Bhagwati Sutra Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided text, which is the first part of the Bhagwati Sutra (also known as Vishyakaprajnapti), a fundamental text in Jain Agam literature. The summary is organized by the structure and content of the provided pages.

Overall Purpose and Context:

The Bhagwati Sutra is the fifth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agam, compiled by Ganadhar Sudharma based on the teachings of Lord Mahavir. This particular volume, "Bhagwati Sutra Part 01," contains the Hindi translation of the first eleven Shataks (chapters). The text is presented within the context of the "Mahavir-Shasan-Jain-Agam-Granthmala" series published by Jain Vishva Bharati. The publication is a significant effort in reviving and disseminating Jain Agam literature, initiated under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi and primarily edited and commented upon by Acharya Mahapragya, with contributions from other esteemed scholars and sadhvis. The work emphasizes a critical and comparative approach to the Agams, referencing Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain literature, Ayurveda, Western philosophy, and modern science.

Key Information and Sections:

• Book Details:

  • Title: Bhagwati Sutra (Vyakhyaprajnapti), Part 01 (Shatak 1 to 11)
  • Authors: Sadhvipramukha Kanakprabha, Muni Mahendrakumar, Muni Dhananjaykumar
  • Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun (Rajasthan)
  • Editor/Commentator: Acharya Mahapragya (with contributions from Acharya Tulsi as Vakya-Pramukh and Acharya Mahashraman as Chief Editor)
  • Significance: This volume presents the Hindi translation of a crucial and vast Agam, aiming to make Jain philosophy accessible to the general public.

• Editorial and Publishing Context:

  • Agam Vachana: The project began in 1955 under Acharya Tulsi, marking the first organized recitation of the Agams after the compilation in 453 AD by Devardhigani Kshamashraman.
  • Acharya Mahapragya's Role: He undertook the monumental task of editing, translating, and critically commenting on the Agams, incorporating comparative studies with various intellectual traditions.
  • Publication Series: Jain Vishva Bharati's extensive project includes multiple series for publishing Agam literature, focusing on original texts, critical editions with Sanskrit and Hindi translations, and analytical studies.
  • Inspiration: The initiative to publish only Hindi translations was inspired by the "Sacred Books of the East Series."

• Content Overview (as indicated by the Table of Contents): The Bhagwati Sutra, especially in its initial volumes, is characterized by its expansive scope, covering a wide array of topics related to Jain philosophy, cosmology, ethics, karma, the nature of beings, and spiritual practices. The first Shatak (out of eleven in this volume) alone details discussions on:

  • Fundamental Jain Concepts: Discussions on moving and stationary beings, the nature of karma, sensory experiences, lifespans, and the transmigration of souls.
  • Cosmology: Descriptions of hellish beings (Nairayikas), their states, lifespans, and the different hellish realms. The text also delves into the realms of lower beings like Nagakumars, Vandumatars, and ascending to the heavenly beings (Devas).
  • The Nature of Substances: Discussions on the existence and characteristics of soul (Jiva) and matter (Pudgala), their interactions, and the concepts of cause and effect.
  • Karma Theory: Detailed explanations of different types of karma, their bondage, effects, and eventual shedding (nirjara).
  • Ethics and Conduct: The text explores the Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), self-control (samyam), and detachment (viragya) through dialogues and examples.
  • Metaphysics and Epistemology: Concepts like the nature of reality, perception, knowledge (jnana), and the role of faith (sammyaktva) are discussed.
  • Specific Narratives and Examples: The text contains illustrative stories and dialogues, such as the one involving Dhan Sarthavaha and Vijay Taskar, to explain complex philosophical points. It also includes the famous dialogue about the origin of the chicken and the egg to illustrate the concept of anadi-paryaya (beginningless cycles).
  • Scientific and Philosophical Comparisons: The commentary and introduction highlight the text's engagement with scientific and philosophical concepts from various traditions.
  • Specific Chapters (Shatak 1, Uddeshak 1-10): The table of contents reveals discussions on topics like:
    • Mangala Pad (auspicious invocation)
    • Moving and Stationery Beings (Chal-man Chalit)
    • Nairayikas (hellish beings) and their states
    • Karma and its effects
    • Elements like Earth (Prithvi)
    • The nature of speech and senses
    • The sun and its function
    • The concept of 'creations' and their origins
    • The nature of spiritual practices and liberation.
    • Discussions on various philosophical schools (anya-tirthikas) and their views.

