Jain Agam Sahitya - Book Summary

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Book Title: Jain Agam Sahitya (Jain Canonical Literature) Editor: Dr. K. R. Chandra (Former Head of Prakrit-Pali Department, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad) Publisher: Prakrit Jain Vidya Vikas Fund, Ahmedabad Publication Year: 1992 Seminar Origin: The book is a compilation of papers presented at a seminar on Jain Canonical Literature organized by the Prakrit and Pali Department of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, in October 1986, with financial support from UGC, New Delhi.

Core Purpose and Scope:

"Jain Agam Sahitya" is a collection of scholarly papers that delve into the Jain Canonical Literature. A key feature of this publication is its comparative approach, transcending a purely Jain perspective. It incorporates insights from Vedic and Buddhist literature, as well as modern science, making it a valuable contribution to Indological Studies. The book aims to provide scholars with a rich source of information and stimulate further research into this ancient literature.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:

The book covers a wide array of subjects related to Jain Agam Sahitya, exploring various facets of Jain philosophy, practices, and historical context. These topics, as outlined in the introductory notes, include:

The Soul: Discussing the concept of the soul (Atman) within Jainism.
Knowledge (Jnana): Examining different types of knowledge, including intellectual, intuitive, and extrasensory perception, and their manifestation within Jain texts like the Sthananga, Nandi, and Shatkhandagama.
Extrasensory Perception (ESP): Investigating the possibility that ancient Jain Acharyas may have perceived elementary particles of matter through ESP, drawing parallels between Jain cosmological concepts and modern scientific findings.
Meditation and Self-observation: Analyzing the practices of meditation and self-observation as described in texts like the Acharaanga Sutra, focusing on techniques like Vichaya Dhyana.
Rules of Conduct and Religious Practices: Comparing Jain rules of conduct with Vedic and Buddhist traditions, including discussions on ethics, expiation, atonement, and various religious practices.
Fruits of Deeds and Emancipation (Moksha): Exploring the Jain understanding of karma, the consequences of one's actions, and the ultimate goal of liberation.
Literary and Artistic Aspects:
- Comparison with other Traditions: Drawing parallels between Jain Agamic texts and Upanishads, as well as Vedic and Buddhist literature.
- Literary Genres: Analyzing the use of poetics, dramatics, narratives, allegory (particularly in the context of English Literature and the Nayadhammakaha), and biographys in Jain literature.
- Wise Sayings: Examining the presence of didactic literature and wise sayings.
- Chronology and Antiquity: Discussing the antiquity and chronology of canonical texts, including the problem of T-Sruti in manuscripts.
- Artistic Expressions: Exploring citra-kala (painting) in Jain Canonical Literature, including mural painting, portraiture, and the significance of various artistic elements.
- Town Planning: Analyzing town planning concepts as depicted in Jain Anga literature, including city shapes, fortifications, road systems, and water supply.
Specific Textual Analyses: Several papers offer detailed analyses of specific Jain texts, such as:
- Acharaanga Sutra: Discussing the emphasis on meditation, self-control, and the understanding of spiritual practices.
- Sutrakrtanga (Book II, Chapter 1 - Pundarika Adhyayana): Examining its antiquity, original parts, and allegorical content.
- Sthananga, Nandi, and Shatkhandagama: Focusing on the concept of extrasensory perception and the underlying "granithitantra" (system of interconnectedness).
- Bhagavati Sutra (Viyahapannatti): Discussing the concept of Atman and comparing it with modern scientific understandings of consciousness and the soul.
- Nayadhammakaha: Analyzing the use of allegory in comparison with English literature.
- Uvasagadasao: Identifying the deterrents to Jain Upāsakas (lay followers) and comparing its ethical framework with Ratnakarandaka-Shravakacara.
- Prashnavyakarana Sutra: Investigating its ancient subject matter and the evolution of its content.
- Vipaka Sutra: Exploring chronological considerations and its themes of karmic retribution.
- Rājaprasniya Sutra: Examining the element of drama (natya-tattva) within the text.
- Jambudvipa Prajnapti and Bhagavat: Comparing the accounts of Rishabhadeva's life.
- Bhagavati Aradhana and Prakirnakas: Discussing the nature of spiritual discipline (Aradhana).
- Uttaradhyayana Sutra: Analyzing its interaction with Brahmanism, comparing its ethical teachings with the Manusmriti, and exploring its poetic elements, as well as drawing parallels with Dhammapada and Brahmanism.
- Moksha-opaya: Comparing the paths to liberation in Jain Canonical Literature and the principal Upanishads.
- Krishna Katha: Examining the portrayal of Krishna within Jain Agam literature in comparison to Mahabharata and Buddhist Jatakas.
- Rishabhadeva's Dates: Analyzing specific dates related to Rishabhadeva's life as found in the Tiloyapannatti.
- Types of Narratives in Jain Agam Literature: A broad overview of narrative structures and their functions.
- Vedic Yati Dharma vs. Jain Anagar Dharma: A comparative study of ascetic practices.
- Prayashchitta (Expiation): Examining its nature and methods.
- The Problem of T-Sruti: Discussing orthographic peculiarities in early Jain Prakrit texts.

Key Contributors: The book features contributions from eminent scholars from across India, including but not limited to:

Acharya Tulsi and Pu. Yuwacharya Mahapragya (presenting insights on meditation and spiritual practices).
M. A. Dhaky (on the antiquity of the Pundarika Adhyayana).
Dr. N. M. Kansara (on the concept of Atman).
Dr. D. G. Vedia (on deterrents in Uvasagadasao).
Dr. M. D. Vasantharaj (comparing Uvasagadasao and Ratnakarandaka-Shravakacara).
Dr. Sagar Mal Jain (on the ancient subject matter of Prashnavyakarana Sutra).
Prof. R. N. Mehta (on chronological considerations of Vipaka Sutra and town planning).
Dr. Bihari Lal Jain (on poetic elements in Uttaradhyayana Sutra).
Dr. Vashishtha Narayan Sinha (on similarities between Jain Agamas and Upanishads).
K. M. Patel (on Anuyogadvara Sutra as a Mool Sutra or Culika Sutra).
Kumari Rita Bishnoi (comparing Vedic Yati Dharma and Jain Anagar Dharma).
Dr. Pushpalata Jain (on Prayashchitta).
Yashodhara Wadhwani Shah (on Mokshopaya).
Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Jain (on Krishna Katha).
Dr. Prem Suman Jain (on Rishabhadeva's dates).
Shah Nilanjana S. (on a comparative study of Draupadi).
Dr. Jagdish Chandra Jain (on types of narratives).
S. S. Pokharna, B. S. Pokharna, J. S. Pokharna (on ESP and elementary particles).
H. C. Bhayani (on T-Sruti).
Lalit Kumar (on Citra-kala).
V. M. Doshi (on allegory).

Overall Significance:

"Jain Agam Sahitya" is presented as a significant contribution to Indological studies, bridging the gap between purely Jain scholarship and broader interdisciplinary research. The comparative approach and the diverse range of topics covered make it an essential resource for academics and researchers interested in Jainism, Indian philosophy, literature, art, and history. It underscores the richness and complexity of Jain canonical literature and its continued relevance in understanding ancient Indian thought and culture.