Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth" by Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak, based on the provided pages:

Title: Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth Author: Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak Publisher: Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak Year of Publication: Samvat 1992 (corresponding to 1935-1936 CE)

Overview:

The "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth" is a detailed Jain text that serves as a commentary and elaboration on the "Sangrahani" (collection) or "Prakaran" (treatise). The work aims to provide a simplified and accessible explanation of complex Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts for the benefit of spiritual seekers. The author, Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak, undertook this translation and commentary at the request of a devout Shravika (female lay follower).

The book is structured to be highly educational, including not just the original verses (Gathas) and their word-for-word meanings (Shabdarth) and stanza meanings (Gatharth), but also insightful commentary (Vivechan), questions for understanding (Prashna), approximately 70 diagrams or charts (Yantra), 4 illustrations (Chitra), and a map of the Jambu Island (Adhidweep ka Naksha). The author emphasizes clarity and ease of learning, differentiating his approach from previously published works.

Key Themes and Content Areas:

The "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth" covers a vast spectrum of Jain knowledge, primarily focusing on cosmology, the nature of beings in different realms, and the lifespan and characteristics of celestial beings (Devas), hellish beings (Narakis), humans, and animals (Tiriyanch). The table of contents (Anukramanika) reveals the extensive scope of the book, which can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Introduction and Foundational Concepts (Page 2-2, 29-31):

Purpose: The book emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge from omniscinents' pronouncements (Saryajniya Bhashit) for self-realization and liberation (Moksha).
Structure: It outlines the thirty-four "Dwaras" (chapters or topics) that will be covered.
Mangalacharan (Invocation): Begins with prayers and salutations to the five supreme beings (Pancha Parameshthi).
Abhidhey (Subject Matter): Defines the topics to be discussed, including the lifespan, abodes, origin, cessation, and migration of beings in different realms.
Prayojan (Purpose): Explains the immediate and ultimate goals of studying the text – immediate knowledge of celestial beings, and ultimate liberation through spiritual practice.
Sambandh (Relationship): Traces the lineage of the knowledge from Lord Mahavir to the author, mentioning earlier scholars and texts likepannavna and the work of Acharya Chandrasuri.
Adhikari (Audience): The text is intended for the four-fold Jain community (Chaturvidh Sangh).

2. The Realm of Devas (Pages 3-11, 31-51, 67-72, 104-138, 173-178, 190-197, 219-220, 238, 294-295):

Lifespan of Devas (Ayushya Dwar): The book meticulously details the lifespan (Ayushya) of various classes of Devas, including:
- Bhavanpati (Palatial Devas): Lowest category of celestial beings residing in palaces. Their lifespan varies from 10,000 years (minimum) to Sagaropam (a vast unit of time).
- Vantaras (Subterranean Devas): Also dwelling in various regions, with lifespans detailed from 10,000 years upwards.
- Jyotishi (Luminous Devas): Includes celestial bodies like the Moon, Sun, planets, and stars, along with their respective lifespans. The text provides specific figures for their durations, often measured in Palyopam.
- Vaimanika Devas (Pinnacle/Heavenly Devas): This extensive section details the lifespans of Devas residing in the various heavens (Deva Lokas), from Saudharma to Achyuta, and then the Revekya and Anuttar Vimanas. It meticulously lists the lifespans in Sagaropam, often with incremental increases across different levels and specific locations within those heavens.
Abodes of Devas (Bhavan Dwar):
- Bhavanpati: Details the 10 Nikayas (classes) of Bhavanpati Devas, their Indras (kings), the specific characteristics of their palaces (Bhavana), their emblems (Chinha), bodily colors (Varna), attendant (Samanya) and guardian (Atmarakshak) deities, and their numbers.
- Vantaras: Covers the 8 types of Vantaras, their kings, cities, characteristics, emblems, colors, and attendant deities.
- Jyotishi: Discusses their locations, forms, dimensions of their vehicles (Viman), their speeds, and the deities who propel them.
- Vaimanika: Elaborates on the 62 levels (Pratara) of Vaimanika heavens, the structure of their Vimanas, the arrangement of Indras, their royal consorts (Patrani), and the specific characteristics of each level. The text dedicates significant detail to calculating the lifespans and structures within each level.
Avagahana (Body Size): Details the dimensions of Deva bodies according to their respective realms and lifespans.
Upapata and Chyavana (Origin and Cessation): Discusses the intervals between the birth and death of Devas (Viraha Kaal), the numbers born and dying simultaneously (Sankhya), and their modes of transmigration (Gati and Agati).
Other Characteristics: Covers aspects like Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyant knowledge), Leshyas (subtle karmic colors affecting disposition), the concept of Angulas (fingers' width), Ved (gender/feeling), Yoni (birth type), lineages, characteristics of Indra, their consorts, armies (Sainya), and Lokpalas (guardians of directions).

