Laghu Kshetra Samasa Athwa Jain Bhugol - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Laghu Kshetra Samasa athwa Jain Bhugol" by Ratnashekharsuri, Pratapvijay, and Dharmvijay, based on the provided text:

Title: Laghu Kshetra Samasa (also known as Jain Geography)

Authors: Jainacharya Shrimad Ratnashekhar Surishwarji, Upadhyayji Shri Pratapvijayji, Pravartak Shri Dharmvijayji.

Publisher: Shriman Mukti Kamal Jain Mohan Mala, Baroda.

Year of Publication: Vir Samvat 2460 (A.D. 1931, Vikram Samvat 1991).

Overview:

"Laghu Kshetra Samasa" is a Jain text that delves into Jain geography, providing detailed descriptions and measurements of various cosmological entities within the Jain universe. It serves as a guide to the spatial arrangements of different realms, continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, and cities, as understood within the Jain tradition. The text emphasizes the meticulous mathematical and astronomical calculations based on Jain scriptures, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jain cosmos for educational and research purposes.

Key Aspects and Content:

The book is structured into various sections, each focusing on specific aspects of Jain cosmology. While the provided text only begins to show the initial pages, the table of contents and subsequent textual analysis reveal the comprehensive scope of the work:

Introduction and Publisher's Note: The initial pages contain a "Fair Use Declaration" from "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC), emphasizing the educational and research purposes of disseminating the book under fair use guidelines. It also includes acknowledgments and a list of financial supporters who contributed to the publication, highlighting the community's commitment to knowledge dissemination.
Biographical Sketch of Acharya Shrimad Vijaymohan Surishwarji: A significant portion of the initial text is dedicated to the life and achievements of Jainacharya Shrimad Vijaymohan Surishwarji, the inspirational figure behind the publication of this series. It describes his profound knowledge, powerful discourses, influence on society, and his scholarly contributions, including his appointments to high monastic positions. His influence and the support he garnered from various rulers and patrons are highlighted.
The Jain Cosmological Framework: The text begins to lay out the foundational principles of Jain cosmology, starting with the importance of knowledge (Jnana) as an essential attribute of the soul. It touches upon the concept of the soul's nature, its relationship with karmic matter, and the ultimate state of liberation.
Detailed Description of the Universe (Lok):
- Dweep and Samudra (Continents and Oceans): The text systematically describes the various continents (Dweepa) and oceans (Samudra) that constitute the Jain universe. It begins with Jambudweepa and proceeds to Lavana Samudra, followed by Dhataki Khanda, Kalodadhi Samudra, and Pushkaraardha Dweepa. The dimensions, shapes, and features of these realms are meticulously detailed, often with intricate mathematical calculations.
- Measurements and Dimensions: A core element of the text is the precise measurement of various geographical and cosmological features. This includes lengths, widths, heights, depths, and volumes of continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, and even the dwellings of celestial beings and inhabitants of different realms. The text utilizes units like Yojana, Hasta, Dhanusha, and Angula extensively.
- Mountains (Giri) and Rivers (Nadi): The text details the prominent mountains (like the Varshadhara mountains that divide continents) and the major rivers within these realms, including their courses and dimensions.
- Cities and Realms: Descriptions of cities, such as the capital cities of celestial beings (Devanagari) and the residences of celestial beings (Prasada), are provided.
- Detailed Layout of Jambudweepa: The text provides a granular description of Jambudweepa, including:
  - The central Meru Mountain: Its immense size, structure, and the various vanas (groves) like Bhadrasalavana, Nandana, Somana, and Kunda surrounding it.
  - The distribution of Jina Temples (Shaashvat Chaitya): The text pinpoints the locations and number of eternal Jin temples situated on various mountain ranges and sacred sites.
  - The concept of Yugala (pairs) and their characteristics: The text delves into the unique characteristics of human beings in different aras (time cycles) and realms, including their lifespan, physical attributes, and societal structures.
  - The cyclical nature of Time (Kalachakra): The description of avasarpini (descending) and utsarpini (ascending) time cycles, with their distinct aras, is fundamental to understanding the progression of beings and the Jain cosmos.
- The Role of Celestial Beings (Devas): The text mentions the abodes and activities of celestial beings, including their relationship with the cosmic geography and their role in various events, such as the Janma-abhisheka (birth consecration) of Tirthankaras.
- Mathematical and Astronomical Calculations: The text is replete with mathematical calculations, often presented using the tri-rashi (rule of three) and other methods, to determine distances, areas, volumes, and other spatial parameters. This demonstrates the advanced scientific understanding within Jainism.
- Illustrations and Diagrams: The presence of "50 Coloured Pictures Etc." mentioned in the publisher's note and the recurring reference to yantra (diagrams/schematics) indicate that the book is rich with visual aids that are crucial for understanding the complex spatial arrangements of the Jain universe.
Specific Features Described:
- Jambudweepa: Described with its central Meru mountain, surrounding continents (like Bharatavarsha, Airavata-kshetra, Mahavideha, etc.), and oceans.
- Padas (Footprints/Regions): The text discusses the concept of padas in relation to Jambudweepa and other regions, potentially referring to divisions or sacred sites.
- Specific Mountains and Oceans: Detailed descriptions of mountains like Meru, Vetadhya, Himavant, Nilavantha, and oceans like Lavana Samudra, Kalodadhi, and Pushkara Samudra are presented.
- Jambudweepa's Dimensions and Features: The text includes calculations for the diameter, circumference, and other dimensions of Jambudweepa and its constituent parts.
- Detailed descriptions of Jambudweepa's Viharas (Groves): The text elaborates on the sacred groves like Bhadrasalavana, Nandana, and others, detailing their features and the celestial beings residing there.
- The concept of Jivajiva Vichar (Soul and Non-soul): While the text focuses on geography, it references underlying philosophical concepts like the interaction of soul and non-soul matter (karma) as a basis for understanding cosmic phenomena.
- The meaning of "Yojana," "Hast," etc.: The text implicitly uses and explains units of measurement crucial for understanding the vast scales involved.
- Theories of Earth's Shape and Celestial Motion: The text touches upon the Jain perspective on the Earth's shape (often depicted as disc-like or flat, contrasting with modern spherical models) and the motion of celestial bodies, presenting scriptural explanations that emphasize faith in the teachings of omniscient beings (Sarvajna).
Language and Style: The text is written in Gujarati, with a translation provided in Gujarati as well, and likely incorporates Jain Prakrit terminology and concepts. The language aims to be accessible to scholars and the general Jain community interested in their rich philosophical and cosmological literature. The emphasis on detailed measurements and mathematical precision indicates a scholarly approach.

Purpose and Significance:

Preservation of Jain Knowledge: The publication of this text by the Shriman Mukti Kamal Jain Mohan Mala, supported by various patrons, signifies a commitment to preserving and disseminating traditional Jain knowledge about cosmology and geography.
Educational Tool: It serves as a crucial educational resource for students of Jainism, providing a foundational understanding of their unique worldview concerning the structure of the universe.
Research Resource: For indological and Jainological researchers, the detailed measurements and descriptions offer valuable data for comparative studies and understanding the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of Jainism.
Inspirational Guidance: The life of Acharya Shrimad Vijaymohan Surishwarji, as presented, serves as an inspiration for spiritual and intellectual pursuit.

In essence, "Laghu Kshetra Samasa" is a scholarly work that meticulously details the Jain understanding of the universe's spatial dimensions, reflecting a sophisticated synthesis of spirituality, philosophy, mathematics, and observational astronomy within the Jain tradition.