Jainagama Digdarshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainagama Digdarshan" by Dr. Muni Nagraj and Muni Mahendrakumar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jainagama Digdarshan (जैनागम दिग्दर्शन) Author(s): Dr. Muni Nagraj (डॉ. मुनि नगराज), Upadhyay Muni Mahendrakumar 'Pratham' (उपाध्याय मुनि महेन्द्रकुमार 'प्रथम') Publisher: Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan, Jaipur (राजस्थान प्राकृत भारती संस्थान, जयपुर) Publication Year: 1980 (V.S. 2037, V.N.S. 2506)

Core Purpose: The book "Jainagama Digdarshan" serves as a guide or overview (Digdarshan - दिग्दर्शन) to the Jain Agamas (जैनागम). It aims to provide a concise understanding of the vast and profound Agama literature to the general populace. The authors, recognizing the importance and richness of Jain scriptural tradition, have undertaken this task.

Key Themes and Content Covered:

1. Introduction to Jain Agamas:

   • The text begins by highlighting the historical context and the need for preserving Jain scriptures. It mentions events like the destruction of temples, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding religious literature in places like the Jaisalmer Bhandar, which was less accessible to invaders.
   • It emphasizes that Agamas are not only spiritual and philosophical but also contain valuable information about the social, economic, and political conditions of ancient times, making them crucial for researchers.

2. The Digambara Perspective on Agamas:

   • The book acknowledges a significant difference in understanding the Agamas between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions.
   • The Digambara tradition believes that after the time of the 11 Ganadharas and 10 Purvadhara Acharyas, the knowledge of the 14 Purvas and 11 Angas was lost or partially retained.
   • The primary scriptures in the Digambara tradition, considered akin to Agamas, are Shatkhandagama (based on the second Purva) and Kashayapahud (based on the fifth Purva). Mahabandha and commentaries like Dhavala and Jayadhavala are also highly regarded.
   • Other revered texts include the works of Acharya Kundakunda (Samaysara, Pravachanasara, etc.) and Acharya Nemichandra (Gommatasara, etc.).
   • Despite differences in the textual lineage of the Agamas, the fundamental philosophical principles of Jainism are largely consistent across both traditions, with texts like Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati serving as a unifying link.

3. Focus on the Shvetambara Agamas:

   • The book primarily focuses on the analysis of the Shvetambara scriptural tradition.
   • It aims to be a valuable resource for researchers and those curious about the Shvetambara Agamas.

4. Origin and Compilation of Agamas:

   • The text discusses the concept of Arthagama (meaning revealed by the Tirthankara) and Sutragama (compiled by Ganadharas). Tirthankaras provide teachings in their essence, which the Ganadharas then systematize into sutras.
   • It mentions the eleven Ganadharas of Lord Mahavir and the nine Ganas (communities) under their control.
   • The compilation process, the role of Ganadharas in structuring the knowledge, and the natural linguistic variations that arose due to different compilers are discussed.
   • It touches upon the number of Ganadharas and their respective Ganas, noting a slight discrepancy in numbers due to the distribution of disciples.
   • The transmission of Shrut knowledge, emphasizing the importance of oral tradition ("Shruta: Kanthagraha: Aparivartya" - श्रुत: कण्ठाग्र : अपरिवर्त्य), and the scientific methods used to preserve the purity of the texts (akin to Vedic patha) are explained. The sixteen qualities of proper recitation (like shikshit, sthit, jita, mita, parijita, nāmasama, ghoshasama, ahīnākshara, anavakshara, etc.) are detailed, highlighting the care taken to preserve the scriptural integrity.

5. The Twelve Angas (द्वादशांग):

   • The text explains the concept of the Angas being the "limbs" of the "Shruta-purusha" (body of knowledge).
   • It lists the names and briefly describes the content of the 11 available Angas (the 12th, Drishtivada, is considered lost):
     1. Aacharanga (आयारंग/आचारांग): Focuses on the conduct of monks, with discussions on the soul, existence, and the nature of life.
     2. Sutrakritanga (सूयगडंग/सूत्रकृतांग): Critiques various philosophical views prevalent at the time, including those of Buddhism, Vedic Brahmins, and Advaita Vedanta.
     3. Sthananga (ठाणांग/स्थानांग): Organizes knowledge into numerical categories, from one to ten, providing a numerical framework for Jain philosophy.
     4. Samavayana (समवायांग): Details the classes of beings and objects, their classification, and numerical categories.
     5. Vyakhyaprajnapti (विवाह-पण्णत्ति/व्याख्या-प्रज्ञप्ति): A vast encyclopedic text detailing Jain doctrine, cosmology, and history through question-answer sessions between Lord Mahavir and Ganadhara Gautama.
     6. Natyadharmakathao (णायाधम्मकहाओ/ज्ञाताधर्मकथा): Contains narratives and stories that illustrate Jain ethical and religious principles.
     7. Uvasagadashao (उवासगदसाओ/उपासकदशा): Describes the lives and conduct of ten eminent lay disciples (upasakas), serving as a guide for householders.
     8. Antagadadashao (अंतगडदसाओ/अंतकृद्दशा): Narrates the lives of great souls (Antakritas) who attained liberation, highlighting their ascetic practices and achievements.
     9. Anuttarovavaiyadashao (अणुत्तरोववाइयदसाओ/अनुत्तरोपपातिकदशा): Deals with those who attained rebirth in the Anuttara heavens, detailing their lives and eventual liberation.
     10. Panhavayakaranani (पण्हवागरणाई/प्रश्नव्याकरण): Discusses questions related to Jain philosophy and ethics, though its current form might be different from its original conception.
     11. Vipakasruta (विवागसुय/विपाकश्रुत): Explains the fruits (vipaka) of karma, both positive and negative, through illustrative stories.
     12. Drishtivada (दिठ्ठिवाय/दृष्टिवाद): The 12th Anga, which is considered lost, but its five parts (Parikarma, Sutra, Purvanuyoga, Purvagata, Chulika) are mentioned, with Purvagata containing the knowledge of the 14 Purvas.

