Padarth Prakash Part 15 - Book Summary

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Book Title: Padarth Prakash Part 15 Author: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasuri (Compiler/Editor) Publisher: Sanghavi Ambalal Ratanchand Jain Dharmik Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023388/1

Overview:

"Padarth Prakash Part 15" is a significant Jain text that compiles and explains the essence of eight important Jain scriptures. This volume continues the series of "Padarth Prakash" initiated by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasuri, aimed at making complex Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts accessible to a wider audience. The book focuses on presenting the core "padarthas" (substances or principles) along with the original verses (mool gatha) and their commentaries (avchuri) in an easily understandable manner, primarily in Gujarati, catering to those who may not be proficient in Sanskrit.

Key Content:

This particular volume, Part 15, compiles the "padarth sangrah" (collection of principles) and "mool gatha-avchuri" (original verses and their commentary) for the following eight texts:

Shri Kayasthiti Stotra (શ્રીકાયસ્થિતિસ્તોત્ર): This text, authored by Shri Kulamandansuri, deals with the concept of "Kayasthiti" (existence or duration of a being in a particular state or body). It explains the duration of existence for various souls in different life forms and states, including the subtle and gross states of existence, and the concept of "bhavsanvedh" (re-birth in the same state). The text details the minimal and maximal periods of existence in various realms and species, offering a table that outlines these durations for different categories of beings. The commentary and substance collection clarify complex concepts related to the life cycles and conditions of souls.
Shri Laghu Alpabahutva (શ્રીલઘુઅલ્પબહુત્વ): Attributed to an unknown author, this text focuses on "Alpabahutva" (the relative quantitative distribution or abundance) of beings in different directions. It analyzes the presence of various types of souls (like beings with one sense, two senses, etc., and elemental beings like earth-bodied, water-bodied, etc.) in different directions (east, west, north, south) and explains the reasons behind their abundance or scarcity based on geographical and cosmological factors such as the presence of celestial islands, oceans, or celestial abodes.
Shri Dehsthiti Stava (શ્રીદેહસ્થિતિસ્તવ): Authored by Shri Dharmaghoshasuri, this text describes "Dehsthiti" (the physical stature or size of beings) in different realms. It details the average and exceptional body sizes of celestial beings (Devas) in various heavenly realms and the subtle and gross body sizes of hellish beings (Narakis) in different hellish layers and sub-layers. It also outlines the body sizes of various types of beings in the animal kingdom (Tiryang) and human beings, including the difference between naturally formed (sammurchim) and conception-born (garbhaj) beings. The text also touches upon the concept of "Uttar Vaikriya Sharir" (extraordinary bodies manifested through special powers) and the relative abundance of body sizes among one-sensed beings.
Shri Kal Saptatika Prakaran (શ્રીકાલસપ્તતિકાપ્રકરણ): Also authored by Shri Dharmaghoshasuri, this significant text deals with the "Kala" (time) and its cycles. It elaborates on the concepts of Palyopama and Sagopama, explaining their different types (Uddhar, Addha, Kshetra) and their vast numerical values. It describes the six cycles (Aras) of the downward epoch (Avsarpini) and the upward epoch (Utsarpini), detailing the lifespan, body size, and food intake of humans and animals in each era. The text also covers the lineage of Kulakaras, the timelines of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Baladevas, Vasudevas, and Prativasudevas, and important events in Jain history, including the decline of knowledge and practices after the passing of the first few disciples of Mahavir Swami.
Shri Vichar Panchashika (શ્રીવિચારપંચાશિકa): Written by Shri Vijay Vimal Ganini, this text delves into nine distinct "Vichars" (considerations or topics). These include:
- Body (Sharir): Discussing the five types of bodies (Audarik, Vaikriya, Aaharak, Taijas, Karmann) and their characteristics.
- Life Cycle and Rebirth: Analyzing how long beings stay in the womb before rebirth in heavens or hells, and their lifespan upon returning to human form.
- Substantial vs. Non-substantial: Differentiating between Pudgalic (material) and non-Pudgalic (immaterial) entities.
- Motion of Sammurchim beings: Explaining the migration patterns of beings born from spontaneous generation.
- Perfection (Paryapti): Describing the six types of perfections that beings attain for their development.
- Relative Abundance (Alpabahutva): Comparing the quantities of beings in different categories.
- With or Without Parts (Sapradesh-Apradesh): Differentiating between entities with parts and those without.
- Age Cycles (Kruta Yugma etc.): Explaining divisions of time and their correlations.
- Measurement of Elements: Discussing the dimensions of earth, water, fire, air, and vegetation.
Shri Pudgal Paravart Stotra (શ્રીપુદ્ગલપરાવર્તસ્તોત્ર): Authored by an unknown scholar, this text focuses on the concept of "Pudgal Paravart," which refers to the immense cycles of material substance (Pudgal) transformation in the universe. It elaborates on four types of Pudgal Paravart: Dravy, Kshetra, Kala, and Bhava, each further divided into gross (Badar) and subtle (Sukshma) categories, detailing their immense durations and characteristics.
Shri Angul Sattari (શ્રીઅંગુલસત્તરી): Composed by Shri Munichandrasuri, this text explains the concept of "Angul" (finger-width) used in Jain cosmology and measurement. It describes three types of Angul: Utsadh Angul (a unit based on atoms), Atma Angul (a unit based on personal measurement relative to height), and Praman Angul (a standard unit). The text discusses the derivation of these units and their application in measuring various entities like mountains, cities, and the universe, addressing different interpretations and calculations used in Jain tradition. It highlights the importance of using the width of Praman Angul for cosmological measurements.
Shri Samavasaran Stava (શ્રીસમવસરણસ્તવ): Authored by Upadhyay Shri Dharmakirti, this text is a hymn dedicated to the divine assembly (Samavasaran) where Tirthankaras deliver sermons. It meticulously describes the structure and components of the Samavasaran, including the multiple concentric enclosures (kilas), the different layers of thrones, the divine trees (Chaitya Vriksha) associated with each Tirthankara, the celestial beings who adorn the assembly, and the arrangement of the four-fold congregation (Muni, Aryika, Shravak, Shravika). The text also details the artistic and architectural features created by various classes of celestial beings to beautify the Samavasaran.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

The book is compiled and edited by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasuri. The publication is by Sanghavi Ambalal Ratanchand Jain Dharmik Trust, with Shradh Varya Mooliben Ambalal Shah as the founder. The text acknowledges the contributions of previous researchers, editors, and publishers, and expresses gratitude to Kirit Graphics for printing and Multi Graphics for the title design. The publication date is Vikram Samvat 2068 / Veer Samvat 2538.

Overall Purpose:

The "Padarth Prakash" series, and this volume in particular, serves as a valuable resource for Jain scholars and devotees. By systematically explaining the core principles and concepts from these profound texts, it aims to enhance the understanding of Jain philosophy, cosmology, and the path to liberation, enabling readers to gain true knowledge and progress towards spiritual enlightenment. The compilation makes the teachings of these ancient texts accessible, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of Jain literature and thought.