Jain Agam Sahitya Manan Aur Mimansa

This comprehensive summary of "Jain Agam Sahitya: Manan aur Mimamsa" by Devendra Muni provides an in-depth overview of Jain canonical literature. Based on the provided text, here's a summary in English:

Book Title: Jain Agam Sahitya: Manan aur Mimamsa Author: Devendra Muni Shastri (disciple of Upadhyaya Sri Pushkar Muniji Maharaj) Publisher: Sri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalaya, Udaipur (Raj.) Subject: A panoramic study of Jain canonical and commentary literature, with a comparative study of relevant Buddhist and Vedic sacred texts.

Overview:

This book, published on the occasion of the Deeksha Golden Jubilee of Adhyatmayogi Upadhyaya Sri Pushkar Muniji Maharaj, is a seminal work by Devendra Muni Shastri. It aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the vast and profound world of Jain Agam literature. The author undertakes the challenging task of distilling the essence of this immense corpus into a manageable volume, making it comprehensible for both dedicated scholars and those new to Jain canonical texts. The work is lauded for its balanced perspective, thorough research, and clear presentation of complex concepts.

Key Aspects Covered:

The book systematically explores Jain Agam literature, dividing its vastness into manageable sections:

1. Jain Agam Sahitya: Ek Anushilan (A Study of Jain Agam Literature):

   • Importance: Emphasizes the significance of Agam literature for Jainism, comparing it to the Vedas for Vedic traditions and Pitakas for Buddhism.
   • Synonyms & Definitions: Explores various terms used for canonical texts like Shruta, Sutra, Agama, Agama, Aptavacana, Aitihya, Amnaya, and Jinavachana, and defines what constitutes an Agama, highlighting the concept of Aptavacana (words of an infallible authority) as central.
   • Purva and Anga: Discusses the classification of canonical literature into Purvas (ancient, lost texts) and Angas (the twelve canonical texts). It delves into the nature of Purvas and the codification of the Angas, suggesting a period between Vira Samvat 827 and 840 for the final formulation.
   • Angapravishta and Angabahya: Explains the distinction between texts considered part of the original canon (Angapravishta) and those considered outside the primary canon but still authoritative (Angabahya).
   • Classification: Presents the classification of Agamas according to both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions, noting differences in the number and acceptance of Angabahya texts.
   • Anuyoga: Discusses the four Anuyogas (categories of discourse) in Jain literature: Charana Karananuyoga, Dharma Kathaanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga, explaining their respective subject matters and their relevance in understanding Jain philosophy. It also touches upon the concept of Purusha (Agamic literature as the body of the ultimate being).
   • Mula and Cheda: Explains the classification of texts into Mula Sutras (fundamental texts) and Cheda Sutras (texts dealing with disciplinary rules and expiations), noting the differing views on which texts belong to these categories.
   • Shruta-purusha: Discusses the classic analogy of Agamic literature with the Purusha, comparing its various parts to the organic functions of the body.
   • Niryuhana Agama: Explains texts derived from the original Purva literature through a process of extraction or compilation.
   • Names of Agamas: Lists the names of forty-five and eighty-four Agamas as per different traditions, and the thirty-two Agamas accepted by the Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi traditions.
   • Language of Jain Agamas: Discusses the primary language of the Agamas as Ardhamagadhi Prakrit and its characteristics.
   • Agama Vacanas (Recensions/Codifications): Details the five major efforts to codify and preserve the Agam literature after Mahavira's Nirvana, including the Patliputra, Khāravela, Mathura (Madhuri), Vallabhi (Nagārjunīya), and the final Vallabhi (Devardhigani) recensions.
   • Agam Vichhed (Discontinuation of Agamas): Traces the gradual loss and discontinuation of certain parts of the Agam literature, particularly the Purvas, due to various historical factors.
   • Tradition of Writing: Discusses the development of writing traditions in Jainism, starting from oral transmission to the eventual codification and preservation of texts in written form.

2. Anga Sahitya: Ek Paryalochana (A Review of Anga Literature): This section provides a detailed analysis of each of the twelve Angas:

   • Achārānga: Its importance as the foundational text for monk conduct, its structure (two Shruta-skandhas), its language, and its philosophical depth. It also discusses the debate about the original authorship and codification of Achārānga.
   • Sūtrkrutanga: Its role in presenting comparative studies of various philosophical schools (including Buddhist and Vedic), its structure (two Shruta-skandhas), and its emphasis on correct understanding of spiritual principles.
   • Sthānānga: Its unique approach of classifying all Jain doctrines and phenomena numerically (from one to ten), its importance for systematic study, and the discussion on its dating.
   • Samavāyānga: Similar to Sthānānga, it classifies various elements of Jain cosmology, anthropology, and doctrine based on numbers, providing a panoramic view of the Jain worldview.
   • Vyākhyāprajñapti (Bhagavati Sutra): Considered the encyclopedia of Jainism, covering a vast range of topics from cosmology and metaphysics to ethics, history, and biographies, presented in a question-and-answer format between Mahavira and Gautama. It highlights the detailed cosmological descriptions and the discussions on life principles.
   • Jñātādharmakathā: Focuses on exemplary lives and narratives that illustrate Dharma principles, often using stories and analogies for pedagogical purposes.
   • Upāsakadaśā: Details the conduct and vows of ten prominent lay disciples (Upāsakas), providing practical guidance for lay Jain life.
   • Antakr̥ddhaśā: Narrates the lives of twenty monks who achieved liberation after enduring extreme hardships and austerities, emphasizing the stages of spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation.
   • Anuttaropapātikadaśā: Describes the lives of individuals who attained birth in Anuttara heavens (highest celestial realms) and their eventual liberation, highlighting the importance of specific practices leading to such elevated states.
   • Praśnavyākaraṇa: Discusses the nature of questions and their elaborate answers, particularly concerning karma, conduct, and spiritual liberation. It addresses the philosophical debates of the time.
   • Vipāka Sūtra: Explains the consequences of actions (karma), detailing how good deeds lead to pleasant outcomes and bad deeds to suffering, reinforcing the principle of karma.
   • Dṛṣṭivāda: The twelfth and final Anga, considered the most comprehensive but now largely lost, which is believed to have contained extensive philosophical discussions, critiques of other systems, and a vast array of knowledge.

