Jinagam Ane Jain Sahitya
Added to library: September 2, 2025
Summary
Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shri Jinagam ane Jain Sahitya" by Kapurchand R Baraiya:
The text, "Shri Jinagam ane Jain Sahitya," by Kapurchand R Baraiya, delves into the foundational knowledge and extensive literature of Jainism. It begins by outlining the five types of knowledge recognized in Jainism: Matijnana (sense-based knowledge), Shruta-jnana (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi-jnana (clairvoyance), Manaḥparyaya-jnana (telepathy), and Kevala-jnana (omniscience). While Avadhi, Manaḥparyaya, and Kevala-jnana arise directly from the soul, Mati and Shruta-jnana depend on the senses and mind.
The author then focuses on Shruta-jnana, dividing it into two categories: Anga Pravishta and Anga Bahya.
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Anga Pravishta Shruta: This refers to the twelve primary scriptures (Dvadasangi) compiled by the Ganadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras) based on the Tirthankara's initial teaching of the "tripadi" (a fundamental statement about existence: uppajjati, vinassati, dhuvam - arises, perishes, and remains stable). Currently, due to the loss of the twelfth Anga, Drishtivada, only eleven Angas remain extant. These are:
- Acharanga
- Sutrakrutanaga
- Sthananga
- Samvayanga
- Vyakyaprajnapti (Bhagavati Sutra)
- Shatadharmakathanaga
- Upasak Dashanga
- Antakrud Dashanga
- Anuttaraupapātikadashanga
- Prashna Vyakaran
- Vipākashrutaṅga
Each of these Angas deals with specific aspects of Jain teachings, such as conduct, the nature of what to avoid and what to embrace, various details about substances, dialogues between Tirthankaras and their disciples, the lives of great ascetics, and the karmic consequences of actions.
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Anga Bahya Shruta: This category encompasses scriptures compiled by Ganadharas or other senior monks after the initial establishment of the tradition. These include:
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Twelve Upanga Sutras: These provide further elaboration on specific topics mentioned in the Angas. They include scriptures like Aupapatika, Rajapraśnīya, Jivā-ajivābhigama, Prajñāpanā, Sūrya Prajñapti, Jambudvīpa Prajñapti, Chandra Prajñapti, Nirayāvalikā, Pāpāśanāśikā, Puṣpikā, Puṣpacūlikā, and Vr̥ṣṇi Daśā. These Upangas discuss topics ranging from the birth of beings in different realms to ethical dialogues, the nature of soul and matter, descriptions of the universe, and the lives and spiritual journeys of various individuals.
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Six Cheda Sutras: These scriptures are crucial for the purification of monks' conduct and prescribe penances for various transgressions. The six Cheda Sutras are: Niśītha, Br̥hatkalpa, Vyavahāra, Daśāśrutaskandha, Jītakalpa, and Mahāniśītha. They detail the rules of monastic life, the faults that can arise, and the expiations for them.
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Four Mūla Sutras: These are considered foundational texts for strengthening the character and making one eligible for scriptural knowledge. They are: Āvaśyaka Sūtra, Daśavaikālika Sūtra, Ogha Niryukti-Piṇḍa Niryukti, and Uttarādhyayana Sūtra. These cover essential daily practices, basic monastic conduct, practical guidance for monastic life, and the final teachings of Lord Mahavir.
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Ten Prakīrṇaka Sutras: These are smaller works designed to awaken devotion and right understanding in the mind. They include texts like Catuśaraṇa, Ātura Pratyākhyāna, Mahā Pratyākhyāna, Dvādaśāra Nāmayacakra, Bhakta Parijñā, Tandulavaicārika, Saṁskāraka, Gacchācāra, Gaṇividyā, Devendra Stava, and Maraṇa Samādhi. These cover topics such as taking refuge, preparing for death with equanimity, dietary rules, monastic discipline, astrological knowledge, devotion to Tirthankaras, and maintaining peace at the time of death.
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Two Cūlikā Sutras: These are Nandī Sūtra and Anuśyogadvāra Sūtra, which are considered integral to the Agamas. Nandī Sūtra serves as an auspicious beginning to the explanation of each Agama, while Anuśyogadvāra Sūtra provides detailed information for the systematic interpretation of the Agamas. Understanding these two is essential for grasping the true essence of Jain Agamas.
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The text states that the authority to study the current 45 Agamas rests with ascetic monks (Muni Bhagvantas). Ascetic nuns (Sadhvi Mahārājas) can also study some of these Agamas. Lay followers (Śrāvaka-Śrāvikās) can gain knowledge by listening to their gurus but do not have the direct authority for study.
The author further explains that each Agama has five parts: its root text, Niryukti (commentary), Bhashya (elaboration), Chūrṇi (digest), and Tikā/Vr̥tti/Avacūri (detailed commentaries). This "Panchangi" (five-part structure) is considered authoritative.
Based on this Agamic literature, ancient scholars composed vast amounts of literature in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages, categorized into:
- Dravyanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, Charitanuyoga, and Charanakarana-anuyoga, covering metaphysics, mathematics, biography, and conduct.
- Grammar (e.g., Laghu Hemaprakriyā, Siddhahema Laghuvr̥tti).
- Logic/Dialectics (e.g., Syādvāda Mañjarī, Anekānta Jayapatākā, Sammatitarka, Dvādaśāra Nayachakra).
- Literary Sciences (e.g., Vāgbhaṭṭālaṅkāra, Kāvyānuśāsana).
- History (e.g., Triṣaṣṭi Śalākā Puruṣa Charitra, Prabandha Chintāmaṇi).
- Didactic literature (e.g., Jñānasāra, Adhyātmasāra, Upadeśa Granthas).
- Philosophical and critical texts (e.g., Śrāvaka Vidhi, Dharma Saṅgraha, Vichārasāra Prakaraṇa).
- Poetry (both verse and prose, e.g., Hīrasaubhagya, Kuvalayamālā).
- Prakrit grammar and literature.
- Jain dramas and hymns.
- Prosody (Chandashastra).
- Jain epigraphy and archaeological research.
- Texts on pilgrimage sites.
- Jain political science (Arthanīti).
- Jain architecture and sculpture.
- Jain astrology.
- Jain ritualistic procedures.
- Jain physiognomy and divination.
- Jain mantra-tantra texts.
- Jain sciences of phonetics, dream interpretation, and palmistry.
- Jain Yoga.
- Jain lexicons and encyclopedic works (e.g., Abhidhāna Cintāmaṇi, Abhidhāna Rājenra).
- Jain works on music, medicine, diet, psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, and ethics.
The author emphasizes the vastness of Jain literature created by past great souls to cater to individuals with different aptitudes. He notes the rich tradition of literature in regional languages like Gujarati, including various narrative poems, hymns, and devotional songs.
The text concludes by lamenting the decline in the systematic study of this vast literary heritage. It calls for organized efforts, including establishing study centers and offering incentives like prizes and certificates, to revive the study of these ancient texts. The author believes that dedicated study and research will lead to new interpretations, clarifications, and discoveries, ensuring the longevity of this invaluable tradition. He highlights the work of institutions like Shri Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathashala in Mehsana as a step in the right direction and appeals for more empowered individuals to support these efforts.
In essence, the book serves as an informative guide to the structure and content of Jain Agamas and the immense diversity of Jain literature, underscoring its importance for spiritual and intellectual growth and advocating for its preservation and active study.