3. The Realm of Narakis (Hellish Beings) (Pages 12-14, 197-258):

Lifespan of Narakis (Ayushya Dwar): Details the lifespan of beings in the seven hellish realms (Naraka Prithvi), from Ratnaprabha to Tamastamahprabha, specifying their minimum (Jaghanya) and maximum (Utkrushta) lifespans, often measured in Sagaropam.
Abodes of Narakis (Bhavan Dwar): Describes the layout, size, and structure of the Narakavasas (dwelling places in hell). It details the seven hellish earths, their characteristics, the various types of structures within them, and their distribution across different levels and directions.
Avagahana (Body Size): Discusses the body size of Narakis, which generally decreases in higher hells.
Upapata and Chyavana: Explains the intervals between births and deaths of Narakis and the numbers involved.
Leshyas and Sensations: Describes the types of Leshyas (Krsna, Nila, Kapota, Teja, Padma, Sukla) present in the Narakis and the nature of their intense suffering (Kshetravedana), categorizing it into 10 types.
Causes of Rebirth in Narak: Explains the karmic causes that lead to rebirth in hell.

4. The Realm of Humans (Manushya) (Pages 14-15, 256-278):

Lifespan and Body Size: Details the lifespan and body measurements of humans.
Upapata and Chyavana: Discusses the intervals between human births and deaths, and the numbers born and dying.
Gati and Agati: Explains the movement of souls after death and their rebirth.
Specific Beings: Covers the characteristics of Chakravartis (universal monarchs), Vasudevas (powerful warrior figures), and Arihants (Jinas), including the nature and origin of their 14 legendary jewels (Ratna).
Moksha: Discusses the number of souls achieving liberation at any given time and the conditions that facilitate it.
Karma and Liberation: Explains the role of karma, senses (Veda), and gender (Linga) in the path to liberation.

5. The Realm of Tiryanch (Animals/Sub-human Beings) (Pages 15-18, 280-317):

Lifespan: Details the lifespans of various Tiryanch beings, including Ekendriyas (one-sensed beings), Vikalendriyas (beings with 2-4 senses), and Panchindriyas (five-sensed beings). It specifies maximum lifespans in years, months, days, and even moments.
Body Size: Describes the physical dimensions of different Tiryanch species.
Upapata and Chyavana: Explains the causes and intervals of birth and death for Tiryanchs.
Gati and Agati: Discusses their movement between realms.
Leshyas: Details the Leshyas applicable to Tiryanch beings.
Karma and Liberation: Touches upon the karmic causes for Tiryanch rebirth and their path towards liberation.
Specific Concepts: Explains concepts like Sanshana (bone structure), Samsthana (body formation), and the types of Yonis (birth sources) and Kula Kadi (lineages).

6. Specific Detailed Calculations and Descriptions:

Yantras (Diagrams): The book is rich with numerous diagrams that visually represent complex calculations related to lifespans, dimensions, numbers of Vimanas, and other cosmological data. These are frequently referenced in the text.
Calculations of Lifespans and Dimensions: The text provides detailed calculations and specific numbers for lifespans (in years, Sagaropam, Palyopam), body sizes (in Hasta, Dhanush, Yojana), distances, and quantities of Vimanas and beings.
Inter-relationships: It explains how these various elements relate to each other, such as how the lifespan affects body size or how the number of Vimanas varies across different heavenly levels.

7. Detailed Astronomical and Cosmological Information:

Jambudweepa and other Islands/Oceans: Describes the geographical features of the Jain universe, including the various islands (Dweepa) and oceans (Samudra), their shapes, sizes, and numbering.
Celestial Bodies: Provides extensive details on the movements, lifespans, and arrangements of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars (Nakshatra and Tara). It explains their positions relative to Mount Meru and the boundaries of the universe.
The Six Dharmas: The text implicitly or explicitly touches upon the fundamental Jain principles like living beings (Jiva), non-living matter (Ajiva), and the processes of Karma, bondage, and liberation.

8. Specific Concepts:

Leshyas: Explains the six Leshyas (Krsna, Nila, Kapota, Teja, Padma, Sukla) and their application to different beings.
Karma and Soul: Discusses the binding of karmas and the journey of the soul towards liberation.
Bonding of Lifespan (Ayushya Bandha): Details the times and conditions under which lifespan is acquired.
Abadha Kaala: Explains the period during which karmas remain dormant.
Sankhyata and Asankhyata: Frequently uses these terms to denote countable and uncountable quantities in Jain cosmology and mathematics.
Nirupakrami and Sopakrami Ayushya: Discusses lifespans that are naturally determined versus those affected by external factors.

Contribution and Style:

Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak's contribution lies in making a potentially dense and intricate subject accessible. His style, as mentioned in the preface, is distinct and aims for simplicity, making it easier for students to grasp the concepts. The inclusion of numerous diagrams (Yantra) is a testament to this pedagogical approach. The book reflects a deep respect for Jain tradition and a commitment to disseminating spiritual knowledge.

In essence, the "Bruhat Sangrahani Prakaran Sarth" is a comprehensive manual for understanding the Jain perspective on the universe, the beings within it, their lifespans, locations, and characteristics, presented in an organized and instructive manner. It reflects the vastness of Jain cosmology and the detailed analytical approach inherent in Jain philosophy.