Bhagwati Sutra Part 12

The provided text is a detailed summary and commentary on specific sections of the Jain text, the Bhagwati Sutra, specifically focusing on Part 12, compiled and explained by Ghasilal Maharaj. The publisher is A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The catalog link is provided as jainqq.org/explore/009322/1.

The provided document seems to be the first 13 pages (out of a larger volume) of this particular part of the Bhagwati Sutra, containing the title page, publisher information, a table of contents (अनुक्रमणिका) for Part 12, and the beginning of the text itself. It also includes a biographical sketch of Shri Vinodkumar Virani, detailing his life, travels, and spiritual inclinations, which appears to be a dedication or tribute within the publication.

Key aspects and content from the provided pages:

• Title and Author: The title is "Shri Bhagwati Sutra," identified as the "Dvadasho Bhag" (Twelfth Part). The author of the commentary (Prameyachandrika) is stated to be Acharya Jain-Dharmadivakar Poojya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. The text is presented with Hindi-Gujarati translations and the commentary.
• Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, Rajkot.
• Date and Edition: First Edition, Veer Samvat 2494, Vikram Samvat 2024, Gregorian 1968.
• Content Overview (from Table of Contents - Page 3-6): The twelfth part of the Bhagwati Sutra (Shataka 16) is divided into 18 sections (Uddesha). The topics covered are extensive and include:
  • Discussions on "Adhikara" (authority/foundation) and "Adhikarni" (the instrument or basis).
  • Examples using iron and its properties to explain five types of "Kriyas" (actions).
  • Discussions on karma, its forms, and the process of shedding it.
  • The nature and arrival of celestial beings (Devas), including specific deities like Shakrendra and Gangadatta.
  • The concept of dreams, their interpretations, and Mahavir Swami's ten great dreams.
  • The nature of lok (universe) and the atomic principles of action.
  • Discussions on various types of beings, their existence in different realms (like Sou Dharmadi Kalpa), and their sustenance.
  • Detailed explanations of the nature of life, the body, senses, and mental processes (yoga).
  • The distinction between the soul (Jiva) and its various states and forms.
  • Discussions on the cessation of life activities (antakriya) and the process of soul purification (nirjara).
  • The nature of karma, bondage, and the path to liberation.
• Biographical Note: Page 8-20 provide a life history of Shri Vinodkumar Virani, born in Sudan, Africa, to Shri Durlabhji Shamji Virani and Smt. Mani. He received education up to matriculation, travelled extensively in Europe, Egypt, and Kashmir, remained a strict Jain, and eventually took sanyam (renunciation) from the Jain religious order. His life is portrayed as one of austerity, detachment, and deep religious devotion.
• Textual Content (Page 21 onwards): The text begins with the introduction to the sixteenth century (Shodasha Shatakam) of the Bhagwati Sutra, which continues the discussion on birth and death cycles of beings, similar to the fifteenth century, with a focus on Goshalaka's transmigration. The first Uddesha (Adhikaraṇi) is then introduced, with a detailed explanation and commentary.

Summary of the initial sections (Pages 21-30):

• Sixteenth Century (Shodasha Shatakam): The commentary begins by stating that the 15th century discussed the transmigration of Goshalaka into various elemental beings (ekendriya). The 16th century will continue this discussion on birth and death.
• Uddesha 1 (Adhikaraṇi): The first section is named "Adhikaraṇi." The term "Adhikaraṇi" is explained etymologically as the tool upon which substances like iron are placed for hammering, referencing a 'Lohar no Eraṇ' (blacksmith's anvil) in Hindi.
• Formulaic Opening: The text starts with the standard Jain formula "Teṇam kāleṇaṁ teṇaṁ samaeṁṁ" (In that time, in that moment).
• Gautama's Questions: Gautama Swami asks Lord Mahavir about the "Vayukāya" (wind element) emerging from the "Adhikaraṇi" when iron is struck. He further inquīres if it is conscious or unconscious, whether it leaves the body with or without a physical form, and its fate after death.
• Lord Mahavir's Answers: The Lord clarifies that the Vayukaya does originate, is initially unconscious but can become conscious. It leaves the body in a subtle form. The answers often refer to previous discussions or contexts, like the case of "Skandaka."
• Subsequent Discussions (Uddesha 1 continued): The text moves on to other topics within the first Uddesha, including the duration of "Agnikaya" (fire element) in an "Ingal Kariya" (hearth/grate) and the interaction between fire and air elements. It also delves into the actions (kriyas) involved in handling hot iron, illustrating the concept of "Pancha Kriyas" (five actions). The distinction between actions performed by the soul and actions performed by the body (deha) are implicitly explored through examples.

Overall Impression:

The provided text is a scholarly work, offering detailed explanations of complex Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts as presented in the Bhagwati Sutra. The commentary aims to clarify the nuances of Jain teachings with a focus on the intricate discussions of soul (Jiva), karma, elemental beings, and spiritual progression. The inclusion of a biographical note suggests a dedication to a significant spiritual figure within the Jain tradition. The text is primarily in Sanskrit and Gujarati, with Hindi translations interspersed, indicating its target audience.