Arddhmagadhi Aagama Che Vividh Aayam Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Arddhmagadhi Aagama che Vividh Aayam Part 01" by Nalini Joshi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Arddhmagadhi Aagama che Vividh Aayam Part 01 Author: Nalini Joshi Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan Key Focus: This book, compiled from a series of lectures and essays by students of the Jain Adhyasan at Pune University, delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the Ardhmagadhi Agamas, specifically focusing on the Acharanga Sutra and Sutrakritanga Sutra.

Overall Objective: The primary aim of the book is to present a critical, linguistic, philosophical, and comparative study of selected portions of these foundational Jain scriptures. It showcases the diverse interpretations and insights of contemporary scholars and students, highlighting the relevance of these ancient texts in modern times.

Key Themes and Contents:

Part 1: Acharanga Sutra - Vividh Aayam (Various Dimensions)

• Introduction: The book begins with an introduction by Dr. Nalini Joshi, the editor, explaining the genesis of the work. It stems from a five-year academic program at Pune University, conducted in collaboration with the Sanmati Tirth institution. The program focused on a critical study of Acharanga Sutra and Sutrakritanga Sutra, culminating in student essays that explored various facets of these texts. The publication is dedicated to the memory of Shri Navalmal Firodia.

• Nature of Ardhmagadhi Agamas: The text establishes that Ardhmagadhi Agamas are considered the oldest part of Jain literature and are known as Mahavirvani in the Shvetambara tradition. It mentions the differing counts of these Agamas (32 or 45) due to the inclusion or exclusion of Prakirnakas. The classification of the 45 Agamas into Angas, Upangas, Mulagamas, Chedasutras, Chulikasutras, and Prakirnakas is provided.

• Significance of Acharanga Sutra:

  • It holds the first position in the Dwadashangi (Twelve Limbs of Jain knowledge).
  • It is considered the essence of all Angas and is also known as Samayika.
  • It details the conduct and thoughts of monks (Nirgrantha) and nuns (Nirgranthini).
  • Authorship and Composition: It is believed to have two Shrutskandhas (divisions). The first, with 9 chapters called Brahmacharya, is considered more ancient and fundamental. The second Shrutskandha has 16 chapters divided into three Chulikas. The language is described as an example of ancient Prakrit, with phrases like "Evam me suyum" (Thus I have heard) and "tti bemi" (Thus I say) indicating its antiquity.
  • Commentaries: Important commentaries include Niryukti by Acharya Bhadrabahu, Churni by Jindasgani, and Vrutti by Shilanka.
  • Ten Synonymous Names: The text lists ten alternative names for Acharanga Sutra, each reflecting a specific aspect of its content, such as Ayar (expounder of conduct), Achaal (that which shakes deep-rooted bonds), Agaal (that which establishes consciousness in equanimity), etc.
  • Five-Fold Conduct (Acharpanchak): The Acharanga Sutra is said to describe Gyanachar, Darshanachar, Charitraachara, Tapachara, and Viryachara. While not explicitly sequential, these principles are inherent in all its studies.
  • Focus on Sensitivity and Awareness: The author highlights that Acharanga Sutra's primary purpose is to awaken sensitivity and conscious thought towards all living beings. It emphasizes a nuanced understanding of conduct, distinct from later ritualistic interpretations.

• Content of the First Shrutaskandha of Acharanga Sutra: A detailed overview of the nine chapters (Adhyayana) is provided, including their subjects:

