Chandra Pragnapti Surya Pragnapti Sutra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandra Pragnapti Surya Pragnapti Sutra," based on the provided pages and catalog link.

The text, titled Chandra Pragnapti Surya Pragnapti Sutra, is a significant work within Jain Agam literature, specifically identified as the sixth and seventh Upangas. It was edited by Nemichand Banthiya and Parasmal Chandaliya and published by the Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh.

Core Content and Significance:

The book delves into the intricate details of Jain cosmology, astronomy, and mathematics. Its primary focus is on:

• Chandra Pragnapti Sutra: This portion is described as a "Kalika Sutra" (a sutra related to time) and contains 20 Prabhritas (sections or chapters). Its subject matter falls under Ganitanuyoga (mathematical and astronomical discourse).
• Surya Pragnapti Sutra: This is categorized as an "Utkalika Sutra" (a sutra not bound by specific time constraints) and also comprises 20 Prabhritas.

Key Themes Explored:

The texts provide a systematic and detailed explanation of celestial bodies and phenomena, including:

• Sun and Moon: Their movements, positions, phases of growth and decay (waxing and waning), light intensity, and various orbital paths.
• Stars and Constellations: The names and characteristics of various constellations, their arrangement, and potentially their influence.
• Cosmic Cycles and Time: Discussions on years, their divisions, and celestial calculations.
• Geometry and Mathematics: Details related to circular movements, measurements of celestial bodies and their orbits, and calculations involving time and space.
• Influences and Observations: While not extensively detailed in the provided pages, the texts likely touch upon observations related to these celestial bodies, possibly including their influence on earthly matters or specific practices, which, as noted in the text, can be misconstrued by ordinary readers.

Historical and Interpretive Context:

• Authorship and Commentaries: The text mentions that the initial commentary (Niyukti) was composed by Shri Bhadrabahusuri. However, due to the passage of time, loss of the original commentary, or other reasons, Acharya Malayagiri wrote a commentary on the original sutras, stating he would only explain the root sutras due to the destruction of Bhadrabahusuri's work.
• Prohibition of Study: The introductory notes highlight that these sutras are considered advanced and esoteric. Studying them is generally prohibited for ordinary readers because certain passages, particularly those related to food and constellations, can be misinterpreted and may contradict the teachings of the Tirthankaras, potentially causing confusion and shaking faith. Only learned scholars (Bahushrut Geetarth) with a deep understanding of Agamas are permitted to study them. These scholars can interpret the difficult passages by connecting them with appropriate context and understanding the botanical or symbolic meanings of certain terms (like "Mansha" potentially referring to plant-based items).
• Textual Variations: The preface also addresses potential textual discrepancies between the Chandra Pragnapti and Surya Pragnapti, suggesting reasons like accidental inclusion of pages from one sutra into another during copying, or errors during transcription or preservation.
• Authenticity: The text strongly asserts the authenticity of the sutras, stating that their content is directly derived from the teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras or Shruta-Kevalins, who did not mix their personal imagination but merely expressed divine thoughts in language.

Publisher's Note and Support:

The publication is presented as the 133rd jewel in the "Agam Prakashan" series by the Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh. The preface expresses gratitude to Shri Jasvantlal Bhai Shah and Shravika Ratna Smt. Mangala Ben Shah of Mumbai for their significant financial support, enabling the book to be made available at half its value. The second edition is being published due to the first edition quickly going out of print. The affordable price of ₹20 is also highlighted.

Content Structure:

The table of contents reveals a detailed breakdown of the Chandra Pragnapti Sutra into 20 Prabhritas (chapters), each further divided into Prabhritapahudas (sub-sections). The Surya Pragnapti Sutra follows a similar structure. The pages include detailed discussions on various astronomical concepts like mandalas, celestial movements, light measurements, positions, influences (leśya), shadows, time cycles, and specific celestial body characteristics.

The provided text is an excerpt from the "Chandra Pragnapti Sutra," covering sections from the first to the tenth Prabhrita and beyond, detailing complex calculations and observations related to celestial mechanics.

In essence, the "Chandra Pragnapti Surya Pragnapti Sutra" is a profound Jain scripture that offers a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos from a Jain philosophical and scientific perspective. It requires specialized knowledge for proper interpretation and is a testament to the intellectual depth of ancient Jain literature.