Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir Ni Deshna Part 7

The provided Jain text is "Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna Part 7" by Trilokmuni, published by an unknown publisher. This book is part of a larger series titled "Jain Agam Navnit" which aims to summarize the 32 Agams (Jain scriptures) in simple Gujarati. This specific volume focuses on "Tattva Shastra - 3" and summarizes five Agams: Nandi Sutra, Anuydogdwar Sutra, Aupapatika Sutra, Jambu Dvipa Prajnapti Sutra, and Jyotishraj Prajnapti Sutra (also known as Chandra-Surya Prajnapti Sutra).

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

Overall Purpose and Context:

• The series "Jain Agam Navnit" and the title "Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna" (Sweet Sweet is Mahavir's Discourse) suggest a goal of making Jain scriptures and teachings accessible and appealing, particularly to lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas).
• The work is presented as a simplified and summarized version of the complex Agams, making profound spiritual and philosophical concepts understandable.
• The author, Muni Shri Trilok Muni, is recognized as an "Agam Manishi" (an expert in Agams), indicating the depth of knowledge behind the compilation.

Key Sections and Content:

• Page 2: Shravak Dos and Don'ts: This page outlines twelve points for lay followers (Shravaks). These include not being arrogant about wealth gained through merit, diligently observing the 12 vows, aiming for six 'Pauṣadh Vrat' (a type of fasting and religious observance) per month, encouraging family members to become 'dwadash vratadhari' (observing 12 vows), seeking timely retirement from worldly responsibilities to focus on spiritual practice, not remaining attached to worldly affairs until death, maintaining faith during difficult times, avoiding fascination with miracles, exercising wisdom in religious propagation, understanding that 'samabhaav' (equanimity) is the true fruit of religion, deciding on an age limit for a fully religious and ascetic life, cultivating virtues while ignoring faults, and increasing knowledge, penance, and wisdom along with humility and discretion.
• Page 3: Tattva Shastra - Khand 3: This page lists the five Agams covered in this volume: Nandi Sutra, Anuydogdwar Sutra, Aupapatika Sutra, Jambu Dvipa Prajnapti Sutra, and Jyotishraj Prajnapti Sutra. It also mentions the translators and contributors.
• Page 5: Introduction to the Eight Parts of Jain Agam Navnit: This page provides a table of contents or overview of the entire series, listing eight books. "Tattva Shastra - 3 (Five Agams)" is listed as the seventh part. The table details the Agams covered in each part, showing the vast scope of the series.
• Pages 19-37: Detailed Summary of Nandi Sutra: This extensive section delves into the Nandi Sutra. It covers:
  • Introduction: Classifying Nandi Sutra as an 'angabahya' (outside the main body of scriptures) and 'utkalik' (belonging to a particular time) text, and one of the four 'mool sutras'.
  • Significance: Explaining the name "Nandi" as 'giver of joy' due to its detailed description of the five types of knowledge ('pach gnan').
  • Author: Attributing the creation to Devarddhigani Kṣamaśramaṇa, a disciple of Acharya Drudhyagani, who also transcribed the Jain Agams into written form. It clarifies the use of terms like 'Vachak' and 'Gani' in relation to the author's status at different times.
  • Composition: Discussing whether it's original creation, compilation, or excerpting, emphasizing that fundamental originality rests with the Ganadharas.
  • Subject Matter: Describing the content as an initial praise of the Tirthankaras, Sangha, and great scholars, followed by a detailed explanation of the five types of knowledge, and concluding with an introduction to the Dvadasangi (the 12 branches of Jain doctrine).
  • Quantification: Mentioning the approximate length in ślokas (verses) and characters.
  • Editions: Noting the existence of ancient commentaries and various published versions.
  • Summary of Nandi Sutra: Detailing the praise of Tirthankaras and the Sangha, followed by the praise of various Bahushrutas (learned monks) including a significant list of prominent Acharyas. It includes classifications of listeners into suitable and unsuitable categories, using allegorical examples.
