Jain Agam Sahitya Ek Anushilan - Book Summary

This book, "Jain Agam Sahitya Ek Anushilan" (A Study of Jain Agam Literature), authored by Acharya Vijay Jayantsen Suri and published by Shri Raj Rajendra Prakashan Trust, Ahmedabad, offers a comprehensive exploration of the sacred Jain scriptures known as Agams.

Core Argument: The book aims to present a systematic and multifaceted study of Jain Agam literature, emphasizing that these scriptures are not solely focused on religion and philosophy but also contain rich insights into social, political, economic, and scientific aspects of ancient Indian life. The author highlights the need for a cultural and thematic analysis of each Agam text to reveal their broader significance.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is divided into twelve chapters, providing a structured introduction to Jain Agam literature:

Chapters 1-3: Foundational Introduction: These chapters lay the groundwork by defining the Agams, discussing their origin, authenticity, and classification. They address the perceived differences between Jain Agams and Vedic traditions, emphasizing Jainism's focus on meaning over literal word preservation. The compilation history of the Agams through various Vachanas (recitations/councils) and the impact of time and sectarian divisions on the literature are also discussed. The intricate details of the Agams' dating and the complexities involved are presented with a scholarly approach.
Chapters 4-7: Detailed Classification and Introduction: These chapters provide an external and internal introduction to the Anga Agams (the primary scriptures) and Anga Bahya Agams (secondary scriptures).
- Anga Agams: Their external characteristics like names, meanings, language (Ardhamagadhi Prakrit), stylistic features, and sequential order are discussed. The internal content of each of the eleven surviving Angas is summarized, detailing their philosophical and practical teachings. The internal structure, such as the division into Shruta Skandhas, Adhyayanas (chapters), and Uddeśakas (sections), is also touched upon. The vastness of the Angas, represented by their immense hypothetical pad numbers, is highlighted.
- Anga Bahya Agams: This extensive section covers the classification and content of various Anga Bahya Agams, including:
  - Upangas: Discusses twelve Upangas, their relationship to the Angas, and the historical development of this classification.
  - Mul Sūtras: Introduces four primary Mul Sūtras, acknowledging differing views on their exact number and inclusion among different Jain traditions.
  - Cheda Sūtras: Explains the purpose of Cheda Sūtras in outlining monastic conduct, rules, and penances, detailing six known Cheda Sūtras and their varying acceptance across traditions.
  - Chulika Sūtras: Introduces Nandi and Anuyogadvar Sūtras as explanatory texts essential for understanding the core Agams.
  - Prakirnakas: Covers ten Prakirnakas, noting their varied compilation and diverse subjects, from practical rituals to philosophical discussions. The author acknowledges discrepancies in the list of Prakirnakas across traditions.
Chapter 8: Agamic Commentary Literature: This chapter focuses on the extensive tradition of commentaries (Niyukti, Bhashya, Churnis, Tikas, etc.) written by eminent Jain scholars. It explains the purpose and evolution of these commentaries, highlighting the contributions of key figures like Bhadrabahu (II), Jinadas Gani Mahattar, Haribhadra Suri, Shīlānk, Abhayadev Suri, Malayagiri, and Hemachandra Suri. The development of commentary styles from Prakrit to Sanskrit and later to vernacular languages is traced.
Chapters 9-11: Socio-Economic and Political Insights: These chapters delve into the practical aspects of life depicted in the Agams, moving beyond purely religious and philosophical discussions:
- Social System (Chapter 9): Explores the social structure, including the concept of Varnas (castes) and their roles, the organization of guilds (Śreṇī), family life, marriage customs, child-rearing, beliefs in deities, magic, superstitions, entertainment, and daily life, including descriptions of mourning rituals and early medical practices.
- Governance System (Chapter 10): Discusses the monarchy, the king's daily routine, succession rules, the royal court (Antahpur), the structure of the military, sources of state revenue, village as the administrative unit, the king's absolute power, the penal system, and the administration of justice. It also touches upon the lives of prominent officials like ministers, priests, and treasurers.
- Economic System (Chapter 11): Details the economic activities of the time, including agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, mining, crafts (textile production, jewelry making, pottery), trade (both internal and external), banking and moneylending, measurement systems, and the importance of business organizations (Śreṇīs). It highlights various modes of transportation, currency, and the prevalence of both ethical and unethical trade practices.
Chapter 12: Religious System: This concluding chapter revisits the religious aspects of the Agams, emphasizing the broad interpretation of 'Dharma' in Jainism, encompassing social duties alongside spiritual practices. It details the principles of Nigantha (ascetic) practice, the challenges faced by ascetics, their monastic dress codes, the types of Niganthas, and the various other contemporary religious traditions and their practices (Śhakya, Tāpasa, Parivrājaka, Ājīvika). It also touches upon the concept of different types of vows and observances.

Key Contributions and Approach:

Comprehensive Scope: The book goes beyond a narrow interpretation of Agamic literature, demonstrating its value as a historical and cultural document.
Scholarly Rigor: Acharya Jayantsen Suri's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the Agams, cross-referencing with other traditions (Vedic, Buddhist), and engaging with the findings of both Indian and Western scholars.
Neutrality and Objectivity: The author strives for a balanced perspective, presenting different viewpoints (e.g., Śvetāmbara vs. Digambara interpretations) without bias and encouraging objective study.
Accessibility: While scholarly, the book aims to make complex information accessible to a wider audience, including general readers and researchers.
Emphasis on Cultural and Social Aspects: A significant contribution is the dedicated focus on the socio-economic and political dimensions often overlooked in purely religious studies of the Agams.
Critique of Assumptions: The author challenges simplistic interpretations of the Agams' age and content, advocating for nuanced, evidence-based dating and analysis.
Call for Further Research: The book serves as an invitation for future generations of scholars to delve deeper into specific aspects of the Agamic literature, particularly the cultural and thematic analyses of individual texts.

In essence, "Jain Agam Sahitya Ek Anushilan" is a significant scholarly work that demystifies the Jain Agams, showcasing their richness and relevance not only for Jain religious practice but also for understanding ancient Indian civilization in its entirety.