws in monastic attire.
Seven Types of Food Refusals (Pindeshana): Rules about accepting food.
Types of Food Consumption: Different ways of eating, with emphasis on mindful consumption.
Five Types of Abstinence (Avagraha): Rules related to taking in food or objects.
The Measure of Avagraha: Guidelines on the extent of permissible intake.
Method of Loch (Hair-pulling): The ritualistic practice of self-purification.
** Loch - Material and Spiritual:** The dual meaning of this ascetic practice.

III. Rituals and Festivals:

Five Types of Rituals (Anushthana): Categorizing spiritual practices.
Nineteen Defects in Kaussarga (Meditation): Faulty postures or attitudes during meditation.
Sixteen Permissions (Agaras) in Kaussarga: Allowed exceptions during meditation.
The Six Aavashyakas (Essential Daily Duties): The core practices of Jain monasticism.
Twenty-Five Essential Actions in Vandana (Salutation): Specific gestures and pronouncements during salutations.
Seventeen Types of Purification (Pramanjana): Ritualistic cleaning.
Seventeen Types of Purification (Pramanjana): Further details on cleansing practices.
How Many Sins are Erased by Reciting Ir yavahika: The penitential power of this verse.
The Fruit of Pachchhakkhana (Vows/Abstinence): The spiritual benefits of undertaking vows.
Vows for Monks and Laypersons: Detailing the types and extent of vows.
Six Types of A Atthai (Eight-Day Fasts): Names of significant fasting periods.
Five Duties of the Paryushana Festival: Key observances during this major festival.
Eleven Duties of Paryushana: Further elaborations on the festival's practices.

IV. Lay Discipleship (Shravaka) and Practices:

Thirty-Five Qualities of a Marganusari (One on the Path): Attributes of a follower progressing towards spiritual liberation.
Twenty-One Qualities of a Shravaka (Apt Disciple): The characteristics of a qualified lay follower.
Four Main Qualities of a Shravaka: The foundational principles for lay disciples.
The Nature of the Twelve Vows of a Layperson (Shravaka Ke Bar Vrata): Detailed explanation of the vows.
One Hundred and Twenty-Four Violations (Aticharas) of Lay Vows: Minor transgressions of the vows.
Eleven Stages of a Layperson's Spiritual Progress (Shravaka Ki Gyarah Padima): The progressive stages of spiritual development for lay followers.
Seven Cloths a Layperson Should Keep: Rules regarding attire.
Details of Seven Sieves a Layperson Should Keep: Rules about purification of water.
Details of Ten Chandava (Canopies/Shades): Rules related to the use of canopies in sacred places.
Understanding of Compassion for Living Beings by a Layperson: The ethical conduct of a lay follower.
Thirty-Two Defects in Samayika (Daily Meditation): Faulty practices during meditation.
Eighteen Defects in Paushadha (Upavasa/Fasting): Imperfections to avoid during religious fasting.
Duration of Heavenly Life Earned by One Samayika: The spiritual merit gained.
The Value of Samayika: Comparing its spiritual worth to other meritorious deeds.
Four Major Defects Related to Vows: Transgressions that undermine vows.
Eight Aspects of Knowing, Adoring, and Following: Principles for understanding and practicing Jainism.

V. Charity (Dana) and Knowledge (Gyan):

Six Characteristics of Not Giving Charity: Reasons for abstaining from giving.
Reasons that Corrupt Charity: Factors that diminish the merit of giving.
Reasons that Enhance Charity: Practices that increase the virtue of giving.
Five Types of Charity: Different forms of giving.
The Charity of Jagdu Shah: A renowned historical example of generosity.
Six Types of Upadhana (Special Fasting/Penance): Specific names of these practices.
Definition of Siddhanta (Core Doctrine) in Six Ways: Different interpretations of Jain foundational principles.
Names of the Forty-Five Agamas: A list of sacred Jain texts.
Qualities in the Dravya (Substance): Attributes of the fundamental components of reality.
The Nature of Saptabhangi (Seven-Valued Logic): The principle of conditional predication.
Seven Nayas (Approaches to Understanding) According to the Digambara Sect: Different philosophical perspectives.
Reducing the Ghata in the Seven Nayas: A comparative analysis of the Nayas.
Concise Forms of the Nayas: A summarized explanation of the approaches.
Living According to Vyavahara Naya in Six Ways: Practical application of worldly conduct.
Testing Dharma through Kasha, Chheda, Tapa: Methods to verify righteousness.
How Many Lives are Seen by Matignani, Shrutagnani, Avadhignani, Manah-paryavagnanis, and Fourteen Purvadharas: The extent of knowledge in different spiritual stages.
Fourteen and Eighteen Types of Knowledge (Vidya): Higher forms of cognition.
Names of the Big Fourteen Types of Knowledge (Vidya): Specific lists.
Non-Study (Aswadhyaya): Reasons for abstaining from scriptural study.

