Laghu Kshetra Samas Prakaranam - Book Summary

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

Book Title: Laghu Kshetra Samas Prakaranam (लघुक्षेत्रसमास प्रकरणम्) Author: Acharya Ratnashekharsuri (श्री रत्नशेखरसूरि) Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar (श्री जैनधर्म प्रसारक सभा, भावनगर) Context: This text is a concise treatise on the geography and cosmology of Jainism, specifically focusing on the structure of the universe as described in Jain scriptures. It's a condensed version of larger works on the topic, intended for easier understanding, especially for new students.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The "Laghu Kshetra Samas Prakaranam" (Concise Exposition of Fields/Regions) aims to provide a clear and systematic overview of the various regions and features of the Jain universe. It details the dimensions, locations, and characteristics of continents (dvipas), oceans (samudras), mountains, rivers, cities, and other significant cosmological elements. The text also includes mathematical calculations related to these features, which are crucial for understanding the spatial relationships within the Jain cosmology. The publication emphasizes the importance of understanding these eternal elements for spiritual progress.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured into several chapters (adhikaras), primarily focusing on the "Adhai Dvipa" (अढाईद्वीप - the "two and a half continents"), which is the region inhabited by humans and is central to Jain cosmology.

Introduction and Publisher's Note: The initial pages include blessings, invocations to the author (Ratnashekharsuri) and Gurus, and a note from the publisher (Shri Kunvarji Anandji, President of Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha). The publisher highlights the text's utility for understanding the Adhai Dvipa and mentions its previous printing in "Prakaran Ratnakar," noting the need for this new edition with improved diagrams and translations. The support of Guruni Shri Labhshriji and the financial contributions of female devotees (shravikas) are acknowledged.
Author's Background: The translator's preface provides some biographical information about Ratnashekharsuri, placing him in the 15th century based on an inscription in his work "Shripal Charitra." It lists some of his other notable works.
Core Cosmographical Details: The main body of the text systematically describes:
- General Geography: It begins with the vastness of the universe, mentioning innumerable islands and oceans, and the concept of "uddhar palyopama" (उद्धार पल्यापम) for measurement.
- Names of Dvipas and Samudras: It lists the names of the primary islands and oceans, such as Jambudvipa (जंबूद्वीप), Lavana Samudra (लवणसमुद्र), Dhatakikhanda (धातुकीखंड), Kalodadhi (कालोदधि), Pushkaravaradvipa (पुष्करवरद्वीप), and the final Svayambhūramaṇa Samudra (स्वयंभूरमण समुद्र).
- Dimensions and Features: The text provides detailed measurements (in yojanas, kashas, dhanushas, etc.) for:
  - Jambudvipa: Including its central mountain (Meru), surrounding mountains (Kula Parvatas), regions (Vashas/Kshetras like Bharat, Airavata, Mahavideha), rivers (Ganga, Sindhu, Rakta, Raktavati), lakes (Padma, Pundarika, etc.), forests, cities (like Ayodhya), the Jambū tree, and the cyclical nature of time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini with their six eras).
  - Oceans and Other Dvipas: Descriptions of Lavana Samudra, Kalodadhi, Dhatakikhanda, and Pushkaradvipa, including their dimensions and the nature of their waters.
  - Specific Features: Detailed descriptions of various mountains (like Maitra, Gandhamadana, Vidyutprabha), their dimensions, and their association with celestial beings. The text also elaborates on the sacred groves within these mountains (like Pandaka Vana, Nandana Vana, Bhadrasala Vana) and the temples (Jinalayas) situated there.
- Mathematical Calculations: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the mathematical calculations involved in determining the dimensions, areas, and volumes of these cosmological entities. It introduces concepts like "pratar" (प्रतर - area/plane) and "ghana" (घन - volume) and provides formulas and methods for their calculation.
- Detailed Descriptions: It meticulously describes the geography of various regions, including the specific dimensions of mountains, rivers, the celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, stars), and their movements.
- Time Cycles (Avasarpini & Utsarpini): The text explains the Jain concept of time as cyclical, with periods of decline (Avasarpini) and progress (Utsarpini), each divided into six eras (Avas). It details the characteristics of humans and the environment during these eras.
- The Thirty-Six Kūtas (Peaks) and Jinalayas: The text lists and describes numerous peaks on various mountains and the eternal temples (Jinalayas) situated on them, which are considered sacred sites.
- Detailed Measurements and Calculations: The book is rich with specific measurements for virtually every cosmological feature described, often involving complex calculations based on initial parameters. The translator's preface mentions that additional diagrams and calculations have been included to aid understanding.
- The Six Kūtas and Jinalayas: The text identifies specific peaks on the mountains and the eternal temples situated on them, important for pilgrimage and understanding the spiritual geography.
- The Adhai Dvipa: The entire structure of the two and a half continents (Jambudvipa, Dhatakikhanda, and Pushkaradvipa) is described, including the oceans separating them.
- Beyond Adhai Dvipa: It briefly touches upon regions outside Adhai Dvipa, such as the Manushyottara Parvata (मानुषोत्तर पर्वत) and the Jinālayas on the Ishikara and Manushyottara mountains.
Diagrams (Yantras): The publisher's note mentions the inclusion of 40 new diagrams related to the eternal substances in Adhai Dvipa and diagrams showing the dimensions and shapes of mountains in Jambudvipa, Dhatakikhanda, and Pushkaradvipa, which are crucial for visualizing the complex cosmology.

Key Concepts and Principles:

Jain Cosmology: The text is a foundational text for understanding the Jain view of the universe, emphasizing its vastness, structure, and the interconnectedness of its elements.
Measurement and Mathematics: A significant aspect is the use of precise mathematical measurements and calculations to define the dimensions of cosmic structures, reflecting the importance of logic and reason in Jain philosophy.
Eternal Nature: The text highlights the concept of eternal elements (shāśvata padārtha - શાશ્વત પદાર્થો) like mountains and temples, which are unchanging and fundamental to the Jain worldview.
Spiritual Significance: The underlying purpose of describing this cosmology is to help devotees contemplate the vastness of existence, the nature of karma, and the path to liberation (moksha).

Overall Contribution:

The "Laghu Kshetra Samas Prakaranam" serves as an accessible introduction to the complex geographical and cosmological framework of Jainism. By providing detailed descriptions, measurements, and often necessary diagrams (as mentioned), it makes the understanding of this intricate subject more manageable for students and practitioners, contributing significantly to Jain education and spiritual contemplation.