Jainagam Sutrasar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainagam Sutrasar" by Mavji K. Savla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jainagam Sutrasar (A short commentary on some select cantos from Jain Scriptures) Author: Mavji K. Savla Publisher: Akshar Bharati

Overall Purpose and Context: The book "Jainagam Sutrasar" is a commentary on select verses (gathas) from Jain scriptures, aiming to make the profound teachings of Jainism accessible and relevant to contemporary life. Inspired by Vinoba Bhave, the author, Mavji K. Savla, selected 83 verses from the "Shraman Sutra" (a compilation of 756 verses from Jain scriptures) that he felt were particularly pertinent to modern life's challenges and offered guidance and inspiration. The author acknowledges his own biases in this selection process.

Author's Motivation and Background: Mavji K. Savla was inspired to write this commentary by a friend, Narsinhbhai Kunvarji Shah, who showed great interest in his highlighted verses from "Shraman Sutra." The author also mentions a long-held desire to write commentary on these verses, dating back to 1976. He expresses gratitude to various individuals who facilitated his learning and the publication of the book, including his teachers, mentors, and his father, who supported his intellectual pursuits. He also dedicates the book to his father and Muni Shri Khantivijayji Maharaj.

Key Philosophical Themes and Concepts Discussed:

The book delves into various core Jain philosophical concepts, often through commentary on individual verses. Some of the prominent themes include:

• The Essence of Jain Scriptures: The author emphasizes that true understanding of the scriptures comes from living them, not just reciting them. He highlights the importance of internalizing the teachings rather than mere rote memorization.
• Ethical Living (Sadachar): The fundamental principle of treating others as you would wish to be treated is presented as the core of Jain teachings and a vital, often neglected, aspect in today's competitive world.
• The Nature of Self and the World: The text differentiates between the eternal soul (Atman) and the temporary physical body, critiquing the materialistic view that equates the two.
• Karma and its Consequences: A significant portion of the commentary explains the intricate workings of karma, including the concept of both auspicious (shubh) and inauspicious (ashubh) karma being binding. It emphasizes that karma is carried by the individual, and family or friends cannot share the suffering of its consequences.
• The Bondage of Attachment and Desire: The book repeatedly addresses the destructive nature of desires (trishna), attachment (maya), greed (lobh), anger (krodh), ego (maan), and delusion (maya), identifying them as primary causes of suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
• Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal is presented as liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through self-control, detachment, right knowledge (gyan), right faith (darshan), and right conduct (charitra).
• The Importance of Inner Purity (Bhav Shuddhi): External rituals or appearances are deemed insufficient for spiritual progress. True transformation comes from inner purity of thought, intention, and action.
• The Nature of Suffering (Dukh): The text acknowledges suffering as an inherent part of the worldly existence, but also points out that clinging to desires and attachments exacerbates it.
• Detachment (Virakti): Living amidst worldly life while remaining detached, like a lotus leaf in water, is presented as a path to freedom from suffering.
• The Ideal of a Jain Ascetic (Shraman): The book clarifies that true sainthood is not merely about outward appearance (shaving the head, wearing specific robes) but about embodying virtues like equanimity (samta), self-control, knowledge, and austerity.
• The Power of Knowledge and Action: A strong emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge and action (gyan and acharana). Knowledge without practice is considered ineffective, and action without the right understanding can be misdirected.
• The Illusion of Possession (Parigrah): The text strongly condemns the accumulation of possessions, identifying it as the root cause of many vices, including violence, falsehood, and theft.
• The Significance of Equanimity (Samata) and Vigilance (Apramad): The teachings of Mahavir are distilled into these two core principles, highlighting the need for constant awareness and balanced perspective in all life situations.
• The Nature of True Renunciation: Renunciation is presented not as mere abandonment of worldly things but as detachment from the desires and attachments associated with them.
• The Ultimate Goal of Nirvana: Nirvana is described as a state beyond pleasure and pain, life and death, signifying complete liberation.

Structure and Approach: The book is organized thematically, with each chapter/section focusing on a particular concept or verse from the Jain scriptures. The author provides his interpretation and commentary, often using analogies and examples to elucidate the complex philosophical points. The language used in the commentary is Gujarati, making it accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers.

Appendices: The book includes an appendix on Jain Agam Literature, providing details about the structure and content of Jain scriptures according to both Svetambara and Digambara traditions. It lists the various categories of Agam texts, such as Angas, Upangas, Chhedasutras, Mulasutras, and Prakirna, along with the number of verses (gathas) in each.

Overall Message: "Jainagam Sutrasar" serves as a guide for individuals seeking to understand and apply Jain principles in their daily lives. It encourages introspection, ethical conduct, detachment from worldly desires, and the pursuit of inner purity and self-realization as the path to spiritual freedom. The author bridges ancient wisdom with modern concerns, making the timeless teachings of Jainism relevant for contemporary seekers.