Lokprakash Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Lokprakash Part 02," focusing on the content related to the "Kshetra Lok" (Spatial Realm) as presented in the Canto 12-20, along with the publisher's preface and introductory notes.

Book Title: Lokprakash Part 02 Author(s): Vinayvijay, Motichand Odhavji Shah (Translator) Publisher: Agamoday Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005155/1

Overall Summary:

"Lokprakash Part 02" is the second volume of a major Jain philosophical work titled "Lokprakash" (Illumination of the World/Universe), authored by Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinayvijay Gani. This volume, specifically the "Kshetra Lok" (Spatial Realm) section covering Cantos 12 through 20, presents a detailed exposition of the Jain cosmological understanding of space. Translated and edited by Shri Motichand Odhavji Shah, the book describes the various levels of the universe, the characteristics of different realms within it, the dimensions of celestial beings, the structure of mountains, rivers, continents, oceans, and the astronomical bodies that populate the Jain cosmos. The text delves into the intricate details of Jambudvipa, the central continent, its surrounding oceans, its central mountain Meru, and the various regions, mountains, and rivers that adorn it, including the hellish realms, the heavens, and the habitable worlds occupied by humans and other beings. The second part of the book also includes a significant section dedicated to correcting and clarifying textual errors found in the translation, indicating a thorough editorial process.

Key Sections and Concepts Covered:

Publisher's Preface (Pages 6-9):

The preface expresses gratitude for the opportunity to publish the second part of this profound philosophical text, authored by Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinayvijay Gani.
It highlights the author's prominence through his well-known commentaries on the Kalpa Sutra ("Subadhika") and his popular work "Shripal Raja no Ras."
The author is noted as a disciple of Mahopadhyaya Shri Kirtivijay Gani.
The preface acknowledges the need for a detailed introduction, an index of texts and technical terms, and mentions that the current volume, being the second part, does not contain all these details, which are promised for the final volume.
It is mentioned that the work is based on approximately 700 texts.
The translation by Shri Motichand Odhavji Shah is described as a translation that aims for conveying the "meaning" to the general reader rather than a strict literal translation.
The Agamoday Samiti's mission is outlined, emphasizing the study and dissemination of Jain scriptures, including the publication of translations and texts with reproductions.
The preface also notes the publication history of other Jain works by the Samiti.
It mentions the passing of two secretaries, Shri Chunilal Chhaganlal Shroff and Shri Manilal Surajmal Javeri, and offers condolences.
The printing press and location (Surat and Bhavnagar) are acknowledged.

Summary of Canto 12: Description of the Kshetra Lok (Spatial Realm)

Cosmic Structure: The canto begins by describing the Lok (universe) as having a human-like shape, with hands on the hips, extending in all directions. It's depicted as self-existent, without beginning or end, supported in the void.
Rajjus and Khandukas: The Lok is divided into 14 segments, each measured by a "Rajju" (a unit of measurement). The text explains how these Rajjus are calculated based on the vertical extent of the hellish realms, the realms of beings, and the heavens.
- Rajjus: 7 Rajjus for the lower realms (hells), 7 Rajjus for the upper realms (heavvens).
- Khanduka: A "Khanduka" is defined as one-fourth of a Rajju and serves as a basic unit for measuring width and breadth.
Dimensions of the Lok: The text details the width of the Lok (measured in Khandukas) across different layers (Rajjus) from the lowest to the highest. This creates the three-dimensional structure of the universe: Adho Lok (Lower Realm), Madhya Lok (Middle Realm), and Urdhva Lok (Upper Realm).
Descriptions of Realms: The text explains the concept of Adho Lok, Madhya Lok, and Urdhva Lok as being distinct based on the nature of the realms and the experiences of beings within them.
Directions and Regions: The 10 directions (8 cardinal directions + Zenith + Nadir) are described, originating from the central point (Ruchaka). The dimensions of these directional regions are also outlined.
Specific Units: The text mentions units like "Rajju" and "Khanduka" for measuring the vastness of the cosmos.
The concept of "Vargikaran" (Squaring): The text introduces the idea of "squaring" these measurements to derive areas, which is crucial for understanding the spatial extent of the universe.

Summary of Subsequent Cantos (13-20):

The cantos from 13 to 20 continue the detailed spatial description of the Kshetra Lok. This includes:

Hellish Realms (Adho Lok): Detailed descriptions of the seven hellish earths (Ratnaprabha, Sharkaraprabha, etc.), their depths, widths, the different types of beings residing there, and the intense suffering they endure. The text goes into graphic detail about the hellish conditions.
The Middle Realm (Madhya Lok):
- Mount Meru: The central and colossal Mount Meru is described with its various parts, groves, and associated celestial beings.
- Jambudvipa: The central continent of Jambudvipa is meticulously detailed, including its dimensions, its surrounding ocean (Lavan Samudra), its central mountain Meru, the "Jagati" (cosmic wall), the various divisions within Jambudvipa such as the Jambuvriksha, the major rivers like Ganga and Sindhu, and the sacred lotus-shaped lakes.
- Bharata and Aivata regions: These two large regions on Jambudvipa are described, including their subdivisions into Arya and Anarya regions, their respective mountains, rivers, and cities.
- Vidya Dhara regions: The regions inhabited by Vidya Dhara celestial beings are also mentioned.
The Upper Realms (Urdhva Lok): Descriptions of the heavenly realms, the types of celestial beings (Vyanteras, Jyotishis, Vaimanikas), their palaces, their lifespan, their activities, and their respective rulers (Indras).
Planetary and Stellar Movements: The text touches upon the movements of the sun, moon, stars, and planets, their respective orbits, and their influence on time and seasons.
Detailed Measurements: Throughout the cantos, vast distances and dimensions are given in units like "Rajjus," "Yojanas," "Kosas," "Dhanushyas," and "Angulas," illustrating the immense scale of the Jain universe.
Specific Deities and Their Abodes: The text describes the abodes and characteristics of various celestial beings, including the Vyantera deities (like Yakshas, Pishachas, Gandharvas) and the Bhavanpati deities (like Asura Kumars, Naga Kumars, Agni Kumars), detailing their respective Indra, courts, and life spans.
Cosmic Features: The descriptions include the nature of light and darkness, the role of planets and stars, and the concept of time cycles.
Detailed Corrections (Pages 12-17): A substantial portion of the end of the provided text is dedicated to a "Shuddhipatra" (Errata) list, meticulously detailing corrections for various pages and lines, demonstrating a rigorous review process by the editors. This includes corrections to grammar, word usage, and clarity.

Underlying Principles of Jain Cosmology:

The "Kshetra Lok" section is built upon the Jain concept of "Loka" (the universe), which is considered eternal and is composed of six eternal substances (Dravyas): Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), and Kala (time). The spatial realm is described in a structured, geometrical manner, emphasizing the distinct vertical and horizontal divisions of the universe, each populated by beings according to their karmic condition.

Overall Impression:

"Lokprakash Part 02" is an encyclopedic work that aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the Jain cosmology. The detailed descriptions, measurements, and classifications reflect a sophisticated attempt to map out the vastness of the universe according to Jain philosophical and astronomical principles. The inclusion of the errata list further underscores the dedication to accuracy and scholarly rigor in presenting this complex subject matter.