Dandak Tatha Laghu Sangrahani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dandak Tatha Laghu Sangrahani" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

The book, "Dandak Tatha Laghu Sangrahani," appears to be a Jain text explaining Jain cosmological and philosophical concepts in a simplified manner (Baalavabodh). It is structured into two main parts: the "Dandak" section and the "Laghu Sangrahani" section. The text aims to elucidate various aspects of Jainism through verses (Gathas) and their detailed explanations.

Part 1: Dandak (Sections/Categories)

• Introduction: The text begins with a salutation to the 24 Jinās (Tirthankaras) and an introduction by the author, Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, stating his intention to present a concise summary of the 24 "dandakas" (categories or classifications).

• The 24 Dandakas: A key focus is the identification and explanation of 24 distinct categories or classifications within Jainism. These are listed in a verse and then elaborated upon:

  1. Nairayikas (Narkis): Inhabitants of hell, categorized based on the seven different types of hellish earths.
  2. Asurādika (Asuras and others): This includes the ten types of Javanpatis (celestial beings), such as Asuras, Nāgas, Suvarnakumāras, Vidyutkumāras, Agnukumāras, Dvīpakumāras, Udadhikumāras, Diśkumāras, Pavankumāras, and Stanitakumāras.
  3. Pr̥thivyādi (Earth elementals and others): This covers the five types of elemental beings (ekendriyas): Earth-bodied (Pruthvi-kāya), Water-bodied (Ap-kāya), Fire-bodied (Tej-kāya), Air-bodied (Vāyu-kāya), and Vegetation-bodied (Vanaspati-kāya).
  4. Dvi'indriyādi (Two-sensed beings and others): This encompasses the three types of beings with less than five senses (Vikalendriyas): two-sensed (Dvi-indriya, e.g., shells), three-sensed (Tri-indriya, e.g., ants), and four-sensed (Catur-indriya, e.g., flies).
  5. Garbhajatiryanca-Manuṣyāḥ (Embryonic Tiryancas and Humans): This category includes beings born through conception, specifically embryonic Tiryancas (those moving horizontally) and humans.
  6. Vāntarāḥ (Vyāntara Devas): Celestial beings residing in various spatial locations.
  7. Jyotiṣkāḥ (Jyotishka Devas): Celestial beings associated with light, including moon, sun, planets, stars, and constellations.
  8. Vaimānikāḥ (Vaimānika Devas): Celestial beings residing in flying palaces (vimānas), categorized into Kalpopapanna (within the cosmological realms) and Kalpātīta (beyond the cosmological realms).

• The 24 Doors (Dwāras): The text then introduces 24 "doors" or aspects that are analyzed for each of these 24 categories. These doors describe various attributes and states of existence for these beings:

  1. Śarīra (Body): The five types of bodies (Audārika, Vaikriya, Āhārak, Taijasa, Kārmana).
  2. Avgāhanā (Stature/Size): The height or dimension of the body.
  3. Saṁhanana (Body Structure/Bone Combination): The strength and type of skeletal structure (e.g., Vajra-ṛṣabhanaarāca, Ṛṣabhanaarāca, Nāarāca, Ardhanāarāca, Kīlikā, Sevāarta).
  4. Saṁjñā (Consciousness/Perception): Types of knowledge and feelings (e.g., Āhāra, Bhaya, Maithuna, Parigraha, Krodha, Māna, Māyā, Lobha).
  5. Saṁsthāna (Physical Form/Posture): The shape and configuration of the body (e.g., Samachatursra, Nygrodha, Sādi, Vāmana, Kubja, Hūmak).
  6. Kaṣāya (Passions): The four cardinal passions (Krodha, Māna, Māyā, Lobha).
  7. Leśyā (Coloration of the Soul): The subtle luminous aura indicating mental states (Krishna, Nīla, Kāpota, Tejas, Padma, Śukla).
  8. Indriya (Sensory Organs): The five sensory organs (Jihvā, Śrotra, Nāśikā, Cakṣu, Śarīra).
  9. Samudghāta (Emanation of Soul-Parts): Processes where parts of the soul emanate from the body (Vedanā, Kaṣāya, Maraṇa, Vaikriya, Taijasa, Āhārak, Kevalī).
  10. Driṣṭi (Righteousness/View): Types of vision (Samyak, Mithyā, Miśra).
  11. Darśana (Perception): The general faculty of knowing (Cakṣu-darśana, Acakṣu-darśana, Avadhi-darśana, Kevala-darśana).
  12. Jñāna (Knowledge): Types of knowledge (Mati, Śruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala).
  13. Ajñāna (Ignorance): Types of ignorance (Mati-ajñāna, Śruta-ajñāna, Vipralambha-jñāna).
  14. Yoga (Activity/Karma Binding): The activities of mind, speech, and body (15 types).
  15. Upayoga (Consciousness Engagement): The actual engagement of consciousness (8 types of knowledge-engagement and 4 types of perception-engagement).
  16. Upapāta (Rebirth): The process of being born in a particular realm.
  17. Cyavana (Death/Departure): The process of dying from a particular realm.
  18. Sthiti (Lifespan): The duration of life in a particular category.
  19. Paryāpti (Fulfilment of Stages): The stages of development and nourishment (Āhāra, Śarīra, Indriya, Śvāśochvāsa, Bhāṣā, Mana).
  20. Kimāhāra (Type of Food/Sustenance): The nature of sustenance consumed.
  21. Saṁjñā (Consciousness/Perception): Further elaboration on the types of consciousness (Dīrghakālika, Hetu-padeśikī, Dṛṣṭivāda-padeśikī).
  22. Gati (Direction of Movement): The destination of rebirth.
  23. Āgati (Arrival): The origin of rebirth.
  24. Veda (Gender/Disposition): Types of disposition (Strī-veda, Puruṣa-veda, Napunsaka-veda).
  25. Alpabahutva (Minority/Majority): Relative numbers of beings in each category (this is mentioned as a 25th door).

