Davinder Satva - Book Summary | JainGPT

The document you provided is a Punjabi translation of the Jain text "Davinder Satva", authored by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain. Published by the same individuals, it is presented as a Prakirnak (miscellaneous) text within the Jain canon.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided pages:

I. Introduction and Dedication (Pages 1-4):

Title and Authorship: The book is titled "Davinder Satva" and is translated by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain. The publishers are also Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain.
Core Principle: The first page features the Jain principle "Parasparapagraha Jeevanam" (Mutual interdependence of life), emphasizing the interconnectedness of beings from one-sensed to five-sensed. It also mentions the "Three Branches of the Dharma-Tree: Dravya, Guna, Paryaya."
Dedication: Page 3 and 4 reveal a personal dedication from Ravindra Jain to his "Dharma Brother" (spiritual brother) Shri Purushottam Jain. This dedication is made on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of their meeting on March 31, 1969, marking 39 years of their spiritual journey. Ravindra Jain expresses his joy and gratitude for Purushottam Jain's blessings and partnership in their life dedicated to Jainism and literature.

II. Context and Significance of "Davinder Satva" (Pages 5-7):

Jainism's Antiquity: The text establishes Jainism as one of the most ancient religions with a distinct identity, culture, language, philosophy, history, and scriptures.
Role of Deities in Jainism: It acknowledges the presence of deities in Jain scriptures, as described by Lord Mahavir, and mentions heaven.
Agamas and Prakirnakas: It highlights that the Shvetambara tradition accepts 45 Agamas in the ancient Ardha Magadhi Prakrit language, compiled through five Vachanas. These Agamas include 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, Mula Sutras, six Sutras, and 10 Prakirnaka texts. "Davinder Satva" is identified as one such Prakirnaka text.
Compiler and Lineage: The compiler of "Davinder Satva" is identified as Rishi Palit Acharya. The text then presents a lineage (Patavali) from Lord Mahavir down to Rishi Palit, placing Rishi Palit around 500 BCE.
Source Material: It states that many stories from "Davinder Satva" are found in ancient texts like Sthananga, Samvayanga, Priyāpanna, Jambudvipa Pragapati, and Jivabhigama.
Unique Style: A significant point is made about the distinct conversational style of "Davinder Satva" compared to other Jain Agamas. It does not feature dialogues between Lord Mahavir and Gautama, nor between Arya Jambu and Arya Sudharma. Instead, it's presented as a dialogue where a Jain householder (Upasak) describes the celestial realms to his wife (Upasika).
Translation Efforts: The text notes that this scripture had not been translated by scholars for a long time. Siddh Jain Muni Jin Vijay compiled its text. The translators express gratitude to the scholars and publishers of Hindi and Gujarati translations that aided their work. They also thank Vinod Daryapur of Jain World for featuring Punjabi Jain literature on their website and Sunil Deshmani of Sholapur for his support. Lastly, they thank their younger brother, Muhammad Shabbir, for his assistance.

III. Blessings and Support (Page 8):

Aashirvad: The translators acknowledge receiving blessings from various Jain Acharyas, including Anand Rishi Ji, Devendra Muni Ji, Sushil Kumar Ji, Tulsi Ji, Maha Pragya Ji, Vijayainder Din Suri Ji, Nitya Nand Suri Ji, and Dr. Shiv Muni Ji. They also mention blessings from the disciples of Acharya Maha Priya, Shri Vardhman Ji and Shri Jai Chand Ji. Blessings from learned Sadhvis, Jyoti Upapravarthani Shri Shvankanta Ji Maharaj, Sadhvi Shri Sudha Ji Maharaj, and Acharya Sadhvi Dr. Sadhana Ji are also acknowledged. They express hope for continued blessings.
Date and Well-wishers: The date of completion is March 31, 2008, and the well-wishers are identified as Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, the translators.

IV. Content of "Davinder Satva" (Pages 10-49):

The bulk of the text, from page 10 onwards, delves into the detailed descriptions of the Jain cosmology, focusing on the various classes of celestial beings (Devas) and their realms. This is presented as a dialogue between a householder and his wife, where the wife poses questions about the celestial world, and the husband provides detailed answers.