3. Angabahya Agama Sahitya (Literature Outside the Angas): This section covers texts that, while not part of the original twelve Angas, are considered authoritative and essential for understanding Jainism.

   • Upāṅga Agama Sahitya: Analyzes texts like Aupapātika, Rājapraśnīya, Jīvābhigama, Prajnapanā, Jambudvīpa Prajñapti, Sūryaprajñapti, Chandraprajñapti, Niryāvalikā, etc., detailing their content and significance.
   • Mūla Agama Sahitya: Discusses fundamental texts like Uttarādhyayana, Daśavaikālika, Nandī Sūtra, and Anuyogadvāra, highlighting their core teachings and importance in the śramaṇa tradition.
   • Chheda Agama Sahitya: Focuses on the disciplinary texts like Daśaśrutaskandha, Brhatkalpa, Vyavahāra, Nishi'tha, and Āvaśyaka, explaining their role in regulating monastic life and outlining rules and expiations.
   • Prakirṇaka Agama Sahitya: Covers miscellaneous texts like Chaturḥśaraṇa, Ātura Pratyākhyāna, etc., which contain various teachings and practices.

4. Agamokaṁ kā vyākhyātmak sāhitya (Commentarial Literature of Agamas): This extensive section delves into the various layers of commentary that have developed over centuries to explain the Agamas.

   • Niryukti Sāhitya: Explains the role of Niryuktis as early, concise, and often poetic commentaries that clarify technical terms and concepts within the Agamas. It discusses the tradition of Niryuktis, their authors (like Bhadrabāhu), and their importance in understanding the original texts.
   • Bhāṣya Sāhitya: Discusses Bhāṣyas as more elaborate commentaries that expand on the Niryuktis, often in prose, providing detailed explanations and interpretations. Key figures like Jinabhadra Gaṇi Kṣamāśramaṇa and Sanghadāsagaṇi are highlighted for their significant Bhāṣyas.
   • Chūrṇi Sāhitya: Explains Chūrṇis as even more detailed commentaries, often written in a blend of Prakrit and Sanskrit, which offer extensive explanations, narratives, and practical examples to elucidate the Agam texts. Jinadāsa Gaṇi Mahattara is recognized as a prominent Chūrṇikāra.
   • Ṭīkā Sāhitya: Covers Sanskrit commentaries (Ṭīkās) written by later scholars, offering critical analysis, comparative studies, and deeper philosophical insights. Prominent commentators like Haribhadra Sūri, Abhayadeva Sūri, Malayagiri, and Hemachandra Sūri are discussed, highlighting their scholarly contributions.

5. Digambara Jain Agama Sahitya: Ek Paryālokana (A Review of Digambara Jain Agama Literature): This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the canonical texts accepted by the Digambara tradition, including the Shatkhaṇḍāgama, Kaṣāyapāhuḍa, Tiloyappaṇṇatti, and the works of Achārya Kundakunda and Achārya Nemichandra, emphasizing their philosophical and cosmological contributions. It also addresses the Digambara perspective on the loss of some original Angas and their creation of new texts considered authoritative.

6. Tulnātmak Adhyayan (Comparative Study): This crucial section compares Jain canonical literature with Buddhist and Vedic sacred texts, highlighting similarities, differences, and the unique contributions of Jain thought within the broader Indian philosophical landscape. It explores parallels in ethical teachings, philosophical concepts, and cosmological views.

7. Agam Sahitya ke Subhāṣita (Subhāṣitas from Agam Literature): This final section extracts and presents valuable verses, aphorisms, and wise sayings from various Agam and commentary texts, offering practical wisdom and ethical guidance for spiritual life.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Agam Sahitya: Manan aur Mimamsa" is praised as a monumental work that makes the complex world of Jain scriptures accessible. It is a testament to Devendra Muni Shastri's deep scholarship and his dedication to illuminating the teachings of his revered guru, Sri Pushkar Muniji Maharaj. The book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the richness, depth, and philosophical sophistication of Jain canonical literature. The author's effort to synthesize vast knowledge into a coherent study is highly appreciated, enabling readers to grasp the essence of Agamic thought without getting lost in the sheer volume of the texts. The comparative study with Buddhist and Vedic traditions further contextualizes Jainism within the broader Indian spiritual heritage.