The text then proceeds to detail the characteristics of each of these 24 categories across the 24 doors, providing specific information on body types, lifespans, sensory organs, and other attributes. The "Laghu Sangrahani" section likely elaborates on specific aspects of these categories or provides a more focused summary.

Part 2: Laghu Sangrahani (Concise Collection)

• Introduction: The second part begins with a salutation to Lord Mahavir and the author, Haribhadra Suri, introducing the scope of the text, which will cover aspects related to Jambudvīpa.

• Jambudvīpa Geography: This section focuses on the geography of Jambudvīpa, a significant continent in Jain cosmology. It details:

  • Khandas (Continents/Regions): The division of Jambudvīpa into specific regions like Bharat, Airavat, Mahavideha, etc., and their relative sizes and number of subdivisions.
  • Yojana (Measurements): Detailed calculations and descriptions of distances and proportions in Yojana.
  • Mountains: Information on prominent mountains like Meru, Vajra-ṛṣabha, Hemvant, Mahāhimvant, Nīlavanta, Niṣadha, Himavanta, Gāndhamādana, Malyavant, etc., including their heights and materials.
  • Rivers: Descriptions of major rivers like Gangā, Sindhu, Rakta, Rakta-vatī, Sītā, and Sītodā, their origins, lengths, and the number of tributary rivers.
  • Kūṭas (Peaks) and Śreṇis (Ranges): Details about the peaks on mountains and the ranges of celestial beings (Vidyādharas and Ābhogaic Devas).
  • Vīthīs (Paths/Routes): Mention of paths and routes within Jambudvīpa.

• Mathematical Calculations in Jain Cosmology: A significant portion of the Laghu Sangrahani seems to involve explaining the mathematical principles and calculations used to determine measurements and counts within the Jain universe, particularly related to Jambudvīpa. This includes explanations of how to calculate circumferences, areas, and the number of celestial beings, mountains, and rivers.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Categorization (Dandak): The fundamental approach of classifying beings and concepts into distinct groups.
• Detailed Analysis (Doors): The systematic examination of these categories through various "doors" or aspects of existence.
• Cosmology and Geography: A deep dive into the Jain understanding of the universe, particularly the continent of Jambudvīpa.
• Mathematics in Jainism: The text highlights the use of specific mathematical formulas and calculations to describe cosmological features.
• Simplified Explanation (Baalavabodh): The aim to make complex Jain doctrines accessible to a wider audience.

Publisher and Context:

The book is published by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, indicating a layperson's effort to disseminate Jain knowledge. The mention of "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY" suggests its role in religious education. The multiple editions (fourth edition mentioned) imply its popularity and continued relevance.

In essence, "Dandak Tatha Laghu Sangrahani" is an educational resource that breaks down intricate Jain classifications and cosmological details into understandable parts, aided by verses and detailed explanations, making it valuable for those seeking to learn about Jain principles.