Bhagwati Sutra Vyakhyan Sangraha Part 02 - Book Summary

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Book Title: Bhagwati Sutra Vyakhyan Sangraha Part 02 Author(s): Sudharmaswami, Vijaylabdhisuri Publisher: Chandulal Jamnadas Shah Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023149/1

This book, "Bhagwati Sutra Vyakhyan Sangraha Part 02," is the second volume in a series presenting lectures (Vyakhyan) on the Bhagwati Sutra, a key text in Jainism. The lectures were delivered by the revered Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj and were compiled and edited by Shri Chimanlal Nathalal Shah (Shrikant).

Key Information and Content:

Source Text: The lectures are based on the Bhagwati Sutra, the fifth Anga of the Jain Agamas, originally composed by Ganadhar Sudharmaswami and commented upon by Acharya Abhaydevsurishwarji.
Lecturer (Vyakhyanakar): The primary lecturer was the highly respected Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj. His lectures were known for their depth and eloquence.
Compiler/Editor: Shri Chimanlal Nathalal Shah (Shrikant) is credited with compiling and editing the lectures, faithfully capturing the essence of Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji's teachings.
Content Focus: This volume, "Shastra Prastavana" (Introduction to the Scripture), specifically covers the introductory sections and explanations of the Bhagwati Sutra's significance and content.
Date of Publication: The book was published in Vikram Samvat 2009, corresponding to 1953 CE. It is the first edition with a print run of 2000 copies.
Cost: The price was three rupees.
Contributors: The publication was financially supported by the sons of the late Seth Shri Ujamshibhai Thakarshibhai, residents of Khambhat, and blessed by the spiritual presence and teachings of the Acharyas.
Key Themes and Sections (from the Index): The book delves into various philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism, including:
- Mangalācharaṇ (auspicious beginning) and Abhidheya (subject matter): Discussing the nature of auspiciousness and its relation to the scripture.
- The significance of the Bhagwati Sutra: Describing it as being like a "Sumunnata Jayakunjara" (a majestic victorious elephant), highlighting its profound nature and powerful teachings.
- Detailed analysis of auspicious epithets used for the Bhagwati Sutra: This includes explanations of its "lalit padapaddhati" (beautiful arrangement of words), "avyaya svarupa" (imperishable nature), "ghano'dar shabda" (grand and profound words), "linga vibhukti yukta" (grammatical correctness), "sadākhyata" (always praised), "salakṣaṇa" (having auspicious marks), "devatādhiṣṭhita" (divinely presided over), "suvarṇamaṇḍita uddeśaka" (adorned with golden explanations), "nānāvidhādbhuta pravaracarita" (containing various wonderful and excellent conduct), "ṣaṭtriṁśat praśna sahasra pramāṇa sūtradeha" (body of scripture with thirty-six thousand questions), "catur'anuyogacaraṇa" (having fourfold expositional principles), "jñāna-caraṇa nayanayugala" (eyes of knowledge and conduct), "drav'āstika-pary'āstika nayadvayadanṭamuśala" (two sets of logic, Dravya' and Paryaya), "niścaya-vyavahāra nayasamunnnata kumbhadvaya" (two prominent vases of Nischaya and Vyavahar logic), "yoga-kṣema'karṇayugala" (ears of yoga and kṣema), "prasāvanāvacana racanā prakāṇḍa śuṇḍādaṇḍa" (trunk of introduction speech composition), "nigamanavacana'tuccapuccha" (insignificant tail of conclusion speech), "kālā'dy'aṣṭaprakāra pravacano'pacāra 'cāruparikara" (eightfold time-related principles of discourse), "utsarg'apavādavādasa'muccalad'atuccaghaṇṭāyugala ghōṣa" (sound of bells from utsarga and apavada doctrines), "yaśaḥpaṭahapaṭupratiravā'pūrṇādikacakrāvala" (sound of victory drums filling the universe), "syādvādaviśadāṁkuśavaśīkr̥ta" (controlled by the sharp goad of Syādvāda), "vividhahetuhetisamuhasam'anvita" (endowed with various weapons of reasoning), "mithyātvā'jñānā'viraṁaṇa'lakṣaṇaripu bala dalanāya śrīmannahāvīra mahārājena niyuktasya" (appointed by Lord Mahavir to destroy the army of enemies like delusion, ignorance, and non-restraint), and "balaniyuktakalpagaṇanāyakamati prakalpitasy" (imagined by the intelligent planner of the appointed army).
Core Message: The introduction emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to the principles of Jainism, particularly the path to liberation (moksha). It highlights the need for knowledge (Jñana) and right conduct (Charitra) working together.
Literary Style: Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji's lectures are praised for their beautiful language and eloquent presentation, making the profound teachings accessible and engaging.
Emphasis on Gratitude and Humility: The publication's preface expresses deep gratitude to Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji, Muni Shri Vikramvijayji, and Shri Chimanlal Shah for their contributions. It underscores the importance of guru-bhakti (devotion to the teacher) and humility in scholarly work.
Correction of Errors: A section is dedicated to "Shuddhi-Suchan" (suggestions for correction), indicating a commitment to accuracy and refinement of the text.

Overall Significance:

This volume serves as a crucial introduction to the Bhagwati Sutra, setting the stage for deeper study and understanding of its complex teachings. It showcases the scholarly and spiritual legacy of Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji and the dedication of those involved in preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge. The detailed breakdown of the "Shastra Prastavana" from the original text reveals a rich tapestry of metaphors and analogies used to explain the scripture's profound nature, likening it to a victorious elephant with numerous auspicious attributes.