Bhagwati Sutrana Adbhut Bhavo Part 01 And 02

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagwati Sutra Adbhut Bhavo Part 01 and 02" by Shobhna Kamdar, based on the provided pages:

This text is a compilation by Shobhna Kamdar, offering insights into the profound concepts presented in the Bhagwati Sutra (also known as Vyakhya Prajnapti), considered the fifth Anga of the Jain canon. The work is dedicated to Param Pujya Gurumata Shri Amitabhā Swāmi.

Core Focus and Approach:

The book aims to distill the essence and "wonderful sentiments" (Adbhut Bhavo) from the Bhagwati Sutra, making its complex teachings accessible. Shobhna Kamdar, previously known for her accessible explanations of other Jain scriptures, now tackles the vast Bhagwati Sutra, which contains an estimated 36,000 questions posed to Lord Mahavir. The compilation draws from these questions and answers, featuring discussions involving Ganadhar Gautam Swami, celestial beings, kings, monks, nuns, and followers of other philosophies.

Key Themes and Concepts Explored:

The summary covers a wide range of Jain philosophical and practical principles, organized by the sections (Uddeshak) within the first Shatak of the Bhagwati Sutra. Here's a breakdown of the major themes:

1. Introduction and Mangalācharaṇa (Pages 1-4):

• Respect for the Text: The book is presented with deep reverence, emphasizing the need to care for it to avoid any disrespect.
• The Bhagwati Sutra: Highlighted as a vast and important scripture, its Prakrit name "Viyāha Paṇṇatti" is mentioned. It contains a multitude of questions and answers covering diverse subjects.
• Purpose of Mangalācharaṇa: The introductory verses are explained to ward off obstacles, purify negative karma, and follow the tradition of the wise. The superiority of spiritual invocation (Bhavmangal) of the Panch Parmeshthi over material blessings is emphasized.
• Praise for the Compiler: Dr. Kumarpal Desai commends Shobhna Kamdar's ability to delve deep into Jain Agamas, understand their terminology, find references, and express the underlying sentiments.

2. Key Concepts Explained Across Chapters (Shatak 1, Uddeshak 1 onwards):

• Karma Theory (Various Chapters):

  • The Doctrine of Self-Action: Jainism emphasizes that individuals reap the consequences of their own actions. No external force, divine intervention, or divine grace can alter this.
  • Karma Bandha (Bondage): The causes of karma bondage (Mithyatva, Avrat, Pramad, Kshay, Yoga) are discussed. Specifically, Pramad (negligence/laxity) and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, body) are highlighted as key factors.
  • Types of Karma and their Processes: Concepts like Chalan (movement of karma particles), Chalit (moved karma), Udīraṇā (hasty fruition), Vedanā (experiencing karma), Chhedan (reducing karma duration), Bhedan (reducing karma potency), Dagdha (burning karma), Mruta (death of karma), and Nirjīrṇa (shedding karma) are explained.
  • States of Karma: Nidhatta (karma that can only be modified by certain actions) and Nikāchita (karma that cannot be modified and must be experienced as is) are detailed.
  • Karma and the Soul: The relationship between the soul (which is formless) and karma (which is subtle matter) is explored, emphasizing that the soul becomes "material" through karma.
  • Karma and Purushartha (Effort): Jainism is presented as a philosophy that emphasizes personal effort (Purushartha), not destiny, in karmic outcomes. The interplay of Karma, Kala (time), Swabhava (nature), Niyati (destiny), and Purushartha is discussed.
  • Kankshā Mohaniya (Attraction Delusion): This section elaborates on the causes of doubt, aversion, and delusion concerning Jain principles, emphasizing faith (Shraddha) as the remedy.
  • Karmic Fruition: The process of karma yielding its fruits (Vipaka) is explained, highlighting that the timing and nature of the experience depend on various factors.
  • Karmic Attachment: The attachment to karma, described as a "subtle substance" (Snehakāya), is discussed, illustrating how it binds the soul.

