Pragnapana Sutra Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pragnapana Sutra Part 02":

Book Title: Pragnapana Sutra Part 02 Author(s): Nemichand Banthiya, Parasmal Chandaliya Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh, Jodhpur (and branch office in Beawar)

Overview:

This volume, "Pragnapana Sutra Part 02," is the 102nd publication in the Shri Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskriti Rakshak Sangh's Literature Ratnamala series. It covers chapters 4 through 12 of the Pragnapana Sutra. The Pragnapana Sutra is identified as the fourth Upanga (secondary scripture) within the Jain Agam literature. It holds a significant place, comparable to the fifth Anga, the Bhagvati Sutra. The text emphasizes the Pragnapana Sutra's importance by noting that the epithet "Bhagavati" is often used for it. The publication includes the original text, explanations of difficult words, commentary, and detailed analysis. The translation of the commentary is based on Acharya Malayagiri's Sanskrit commentary, with the original text referenced from Suttagama and Jambuvijayji's edition.

Key Themes and Content:

The text begins by establishing the eternal and pervasive nature of Jainism, emphasizing its existence from beginningless time and its continuation infinitely, particularly in the Mahavideha region. It highlights the role of Tirthankaras in establishing the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold Jain community) and the subsequent compilation of their teachings into the Dwadashangi (twelve-limbed canon) by their disciples (Gadhars).

The introductory sections explain the classification of Jain Agam literature into Angas, Upangas, Mula Sutras, and Chheda Sutras, listing the respective scriptures and their generally accepted authors (Ganadhars for Angas, various learned monks for others).

The core of the provided excerpt (pages 4 onwards) focuses on the "Sthiti Pada" (Chapter on Duration/Lifespan) which is the fourth pada of the Pragnapana Sutra. This chapter meticulously details the lifespan of various categories of beings across different realms of existence within Jain cosmology.

Detailed Breakdown of Content Covered:

The summary specifically details the content of the Fourth Sthiti Pada (Chapter on Duration), which begins on page 14 and continues through the provided text.

