Bhavsthiti Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavsthiti Part 02" by Virshekharvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhavsthiti Part 02 (भवस्थितिः (२)) Author: Ganivarya Shri Veershekharvijay (गणिवर्य श्रीवीरशेखरविजय) Publisher: Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti (भारतीय प्राच्यतत्त्व प्रकाशन समिति), Pindwara Series: Karma Sahitya Jain Granthamala (कर्मसाहित्य जैन ग्रन्थमाला), Granth No. 39 (ग्रन्थ ३९) Commentary: Swopajna Prema Prabha Vrutti (स्वोपज्ञप्रेमप्रभावृत्ति) by the same author, illuminating the original text. Key Feature: Accompanied by Ten Appendices (दशपरिशिष्टपरिकलिता).

Overall Purpose:

This book is a significant contribution to Jain Jaina Karma Shastra (the science of karmas). It focuses specifically on the concept of Bhavsthiti (भवस्थिति), which refers to the duration of existence or lifespan within different states of existence (gatis) and among various types of souls, as defined by Jain philosophy. The text aims to detail the minimum (jaghanya) and maximum (utkrishta) durations of life for a soul in different categories of existence, providing a deep dive into the complex calculations and classifications within Jain cosmology.

Key Content and Structure:

Dedication and Homage: The book begins with invocations to Lord Parshvanath, the lineage of Gurus (Shri Atm-Kamal-Veer-Daan-Prem-Heerasurishwar Sadgurus), and expresses gratitude to Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji Maharaja, under whose inspiration the publication series was undertaken.
Introduction to the Series and Book:
- The "Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti" emphasizes its commitment to publishing Jain literature, particularly on Karma Shastra, inspired by Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji.
- This volume, "Bhavsthiti (2)," is the 39th book in this series.
- It highlights the grand launch of the initial Karma Shastra works, including a significant procession, underscoring the importance placed on this field of study.
- The publisher acknowledges the extensive efforts in preparing and publishing 25 volumes of Karma Shastra works so far, with more in progress, along with approximately 25-30 other ancient and modern Jain works.
- Specific mention is made of the comprehensive publication of the "Bandhvidhan Mahashastra" and other related texts like "Sattavidhan Mahagranth" and its various commentaries and treatises, indicating a broad scope of their publishing activities.
Author and Commentary:
- The primary author is Ganivarya Shri Veershekharvijay, who is described as a disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Heerasurishwar and a disciple of Ganivarya Shri Rajshekharvijay, who in turn was a disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwar. This lineage highlights the scholarly tradition.
- The author's commentary, "Prema Prabha Vrutti", is self-authored ("swopajna") and is described as illuminating and enriching the original text.
Content of Bhavsthiti (2):
- Focus on Lifespans: The core of the book delves into the calculation of Bhavsthiti (lifespan) across various categories of souls.
- Two Main Sections: The text is structured around two primary approaches:
  - Oghato Jaghanya-Utkrishta Bhavsthiti (ओघतो जघन्योत्कृष्ट भवस्थिति): This section deals with the general or broad classification of lifespans, presenting the minimum (jaghanya) and maximum (utkrishta) durations.
  - Adeshato Bhavsthiti (आदेशतो भवस्थिति): This section provides specific lifespans for detailed categories and sub-categories of souls based on specific divisions or prescriptions.
- Detailed Classifications: The book meticulously enumerates the Bhavasthiti for:
  - Souls in different Gatis (States of Existence): Naraka Gati (hellish beings), Tiryag Gati (animal realm), Manushya Gati (human realm), and Deva Gati (celestial beings).
  - Souls based on Indriyas (Senses): Ekendriya (one-sensed), Dvi-indriya (two-sensed), Tri-indriya (three-sensed), Chatur-indriya (four-sensed), and Panch-indriya (five-sensed).
  - Types of Souls based on Physical Elements: Prithvi Kaya (earth element), Ap Kaya (water element), Tejas Kaya (fire element), Vayu Kaya (air element), and Vanaspati Kaya (plant life).
  - Souls based on Vedas (Sex/Gender): Purusha Ved (masculine), Stri Ved (feminine), and Napumsak Ved (neuter).
  - Souls based on Sanjnya (Consciousness/Mental Faculties): Sanjnyins (conscious) and Asanjnyins (unconscious).
  - Specific Life Durations: The text provides precise durations in terms of years, Sagropamas (ocean-like durations), Palypamas (lotus-like durations), and Antar Muhurtas (very short periods of time).
- Appendices (Parishishta): The presence of ten appendices is a crucial feature. These likely include:
  - Original verses (Mul Gatha).
  - Excerpts from original verses.
  - Lists of reference texts (Sakshi Granth).
  - Lists of authors of reference texts.
  - Lists of cited texts (Atidishta Granth).
  - Lists of authors of cited texts.
  - Grammatical rules (Vyakaran Sutra).
  - Logical maxims or principles (Nyaya).
  - Charts or diagrams illustrating the 113 different Marganas (categories of souls) and their Bhavasthiti.
  - A chart or diagram showing the minimum and maximum Bhavasthiti for various categories.
Methodology and Sources:
- The author relies heavily on established Jain scriptures and commentaries, such as the Jiva Samasa, Jiva-Ajiya-bhigama Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra (and its commentary), Panch Sangraha (and its commentary by Malayagiri Suri), and Prajnapti Sutra.
- The author explicitly states that the work is based on "Apta Shruta" (reliable scriptural testimony), not on independent speculation, emphasizing the adherence to tradition and authority.
- The commentary aims to clarify the meaning, address potential contradictions based on different interpretative perspectives (vivaksha bheda), and provide explanations for the complex calculations.
Core Concepts Explained:
- Bhavasthiti: The fundamental concept of lifespan in Jainism, determined by karma.
- Margana (मार्गणा): The various ways souls are classified based on their characteristics and states of existence.
- Jaghanya (जघन्य): The minimum or lowest limit.
- Utkrishta (उत्कृष्ट): The maximum or highest limit.
- Ogha (ओघ): General or broad classification.
- Adesha (आदेश): Specific or detailed classification.
- Kaya Sthiti (काय स्थिति): The duration of existence in a particular physical form or category. The text often equates Bhavasthiti with Kaya Sthiti when there is no difference between them.
Author's Humility: The concluding verses express humility and acknowledge the possibility of errors due to the author's limited intellect and focus, requesting corrections from learned scholars.

In Essence:

"Bhavsthiti Part 02" is a scholarly work that meticulously details the lifespan of souls within the Jain framework. It provides a quantitative understanding of existence across diverse categories of beings, drawing from authoritative Jain scriptures. The "Prema Prabha Vrutti" commentary by the same author enhances the accessibility and depth of the text, making it a valuable resource for those studying Jain cosmology and the intricacies of Karma Shastra. The extensive appendices further support the comprehensive nature of this detailed exposition.