Bhagwati Sutra Part 03 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Bhagwati Sutra, Part 3, based on the provided text and catalog link.

Book Title: Bhagwati Sutra Part 03 Author: Ghasilal Maharaj (with commentary by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj) Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009313/1

This volume, the third part of the Bhagwati Sutra, is a significant Jain text focusing on detailed explanations of various concepts, celestial beings, and spiritual practices within Jainism. The commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj, named "Prameyachandrika," and the translation into Hindi and Gujarati aim to make the profound teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Overall Scope:

The Bhagwati Sutra is a vast collection of dialogues and discussions, primarily between Lord Mahavir and his chief disciple Gautam Swami, addressing a wide range of philosophical, ethical, and cosmological questions pertinent to the Jain faith. This particular volume, covering the third century, delves into intricate details regarding the powers, realms, and interactions of celestial beings, primarily focusing on the Asura Kumara class of deities and their relationship with the Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir. It also explores the concept of Vikurvana (the ability to transform one's form) extensively.

Key Themes and Contents (based on the index and detailed sections):

The third century of the Bhagwati Sutra is structured into ten Udesas (chapters or sections). The provided text offers a detailed index of the topics covered within these Udesas, giving us a clear picture of the volume's content:

Udesa 1 (Pages 18-27): This section begins with Lord Mahavir's Samavasarana (divine assembly) in Mokā city. It details the questions posed by Agnibhuti, a disciple of Mahavir, regarding the Asura Kumara deities, their powers of Vikurvana (form transformation), and their great Riddhis (supernatural powers). It also covers the nature of Chamar (an Asura King), the Prāyātrinśaka deities, Sāmānika deities, and the queens of Chamar. The interaction and reconciliation between Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti are also highlighted, along with further discussions on the powers of Ishāneśvara, Kuru-datta, and other celestial beings up to the Achuyuta heaven.
Udesa 2 (Pages 274-494): This Udesa continues the exploration of Asura Kumaras, focusing on Chamar's Utpata Kriya (activity or action) concerning Lord Mahavir. It details the lineage and previous lives (Purvabhava) related to certain celestial beings, including Chamar's own past lives. The interactions of Chamar with Vayubhuti and Lord Mahavir are discussed, including Chamar's eventual submission and seeking refuge. The text also elaborates on the powers of Chamar and other Asura Kumaras to travel upwards and downwards, and their capabilities concerning Pudgala Prakshepa (material projection). The section also covers the nature of Bhavasiddhi (destined for liberation) and Abhavasiddhi (not destined for liberation) in relation to these beings.
Udesa 3 (Pages 523-583): This section begins the study of Kriya (action) and its various forms, including Ejanaadi Kriya (actions related to movement, etc.) and Pramatta and Apramatta Samayata (disciplined monks at different stages of spiritual practice). It also touches upon the causes of the rise and fall of the Lavana Sea.
Udesa 4 (Pages 595-666): This Udesa delves into the nature of Kriya again, exploring its diverse forms. It discusses Vaikriya Maya (illusory transformation) and Parinamika-chalita Megha (transforming clouds). The process of a soul's journey after death to the next world is also explained. Anagara's Vikurvana (ascetic's transformation power) is also a subject.
Udesa 5 (Pages 667-714): This Udesa provides further insights into Vikurvana, specifically focusing on Abhiyogya and Abhiyogiya (types of beings or entities involved in such powers).
Udesa 6 (Pages 715-760): This section discusses the specific Vikurvana of ascetics with Mithyatva (wrong views) and Amaya (without deceit). It also offers special commentary on Chamar's protective deities.
Udesa 7 (Pages 761-850): This Udesa shifts focus to celestial beings, discussing the nature of Lokapalas (guardians of directions) such as Shukra, Yama, Varuna, and Vaishravana.
Udesa 8 (Pages 852-874): This section briefly covers Upekshaka (indifferent beings) and Bhanapati and other deities.
Udesa 9 (Pages 881-887): This Udesa discusses the Indriyas (senses).
Udesa 10 (Pages 888-919): This final Udesa in the third century covers the assembly of gods, their palaces, and the nature of hellish beings (Narakas).

Specific Highlights Mentioned in the Text:

Mokā City & Nandan Garden: The setting for a significant portion of the dialogues, where Lord Mahavir delivered discourses.
Chamar: A prominent Asura King whose powers and past actions are extensively detailed, including his encounter with Lord Mahavir and the influence of his past karma.
Vikurvana Shakfti: The ability of beings, especially celestial beings, to transform their forms and create illusions is a recurring and detailed theme.
Riddhis: The supernatural powers of gods and other beings are explained in detail.
Caste and Karma: The text touches upon how actions in past lives (Karma) influence present circumstances and rebirths, including the journey of souls.
Spiritual Practices: The importance of austerities, vows, and mindful conduct are often discussed, especially in the context of the lives of ascetics like Tishya and Kuru-datta.
Cosmology: The text describes various celestial realms, their inhabitants, and their spatial relationships, including the different levels of hells and heavens.
Biographies: The volume includes a biographical sketch of Shri Vinod Muni, highlighting his spiritual journey and detachment.

Publisher's Note:

The publisher, Shri Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, mentions their ongoing work of publishing approximately 30 Sutras, with Bhagwati Sutra Part 3 being prepared for release. They also appeal for financial support for this significant endeavor.

Overall Significance:

This volume of the Bhagwati Sutra, enriched by the "Prameyachandrika" commentary, serves as a crucial resource for understanding the Jain perspective on celestial hierarchies, the intricacies of supernatural powers like Vikurvana, the principles of karma, and the path to spiritual liberation as exemplified by the lives of ascetics and the teachings of Lord Mahavir. The detailed index and the comprehensive nature of the content indicate its importance in the study of Jain Agamas.