Bhagwati Sutra Ka Darshanik Parishilan - Book Summary

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Book Title: Bhagwati Sutra Ka Darshanik Parishilan (Philosophical Review of the Bhagwati Sutra) Author: Dr. Tara Daga Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur Publication Year: 2012

Overview:

The book "Bhagwati Sutra Ka Darshanik Parishilan" by Dr. Tara Daga is a detailed philosophical exploration of the Bhagwati Sutra, a significant text in Jain Agam literature. Dr. Daga, an accomplished scholar in Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages, earned her Ph.D. from Jain Vishva Bharti, Ladnun, in 2003 for her research on the Bhagwati Sutra. The book aims to illuminate the philosophical aspects of this vast and complex Agam, which has been less extensively researched due to its sheer volume and seemingly unordered presentation of topics.

Key Features and Content:

Author's Background: Dr. Tara Daga has extensive experience in teaching and research of ancient Indian languages like Prakrit. Her previous works have contributed to simplifying the study of Prakrit language and literature.
Significance of Bhagwati Sutra: The Bhagwati Sutra, originally known as "Vyakhya Prajnapti," is the fifth Anga in the Jain Agam canon. It contains dialogues between Lord Mahavir and his disciples, addressing thousands of questions across virtually all disciplines of knowledge. Jain scholars have referred to it as the "Shastra-raj" (King of Scriptures) and a mine of philosophical insights.
Purpose of the Book: Recognizing the difficulty in studying the Bhagwati Sutra due to its vastness and lack of systematic arrangement, this book attempts to systematically present its philosophical content. While Dr. J.C. Sikdar's English research focused on the cultural aspects and Dr. Sadhvi Chaitanya Pragya's on the scientific aspects, this work specifically delves into the philosophical dimension.
Structure and Chapters: The book is divided into 17 chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of the Bhagwati Sutra's philosophy and content. The summary outlines the topics covered in these chapters:
- Chapter 1: Introduction to the 24 Tirthankaras of this evolutionary period (Avsarpini Kaal), from Rishabhadeva to Mahavir. It highlights Mahavir's teachings as the accepted Agam in the current Jain tradition.
- Chapter 2: Compares the Bhagwati Sutra with other Agams, establishing its place within the Jain scriptural framework by discussing its similarities and interconnections with texts like Acharya, Sutrakritanga, Jnātādharmakathā, Uttaradhyayana, and Prajnapana Sutra.
- Chapter 3: Provides a detailed introduction to the Bhagwati Sutra itself, including the significance of its original name "Vyakhya Prajnapti" and the reasons for its popular name "Bhagwati." It discusses the Sutra's size, composition period (estimated from 500 BCE to the 6th century CE), and its unique question-answer style.
- Chapter 4: Attempts to summarize the vast subject matter contained within the Bhagwati Sutra by organizing its scattered topics into a sequential presentation. This includes discussions on "Dravya Vivechan" (discussion of substances), "Achar Vivechan" (discussion of conduct), "Karma Bandh" (bondage of karma), "Lok-Parlok" (world and afterlife), and narrative sections.
- Chapter 5: Explores the importance of the Bhagwati Sutra from various perspectives, highlighting its role in preserving cultural values, providing insights into the society and culture of Mahavir's time, and presenting psychological, scientific, and artistic material relevant to the modern era.
- Chapters 6-10: Delve into specific philosophical concepts:
  - Chapter 6: The nature of the universe (Lok-Swaroop), its structure, division into three worlds (Urdhva, Adho, Madhya), and its composition based on the five Astikayas.
  - Chapter 7: The concept of substances (Dravyas), their definitions, the relationship between substance and its transformations (Paryaya), and their classification according to different Jain texts, with a focus on the Bhagwati Sutra's unique categorization.
  - Chapter 8: Detailed exposition of the Jiva (soul) as a substance, its characteristics (non-physical, eternal, conscious), its actions (kartritva and bhoktritva), its size (swadeha pariman), and its various classifications.
  - Chapter 9: Focuses on Pudgala (matter), its physical attributes (color, taste, smell, touch), its smallest unit (paramanu), and its various forms (skandhas).
  - Chapter 10: Discusses the non-physical substances (Arupī-Ajīva-dravya) including Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time) as foundational elements of the universe.
- Chapters 11-13: Cover epistemology and metaphysics:
  - Chapter 11: Discusses the concept of knowledge (Jnana) and its classification, along with the theory of valid cognition (Pramana).
  - Chapter 12: Explores the core Jain philosophical concepts of Anekantavada (non-absolutism), Syadvada (conditional predication), and Nayavada (theory of standpoints).
  - Chapter 13: Examines the philosophical traditions contemporary to Mahavir, including those of other sects like Ajivikas, Charvakas, etc., and their interactions with Mahavir's teachings.
- Chapters 14-16: Focus on ethics and conduct:
  - Chapter 14: Introduces the concept of monastic life (Shraman) and its significance.
  - Chapter 15: Details the conduct and ascetic practices (Tapashcharya) of monks, including their disciplines, vows, and austerities.
  - Chapter 16: Discusses the conduct of lay followers (Shravaka) and their ethical duties.
- Chapter 17: Focuses on the theory of Karma, its nature, causes, effects, and the process of liberation (Nirjara). It examines concepts like Karmabandha (bondage of karma) and the role of Pramaada (negligence) and Yoga (activity) in it.
Scope of Knowledge: The book emphasizes that the Bhagwati Sutra covers a vast range of subjects, including metaphysics, ethics, cosmology, psychology, logic, history, and even elements of science and art, presenting it as an ancient Indian encyclopedia of knowledge.
Contribution: The publication of this research work by Prakrit Bharti Academy is considered timely and valuable for scholars and students interested in Jain Agams and philosophy, providing a structured understanding of the Bhagwati Sutra's philosophical underpinnings in Hindi.

In essence, Dr. Tara Daga's "Bhagwati Sutra Ka Darshanik Parishilan" serves as a critical and comprehensive guide to the philosophical depth and breadth of the Bhagwati Sutra, making its complex teachings accessible to a wider audience.