  1. Shastra Parigna (Knowledge of Weapons): Focuses on self-restraint and non-violence, defining "weapons" as improper thoughts, words, and actions. It emphasizes understanding the nature of things, acting with wisdom, and abstaining from causing harm.
  2. Lokvijay (Conquest of the World): Deals with detachment from worldly possessions and attachments (parigraha), advocating for a life of non-possession and detachment. It identifies attachment to relatives, sensory pleasures, pride, and possessions as obstacles.
  3. Shitoshniya (Tolerance of Heat and Cold): Discusses the endurance of dualities like comfort and discomfort, heat and cold, emphasizing equanimity during challenging situations.
  4. Samyaktva (Right Faith/Perspective): Considered the core of the Acharanga Sutra, it highlights the importance of right faith as the means to overcome passions. It covers right perspective, examination of other religious views, right penance, and the prohibition of superficial austerities. Its opening statement is "Savve paana na hantavva" (All beings should not be harmed).
  5. Loksar (Essence of the World): Explores what is truly essential in this transient world, identifying non-violence, renunciation, self-study, control, and avoidance of wrong paths as the true essence, contrasting it with worldly allurements.
  6. Dhut (Purification/Shedding): Focuses on detachment from worldly ties, attachments to the body, possessions, and ego, and the process of shedding karmic impurities. It is presented as a principle of karma-nirjara (eradication of karma).
  7. Mahaparigna (Great Knowledge - Lost): This chapter, likely dealing with the profound understanding of illusory states, is noted as having been lost, possibly due to its complexity or potential for misuse.
  8. Vimoksha (Liberation): Details the means of achieving liberation, including rejecting heterodox views, abstaining from excessive offerings, overcoming doubts, shedding attachment to the body and possessions, and the practice of samlekhana (controlled fasting before death).
  9. Upadhana-Shruta (Foundation/Basis of Knowledge): Describes the practices of Lord Mahavir, including renunciation of societal bonds and the general guidelines for monks. The language is noted as distinctly poetic and perhaps a later composition.

• Student Essays (Acharanga - Vichara-Unmesh): The book features a collection of essays by students, covering a wide range of topics derived from their study of Acharanga Sutra. These include:

  • Who is a 'Veer' (Hero) according to Mahavir? (Discussing spiritual heroism over physical prowess).
  • Poverty in Wealth (Highlighting the spiritual poverty resulting from material accumulation).
  • Psychological Perspective of Acharanga Sutra (Analyzing the text's insights into the human mind).
  • Precautions during Excretion (Discussing hygiene and non-violence in waste disposal).
  • Iyeshana: The Lay Disciples' Perspective (Focusing on mindful consumption and lifestyle choices).
  • Women's Thoughts in Bhasha-Eshana study (Examining the respect shown to women in ancient Jain society).
  • Food Culture of the Acharanga Period (Detailing the dietary habits and available food items).
  • "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (Reiterating the supreme importance of non-violence, its subtle implications, and its role in social harmony).
  • Some thoughts on Bhasha-Jata study (Discussing the mindful use of language).
  • Iyeshana and Pollution (Connecting principles of mindful movement and consumption to environmental protection).
  • A critique of Acharanga Sutra.
  • Mahavir's Emphasis on Observation.
  • Comparison of Jain and Buddhist Ethics.
  • Significance of Plants and Environment in Acharanga Sutra.

• Acharanga - Kavya Kunj (Poetic Expressions): A section of poetic renditions and interpretations of the Acharanga Sutra's teachings.

Part 2: Sutrakritanga Sutra - Vividh Aayam (Various Dimensions)

• Introduction to Sutrakritanga Sutra: This section introduces Sutrakritanga, the second Anga, which is crucial for understanding different philosophical viewpoints (Sva-samaya and Para-samaya) prevalent during Mahavir's time. It is considered a "linguistic sample of ancient Ardhmagadhi" by scholars. Commentaries by Bhadrabahu, Jindasgani, and Shilanka are mentioned. It also notes translations into German (Schubring) and English (Jacobi).

• Synonymous Names: Three names are given: Sutagada (created from sutra), Suttakada (knowledge according to sutra), and Suyagada (informs about self and others' doctrines). The similarity in name with Buddhist Sutta Nipata is noted.

• Philosophical Context: The text emphasizes that Sutrakritanga addresses the views of various philosophers of Mahavir's era, referring to them as "Dharshanikas" rather than specific schools like Sankhya or Vedanta, as those labels came later.

• Structure: The Sutrakritanga has two Shrutskandhas. The first has 16 chapters (mostly verse, with some prose), and the second has 7 chapters (mostly prose). The first Shrutskandha is attributed to Sudharmaswami (around 5th century BCE), while the second is considered later (around 2nd century BCE).