VI. Forbidden Foods (Bhakhshyabhakhshya) and Purity:

Names of Twenty-Two Forbidden Items (Abhakshya): Foods that are prohibited.
Names of Thirty-Two Items with Infinite Life Forms (Anantkaya): Foods containing numerous microscopic organisms.
Four Great Forbidden Mahavigai: Severely prohibited items.
Six Bhakshya Vigai (Permitted but Restricted Items): Foods that are permissible under certain conditions.
Names of Uncooked Items (Anahari Vastu): Items that do not require preparation.
Conditions under which Milk and Yogurt are Permissible: Specific rules for consuming dairy products.
The Permissible Timeframe for Sugarcane Juice: Rules regarding the consumption of fresh juice.
Details of the Four-Month Rainy Season (Chomasa) Period: Rules and observances during this time.

VII. Right Faith (Samyaktva) and Purifying Self:

Nature of Samyaktva: The essence of right faith.
Five Defects/Violations (Dushana/Atichara) of Samyaktva: Imperfections that weaken right faith.
Six Permissions (Agaras) for Samyaktva: Exceptions or allowances for maintaining right faith during difficult times.
Sixty-Six Points of Samkit: A detailed enumeration of the components of right faith.
Three Types of Samyaktva: Different levels of right faith.
How Many Times Samyaktva and Shreni (Stages of Spiritual Progress) Can Be Attained: Exploring the cyclical nature of spiritual attainment.
The State of Wakefulness (Ujagyar Dasha): A description of heightened spiritual awareness.
The State of Wakefulness (Ujagyar Dasha): Further elaboration on spiritual consciousness.
Sixty-Three Illustrious Figures (Shalaka Purusha): Prominent spiritual and temporal leaders in Jain history.
Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: Listing the enlightened ones of the current era.
Twelve Chakravartis (Universal Monarchs): Prominent rulers in Jain lore.
Nine Vasudevas: Powerful figures in Jain narratives.
Nine Baladevas: Counterparts to the Vasudevas.
Nine Prati-Vasudevas: Antagonists to the Vasudevas.
Thirty-Four Chakravartis, Vasudevas, and Baladevas: Combined enumeration.
Four Hundred and Twenty Jewels of a Chakravarti: The regalia of a universal monarch.
Thirteen Attamah Chakravartis: A specific group of significant emperors.
Number in an Akshauhini (Military Division): The composition of a large army.
One Akshauhini: Detailed breakdown of the forces.

VIII. Internal and External Vices (Mithyatvadim Atmdosha):

Fifteen Types of False Beliefs (Mithyatva): Different forms of erroneous views.
Six Types of False Beliefs (Mithyatva): Another classification of false beliefs.
Four Types of False Beliefs (Mithyatva): Yet another categorization.
Seven Types of False Beliefs (Mithyatva): Further enumeration of erroneous views.
Origin Period of Digambara and Sthanakavasi Sects: Historical details about the emergence of these traditions.
Which Beings Experience Which Type of False Belief: Connecting specific vices to different life forms.
Nine Nihnavas (Renouncers of Jain Principles): Individuals who deviated from Jain teachings.
Nine Niyanas (Determined Vows/Intentions): Specific vows and their outcomes.
Seven Major Vices (Vyasanas): Detrimental habits.
Thirteen Flaws (Kathiya) and Six Enemies (Shatru): Internal weaknesses and vices.
Eight Types of Pride (Mada): Forms of arrogance.
Fourteen Internal Vices (Bhav or Abhyantar Granthi): Deep-seated negative mental states.
Nine External Vices (Dravya or Bahya Granthi): External attachments and possessions.
Nine External Vices (Bahya Granthi - Parigraha): Further details on external accumulations.
Violence in Sexual Union (Maithun mein Jivahinsa): The karmic consequences of sexual activity.
Three Types of Violence (Hinsa): Classification of harmful actions.
Eight Types of Negligence (Pramada): States of inattention and carelessness.
Five Types of Negligence (Pramada): Another classification of heedlessness.
Objects of Senses and Their Corruptions (Indriyon ke Vishay aur Vikar): The allurements of the senses and their detrimental effects.
Characteristics of Those Who Desire Rebirth (Bhavabhinandana ke Lakshana): Traits of individuals attached to the cycle of existence.
Special Characteristics of Those Who Desire Rebirth (Bhavabhinandana ke Vishesh Lakshana): Further details on worldly attachment.
Four Gates to Hell (Narak ke Char Dwar): Actions leading to hellish realms.
Seven Types of Thieves (Saat Prakar ke Chor): Metaphorical descriptions of those who steal virtues or spiritual progress.
Ten States of Desire (Dash Prakar ki Kamdasha): Stages of craving.
Reasons for Speaking Untruth (Asatya Bolne ke Nimitta): Motivations behind lying.
Thirteen Places of Action (Tehrah Kriyasthan): Categories of actions that lead to karma.
Twenty Places of Disunity (Veesh Asamadhisthan): Factors that disrupt spiritual harmony.
Twenty-One Stains (Shabal/Kalank): Actions that tarnish one's spiritual purity.
Twenty-Nine Sources of Sin (Paapshruta Prasanga): Practices that lead to sinful karma.
Thirty Places of Delusion (Mohaniya Sthan): Factors that contribute to delusion and attachment.