  • Five Types of Knowledge (Panch Gnan): Explaining Mati Gnan (sense knowledge), Shrut Gnan (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi Gnan (clairvoyance), Manahparyav Gnan (telepathy), and Keval Gnan (omniscience). It elaborates on Mati Gnan and Shrut Gnan in detail, including their sub-types and examples.
• Pages 38-62: Detailed Summary of Anuydogdwar Sutra: This section focuses on the Anuydogdwar Sutra, highlighting its role as a key to understanding other Agams.
  • Introduction: Explaining the meaning of "Anuydog" as the method of explaining the meaning and definitions of sutras. It introduces the concept of 'taar' (main paths for explanation) and 'upadwar' (sub-divisions).
  • Methodology: Describing how the sutra uses four main 'taars' for explanation and how it's considered difficult but crucial for understanding commentaries and deeper Jain philosophy. It also mentions its presence in Digambara texts.
  • Content: Covering classification of knowledge, description of the 'Avashyak Sutra', and the concept of 'Naya' (standpoints) and 'Nikshetra' (categories).
  • Cultural Content: Including descriptions of musical elements, physiognomy, auspicious signs, and astronomical observations.
  • Author and Time: Discussing potential authors like Aryarakshit and the difficulty in pinpointing the exact time of composition.
  • Structure: Detailing the 'anuyog' system with four 'dwaras' (gateways): Upakram, Nikshep, Anugam, and Nay. It explains each of these gateways and their sub-categories with examples, including the analysis of 'Anupurvi' (sequence) and its various types.
  • Nayas: Explaining the seven Nayas (standpoints) in Jain philosophy: Naigam, Sangrah, Vyavahar, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudh, and Evambhuta.
  • Conclusion on Anuydog: Emphasizing that 'Anuydog' refers to the explanation and methodology, not the original sutras themselves.
• Pages 63-116: Detailed Summary of Aupapatika Sutra: This section provides a detailed account of the Aupapatika Sutra.
  • Introduction: Classifying it as an 'angabahya' and 'utkalik' sutra, and the first 'upanga' (subordinate scripture) in some traditions. It clarifies the concept of 'upangas' and their numbering.
  • Meaning: Explaining 'Aupapatika' as relating to 'upasarga' (births) in hellish and heavenly realms.
  • Content: Divided into two chapters: 'Samavasarana' (the divine assembly of Lord Mahavir) and 'Upapāta' (describing rebirths). The Samavasarana section describes the city of Champa, the Purnabhadra Yaksha shrine, the gardens, trees, King Kunika, Queen Dharani, Lord Mahavir's physical description, his disciples, the assembly of gods and humans, his teachings, and the dissolution of the assembly. The Upapāta section details the rebirths of beings based on their actions and merits, including descriptions of hellish beings, hellish conditions, and the nature of rebirths in various heavenly realms. It also covers the characteristics of virtuous monks and lay followers, and the ultimate attainment of liberation.
  • Special Features: Highlighting the social, political, and philosophical discussions, Lord Mahavir's detailed physical description, the vivid portrayal of the Samavasarana, the analysis of penance, and the ethical codes of various ascetics and householders.
  • Sources and Editions: Mentioning available commentaries and translations.
• Pages 117-195: Detailed Summary of Jambu Dvipa Prajnapti Sutra: This section focuses on the Jambu Dvipa Prajnapti Sutra.
  • Introduction: Explaining its purpose: to provide geographical knowledge of the Jain universe, specifically Jambudvipa, which is considered central to spiritual practice. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the universe for spiritual liberation.
  • Classification: Identifying it as an 'angabahya' and 'kalik' sutra.
  • Title: Explaining why it's called 'Jambu Dvipa Prajnapti' for its detailed description of Jambudvipa.
  • Author and Time: Stating that the author and time of creation are unknown but it's considered a pre-Nandi Sutra text by Bahushrutas.
  • Structure and Scope: Describing its structure with seven chapters called 'Vakshaskara' and its approximate length.
  • Content: Detailing the descriptions of Jambudvipa, including its measurements, the seven regions (Bharat, Airavat, Hemvat, Harivars, Mahavideh, Rammyavas, Hiranyavan), the protective 'Jagati' (wall), the 'Padmavedika', rivers like Ganga and Sindhu, mountains like Vaitadhya, the concept of 'Yug', the characteristics of human beings in different eras and regions, and astronomical elements like the sun and moon.
