Kshetra Samas - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kshetra Samas" by Acharya Hemchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kshetra Samas (ક્ષેત્રસમાસ) Author: Acharya Hemchandrasuri (હેમચન્દ્રસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા) Publisher: Sanghvi Ambalal Ratanchand Jain Dharmik Trust (સંઘવી અંબાલાલ રતનચંદ જૈન ધાર્મિક ટ્રસ્ટ)

Core Content: The book "Kshetra Samas" is a compilation of the subject matter and the original verses with their meanings ("Padarth Sangrah tatha Mulgatha - Shabdarath") for two key Jain texts related to cosmology and geography: Brihat Kshetra Samas (બૃહત્ક્ષેત્રસમાસ) and Laghu Kshetra Samas (લઘુક્ષેત્રસમાસ). These texts are fundamental to understanding Jain cosmology, which describes the structure, dimensions, and layout of the universe as understood within Jain philosophy.

Compilation and Editorial Work: The compilation and editing of this specific volume (Padarth Prakash Part-9) were undertaken by the highly revered Acharya Shri MadVijay Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj. The publisher expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to publish this work, highlighting that the Acharya has previously compiled and edited similar works for the "Padarth Prakash" series, covering various Jain scriptures.

Purpose and Significance: The primary goal of this book is to make complex Jain cosmological concepts accessible. It aims to present the subject matter in a clear, simple, accurate, and concise style, enabling even difficult topics to be easily understood and memorized. The publication is intended to help readers gain knowledge of Jain geography, which is presented as the "true geography" in contrast to worldly geography.

Jain Cosmology Overview Presented: The book provides an outline of Jain cosmology, describing:

The Lok (Universe): The infinite universe (Alok) is suspended without any support. It is divided into three parts: Urdhva Lok (Upper World), Tiryak Lok (Middle/Horizontal World), and Adho Lok (Lower World).
Dimensions of the Lok: The Lok is 14 raj (a unit of measurement in Jainism) high. Its width at the bottom of Adho Lok is seven raj, narrowing towards the middle of Tiryak Lok to one raj, and then widening in the Upper Lok before narrowing again at the top.
Dweep-Samudras (Islands and Oceans): The Tiryak Lok contains innumerable islands and oceans. The central island is Jambudweep, surrounded by the Lavana Ocean, then Dhatkikhand, the Kalodadhi Ocean, Pushkaravara Dweep, and so on, extending infinitely.
Manushya Kshetra (Human Realm): This realm is defined by the Manushyottara mountain and encompasses approximately 2.5 islands and 2 oceans (Jambudweep, Dhatkikhand, half of Pushkaravara Dweep, Lavana Ocean, and Kalodadhi Ocean). Humans only exist within Manushya Kshetra. Moving beyond this realm is possible through supernatural powers or divine aid, but no human birth or death occurs there.

Structure of the Book: The "Kshetra Samas" content within this volume is organized into six sections (Adhikars), detailing various aspects of the 2.5 islands and 2 oceans:

Jambudweep Adhikar: Describes Jambudweep's areas, mountains, rivers, forests, ponds, islands, peaks, sun, moon, planetary paths, capitals, time periods, early inhabitants, celestial trees, etc., including their measurements and quantities.
Lavana Samudra Adhikar: Covers the Lavana Ocean's circumference, distances between gates, Patal Kalash mountains, peaks, Gautam Island, Surya Island, Chandra Island, Gotirtha, water levels, inland islands, etc., with their measurements and quantities.
Dhatkikhand Adhikar: Details the areas, mountains, ponds, lotuses, sacred sites, Meru mountain, sun, moon, etc., of the Dhatkikhand island.
Kalodadhi Samudra Adhikar: Discusses the Kalodadhi Ocean's circumference, distances between its gates, Surya Island, Chandra Island, sun, moon, etc.
Pushkaravaraardha Dweep Adhikar: Explains the Manushyottara mountain, Ishuka mountain, areas, mountains, sun, moon, etc., with their measurements.
Beyond Manushya Kshetra Adhikar: Describes the sacred sites of Nandishwar Dweep, Kundal Dweep, Ruchak Dweep, Chakrapravart mountain, and Dikumarikas.

Appendices: The book also includes six appendices:

Glossary of Jain geographical and technical terms with Gujarati-English equivalents.
Definitions of technical terms.
Explanation of the calculative methods ("Karana") used.
Mathematical formulas.
Integration of calculative methods and formulas.
Simple mathematical methods.

Key Features:

Clarity and Simplicity: The subject matter is presented in a clear and engaging manner, making complex details understandable.
Visual Aids: The book utilizes tables and illustrations (borrowed from the "Brihat Kshetra Samas" edited by Nyayavisharad Pannyas Shri Nityanandvijayji Maharaj) to aid comprehension.
Spiritual Significance: Studying Jain geography is presented as a means to gain spiritual merit and perform "Samsthan Vichay" (contemplation of the structure of the universe), which is considered the fourth type of Dharma Dhyana (Righteous contemplation).
Awe-Inspiring Knowledge: The text promises to reveal facts about golden mountains and other wonders, inspiring awe and a thirst for knowledge.
Mathematical and Astronomical Details: The book includes detailed mathematical calculations for perimeters, areas, volumes, and other cosmological measurements, serving as a study of mathematics within Jainism.

Endorsements and Gratitude: The publisher expresses profound respect and infinite salutations to the three revered Gurudevas whose grace made this publication possible: Param Pujya Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Prem Surishwarji Maharaj, Param Pujya Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Bhuvan Bhanusurishwarji Maharaj, and Param Pujya Pannyas Pravar Shri Padm vijayji Maharaj. They also offer apologies for any discrepancies and pray that through this book, all beings gain complete knowledge of Jain geography and attain liberation.

List of Acharya Hemchandrasurishwarji's Works: The book also includes a list of other works compiled, edited, or inspired by Acharya Shri MadVijay Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, spanning various Jain literary genres, demonstrating his prolific contribution to Jain literature.

Overall Summary: "Kshetra Samas" (as compiled in Padarth Prakash Part-9) is a vital resource for understanding the detailed and mathematically precise description of the Jain universe. It serves as a bridge between abstract philosophical concepts of cosmology and the practical study of the universe's layout, dimensions, and geographical features as per Jain tradition, all while emphasizing the spiritual benefits of such knowledge.