IX. Cosmology and Time (Dravyanuyoga):

Six Substances (Chah Dravya): The fundamental entities in Jain ontology.
Measurement of the Fourteen Rajaloka (Abodes of Beings): The structure of the Jain universe.
Location of the Sun and Moon in Adhidveepa: Astronomical details within the Jain cosmology.
Distance of Celestial Cycles from Earth: Astronomical measurements.
The Jagati of Jambudveepa: The foundation of the central continent.
The Agam Purusha: A conceptual representation within the universe.
The Nature of Tras-Nadi: The pathway for mobile beings.
The Greatness of Aloka (The Boundless Space): The concept of the universe beyond the inhabited realms.
Meaning of Pramana Angula: The unit of measurement used in Jain cosmology.
Which Angula is Used to Measure Bodies, Mountains, etc.: Clarifying the application of measurement units.
Lotuses of Earth and Vegetation Kāya: Discussing the spiritual significance of these life forms.
Measurement of Kudav-Prastha etc.: Units of volume in Jain texts.
Time is Subtle Compared to Space, and Space Compared to Substance, and Substance Compared to Spirit (Dravya) is Subtle: The relative subtlety of fundamental Jain categories.
Seven Destinations (Gati): The cycle of rebirths.
Number of Diseases in the Seventh Hell: The suffering of beings in the deepest hells.
Current Reach of Heavenly and Hellish Realms: The extent of these realms in the present time.
Which Beings with Which Sanghayana (Body Constitution) Go to Which Heavenly Realms: The correlation between physical form and celestial destinations.
Names of the Sixty-Four Indras (Chief Deities): Listing the rulers of various heavenly abodes.
Description of One Crore and Sixty Lakhs of Pots: A symbolic or literal description of celestial abundance.
Sensual Enjoyments of Deities and the Origin of Goddesses: The nature of divine pleasure and the birth of celestial consorts.
Number of Goddesses in One Indra's Lifespan: The cyclical nature of celestial existence.
The Nalini-Gulma Vimana: A specific celestial abode.
Which Beings Reincarnate in Heavenly Realms: The process of rebirth into higher realms.
Do Deities Experience Sleep?: Addressing the nature of divine consciousness.
Fourteen Places of Origin for Sammurchhim Humans: The causes and circumstances of rebirth in human form.
Names of the Seven Dhatus (Body Elements): The constituents of the physical body.
Karman Body: The subtle body responsible for karmic impressions.
How Many Sanghayana Does Each Being Have?: The physical structures of different souls.
Six Types of Body Forms (Sansthana): How Many Does Each Have?: The physical shapes of beings.
Number of Sanghayana and Sansthana in the Fifth Era: The degradation of physical forms over time.
Swakayasthiti (Lifespan of One's Own Body): The duration of existence in a particular form.
Number of Yonim (Wombs/Sources of Birth): The various categories of birth.
The Relationship between Yonim and Kulakoti Numbers: The interconnectedness of birth types and lineages.
Nine Hundred Fathers for One Son: A metaphorical or symbolic representation of lineage.
Years in One Purva: A unit of time in Jain cosmology.
Who Attains Which Ananta (Infinity)?: Discussing the concept of infinity in relation to spiritual progress.
Four Types of Sequential Infinities: Further exploration of the concept of infinity.
When Does Religion Exist in the Ascending and Descending Eras (Utsarpini and Avasarpini): The cyclical nature of religious presence.
Description of the Six Aras (Periods) of the Descending Era (Avasarpini): The stages of decline in the current cosmic cycle.
Description of a Palyopama: A unit of immeasurable time.
Countable and Uncountable Time (Sankhyata-Asankhyata Kala): Differentiating between measurable and immeasurable time.
Sopakrama and Nirupakrama Lifespan: Lifespans that can be shortened or are fixed.
Lifespan of Embodied, Paryapta Animals and Other Lifespans: The duration of existence for various beings.
Eighteen Bhavidisha (Directions of Becoming/Rebirth): The various destinies a soul can enter.
Which Leshya (Karmic Color/Disposition) at the Time of Death: The state of mind influencing rebirth.

X. Miscellaneous Topics:

Five Causes: Factors contributing to events.
Five Types of Purity (Shaucha): Different aspects of cleanliness.
Six Seasons (Ritu): The division of the year.
Seven Types of Calamities (Iti): Disasters that affect the world.
Individuals Who Were Abhavya (Incapable of Liberation) in the Present Twenty-Four Tirthankara Cycle: Souls destined for eternal transmigration.
Sixteen Ornaments (Shodash Shringar): Beautifying adornments.
Fourteen Ornaments (Chaudah Abharana): Further details on adornments.
Miscellaneous Thoughts from Vividh Vishay Vicharmala, Vol. 7: A reference to additional collected topics.

In essence, "Ansho Shastrona" serves as a Jain encyclopedia, providing concise explanations and listings of a vast array of concepts. It acts as a reference guide for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of Jain doctrine, practice, and cosmology. The detailed index at the beginning further facilitates navigation through this extensive work.