Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir Ni Deshna Part 6

This Jain text, "Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna Part 6" by Trilokmuni, is the sixth part of a series aiming to present the teachings of Lord Mahavir in an accessible way. This particular volume focuses on Tattva Shastra (Metaphysical Science), specifically covering the Jivabhigama Sutra and Prajnāpanā Sutra.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Series and Structure:

• The series "Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna" is planned in eight parts.
• It aims to provide summaries of various Jain Agamas, categorized into:
  • Katha Shastra (Narrative Science) - summarizing Jnata Sutra, Upasaka Dashā Sutra, Antakṛd daśā Sutra, Anuttaropapātik Sutra, Vipāka Sutra, Rājapraśnīya Sutra, Upanga (Nirayāvalikā) Sutra, and Nandī Sutra.
  • Upadesha Shastra (Didactic Science) - covering Uttaraadhyayan Sutra, Ācharaṅga Sutra (First Shruta Skandha), and Sūtra Kṛtāṅga Sutra. It also details vows, regulations, and essential principles.
  • Āchara Shastra (Code of Conduct) - including Āvaśyaka Sutra, Daśavaikālika Sutra, Ācharaṅga Sutra (Second Shruta Skandha), Sthāṇāṅga Sutra, Samavāyāṅga Sutra, and Praśnavyakaraṇa Sutra. It covers topics like alms-round (gauhcarī) rules, wisdom, principles of conduct, and meditation.
  • Cheda Shastra (Monastic Law) - comprising Niśītha Sutra, Daśāśruta Skandha Sutra, Bṛhatkalpa Sutra, and Vyavahāra Sutra.
  • Tattva Shastra (Metaphysical Science) - presented in three parts:
    • Tattva Shastra-1: Bhagavatī Sutra (complete), covering various tables, explanations of Āṅgēya Aṇagāra's divisions, and rituals.
    • Tattva Shastra-2: Jivabhigama Sutra and Prajnāpanā Sutra, detailing stages of spiritual development (guṇasthāna) and karma (karma grantha).
    • Tattva Shastra-3: Nandī Sutra, Anuyogadvāra Sutra, Aupapātik Sutra, Jambūdvīpa Praptī Sutra, Jyotishgaṇarāja Prajnapti Sutra, and scientific considerations.
  • Pariśiṣṭa (Appendices) - including discussions, historical dialogues, and essays, and contemplations on Āvaśyaka Sutra.

Specific to Part 6 (Tattva Shastra - 2):

• Book Title: Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna Part 6
• Author: Trilokmuni
• Publisher: ZZZ Unknown (indicated as Jain Education International for Private and Personal Use Only)
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004929/1

Key Contents of Part 6: This part delves into the profound metaphysical principles of Jainism, specifically through the lens of the Jivabhigama Sutra and Prajnāpanā Sutra. The text focuses on:

1. Jivabhigama Sutra:

   • Introduction: Emphasizes the importance of Tattva Jnana (knowledge of reality) alongside conduct in Jainism. It highlights that knowledge of the soul, non-soul, and the universe is crucial, as even verses from Ācharaṅga and Uttaraadhyayan emphasize understanding these principles for spiritual progress.
   • Content: Primarily details the science of living beings (Jiva Vignana). It describes living beings in various ways, including their bodies, size (avagahana), sustenance, lifespan, intervals, relative numbers (alpa-bahutva), and classifications. It covers descriptions of hellish beings, celestial beings, and cosmological elements like the sun, moon, and stars. It also includes geographical knowledge of continents and oceans.
   • Authenticity and Compilation: The text acknowledges that the exact time and author of the Jivabhigama Sutra are unknown, but it is considered an authoritative Agama within the Shvetambara tradition, as listed in the Nandī Sutra among the Angabahya Sutras.
   • Measurement: It is considered a Shruta Skandha with nine sections (adhyāyā).
   • Prevalence: The teachings of the first section have been particularly compiled and are popular among Jain monks and lay followers. The "Laghu Dandak" or "Dandak Prakaraṇa" is a simplified study of this Sutra.
   • Available Literature: Mentions the commentary by Āchārya Malayagiri and various other published versions and translations.

2. Prajnāpanā Sutra:

   • Introduction: Describes the Sutra as a vast text of Tattva Jnana, providing analytical and comprehensive knowledge of various realities. Its title, "Prajnāpanā" (special analysis), is considered fitting.
   • Authorship: References to three Kālakāchāryas are mentioned, with the third Kālakāchārya Shri Devardhi Gani Kṣamāśramaṇa's contemporary being linked to its composition around the 33rd Paṭṭa. Some ancient texts suggest Shri Shyamacharya of the 23rd Paṭṭa compiled it based on prior knowledge.
   • Status: It is considered the fourth Angabahya Sutra, with its relation to the Sthāṇāṅga Sutra being a misconception.
   • Content: It is a treatise primarily on Tattva Jnana, with 36 sections (pada) covering a single subject each. It begins with the principles of Jiva and Ajiva and concludes with Kevalī Samudghāta, cessation of activity (yoga nirodha), the state of Śaileshī Avasthā, and the nature of Moksha (liberation).
   • Complexity: It is described as a profound repository of complex subjects, requiring prior foundational knowledge and practical experience to comprehend fully.
   • Available Literature: Similar to Jivabhigama, it mentions commentaries by Āchārya Haribhadrasūri and others, with Āchārya Malayagiri's commentary being published. It also mentions various editions and analyses.

Specific Sections within the Summaries: The summaries provide detailed breakdowns of concepts within these Agamas, including:

• Classification of Souls (Jiva): Various classifications based on senses, mobility, realms (Naraka, Tiryan̄ca, Manushya, Deva), and lifespan.
• Classification of Non-Souls (Ajiva): Rupee (material) and Arupee (immaterial) categories, including the five types of substances (Dravya) and their aspects.
• Detailed Analysis of Life Forms: Extensive descriptions of hellish beings, celestial beings (Devas), various types of Tiryanch (animals, plants), and humans, including their lifespans, characteristics, and locations within the cosmos.
• Karma: Discussions on karma types, bondage, fruition, and liberation.
• Leshyā (Coloration of the Soul): Explanations of the six Leshyās (Kṛṣṇa, Nīla, Kāpota, Tejo, Padma, Śukla) and their impact on the soul.
• Guṇasthāna (Stages of Spiritual Development): A detailed explanation of the fourteen Guṇasthānas, outlining the progression of the soul's spiritual state.
• Cosmology: Descriptions of the universe, continents (Dvīpa), oceans (Samudra), mountains (Meru Parvat), celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, Stars), and the structure of the universe.
• Inter-discourse Discussions: The text includes appendices that analyze specific terms like "Ādeśa" (viewpoint/perspective) and "Pṛthaktva" (plurality/separation), and discuss potential discrepancies or interpretations in commentaries versus original Agamas, emphasizing the importance of adhering to scriptural intent.
• Detailed Charts: The text includes numerous charts and tables to illustrate complex classifications and relationships between various Jain principles, such as the number of souls in different realms, the attributes of various life forms, and the stages of spiritual development.

Overall Purpose: The book series, and this volume in particular, aims to make the profound philosophical and metaphysical teachings of Jainism easily understandable for a wider audience, making Lord Mahavir's message resonate sweetly ("Mithi Mithi Lage Che"). It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the core tenets of Jain Tattva Shastra.