Key topics covered include:

Praise and Devotion: The initial verses offer praise to the Tirthankaras, especially Rishabh and Mahavir, and describe the devotion of a householder and his wife.
The 32 Devendras: The wife asks about the 32 Devendras, their abodes, lifespan, palaces, celestial vehicles (Vimanas), cities, the thickness and height of the earth, and the colors of the Vimanas.
Diet and Respiration: Questions are posed about the dietary habits and respiratory processes of these celestial beings, as well as their Avadhi knowledge.
Classification of Devas: The husband then systematically explains the different types of celestial beings, categorized into:
- Bhavanpati Devas (Dwelling-dwelling Devas): Described in detail, including the various types of Bhavanapatis (Asura, Naga, Suparna, Dvipa, Vayu, Vidyut, Santana, Agni Kumars), their Indras (chiefs), number of palaces, lifespan, and residences in different continents and oceans (Jambu Dvipa, Lavana Samudra, Dhataki Khand, etc.). Their physical strength and prowess are also elaborated upon.
- Vayantar Devas (Intermediate dwellers): Their eight sub-categories, their Indras, and their characteristics are discussed.
- Jyotishi Devas (Luminous Devas): This section extensively covers the Sun, Moon, stars, and constellations, detailing their Vimanas, their dimensions (length, width, circumference), their movement, the deities that maintain them, their speed, their "Riddhi" (supernatural powers), their positions in the sky, the measurements of their orbits, and their lifespan. The interplay of light and shadow (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha) is explained through the concept of Rahu.
- Vaimanik Devas (Celestial Vehicle dwellers): This is a very extensive section detailing the various heavens (Kalpas) and the Devas residing in them.
  - Kalpa-based Heavens: The 12 Kalpa-based heavens are listed: Saudharma, Ishana, Sanatkumara, Mahendra, Brahma, Lātak, Mahāśukra, Sahasrara, Ānata, Prānata, Ārana, and Achyuta.
  - Vimana Numbers and Lifespans: For each Kalpa, the number of Vimanas and the lifespan of the deities residing there are meticulously described, measured in Sagaropama (a vast unit of time).
  - Greveyakas and Anuttara Vimanas: The text then moves on to the Greveyakas (nine divisions) and the Anuttara Vimanas (four types: Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, and Sarvarthasiddhi), detailing their locations, lifespans (up to 33 Sagaropama), and shapes.
  - Physical Characteristics: Descriptions of the deities' physical attributes include their colors (black, green, red, white, gold-like, lotus-like), their height (measured in Ratna and Yojana), their diet (desire for food at specific intervals), respiration, and their Avadhi knowledge (scope of their clairvoyant knowledge).
  - Kama Krida (Sensual Enjoyment): The text touches upon the different modes of sensual enjoyment of these deities based on their respective heavens, ranging from physical union to mental engagement.
  - Fragrance and Appearance: The pleasant fragrances associated with the heavens and the appearance of the deities are also mentioned.
  - Vimana Structure and Arrangement: Details are provided about the structure of the Vimanas (circular, triangular, quadrilateral), their arrangement, the number of doors, and the materials used (gemstones, gold).
Siddha Shila and Siddhas: The text concludes by describing the location, size, and form of the Siddha Shila (Abode of the Liberated Souls) and the Siddhas themselves. It explains that Siddhas are soul-substance, formless, and free from suffering, residing in the upper part of the universe. Their immense happiness is described as ineffable and beyond compare.
Riddhi of Jinas: Finally, it emphasizes the incomparable Riddhi (supernatural powers) of the Jinas, stating that all the powers of all the Devas are insignificant compared to even a fraction of the Jinas' glory. The text ends with the reverence shown to the Arhats by all celestial beings.

V. Tables and Diagrams (Pages 50-56):

Tables: The latter part of the document contains several tables summarizing information about the different classes of Devas, including their Indras, residences, Vimana numbers, lifespans, and the number of Chandras (Moons), Suryas (Suns), Nakshatras (Stars), and Grahas (Planets) in different cosmic regions.
Diagrams: The document also includes diagrams illustrating:
- The structure of the universe (Lok and Alok).
- The lower realms (Naraka).
- The Lokantika Deva Vimanas.
- Mount Meru and the celestial bodies revolving around it.
- The Jambu Dvipa.

In essence, "Davinder Satva" is a detailed cosmological treatise within Jainism, offering extensive information about the various celestial realms, the beings that inhabit them, their lifespans, powers, and the structure of the Jain universe, presented in a narrative dialogue format. The translation aims to make this complex knowledge accessible in Punjabi.