Jambudweeplaghusangrahani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jambudweeplaghusangrahani" (जम्बूद्वीपलघुसङ्ग्रहणी), based on the provided pages:

Title: Jambudweeplaghusangrahani (जम्बूद्वीपलघुसङ्ग्रहणी) Author(s): Haribhadrasuri (मूल), commentary by Vijayodaysuri (वृत्तिकार) Publisher: Jain Granth Prakashan Samiti (श्री जैन ग्रन्थ प्रकाशन समितिः), Khambhat Publication Year: 1988 CE / 2045 VS Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001447/1

Overview:

"Jambudweeplaghusangrahani" is a significant Jain text that provides a concise yet detailed cosmological and geographical description of the Jambudvipa continent, a central part of the Jain universe. The original text is attributed to the renowned Jain Acharya Haribhadrasuri. This particular edition includes a valuable commentary (Vritti) by Acharya Vijayodaysuri, which elucidates the original sutras. The publication was a collaborative effort, with Muni Nandighoshvijay serving as the editor.

Key Themes and Content:

The text systematically describes the Jambudvipa continent and its constituents through a structured approach, often referred to as "Dwaras" (doors or sections). The summary below outlines the main areas covered, based on the detailed table of contents and introductory sections:

1. Introduction and Scholarly Context:

   • The book is presented as a significant theoretical treatise from the Jain tradition.
   • It highlights the importance of the commentary by Acharya Vijayodaysuri, which was previously unpublished.
   • The publication is noted as an effort to honor Acharya Vijayodaysuri during his birth centenary.
   • The introduction emphasizes the Jain tradition's deep engagement with cosmology and the universe, often through spiritual and meditative understanding, contrasting it with purely empirical scientific methods.
   • It discusses the evolution of Jain scriptures, from oral tradition to written manuscripts, and acknowledges potential textual variations over time.

2. Cosmological Structure (Lokas):

   • The Jain universe (Loka) is divided into three parts: Urdhva Loka (Upper World), Madhya Loka (Middle World), and Adho Loka (Lower World).
   • Urdhva Loka is inhabited by Vaimanika deities.
   • Adho Loka contains the seven Naraka (hell) regions with beings residing there. The text also mentions the locations of Bhuvanapati, Vyantar, and Jyotishkadevas within the lower and middle realms.
   • Madhya Loka is described as containing countless islands (Dvipas) and oceans, with Jambudvipa at its center.

3. Jambudvipa:

   • Description: Jambudvipa is depicted as a circular continent with a diameter of 100,000 yojanas (an ancient unit of distance).
   • Central Mountain (Meru): At the heart of Jambudvipa is Mount Meru, 100,000 yojanas high and approximately 10,000 yojanas in area.
   • Divisions (Kshetras): Jambudvipa is divided into seven major regions:
     • South: Bharata, Haihmavat, and Harivarsha.
     • North: Airavata, Hairanyavat, and Ramya.
     • Center: Mahavideha, which is larger than the other regions combined (64 times the size of Bharata).
   • Mountains (Year-bearers/Varshadharas): Six major mountain ranges run north-south, separating these regions: Himavan, Mahahimavan, and Nishadha in the south, and Shikhari, Rukmi, and Nilavanta in the north. These mountains have specific widths and heights, with relationships often described as doubling or halving.
   • Symmetry: The text notes the symmetrical arrangement of regions and mountains, with regions like Bharata and Airavata being similar, as are Haihmavat and Hairanyavat, and Harivarsha and Ramya. Mahavideha is described as unique and central.
   • Eternal vs. Non-eternal Substances: The text clarifies that it primarily describes eternal (Shashvata) elements of Jambudvipa, as describing all non-eternal (Ashashvata) elements would be impossible due to their transience and multiplicity.

4. Detailed Descriptions (Dwaras):

   • Khandas (Divisions): Describes the subdivisions within regions, particularly Bharata, and mentions the calculation of the total number of divisions in Jambudvipa (91+100 = 191).
   • Yojanas: Discusses measurements in yojanas, including the dimensions of Jambudvipa and its features.
   • Years/Regions (Varshas): Elaborates on the seven regions (Bharata, Himavan, Harivarsha, Mahavideha, Ramya, Hairanyavat, Airavata) and their characteristics.
   • Mountains (Parvatas): Details the various mountains, including the central Meru, the seven Year-bearer mountains, and the Vaitadhya mountain range that divides Bharata. It also describes circular and rectangular forms of mountains like Vaitadhya.
   • Peaks (Kutas): Describes the numerous mountain peaks, including those associated with the Vaitadhya range, the Year-bearer mountains, and the vast number of peaks in Mahavideha. It mentions their material composition (gold, silver, gems) and divine inhabitants.
   • Tirthas (Sacred Sites): Lists important sacred sites, such as Magadha, Prabhasa, and Vardama, often located at the mouths of rivers.
   • Shrenis (Ranges/Levels): Discusses the levels or ranges, likely referring to the dwelling places of Yakshas and Gandharvas.
   • Vijayas (Territories): Details the divisions within Mahavideha and other regions, mentioning the territories conquered by Chakravartis (universal emperors) and the presence of significant cities.
   • Daha (Lakes): Describes various significant lakes, such as Padma, Mahapadma, and their associated deities (Shri, Hri, Dhruti, etc.).
   • Rivers (Saritas): Lists major rivers like Ganga, Sindhu, Rakta, Raktavati, Shita, Shitoada, and their tributaries, including their lengths, widths, and origins.
   • Other Features: Includes descriptions of palaces, divine residences, specific trees (like Jambudvipa tree), celestial beings, and the mathematical calculations related to Jambudvipa's dimensions.

5. Mathematical and Astronomical Aspects:

   • The text contains detailed mathematical calculations related to Jambudvipa's circumference and area, often using specific formulas and approximations for Pi (π), sometimes differing from modern scientific values but showing remarkable ancient understanding.
   • It touches upon the concept of time cycles (Kalachakra), including the Utsarpini (ascending) and Avasarpini (descending) time periods, and their influence on human lifespan, physical stature, and societal development. The text attempts to correlate these with modern scientific timelines.
   • The text engages with questions of whether the Earth is spherical and rotates, presenting arguments and referencing ancient Jain philosophical viewpoints.

6. Devotional and Philosophical Elements:

   • The text begins with invocations to the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir.
   • It emphasizes the importance of adherence to scriptural authority and the guidance of Acharyas.
   • The commentary by Acharya Vijayodaysuri often includes philosophical interpretations and justifications for the descriptions provided.
   • An appendix includes "Sthavarajivasiddhi" (Establishment of Stationary Soul) by Acharya Vijayodaysuri, discussing the concept of souls in plants and other stationary beings.

Significance:

"Jambudweeplaghusangrahani" is a foundational text for understanding Jain cosmology and geography. It provides a systematic framework for visualizing the Jain universe, influencing subsequent commentaries and religious practices. The inclusion of Acharya Vijayodaysuri's commentary makes this edition particularly valuable for scholarly study and deeper comprehension of Haribhadrasuri's original work. The mathematical and temporal calculations, even if based on different epistemological frameworks than modern science, demonstrate the intellectual sophistication of ancient Jain scholars.