Bhagwati Sutra

The provided text is a Gujarati translation of the Bhagvati Sutra, a foundational Jain scripture. The translated text focuses on providing detailed biographical information about Seth Punemchand K. Kotawala, a prominent Jain philanthropist, and includes introductions to the Bhagvati Sutra itself, along with the beginning of its commentary.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Part 1: Biography of Seth Punemchand K. Kotawala

• Introduction and Dedication: The initial pages introduce the translation of the Bhagvati Sutra in Gujarati, mentioning Muni Maharajshri Shantivijayji as the reviewer. It's dedicated to Seth Punemchand Karanchand Kotawala, highlighting his generous contributions and philanthropy.
• Family History and Early Life: The biography traces the lineage of the Kotawala family, starting from their business in Kota. It details the birth of Punemchand K. Kotawala, the unfortunate demise of his mother shortly after, and his upbringing by his stepmother, highlighting the immense love and care she provided.
• Philanthropic Activities and Public Service: The text extensively details Punemchand Kotawala's numerous charitable works. This includes:
  • Feeding a large number of people during his father's death, which led to a holiday being observed. The text mentions his involvement in Jain Conferences, his leadership roles in community organizations, and his contributions to Jain temples and religious ceremonies.
  • Significant financial contributions to Jain trusts, funds, and ceremonies, amounting to lakhs of rupees.
  • His active participation in public service, including serving on the Gaikwar's Council and as President of the Mahajana Sabha of Kadi.
  • His role as a pioneer merchant in various commodities.
  • His establishment of charitable houses to feed the poor during famine, irrespective of caste.
  • His contributions to Gujarati literature and the promotion of religion.
  • His patronage of music and appreciation of musicians.
  • His efforts during public calamities like famines, where he opened food shelters and provided aid.
  • His contributions to reviving ancient libraries and promoting education.
  • His involvement in resolving community disputes through arbitration, demonstrating his commitment to social harmony.
  • His extensive travels, including to Kashmir, and his detailed observations.
  • His strong connection to Gujarati culture, evident in his preservation of the language and traditions.
• Personal Life and Family: The biography touches upon his marriages and the birth of his daughter, Motibai, and his subsequent life events.
• Recognition and Honors: The text mentions that he was honored with the title "Rao Bahadur" by the Gaikwar government for his public service. It also includes excerpts from appreciation letters and testimonials from various organizations.

Part 2: Introduction to the Bhagvati Sutra

• Literary and Scholarly Merit: The text begins by describing the Bhagvati Sutra as the fifth Anga (part) of the Jain canon, comparing it to a victorious elephant in the army of Lord Mahavir, which destroys the forces of delusion, ignorance, and non-restraint. It praises the Sutra's eloquent language, profound meaning, and its ability to delight scholars.
• Structure and Content: The introduction outlines the structure of the Sutra, mentioning its thousands of questions and their vast scope covering various aspects of Jain philosophy, including the nature of karma, the cycle of life, and the path to liberation.
• Mangalacharan (Benedictory Verses): The commentary begins with traditional Jain benedictory verses, paying homage to Lord Jin (Jina), Lord Mahavir, Sudharma Swami (the first disciple of Mahavir and compiler of this Anga), and the Acharyas who transmitted the knowledge. The text then explains the importance of Bhavamangal, a mental invocation of the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings) as the most potent form of auspicious beginning for scriptures.
• The Navkar Mantra: The text recites and explains the famous Navkar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, etc.), detailing the meanings of each term and its significance in Jain practice.
• The Fifth Anga: The introduction sets the stage for the commentary on the Bhagvati Sutra (also known as Vibhash-Prajnapti), detailing its importance and the allegorical representation of its vast knowledge as an elephant with various parts representing its structure and content.
• Analysis of the Title "Vibhāṣā-prajñapti": The text delves into the etymology and multiple meanings of the title "Vibhāṣā-prajñapti," suggesting interpretations related to detailed exposition, classification, and profound knowledge.
• Discussion on the Need for Commentary: It is noted that the original text is intricate and requires detailed commentary to be understood. The commentator mentions their intention to combine existing commentaries and notes to provide a clearer explanation.
• First Chapter (Shatak) and its Topics: The introduction to the first chapter outlines its structure, mentioning ten Uddeshakas (sections). It then begins detailing the subject matter of these sections, which include discussions on:
  • Karma and its various aspects: The initial discussions revolve around karma, its movement (chalana), the nature of suffering, the origin of suffering, the causes of karma, the types of karma, their binding and fruition, and how these influence the cycle of birth and death.
  • The concept of the Soul: The nature of the soul, its existence, transmigration, and its relationship with karma are explored.
  • The structure of the Universe (Loka): The text begins to describe the different realms of existence, including the hellish realms (Naraka), the celestial realms (Deva), and the human and animal realms (Tiryak-manushya).
  • The nature of the Naraka realms: It elaborates on the characteristics of the hellish realms, including their inhabitants, their lifespans, their diet, their sensory experiences, and their physical attributes, highlighting the suffering and the consequences of negative karma.
  • The various classes of beings: The text begins to classify and discuss the characteristics of various beings, including Naraka, Asura Kumar, Nag Kumar, Suparna Kumar, Vayu Kumar, and other Bhawanapati deities. It touches upon their lifespans, their habitats, and their sensory experiences.
  • The nature of Earth element beings (Prithvikaya): The text discusses the lifespans, sensory experiences, and karmic influences on beings belonging to the earth element.
  • The concept of lifespan (Ayushya Karma): The text explores how beings are reborn into different lifespans and the karmic reasons behind them.
  • The concept of Loka (Universe) and Aloka (Non-universe): The discussion touches upon the spatial aspects of the universe and its boundaries.
  • The concept of attachment and detachment: The text touches upon the role of attachment and desire in the karmic cycle and the path to liberation.
  • The nature of Jain philosophy: The text implicitly highlights key Jain principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), karma, moksha (liberation), and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.

Overall, the text is a rich tapestry of Jain philosophy, ethics, and cosmology, presented through the lens of detailed questions and answers between Lord Mahavir (as narrated by Sudharma Swami to Jamboo Swami) and his chief disciple, Gautam Swami. The biography of Seth Punemchand Kotawala serves as a testament to the practical application of Jain principles in life, emphasizing generosity, social responsibility, and spiritual pursuit.