Kshetra Sparshana Prakaranam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kshetra Sparshana Prakaranam" by Jagatchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kshetra Sparshana Prakaranam (क्षेत्रस्पर्शनाप्रकरणम्) Author: Pujya Muni Shri Jagachandravijayji (a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Premasurishwarji) Publisher: ZZZ Unknown Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009694/1

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is a significant work in Jain literature, focusing on two crucial categories of analysis for understanding the nature and existence of souls (Jivas) and other entities: Kshetra (क्षेत्र - Space/Location) and Sparshana (स्पर्शना - Touch/Reach). These are part of a broader framework of eighteen categories of inquiry known as Anuyogadwaras (अनुयोगद्वार), which are used to deeply analyze Jain doctrines. The text aims to provide a detailed understanding of where souls exist and how their existence extends across space and time, particularly differentiating between souls with passions (sakashaya) and those without passions (akashaya).

The book is presented as being deeply inspired and guided by the teachings of Param Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Premasurishwarji Maharaj, a prominent figure known for his mastery of Karma literature. The work is also dedicated to the spiritual lineage and the efforts of disciples and grand-disciples in propagating Jain philosophy.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The Importance of Knowledge (Jnana): The introductory sections (Prastavik and Prakkhan) emphasize the foundational role of correct knowledge (Samyak Jnana) in the path to liberation (Moksha). It states that true understanding of fundamental Jain principles (Jiva, Ajiva, etc.) is essential for practicing right conduct (Samyak Kriya) and achieving liberation, aligning with the principle "Prathamam Jnanatatahy Daya" (First knowledge, then compassion/conduct).
Anuyogadwaras as Tools for Understanding: The text highlights the importance of Anuyogadwaras as methods for meticulous contemplation of Jain principles. Specifically, it mentions:
- Satpadaprarupana (सत्पदप्ररूपणा): Discussing the existence of entities.
- Dravyapramana (द्रव्यप्रमाण): Discussing their quantity.
- Kshetra (क्षेत्र): Discussing the location of entities at a given time.
- Sparshana (स्पर्शना): Discussing the location of entities in relation to all of past time.
- Other Anuyogadwaras like Kala (Time), Antara (Interval), Bhava (Mode), etc., are also mentioned as being important for contemplation.
Focus on Kshetra and Sparshana: The "Kshetra Sparshana Prakaranam" specifically delves into the Kshetra and Sparshana Anuyogadwaras applied to the Jiva (soul).
Categorization of Souls: The analysis differentiates between:
- Sakashaya Jivas (सकषायजीव): Souls with passions (kashayas).
- Akashaya Jivas (अकषायजीव): Souls without passions.
Methods of Kshetra (Space/Location) Analysis: Kshetra is analyzed in three ways:
- Upapata (उपपात): The location of a soul at the very first moment of its current existence/birth.
- Swasthana (स्वस्थान): The soul's natural or habitual place of existence.
- Samudghata (समुद्घात): The expansion of a soul's location during specific types of psychic or spiritual emanation processes. The text notes that the analysis of Kshetra related to Samudghata is particularly relevant for Maranantika Samudghata (death-related emanation) and Kevali Samudghata (emanation of an omniscient being).
Methods of Sparshana (Reach/Touch) Analysis: Sparshana is described as relating to the extent of a soul's existence across past time. It is also analyzed through:
- Upapata (उपपात): The reach of the soul at the time of its origin.
- Swasthana (स्वस्थान): The soul's reach from its natural location.
- Samudghata (समुद्घात): The soul's reach during emanation processes.
- Gamana-Aagamana (गमनागमन): Movement and coming/going, which is mentioned as a fourth aspect of Sparshana, particularly for celestial beings.
Detailed Analysis of Marganas (States of Existence): The text meticulously examines Kshetra and Sparshana across a vast number of "Margana Sthanas" (मार्गणास्थान) – the different modes or states of existence for souls. These include states related to:
- Gati (गति): Realms of existence (hellish, animal, human, celestial).
- Indriya (इंद्रिय): Sensory faculties.
- Kaya (काय): Types of bodies (earthly, watery, fiery, airy, plant, mobile).
- Yoga (योग): Modes of action (mind, speech, body).
- Veda (वेद): Genders/inclinations (female, male, neutral).
- Kashaya (कषाय): Passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
- Jnana (ज्ञान): Types of knowledge.
- Samyama (संयम): Restraint/discipline.
- Darshana (दर्शन): Types of perception.
- Leshya (लेश्या): Psychic colorations.
- Bhava (भव): State of being (bound, liberated).
- Samyaktva (सम्यक्त्व): Right faith.
- Sanjni (संज्ञी): Sentient beings.
- Ahara (आहार): Nourishment (with or without nourishment).
The text lists that there are a total of 174 Margana Sthanas that are analyzed in this context.
Quantification of Existence: The analysis quantifies the presence of souls in terms of:
- Lokapramana (लोकप्रमाण): The entire universe.
- Loka-asankhyeyabhaga (लोकाऽसंख्येयभाग): An innumerable part of the universe.
- Sankhyeya (संख्येय): Countable.
- Ananta (अनंत): Infinite.
- Specific portions of the "Trasanaadi" (त्रसनाडि - a central channel in the universe), measured in "rajju" (रज्जु - a unit of cosmic measurement).
Key Findings and Differentiations:
- The text meticulously maps out the Kshetra and Sparshana for each of the 174 Margana Sthanas, distinguishing between Sakashaya and Akashaya souls.
- For example, it details how Kshetra is understood as the entire universe (Sarvajagat or Purna Jagat) in some states (like certain ones related to subtle beings or during specific Samudghatas), and as an innumerable part of the universe (Lokasankhyeyabhaga) or specific fractional parts of the Trisnadhi in others.
- Sparshana is explained as having dimensions measured in "parts of the Trisnadhi" or in terms of Rijjus (e.g., 6 Rijjus, 8 Rijjus, 11 Rijjus, 12 Rijjus) depending on the Margana and the type of analysis (Upapata, Swasthana, Samudghata, Gamana-Aagamana).
- The text clarifies that for Akashaya souls, Kshetra and Sparshana are generally similar to what is described for Sakashaya souls, but with specific limitations or differences (e.g., Upapata Kshetra is often not applicable for Akashaya souls).
- The book discusses specific nuances, such as how the same Margana might have different Kshetra/Sparshana interpretations based on the specific type of Samudghata or the perspective (Vyavahar Naya vs. Rijusutra Naya).
Author's Contribution and Lineage:
- The author, Muni Jagachandravijayji, is recognized for his detailed commentary and elucidation of the original Prakrit verses.
- The work is published during significant commemorative years for Acharya Premasurishwarji and Punyasurishwarji, highlighting the continuation of their spiritual and scholarly legacy.
- The text is dedicated to the Guru Parampara, particularly Acharya Shri Vijay Premasurishwarji, and the efforts of his disciples and grand-disciples, including Muni Jagachandravijayji.
Structure of the Book:
- The book includes preliminary sections like Prastavik (Introduction), Prakkhan (Foreword), and Samarpan (Dedication).
- It then presents the original verses (Mulagatha) and a detailed commentary/explanation (Savachurika or Vritti) by the author.
- A table of contents (Vishayanukram) and a list of figures (Chitranukram) are also present.
- The text includes hymns and biographical sketches of gurus, notably a "Guru-guna Amrutaveli" (Guru-guna-Amritaveli) or "Vijay Premasurishwarji Ras" which elaborates on the life and virtues of Acharya Vijay Premasurishwarji.
- A "Guru Gun Saurabh Chautrish" (Guru Gun Saurabh Chautrish) is also included, praising the virtues of other gurus in the lineage.

In essence, "Kshetra Sparshana Prakaranam" is a highly technical and analytical Jain scripture that systematically maps the spatial and temporal reach of souls across various states of existence, using the framework of Anuyogadwaras. It is a profound scholarly work dedicated to providing deep philosophical and cosmological understanding within the Jain tradition.