• The Soul (Jiva) and its Qualities:

  • Jiva and Ajiva: The fundamental distinction between the soul (conscious) and non-soul (unconscious matter) is a recurring theme.
  • Eternal Soul: The soul is considered eternal and unchanging in its essence.
  • Perishability of States: While the soul's essence is eternal, its states (like being in different life forms or experiencing specific emotions) are impermanent.
  • The Role of Knowledge and Conduct: Emphasis is placed on Jnana (knowledge) and Darshan (perception) as inherent qualities of the soul, while Charitra (conduct), Sanyam (restraint), and Tapa (austerities) are seen as practices that lead to the manifestation of the soul's true nature.

• The Human and Living Beings:

  • The 24 Gati (Realms of Existence): The text details various classifications of beings across different realms, including the 24 Dandakas (categories of living beings).
  • One-Sensed Beings (Ekendriya): Their nature, senses, lifespan, and the subtle ways they experience life and karma are discussed.
  • The Cycle of Rebirth (Sansara): The concept of transmigration and the soul's journey through various life forms is central.
  • The Nature of Suffering: Suffering is understood as a consequence of karma.

• Types of Conduct and Practices:

  • Arambhi and Anarambhi: The text differentiates between engaging in activities that cause harm (Arambhi) and refraining from them (Anarambhi).
  • Leshya: The influence of internal mental states (Leshya) on karma and rebirth is explained, describing the different colors of karmic energy (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla).
  • Samyama and Brahmacharya: The importance of restraint and celibacy in spiritual progress is highlighted.
  • Tapa (Austerities): Various forms of austerities and their role in purifying karma are touched upon.
  • The Five Samitis and Three Guptis (Eightfold Conduct): These are considered the foundational principles for righteous conduct.
  • Vows (Vratas): The observance of vows, both for monks (Mahavratas) and laypeople (Anuvratas), is discussed.
  • Samayika and Pratikramana: Practices of equanimity and self-reflection for purifying karma are mentioned.

• Cosmology and Geography:

  • The Universe (Loka and Aloka): The Jain concept of the universe, divided into the inhabited Loka and the empty Aloka, is presented, with the latter being a unique Jain contribution.
  • Planetary Movements: The movements of the sun and moon, the concept of different celestial realms, and their vast spatial and temporal scales are described.
  • The Lokapalas: The roles and domains of various celestial guardians overseeing different regions of the cosmos are detailed.

• Siddhas and Liberation (Moksha):

  • The State of Siddhahood: The liberated souls (Siddhas) are described as omniscient, omnipotent, and eternally blissful, residing in the Siddha Shila at the top of the universe.
  • Moksha as the Ultimate Goal: The ultimate aim of Jain practice is to shed all karma and achieve liberation, realizing the soul's pure, inherent nature.

• Specific Terms and Concepts:

  • Panch Parmeshthi: The five supreme beings (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) are invoked for blessings and guidance.
  • Upasthana and Apakramana: These terms relate to spiritual ascent and descent, respectively, often linked to the influence of Mohaniya karma.
  • Virya (Energy): The different types of vital energy (Bal, Virya) and their role in karmic processes are discussed.
  • Vīrya States: Bala Virya (childlike energy), Pandita Virya (wise energy), and Bala-Pandita Virya are described in relation to karmic actions.
  • Samyāga Darśana and Mithyā Darśana: Right perception and wrong perception are crucial in determining karmic outcomes.
  • The Nature of Speech: The text delves into the nature of speech, its causes, and its impact on karma.
  • The Body: The ephemeral nature of the physical body and its relationship with the soul is examined.
  • Subtle vs. Gross: Many concepts are explained by differentiating between subtle (Bhav) and gross (Dravya) manifestations.

Overall Significance:

"Bhagwati Sutrana Adbhut Bhavo Part 01 and 02" serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Jain philosophy as presented in the Bhagwati Sutra. Shobhna Kamdar's work is characterized by its clarity, meticulousness, and deep devotion to the Jain tradition, making complex spiritual truths accessible to a wider audience. The text not only explains Jain principles but also inspires readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and strive for liberation.