6. The Twelve Upangas (द्वादश उपांग):

   • These are texts considered to be supplementary to the Angas, often attributed to later scholars (Sthaviras).
   • The twelve Upangas discussed include: Upavata (औपपातिक), Rayapraseniya (रायपसेणीप), Jivajivabhigama (जीवाजीवाभिगम), Pannavana (पन्नवणा), Suryaprajnapti (सूरियपन्नत्ति), Jambudvipa Prajnapti (जम्बूदीवपन्नत्ति), Chandraprajnapti (चंदपन्नत्ति), and five Nirayavali texts (Nirayavali, Kappavamsika, Pushpika, Pushpchula, Vrishnidasha).
   • The text delves into the etymology and content of these Upangas, noting their importance in specific areas like cosmology (Suryaprajnapti, Jambudvipa Prajnapti, Chandraprajnapti), philosophical analysis (Jivajivabhigama, Pannavana), and detailed narratives (Upavata, Rayapraseniya, Nirayavali group).
   • It acknowledges the textual similarities and potential historical relationships between Suryaprajnapti and Chandraprajnapti.

7. The Six Cheda-sutras (छेद सूत्र):

   • These texts deal with the disciplinary rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns, including penances and expiations for transgressions. They are considered crucial for maintaining the purity of the monastic order.
   • The six Cheda-sutras mentioned are: Nishidha (निमीह), Mahanishidha (महानिसीह), Vyavahara (ववहार), Dashashrutaskandha (दसासुयक्खंध), Kalpa (कप्प), and Panchakalpa (पंचकप्प). The text provides brief descriptions of their content and importance.

8. The Six Mula-sutras (छह मूल सूत्र):

   • These are considered foundational texts, though the definition and number vary among scholars. The book identifies: Uttaradhyayana (उत्तरज्झयण), Shravakachara (which seems to be a misprint for Shravakacharya or related texts, as Shravakasya is mentioned in the context of Shatkhandagama and Kashayapahud, but the six mula sutras typically include Avashyaka), Dashavaikalika (दसवेयालिय), Pind Nirjuti (पिण्डनिज्जत्ति), Ogha Nirjuti (श्रोहनिज्जुत्ति), Pakshika Sutra (पक्खिय सुत्त), and Nandi Sutra (नन्दी सूत्र), Anuyogadvara (अनुयोगद्वार).
   • The text highlights the significance of Uttaradhyayana and Dashavaikalika as ancient and rich sources for understanding Jain philosophy and conduct. It also discusses the etymology and scholarly debates surrounding the term "Mula-sutra."

9. The Ten Prakirnaka-s (दस पइण्णग):

   • These are miscellaneous texts covering various topics, often compiled by later scholars or individual monks. They include: Chatuhsarana (चउसरण), Atura Pratyakhyana (पाउर-पच्चक्खाण), Mahapratyakhyana (माह महापच्चक्खाण), Bhakta Parigjna (भत्त-परिण्णा), Tandula Vaitakliya (तंदुल-वेयालिय), Samstaraka (संथारग), Gachchachara (गच्छायार), Ganividya (गणिविज्ञा), Devendra Stava (देविंद-थय), and Marana Samadhi (मरण-समाही).
   • Brief descriptions of their content are provided, with a particular focus on Tandula Vaitakliya's critical portrayal of women and Gachchachara's rules for monastic communities.

10. Commentarial Literature (व्याख्या-साहित्य):

    • The book concludes by discussing the extensive commentary literature that supports the Agamas, including Nijutti (नियुक्ति), Bhashya (भाष्य), Churni (चूर्णि), Tika (टीका), Vrutti (वृत्ति), etc.
    • It mentions the linguistic evolution of these commentaries, from Prakrit to a blend of Prakrit-Sanskrit, and finally to predominantly Sanskrit, highlighting the scholarly efforts to preserve and explain the Agamas.

Overall Contribution: "Jainagama Digdarshan" provides a valuable roadmap for understanding the Jain Agamas, particularly for those unfamiliar with the vast corpus of Jain scripture. It bridges the gap between the complex scholarly tradition and the general seeker of knowledge, making the profound teachings of Jainism more accessible. The detailed listing and brief descriptions of the various Agamas, Upangas, Cheda-sutras, Mula-sutras, and Prakirnakas, along with their historical and philosophical context, make this book an essential reference for anyone interested in Jain literature. The book acknowledges the different scriptural traditions within Jainism while focusing on the Shvetambara perspective.