• Content of the First Shrutaskandha: A chapter-wise breakdown is provided:

  1. Samaya (Time/Doctrine): Presentation of Jain and non-Jain principles.
  2. Veyaliya (Vaitaliya): Teachings on Sambodhi (enlightenment), composed in the Vaitaliya meter.
  3. Uvasaggaparigna (Knowledge of Hardships): Advice on enduring hardships.
  4. Itthiparigna (Knowledge of Women): Renunciation of female association and emphasis on celibacy.
  5. Naraka Vibhakti (Description of Hell): Narration of hell, its causes, and remedies.
  6. Viratthui (Praise of the Hero): Primarily praise of Lord Mahavir and other significant figures (Shalaka Purushas).
  7. Kusilaparibhasita (Description of Immoral Monks/Householders): Depicting those who deviate from proper conduct.
  8. Virya (Energy): Explaining the energy of action (karma-virya) and inaction (akarma-virya).
  9. Dhamma (Dharma): Discourse on right and true Dharma.
  10. Samadhi (Meditation/Equanimity): Explaining contentment and non-conflict.
  11. Magga (Path): Discourse on the path to liberation, emphasizing non-violence and equanimity.
  12. Samosarana (Assembly): Discussing principles of right and wrong conduct, sin and merit in relation to food.
  13. Ahattahiyya (Truthful Assessment): Critical analysis of four debates (kriya, akriya, vinaya, ajnan) and other views.
  14. Gantha (Attachment/Bondage): Exposition of true Dharma for monks and false Dharma for non-monks.
  15. Jamaiya (Yamak): Discussing ethical conduct through poetic verses, defining terms like Brahmana, Shramana, Bhikkhu, Nigantha.
  16. Gaha (Verse): The last chapter, described as prose but containing verses about monks.

• Student Essays (Sutrakritanga - Vichara-Unmesh): A list of essays covering various aspects of Sutrakritanga, including:

  • The concept of the blind leading the blind in the context of spiritual paths.
  • The "Self-Praising" stanza and its philosophical interpretation.
  • Debate Conference: A Review (Analyzing different philosophical viewpoints).
  • Adaniya (Worthy of Reverence) - A poem.
  • Water-related concepts in Vedic and Jain traditions.
  • The Ideal Teacher in the Grantha study.
  • Hell: Reality or Concept? (Examining the Jain perspective on hell).
  • A reaction to the "Woman-Knowledge" chapter: "Are you too, Lord?" (Questioning the depiction of women's allure in some sections).
  • Philosophical Analysis of Sutrakritanga according to Shrimad Rajchandra (Comparing modern interpretations with ancient texts).
  • The view on association with women in the context of Upasarga Parigna.
  • A drop of water (poem).
  • The root meaning of three words in Sutrakritanga (poem).
  • Inside 'Viratthui' (a devotional poem).
  • Samosarana: A Review.
  • Shruta-Dharma in Sutrakritanga.
  • Gurukul Vas: An Ideal Education System.

• Content of the Second Shrutaskandha: An overview of its seven chapters:

  1. Pundariya (Lotus): An allegorical description of a lotus, representing the ideal ascetic, and the attempts of various philosophical schools to attain it.
  2. Kriyasthan (Places of Action): Discusses thirteen types of actions or deeds, particularly negative ones (papashrut), and their consequences.
  3. Ahar Parigna (Knowledge of Food): Detailed classification of the food of different beings, from one-sensed to five-sensed beings, with a focus on plant-based foods.
  4. Pratyakhyan Kriya (Acts of Renunciation): Discusses the principles and benefits of renunciation, particularly of the eighteen sins (ashta-dasha-papsthana), and the consequences of apratyakhyan (non-renunciation).
  5. Achar Shruta (Conduct Scripture): Focuses on ethical conduct, particularly speech restraint (vachana-samiti), and the principles of anekantavada (non-absolutism).
  6. Ardrkiy (Ardraka): Narrates the dialogues of the disciple Ardraka with proponents of various philosophical schools, including the Ajivika Goshalaka, demonstrating the superiority of Jain principles.
  7. Nalandiya (Related to Nalanda): Describes the discourse between Gautam Ganadhara and the Parshva-influenced monk Udaka concerning the merits of supratyakhyan (right renunciation) and duspratyakhyan (wrong renunciation).

• Student Essays (Sutrakritanga 2 - Vichara-Unmesh): A list of essays exploring the second Shrutaskandha, covering topics like criminal behavior, hidden meanings of 'papashrut' (mantras, tantras), plants in Jain philosophy and modern context, the nature of pratyakhyana, ideal lay disciples (shravakas), social aspects, and comparative studies.

Overall Impression: The book is a scholarly compilation that aims to make the ancient Jain Agamas accessible and relevant to contemporary readers. It showcases the depth of Jain philosophy, ethics, and social history through the lens of modern academic inquiry and personal reflection. The inclusion of student essays demonstrates the vibrant and ongoing engagement with these foundational texts.