Bhagavati Jod 06

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagavati Jod 06" by Tulsi Acharya and Mahapragna Acharya, published by Jain Vishva Bharati. The text, as indicated by the catalog link and the provided pages, is a detailed commentary or elaboration on the Jain Agama known as the Bhagavati Sutra (also known as Vyakhya Prajnapti).

Here's a summary of the key aspects of the text based on the provided information:

1. Nature of the Text:

• "Bhagavati Jod 06": This title suggests it's the sixth volume of a larger work. The term "Jod" in Jain literature, particularly in Rajasthani context, refers to a metrical commentary or translation of a canonical text.
• Commentary on Bhagavati Sutra: The Bhagavati Sutra is the fifth of the twelve Angas (canonical scriptures) of Jainism, and it's known for its vastness and encyclopedic nature, covering topics like biology, cosmology, metaphysics, and spirituality. This text aims to provide a detailed commentary on it.
• Language and Style: The commentary is written in Rajasthani and is metrical (padyatmak), hence the name "Jod". It is noted for its melodious composition in various ragas.

2. Key Features and Content:

• Verse-by-Verse Explanation: The text presents the verses composed by Jayacharya (the primary author of the "Jod" literature) and then provides their scriptural basis (source texts or commentaries) in front of them.
• Independent Review: Jayacharya not only translated the original texts but also included his own independent critical analysis and commentary ("svatantra samiksha").
• Historical Manuscript: The cover page of the book displays samples of a historical manuscript. This manuscript was authored by Mahasati Gulab, a learned Sadhvi of the Terapanth Dharma Sangh, who was renowned for her speed in writing. She meticulously recorded Jayacharya's verses as he dictated them, making the manuscript a testament to profound intellect, artistry, and receptive capacity. This manuscript served as the basis for the printed edition.
• Comprehensive Scope: The text includes translations of not only the original scripture but also its associated commentaries ("tika granth") and presents Jayacharya's own viewpoints as annotations ("vartik").
• Volume Structure: The publication of the "Bhagavati Jod" began in 1981, coinciding with the Jayacharya Nirvana Centenary. This sixth volume contains Shatak 24 (Chapter 24) of the "Bhagavati Jod" and includes a ** परिशिष्ट (parishishta - appendix)** detailing the "Yantras" (diagrammatic representations or tables used for complex classifications) related to this chapter.
• Chapter 24 (Shatak 24) Focus: This specific volume is dedicated to the 24th chapter, which is identified as "Gama ro Thokdo" (गमा रो थोकड़ो). "Gama" is explained as an apabhramsa or Rajasthani form of "Gamak," referring to an "alapaka" (preamble or introductory discourse) similar to a sutra-path, or in the sense of "type" or "kind." This chapter elaborates on twenty "dwaras" (gates or topics) from nine different perspectives ("nava prakar").
• Gamak Explanation: The text provides a detailed explanation of the "Gamak" concept. It describes 44 "ghar" (categories or sections) within the 24 "dandakas" (classifications of beings). Within these 44 categories, 321 "sthans" (locations or states of existence) are described, each having nine "gamak" (types of analysis or observation). This leads to 321 x 9 = 2889 potential gamaks, with 84 considered "shunya gamak" (zero gamak, meaning they don't apply), resulting in 2805 actual gamaks. These 2805 gamaks are explained through 20 "dwaras" (topics).
• Twenty Dwaras: The text lists the 20 topics covered, which include Upapada (origin), Pariman (quantity/measure), Sanhanan (body structure), Avagahana (body size), Sansthan (form/shape), Leshya (coloration of the soul), Drishti (viewpoint/faith), Gyan-Ajnan (knowledge-ignorance), Yoga (activity of mind, speech, body), Upayog (usage/consciousness), Sangya (mentality/perception), Kashaya (passions), Indriya (senses), Samudghata (exhalation of vital energy), Vedana (feeling), Ved (gender), Ayu (lifespan), Adhyavasaya (disposition/volition), Anubandha (connection/consequence), and Kayasamvedha (body union/combination).
• "Naanatta" (Difference): The text highlights that while eight of these dwara (Sanhanan, Sansthan, Sangya, Kashaya, Indriya, Vedana, Ved, and Upayog) have uniform descriptions, the remaining twelve have variations ("naanatta"), which are clarified in the text.
• "Yantras": Jayacharya's work involved creating 160 separate "Yantras" (diagrammatic representations or tables) for each topic to clarify the complex subjects. These Yantras are artistic in their original form. The publication decided to compile all these Yantras in an appendix for better presentation and flow in the main text.
• Editing and Collaboration: The compilation and editing of this volume were undertaken under the guidance of Ganadhipati Gurudev Shri Tulsi, with significant effort from Mahashramani Sadhvipramukha Kanakprabha. Sadhvi Jinprabhaji played a crucial role in editing the Yantras from an modern perspective. Munishri Kundanalji's comparison with other manuscripts and Munishri Hiralalji's support were also instrumental. Sadhvi Vibhashriji and Swastikashriji assisted in proofreading.

3. Introduction and Editorial Comments:

• The editorial preface emphasizes Jayacharya's prolific literary output, particularly his metrical translations of Agams for the benefit of the Rajasthani-speaking populace. It highlights the massive scale of the 'Bhagavati ki Jod' and the dedication involved in its creation.
• The editorial also explains the unique structure of the 24th chapter ("Gama ro Thokdo") and the challenge in understanding the "Gamak" concepts without prior knowledge. It mentions the initial difficulty faced by the editors and how they overcame it through careful study and guidance.
• The text emphasizes the inclusion of "Vartika" (critical notes) by Jayacharya, which clarify his independent insights.
• The importance of the historical manuscript penned by Mahasati Gulab is stressed, acknowledging her role in preserving Jayacharya's literary legacy.

In essence, "Bhagavati Jod 06" is a scholarly and devotional work that delves into the intricacies of the Bhagavati Sutra, specifically Chapter 24, through the poetic and analytical lens of Acharya Jayacharya. It showcases the rich tradition of Jain commentary, the dedication of its authors and editors, and the historical significance of the manuscript that preserved this profound knowledge.