Definition of Sthiti (Duration/Lifespan): The text explains "Sthiti" as the state of being or remaining in a particular existence, specifically referring to the duration of a being's lifespan, which is determined by Karma. It clarifies that while the soul (Jiva) is eternal, its manifestations in different forms (Paryayas) are transient. The concept of "Sthiti" is directly linked to the experience of Ayushya Karma.
Scope: The chapter primarily focuses on the lifespan of samsari (worldly) beings as Siddha (liberated) souls are beyond the cycle of birth and death and thus do not possess Ayushya Karma. Similarly, the duration of inanimate (Ajiv) substances is not considered within this chapter.
Methodology: The discussion of lifespan is presented by considering Jaghanya (minimum) and Utkrushta (maximum) durations. It further categorizes beings into Paryaptak (fully developed/nourished) and A-paryaptak (underdeveloped/unenourished) to provide a more detailed analysis of their lifespans.
Lifespan of Naraka (Hell Beings):
- A detailed account is given for the lifespan of beings in each of the seven Naraka (hell) regions.
- For each Naraka, the minimum and maximum lifespans are provided for both general beings, A-paryaptak, and Paryaptak Naraka.
- The lifespans are measured in years and Sagaropamas (a vast unit of time). For instance, Ratnaprabha Naraka beings have a minimum lifespan of 10,000 years and a maximum of 1 Sagaropama. Sakara Prabha ranges from 1 Sagaropama to 3 Sagaropama, and so on, up to Tamastama Prabha (seventh Naraka) with a minimum of 22 Sagaropamas and a maximum of 33 Sagaropamas.
- The lifespan of A-paryaptak Naraka is consistently an Antarmuhurta (a very short period of time, less than a Muhurta).
- The lifespan of Paryaptak Naraka is derived by subtracting the Antarmuhurta from the general lifespan.
Lifespan of Deva (Divine Beings):
- The text then systematically outlines the lifespans of various classes of celestial beings.
- General Devas and Devis: The minimum and maximum lifespans are given, followed by the A-paryaptak and Paryaptak durations.
- Bhavanavasi (Dwelling Devas): This category includes Devas and Devis of the ten types of Bhavanavasi (Asura Kumara, Naga Kumara, Suparna Kumara, Vidyut Kumara, Agni Kumara, Vayukumara, Dwipa Kumara, Udhadhi Kumara, Disha Kumara, Stanita Kumara). Their lifespans range from 10,000 years to several Palyopamas (another vast unit of time).
- Jyotishi Devas: Details are provided for Devas and Devis of the Moon, Sun, planets (Graha), stars (Nakshatra), and stars (Tara). Their lifespans are measured in Palyopamas, often with additional years (e.g., 1 Palyopama plus 100,000 years for Sun Devas).
- Vaimanika Devas: This is a comprehensive section covering the lifespans of Devas residing in Vaimanas (celestial vehicles). It includes:
  - General Vaimanika Devas and Devis: Lifespans range from 1 Palyopama to 33 Sagaropamas.
  - Specific Vaimanika Regions: The lifespan is detailed for each of the 12 Kalpa-Vimanika regions (Saudharma, Ishana, Sanatkumara, Mahendra, Brahma Loka, Lankaka, Mahashukra, Sahasraara, Anata, Pranata, Aarana, Achyuta), both for Devas and Devis, and further categorized by A-paryaptak and Paryaptak states. The lifespans progressively increase from Saudharma (1 Palyopama) to Achyuta (33 Sagaropamas).
  - Grishyakas (Celestial Beings in Residential Areas): The lifespan of Devas in the nine Grishyakas is detailed, categorized into lower, middle, and upper groups, with lifespans progressing from 22 Sagaropamas to 31 Sagaropamas.
  - Anuttara Vimanavasis: The lifespans for the Devas of the five Anuttara Vimanas (Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, Sarvarthasiddha) are given. The lifespan for Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, and Aparajita is from 31 to 33 Sagaropamas, while Sarvarthasiddha Devas have a fixed lifespan of 33 Sagaropamas.
Lifespan of Ekendriya (One-Sensed Beings):
- The text then moves on to the lifespans of beings with one sense.
- Prithvi Kayika (Earth-bodied beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 22,000 years.
- Ap Kayika (Water-bodied beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 7,000 years.
- Tejas Kayika (Fire-bodied beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 3 days and nights.
- Vayu Kayika (Air-bodied beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 3,000 years.
- Vanaspati Kayika (Vegetable-bodied beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 10,000 years.
- For each of these, the distinction between A-paryaptak (Antarmuhurta) and Paryaptak is also provided.
Lifespan of Viklendriya (Two, Three, and Four Sensed Beings):
- Beindriya (Two-sensed beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 12 years.
- Teindriya (Three-sensed beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 49 nights and days.
- Chaurindriya (Four-sensed beings): Lifespan ranges from Antarmuhurta to 6 months.
Lifespan of Panchindriya (Five-Sensed Beings):
- Tirayancha Panchindriya (Five-sensed animals):
  - General: Antarmuhurta to 3 Palyopamas.
  - Sammuchim (born from aggregation): Antarmuhurta to 1 Koti Purva (10 million years).
  - Garbhavakrantika (born from womb): Antarmuhurta to 3 Palyopamas.
  - Specific types of Tirayanch (Jalchar, Sthalchar, Khachar) are also detailed.
- Manushya (Humans):
  - General: Antarmuhurta to 3 Palyopamas.
  - Sammuchim: Antarmuhurta to Antarmuhurta.
  - Garbhavakrantika: Antarmuhurta to 3 Palyopamas.
  - The text clarifies that the 3 Palyopama lifespan for humans is generally applicable to Yuglik humans in Akarmabhumi and Sushama-Sushama period of Karmabhumi, not the infinite lifespan of those in the first and sixth eras of Bharat and Airavat regions.

Overall Significance:

The "Sthiti Pada" (Chapter on Duration) is a crucial part of the Pragnapana Sutra as it provides detailed and systematic information about the lifespans of beings in various cosmic realms. This knowledge is fundamental in understanding the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the influence of Karma in determining the duration of existence in different forms. The text's thoroughness in categorizing lifespans based on realm, species, and developmental state (paryaptak/a-paryaptak) showcases the detailed analytical framework of Jain philosophy. The publication itself by the Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskriti Rakshak Sangh demonstrates a commitment to preserving and disseminating these ancient Jain scriptures.

This summary is based on the provided excerpt covering the introductory materials and the beginning of the Sthiti Pada. The full content of the Pragnapana Sutra would be far more extensive.