Bhagwati Sutra Vandana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagwati Sutra Vandana":

Book Title: Shree Bhagwati Sutra Vandana (A Collection of introductory articles and poetic works like Sajhay related to Shree Bhagwati Sutra)

Editor: Pujya Acharya Shree Vijaypradyumnasuri Maharaj Co-Editor: Kantibhai B. Shah Publisher: Shree Shrutgyan Prasarak Sabha

Overall Purpose: The book is a collection of devotional and scholarly works dedicated to the Bhagwati Sutra (also known as Vyakhya Prajnapti), the fifth Anga of the Jaina Agamas. It aims to:

• Promote devotion and reverence for the Bhagwati Sutra.
• Provide insights and understanding into its profound teachings.
• Preserve and disseminate various poetic compositions and introductory materials related to this crucial scripture.
• Encourage the study and chanting of its verses, particularly the "Sajhay" compositions.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Bhagwati Sutra's Significance:

   • It is considered the most important among the Agamas, a jewel among scriptures, and a treasure trove of diverse knowledge.
   • It is described as a vast ocean of knowledge, containing profound meanings and benefiting all beings.
   • The text emphasizes the sweet nectar of knowledge contained within the Agamas, which nourishes the soul and leads to spiritual liberation.
   • It is hailed as the "Jayakunjara" (victorious elephant) in the Jinashasana, a source of profound wisdom that dispels ignorance.
   • The Bhagwati Sutra covers all four Anuyogas: Dravyanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, Dharmanukathaanuyoga, and Charan Karananuyoga.

2. Authorship and Lineage:

   • The book is edited by Acharya Vijaypradyumnasuri Maharaj, a disciple of Acharya Vijayhemchandrasuri Maharaj, who was himself a successor to Acharya Vijaydemisurishwarji Maharaj. This highlights a prestigious spiritual lineage.
   • The co-editor is Kantibhai B. Shah.
   • The inspiration for the book came from Pujya Sadhviji Shri Muktimatishriji M. and others, with the knowledge base provided by the Krishnanagar Jain Shvetambar Murti Pujak Sangh.

3. Contents of the Book: The book is a compilation of various pieces, including:

   • Introduction and Overviews: Articles introducing the Bhagwati Sutra and its importance.
   • Sajhay (Poetic Compositions): A significant portion of the book comprises "Sajhay" – devotional songs and poems that explain the essence of the Bhagwati Sutra, often chapter by chapter or century by century. Notable contributors to these Sajhay include:
     • Shri Gyanvimalsuri
     • Upa. Yashovijayji
     • Shri Nityavijay
     • Shri Khimavijay
     • Upa. Vinayvijay
     • Shri Devchandra
     • Shri Lakshmisuri
     • Shri Manavijay (whose Sajhay for each of the 14 centuries are extensively featured).
   • Stotras (Hymns of Praise): Hymns like "Vivahaprajnapti: 5 - Angastotram" by Shree Vibudhabhasuri Maharaj and "Shree Bhavati Stotram" by Acharya Shree Ratnamandangani.
   • Pujas (Worship Services): Various "Pujas" dedicated to the Bhagwati Sutra are included, such as Pancham Shree Bhagwati Sutra Puja by Pandit Rupvijayji, Dwitiya Chandan Puja by Pandit Veer Vijayji, and Bhagwati Sutra ki Gaheli by Pandit Dipvijay Kaviraj.
   • Lists and Indices: A table indicating the Shatak (century), Uddeshak (section), and Sutra count, compiled by Muni Shree Kaiyalal Kamal.
   • Historical Accounts: A "Pethad Pustak-Puja Prabandh" describing a historical event related to the worship of the scripture, and its Gujarati translation.
   • Explanatory Articles: An introduction to the Panchmang Shree Bhagwati Sutra by Shree Vijaypagsuriji.
   • Analysis of Nayas (Perspectives): An explanation of Sakaladesh and Vikalsadesh from the perspective of Ratnaprabhacharya.
   • Details of Agamas: Mention of the 11 Angas and the 12th Anga, Drishtivada, along with their components.

Content Highlights:

• Detailed Breakdown of the Bhagwati Sutra: The book provides a comprehensive list of the 41 Shataks, their respective Uddeshaks, and formula counts.
• Explanations of Key Concepts: It delves into the complex philosophical and ethical concepts within the Bhagwati Sutra, including the nature of soul, non-soul, heavens, hells, atoms, time, karma, and the various classifications of beings and their spiritual states.
• Narratives and Stories: It includes historical and mythological narratives of disciples and other figures associated with Lord Mahavir and the scripture, such as Arya Shree Roh, Arya Skandak, Tishyak Anagar, Kurudatta Putra, Atimuktak Muni, Naradputra, Nirgranthiputra, Rishabhdatta, Shyamahasti Anagar, Shivraj Rishi, Sudarshan, and Udayan Anagar. These stories often highlight the teachings of the Bhagwati Sutra through practical examples.
• Linguistic and Structural Analysis: It touches upon the linguistic structure, the various names of the Bhagwati Sutra (Vivahaprajnapti, Bhagwati), and its detailed analysis by scholars like Abhaydeva Suri.
• Devotional Practices: It includes details of various pujas and devotional practices associated with the Bhagwati Sutra, emphasizing the importance of chanting and reverence.
• Philosophical Debates: It showcases the sutra's engagement with different philosophical viewpoints, including refutations of non-Jain philosophies.

Overall Impact: The "Bhagwati Sutra Vandana" serves as a valuable resource for Jains interested in understanding, appreciating, and connecting with the Bhagwati Sutra. It bridges the gap between the deep scriptural knowledge and devotional practice, making the profound teachings accessible and inspiring. The collection of diverse works reflects the enduring relevance and veneration of this scripture within Jainism.