Bhavsthiti Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Bhavsthiti Part 01" by Virshekharvijay, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Bhavsthiti Part 01 (भवस्थितिः (१)) Author: Virshekharvijay (वीरशेखरविजय) Publisher: Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti (भारतीय प्राच्यतत्व प्रकाशन समिति) Language: Sanskrit and Prakrit (with a Hindi preface and commentary) Subject: Jain Karma Philosophy, specifically focusing on "Bhavsthiti" (the duration of existence in different states of rebirth).

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is part of a larger series on Jain Karma literature, inspired and guided by the esteemed Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Premasurishwarji Maharaja. "Bhavsthiti" is a crucial concept in Jainism, dealing with the lifespan of beings across various realms and types of existence. This volume, authored by Ganivarya Shri Veershekhar Vijay, provides an in-depth analysis and commentary on this topic. The text is written in a scholarly manner, citing numerous Jain scriptures and referencing previous commentaries.

Key Features and Content:

1. Attribution and Lineage: The book is dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Premasurishwarji Maharaja. It also acknowledges the guidance of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Danasurishwarji Maharaja and Acharya Dev Shrimad Jaya Heer Surishwarji Maharaja, highlighting a significant lineage of Jain scholars and spiritual leaders.

2. Structure and Commentary: The primary text is "Bhavsthiti," composed in verses (Gathas). This is accompanied by "Prema Prabha Vritti" (प्रेमप्रभावृत्ति), a self-authored commentary by Ganivarya Shri Veershekhar Vijay, which elaborates on the original verses. The work also includes ten appendices (Dash Parishishta) that further enrich the study.

3. Content of Bhavsthiti: The core of the book focuses on detailing the maximum (utkrishta) and minimum (jaghanya) lifespan (Bhavsthiti) for various categories of beings across different realms and classifications. This includes:

   • General Classification (Ogha): The overall maximum and minimum lifespans are presented first.
   • Specific Realms and Categories: The text meticulously breaks down the Bhavsthiti for:
     • Hellish Beings (Naraka): Lifespans in each of the seven hellish realms are detailed, showing increasing durations.
     • Celestial Beings (Deva): Lifespans are discussed for different classes of celestial beings, including Bhavanvasi, Vyantar, Jyotishka, and Vaimanika (Sadharmadi to Anuottara beings). The lifespans for Vaimanika beings are further categorized into Kalpa divisions and the Graiveyakas.
     • Sub-Human Beings (Tiryanch): Lifespans for various types of sub-human beings, including five-sensed beings, humans, and single-sensed beings (like Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, and Vegetation-bodied beings).
     • Other Categories: This includes lifespans for beings based on their senses (Ekendriya to Panchendriya), body types (Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, etc.), genders (female-sex), and states of consciousness (Sanjni - sentient, Asanjni - non-sentient).
   • Detailed Analysis: The commentary explains the precise durations in units like Sagaropama (ocean-like time periods), Palyopama (time periods measured by the emptying of a pit of mustard seeds), and years, often citing scriptural sources.

4. Methodology and Scholarly Approach:

   • Citations: The author consistently refers to authoritative Jain scriptures like the Prajnapana Sutra, Jivajivabhigama Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, Brihat Sangrahani, and Jivsamasa.
   • Interpretation: The commentary clarifies complex verses, resolves apparent contradictions by explaining different interpretations (e.g., the meaning of "Paryapta" - developed beings, vs. "Karana Paryapta" - beings in the process of development), and explains the reasoning behind the stated lifespans.
   • Appendices: The ten appendices serve to support the main text by listing:
     • Original verses (Mul Gatha).
     • Partial verses (Mul Gatha Dyansha).
     • Citing scriptures (Sakshi Granth).
     • Authors of citing scriptures (Sakshi Granthkara).
     • Referenced scriptures (Atidista Granth).
     • Authors of referenced scriptures (Atidista Granthkara).
     • Grammatical rules (Vyakaran Sutra).
     • Logical principles/maxims (Nyaya).
     • A table of all relevant sub-categories (Mool Margana).
     • A summary table of maximum and minimum lifespans (Utkrishta-Jaghanya Bhavsthiti Prashiyantra).

5. Publication Details:

   • The first edition was published in Vir Samvat 2513 (Vikram Samvat 2043 / AD 1987).
   • The publisher, Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti, has a mission to publish Jain literature.
   • The book is presented as the 38th volume in the Acharyadeva Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji Karma Sahitya Granthmala.

Significance:

"Bhavsthiti Part 01" is a foundational text for understanding the intricacies of reincarnation and lifespans in Jainism. It provides a systematic and scripturally grounded exposition of this complex subject. The detailed analysis and extensive cross-referencing make it a valuable resource for Jain scholars, students, and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the karmic processes that govern existence. The commentary by Veershekhar Vijay offers clarity and accessibility to the original verses.