Dharmsagar Granth Sangraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharmsagar Granth Sangraha" by Labhsagar Gani, based on the provided pages:

Title: Dharmsagar Granth Sangraha (धर्मसागर ग्रन्थ संग्रह)

Author: Mahopadhyaya Shrimad Dharmasagar Ganivar (महोपाध्याय श्रीमद्धर्मसागर गणिवर)

Publisher: Mithabhai Kalyanchand Pedhi, Kapadvanj (मीठाभाई कल्याणचन्द पेढी, कपडवंज)

Overview: The "Dharmsagar Granth Sangraha" is presented as the 18th gem in the "Agamoddharak Granthamala" series. It is a compilation of three significant works authored by Mahopadhyaya Shrimad Dharmasagar Ganivar, a pillar of the Tapagachchha sect. The text is dedicated to scholars who seek the true Jain path. The compilation includes the author's own commentaries (swopagya vritti).

Contents of the Compilation:

Shri Mahavir Vigilapti Dvātrinśikā (श्री महावीर-विज्ञप्ति-द्वात्रिंशिका):
- Content: This work was composed by Mahopadhyaya Dharmasagar in V.S. 1616 in Stambhatirtha Nagar (Khambhat). It aims to refute the views of ten different schismatic groups (like Digambaras and others) using scriptural reasoning and logic. The text includes detailed refutations of various erroneous beliefs and practices attributed to these groups.
- Specific Refutations Mentioned: Refutation of Digambara views, denial of liberation for women, denial of eating by Kevalis (omniscient beings), refutation of Trinśatika, refutation of the Purṇimīya sect, denial of carrying Yogopadhana (religious implements), refutation of the Katu (कटुक) sect, denial of seeing Jain monks, denial of Jinapuja (worship of Tirthankaras) and Poush-dhi bhojan (fasting meal) by women, refutation of Śrutadevatā (goddess of scriptures) worship, refutation of the Lumphaka (लुम्पाक) sect, denial of Jinapuja by women, refutation of the Kharatara (खरतर) sect, denial of festivals like Śrāvaṇa and early Bhādrapada, affirmation of the venerability of images not consecrated by gods, refutation of the Aparyānak (अपर्व) fast, refutation of certain practices during Sāmāyika (meditation), and the unacceptability of creations by heretics (Nihnavas).
Ṣoḍaśślokī - Guru Tattva Pradīpa Dīpikā (षोडशश्लोकी - गुरु तत्त्वप्रदीपदीपिका):
- Content: This work is a commentary on the "Guru Tattva Pradīpa" (Lamp of the Guru Principle). It describes the categories of Uttra-sutrins (those who follow or propagate erroneous sutras) as Jaghanya (inferior), Madhya (middle), and Uttama (superior). It also refutes one erroneous sutra from each of the ten schismatic groups.
- Specific Refutations Mentioned: Refutation of the Digambara belief that women cannot attain liberation. Discussion on the impropriety of the statement "What is mine?". Classification of Madhya Uttra-sutrins. Refutation of Purṇimīya views on Pañchadaśī (15th day fast). Refutation of the Oṣṭrika (औष्ट्रिक) sect's denial of Jinapuja by women. Refutation of the Āñchala (आञ्चल) sect's prohibition of Mukhavastrikā (mouth cloth) for lay followers. Refutation of the Tṛitu (त्रिस्तुति) sect's denial of worshipping Śrutadevatā and others. Refutation of the Lumphaka (लुम्पाक) sect's denial of Jinapratimā (images of Tirthankaras). Refutation of the Katu (कटुक) sect's denial of present-day monks. Refutation of the Paśachandra (पाशचन्द्र) sect's beliefs. Discussion on the current Tīrtha (Jain order) visualization.
Mahāvīra Jinastotra (महावीर जिनस्तोत्र):
- Content: This hymn was composed by Mahopadhyaya Dharmasagar in Shivpuri. It is originally in Prakrit, with a Sanskrit commentary (Avachuri). The hymn consists of 26 verses, with 28 verses in the Troṭaka meter adorned with figures of speech like alliteration, and the final verse in the Vasanta-tilaka meter. It praises Lord Mahavir, the present Tirthadhipati (lord of the epoch).

Editorial and Publication Details:

Compiler/Researcher: Muni Labhsagar (मुनिलाभसागर), disciple of Acharya Shriman Manikysagar Surishwar.
Financial Supporter: Calcutta (Gujarati) Shvetambara Murti-pujaka Tapagachchha Jain Sangha.
Publication: Mithabhai Kalyanchand Pedhi, Kapadvanj.
Details: 500 copies, Price Rs. 2.50, V.S. 2488 / V.S. 2018.
Printer: Refill Art Press, Calcutta.
Correction: A "Shuddhipatra" (errata) is provided to correct printing mistakes.

Key Themes and Purpose:

Upholding Agamic Authority: The works strongly defend the principles and practices of Jainism as laid down in the Agamas, refuting deviations and misinterpretations by various sects.
Dispute Resolution: A significant portion of the "Mahavir Vigilapti Dvātrinśikā" is dedicated to logically dismantling the arguments of opposing sects, demonstrating the author's erudition and commitment to scriptural truth.
Praise of Lord Mahavir: The "Mahavir Jinastotra" is a devotional work that glorifies the virtues and teachings of the 24th Tirthankara.
Preservation of Knowledge: The "Agamoddharak Granthamala" and this specific collection aim to preserve and disseminate important Jain literature and scholarly interpretations for future generations.
Scholarly Rigor: The text emphasizes the importance of proper logic, scriptural evidence, and diligent research, as seen in the detailed commentaries and refutations.

In essence, the "Dharmsagar Granth Sangraha" is a scholarly and devotional compilation that serves as a testament to the author's mastery of Jain scripture and philosophy, particularly in defending the integrity of the tradition against heterodox views.