• Core Teachings and Themes:

  • Aptavani: The teachings are considered the words of enlightened beings (Aptas) who have realized the truth and guide others.
  • Importance of Knowledge and Conduct: The text emphasizes the simultaneous importance of knowledge (jnana) and conduct (charitra) for liberation, with knowledge being primary.
  • Impermanence of Life: The verses used for devotion and the discussions on the fleeting nature of life serve as constant reminders for spiritual discipline.
  • Subtle Philosophical Disquisitions: The Agams are rich in detailed discussions on fundamental principles, offering guidance to seekers of truth.
  • Scientific and Philosophical Relevance: The text contains insights that resonate with modern scientific understanding, particularly in areas like the sentience of beings and the interconnectedness of existence.
  • The Centrality of Ātmā: The ultimate goal is the realization of the soul (atma) and achieving liberation (moksha).
  • Anekāntavāda: The principle of manifold viewpoints and the rejection of one-sided or extreme perspectives are evident throughout the text.
  • The Role of Jina's (Tirthankaras) Teachings: The teachings of the Tirthankaras, being omniscient and free from passions, are considered the ultimate truth.

Summary of First Shatak, First Uddeshak (as detailed in the provided text):

• Mangala Pad: Starts with auspicious invocations to the Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all monks.
• Utkshep Pad: Describes the setting in Rajagriha city, Lord Mahavir's arrival, and the assembly (parishad).
• Chal-man Pad: This section features a dialogue between Lord Mahavir and Gautam Swami. Gautam asks about the nature of existence and causality. Lord Mahavir explains that what is in motion is in motion, what is burnt is burnt, what is dying is dying, etc., implying a process of existence. The conversation delves into the philosophical implications of these processes.
• Nairayika Adhi (Nairayika Section): The discussion shifts to the nature of hellish beings (Nairayikas). Gautam enquires about their lifespan (jaghanya das hazar varsh, utkrsh teetis sagaropam), their breathing cycles (aan-apan), their desire for food, how they digest it, and the process of transformation (parinaman). The text explains that Nairayikas experience pain and suffering due to their karma and their very existence is intertwined with this suffering.
• Karm Vedana (Karma Experience): The dialogue explores whether beings experience self-created suffering and how karma leads to suffering. It clarifies that beings experience suffering that has come to fruition (udirna) but not that which is still in potential form (anudirna).
• Saman Ahar, Saman Sharir (Same Food, Same Body): The text discusses whether Nairayikas have similar food, bodies, and breathing patterns. It explains that Nairayikas differ based on their karma and the specifics of their birth (upapada), leading to variations in their bodily states and experiences.
• Arambh-Anarambh (Initiation-Non-Initiation): The discussion extends to the concepts of initiating actions and their karmic consequences, distinguishing between actions driven by passion and those performed with equanimity.
• Bhagavan's Samata (Equanimity): The text touches upon the Lord's equanimity in all situations.
• Kaankshamohaniya Karma: The dialogue explores the nature of desire-driven karma and its impact on the cycle of birth and death.
• Asthi-Nasti (Existence-Non-existence): A key philosophical debate on the nature of reality, existence, and non-existence is presented.
• Contribution to Jain Literature: The introductory and concluding remarks emphasize the profound and comprehensive nature of the Bhagwati Sutra, highlighting its value for spiritual seekers and scholars alike.

In essence, the provided text details the initial discussions in the Bhagwati Sutra, laying the groundwork for its extensive exploration of Jain cosmology, philosophy, and ethics, framed within a historical context of rigorous textual research and dissemination. The dialogue format between Lord Mahavir and Gautam Swami is used to expound upon complex doctrines, illustrating the Jain path to liberation through knowledge, conduct, and detachment.