Jain Agam Sahityanu Swarup - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Agam Sahityanu Swarup" by Kokila C Bhatt, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Agam Sahityanu Swarup" (The Nature of Jain Agam Literature) explores the foundational religious literature of Jainism, known as the Agams. It positions Jainism as one of the three major religious traditions of India, alongside Brahmanism and Buddhism, highlighting that each has its core texts created by great acharyas and spiritual leaders, influencing the spiritual development of the populace.

Creation and Nature of Agam Literature:

Authorship: Jain Agam literature was primarily authored by Ganadhars (disciples of Tirthankaras), siddhas, tapasvis, rishis, and yogis, who preserved and elaborated upon the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
Basis: The core Agams, which contain Lord Mahavir's words, served as the foundation for subsequent commentaries, elucidations (niryukti, churni, avachurni), and interpretations (tika, vritti).
Scope: Beyond core religious doctrines, Jain literature also encompasses other genres like drama, stories, grammar, prosody, poetry, epic poetry, logic, and practical life guidance.
Spiritual Foundation: The teachings of the acharyas, characterized by renunciation, provided the societal strength. In the current scientific age, religious truths must withstand empirical and logical scrutiny to gain acceptance.

Comparison with Other Traditions:

Jain Agams, composed in Ardhamagadhi (Prakrit), are as significant as the Sanskrit texts of Hinduism (Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana) and the Pali texts of Buddhism (Tripitaka).
Despite linguistic differences and distinct authors, the core principles of these three traditions show remarkable similarity, centering on Karma, the cycle of rebirth (Samsara), and liberation (Moksha).

Defining Jain Literature and Agam Literature:

Jain Literature: Refers to the broad spectrum of philosophical and religious writings within Jainism, including sutras and other works that uphold Jain doctrines.
Jain Agam Literature: Specifically refers to the original scriptures (Agams) and the literature directly based on them, including commentaries and interpretations. Scholars like Jacquilière used the term "Agam literature" in relation to "Siddhanta."

Core Jain Beliefs and Worldview:

Jainism posits that the universe was neither created nor will it be destroyed; it undergoes cyclical changes.
The Jain dharma and its literature are considered eternally alive and evolving with time and necessity.

The Agams and their Structure:

Divisions: Jain Agam literature is broadly divided into two main categories: Anga (primary) and Angabahya (secondary).
Angas: The Svetambara tradition recognizes forty-five Agams, including twelve Angas. These are considered the earliest and most authoritative.
Drishtivada: The twelfth Anga, Drishtivada, is considered the ultimate treatise, but it is largely lost.
Angabahya: Includes texts like Upangas, Chhedasutras, Mulasutras, Prakirnakas, and Chulikasa.

Development and Preservation of Agams:

Timeframe: The Agam literature is generally considered to have been compiled between the 5th century BCE and the 5th century CE.
Conferences: Major textual compilations (Vachanas) occurred at conferences held in Pataliputra and Valabhi, aiming to preserve and systematize the teachings.
Preservation: Acharya Devardhigani is credited with the final compilation and written codification of the Agams, thus preserving them from potential loss.

Key Concepts and Terms:

Agam: Literally means "that which has come down." In Jainism, it refers to the teachings of the Arhats (Tirthankaras).
Ganadhar: The chief disciples who compiled the Tirthankara's teachings into sutras.
Dvadashangi: The twelve Angas, considered the core of the Agam literature.
Shrut: Refers to the accumulated knowledge or scripture.
Shrutkevali: Those who have complete knowledge of the Shrut.

The Content of Agam Literature:

The Agams cover a vast range of subjects, including:

Conduct and Discipline: Rules for monks and nuns regarding food, movement, conduct, and ascetic practices.
Philosophy and Metaphysics: Discussions on soul, non-soul, cause and effect, karma, rebirth, and liberation.
Cosmology and Geography: Descriptions of the universe, continents, and celestial bodies.
Ethics and Morality: Principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession.
Rituals and Practices: Details of various vows, fasts, meditation, and purification practices.
Social and Historical Context: Insights into the society, customs, and rulers of ancient India.

The Dichotomy of Svetambara and Digambara Views:

Divergence: A significant schism occurred in Jainism over the issue of "achelaka" (nudity), leading to the Svetambara and Digambara traditions.
Scriptural Differences: While both traditions accept the core principles, they differ on the authenticity and extent of the original Agams.
- Digambaras: Believe that the original Agams were lost and the currently available texts are later compositions, not directly authored by Mahavir's immediate disciples. They attribute their existing scripture to later figures like Gautama, Sudharma, Jambuswami, and Bhadrabahu.
- Svetambaras: Generally accept the current Agams, including the twelve Angas, as authentic compilations.
Shared Principles: Despite sectarian differences, both traditions agree on fundamental Jain principles, including the classification of existence into soul and non-soul, and the path to liberation.

Specific Agam Texts and their Content:

The book then details various categories of Agam literature, including:

Angas: Acharangasutra, Sutrakritangasutra, Sthanangasutra, Jnatadharmakatha, Upasakadashas, Antakruddashas, Anuttaraupapatikadasas, Prashnavyakarana, Vipakasutra, Drishtivada (largely lost). Each Anga is described with its core themes and structure.
Upangas: Aupapatikasutra, Rajapraishniya, Jivabhigama, Prajnapana, Suryaprajnapti, Jambudvipaprajnapti, Chandraprajnapti, Puspika, Puspacudika, Tandulavaicarika, Samstaraka, and Gacchachara.
Chhedasutras: Nishihta, Brihatkalpa, Vyavahara, Dashashrutaskandha, Panchakalpa, and Mahanishihta. These focus on the disciplinary rules and expiations for monks and nuns.
Mulasutras: Avasyak, Dashavaikalik, Uttaradhyayana, Pindavakyunkti, and Gnani. These are foundational texts for monastic practice.
Prakirnakas: Ten miscellaneous texts like Chatursharan, Atura Pratyakhyana, etc., covering various aspects of conduct and philosophy.
Chulikasa: Two types, Nandi and Anuyogadvara, which are considered supplements to the Angas.

Importance of Agam Literature:

The book emphasizes the immense value of Agam literature as a repository of Jain philosophy, ethics, history, and cultural insights. It highlights the ongoing efforts in preserving, translating, and studying these ancient texts, both in India and globally. The author also touches upon the significance of Jain manuscripts housed in various Bhandars (libraries) and the importance of their continued preservation and study for understanding the rich heritage of Jainism.

In essence, "Jain Agam Sahityanu Swarup" provides a scholarly overview of Jain Agam literature, its historical development, classification, key contents, and its significance within the Jain tradition and its relationship with other Indian religions. It also acknowledges the scholarly efforts in understanding and preserving this invaluable spiritual legacy.