  • Geographical Details: Providing specific measurements of Jambudvipa, mountains, rivers, and regions. It describes the divine beings residing in various places and the life of the initial human beings (Yuglikas) in the first era.
  • Bharat Chakravarthi: A significant portion details the conquests and reign of Bharat Chakravarti, the first Tirthankar Rishabhadeva's son, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Keval Gnan. It describes the 'Chakra Ratna' (celestial discus) and the process of his conquests and rituals.
  • Measurement System: Explaining the ancient Jain measurement units like 'hath', 'kosa', 'yojana', 'palyopama', and 'sagropama'.
  • Cosmology: Discussing the structure of the universe with three lokas (upper, middle, and lower realms) and the movement of celestial bodies.
  • Vedic and Shraman Traditions: Mentioning the comparison of ascetics from Vedic and Shraman traditions.
• Pages 191-274: Detailed Summary of Jyotish Ganraj Prajnapti Sutra (Surya-Chandra Prajnapti Sutra): This is the most extensive section, covering the astronomical aspects of Jain cosmology.
  • Introduction: Establishing the importance of understanding celestial bodies for spiritual practice and the structure of the universe.
  • Title Clarification: Explaining that while it's known as Jyotish Ganraj Prajnapti, it's also referred to as Surya Prajnapti and Chandra Prajnapti because it covers both celestial bodies comprehensively.
  • Author and Age: Stating that the author and exact time of creation are unknown, but it predates Nandi Sutra and is considered authoritative.
  • Structure: Describing it as a question-answer style text with 20 'Prabhuta' and 'Prati-prabhuta'.
  • Content: Primarily focusing on the mathematics of the cosmos, including:
    • The number of solar and lunar orbits, stars, planets, and constellations.
    • The movements and distances of celestial bodies.
    • The calculation of time (days, months, years, epochs).
    • The descriptions of the sun, moon, and stars, their forms, and their relationship with the universe.
    • The concept of 'leshya' (color) as it relates to celestial bodies.
    • The cyclical nature of time (Avasharpini and Utsarpini) and its impact on human life and the universe.
  • Debates on Projections: Addressing the debate about whether certain descriptions, especially those relating to prohibited food items for monks, are original scripture or later 'prakshepa' (interpolations). The text suggests that some descriptions might be corrupted or interpolated due to scribal errors or later philosophical interpretations.
  • Scientific vs. Agamic View: Contrasting scientific understanding of celestial bodies with the Jain Agamic view, questioning scientific claims and emphasizing the Agamas' inherent authority.
  • Specific Astronomical Details: Providing intricate calculations for the distances, sizes, and movements of celestial bodies, and discussing the concept of 'porasi chhaya' (shadow measurement) and its relation to time.
  • Critique of Misconceptions: Addressing and refuting various popular misconceptions about celestial phenomena and religious practices.
  • Significance: Highlighting the importance of understanding these astronomical details for a complete spiritual path.

Key Themes and Messages:

• Accessibility of Knowledge: The entire series aims to simplify and disseminate the profound teachings of Jain Agams.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The series covers a wide range of Jain scriptures, from ethical conduct for lay followers to detailed cosmological and philosophical concepts.
• Spiritual Guidance: The text provides practical advice for spiritual practice and understanding the universe from a Jain perspective.
• Authoritative Scholarship: The author's designation as "Agam Manishi" underscores the scholarly and authoritative nature of the work.
• Preservation and Transmission of Knowledge: The effort to present complex scriptures in an accessible format reflects a commitment to preserving and transmitting Jain knowledge across generations.

In essence, "Mithi Mithi Lage Che Mahavir ni Deshna Part 7" is a crucial part of a larger effort to make the foundational texts of Jainism understandable and relevant to the modern reader, focusing on cosmology, astronomical calculations, and their place within Jain philosophy.