Prakaran Ratna Sangraha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakaran Ratna Sangraha" by Kunvarji Anandji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prakaran Ratna Sangraha (प्रकरण रत्न संग्रह) Author: Kunvarji Anandji (शा. कूँवरजी आणंदजी) Publisher: Kunvarji Anandji (शा. कूँवरजी आणंदजी)

Overview:

The "Prakaran Ratna Sangraha" is a compilation of sixteen significant Jain Prakaranas (treatises or chapters), compiled and published by Sha. Kunvarji Anandji. The book aims to present these essential Jain texts with their Gujarati translations and commentaries, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to a wider audience. The compilation was inspired and supported by Guruji Labhshriji.

Content and Key Prakaranas:

The collection features sixteen prakaranas, of which most are in the Magadhi language (Gatha-based), with one concluding in Sanskrit slokas. The book includes detailed explanations and expands on the meanings of verses. Several prakaranas also incorporate diagrams or "yantras" for clearer understanding of complex philosophical concepts.

Here's a brief summary of the sixteen prakaranas included:

Samayaktva Stava Prakaran (Samayaktva Panchavimshatika): This prakarana, also known as "Samayaktva Panchavimshatika," extensively explains the nature of Samyaktva (Right Faith or Conviction). It details the stages of attaining Samyaktva, such as Yathapravrittikaran, Apurvakaran, and Anivrittikaran. It also categorizes Samyaktva into one, two, three, four, and five types, elaborating on each. The text discusses ten types of Ruchi (appreciation) and concludes with 67 principles related to Samyaktva, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Kalasaptatika Prakaran: Attributed to Shri Dharmaghosh Suri, this prakarana of 75 Gathas explains the chronology and cycles of time in Jainism. It describes the Paksopama and Sagaropama periods, the twelve Aras (sections) of Avasharpini and Utsarpini epochs, the lifespan of humans and animals born in these Aras, the names of the 63 Shalaka Purushas, and the future Tirthankaras and Shalaka Purushas. It provides a detailed overview of a Kalachakra (time cycle) through its twelve Aras.
Kayasthiti Prakaran: Composed by Shri Kulamandan Suri, this prakarana consists of 24 Gathas. It explains the maximum duration a soul can exist in its current Jati (species) or body. It further elaborates on the transmigration of souls through four types of Bhavas (states) across this life and the next, describing them as generation-generated and excellent in lifespan. This section requires careful reading and understanding.
Bhavaprakaran: Written by Shri Vijayvimal Gani (disciple of Shri Anandvimal Suri, also known as Vanar Rishi), this prakarana has 30 Gathas and includes its explanation by the author. It begins by explaining the eight sources through which the five Bhavas (types of soul states: Upshama, Kshayopashama, Kshaya, Audayika, and Parinamika) are to be understood. It then details the 26 types of Sannipatik (conjunctional) Bhavas and presents a diagram illustrating the four-fold states related to time. It discusses the sub-types of the five Bhavas, the karmas that accompany each, and the sub-types of each that manifest across the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Guna-sthans), along with a brief description of the Guna-sthans themselves. Four diagrams are included for clarity.
Vicharsaptatika Prakaran: This prakarana, authored by Shri Mahendra Suri, contains 81 Gathas (possibly with 11 additional interpolated Gathas). It covers twelve distinct topics: the number of eternal (Shashvati) statues, the penance for Irshiyapathiki (minor transgressions), the significance of Kotishila, the number of eternal Chaityas (temples), the forms of divine abodes (Vimanas), the spread of solar rays in six directions (Jambudweepa consideration), the three bodies concerning Prapati (development), the Krishna Raji in the fifth heaven, the circular mountain ranges (Valayakar), the nature of Nandishwar Dwip, considerations for the duties of householders (Shrāvikas), and the fourteen Guna-sthans.
Vicharpanchakashika Prakaran: Composed by Shri Vijayvimal Suri, this prakarana has 51 Gathas. It covers nine topics: the five bodies (Sharir), gestation, Pudgalika and A-pudgalika (material and immaterial), Sammurcchimana Manushya (born from aggregations), Prapati (development), the subtle and gross aspects of soul-related matters (Jivadika), Pudgala with and without dimensions, Kadjumma (types of mountains or regions), and the measurement of earth, water, etc. The section on bodies is explained through nine methods.
Siddhadandika Stava Prakaran: Authored by Shri Devendra Suri, this prakarana has 13 Gathas. It describes the count of Siddhas (liberated souls) attained on Shatrunjaya mountain by the sons of Sagar Chakravarti and the minister Subuddhi, as well as the kings of Bharat Chakravarti's lineage. It presents eight diagrams illustrating various types of Siddhadandikas (sequences of Siddhas).
Siddhapañchāshikā Prakaran: Also composed by Shri Devendra Suri, this prakarana has 50 Gathas. It describes the nature of infinite Siddhas (Ananta Siddha) and interconnected Siddhas (Paraspar Siddha) through eight and nine means respectively, covering aspects like Prapati (development), Pudgala (matter), Kshetra (space), Kala (time), Antara (interval), Bhava (state), Alpabahutva (subtle-gross), and Uddharana (extraction).
Panchanigranthi Prakaran: Authored by Shri Abhayadev Suri, this prakarana is derived from the 25th Shatak of the Shri Bhagavati Sutra and contains 106 Gathas. It details 36 aspects (dwaras) related to five types of Nigranthas (ascetics): Pulak, Bakush, Kushal (Pratisewana and Kashay), Nirgranth, and Snatak. It covers aspects like Prapatti, Veda (feeling), Raga (passion), Kalpa (ascetic traditions), Charitra (conduct), Pratisewana (indulgence), Jnana (knowledge), Tirth (tradition), Linga (external symbols), Deha (body), Kshetra (region), Kala (time), Gati (destination), Sanyama (restraint), Nikarsha (consequence), Yoga (activity), Upayoga (consciousness), Kashaya (passions), Leshya (colored aura), Parinama (state), Bandha (bondage), Vedana (experience), Udvirana (emission), Upasampadana (cessation), Sanjna (perception), Ahara (nourishment), Bhava (existential state), Akarsha (attraction), Kala (time), Antara (interval), Samudghata (efforts), Kshetra (space), Sparshana (touch), Bhava (state), Parimana (measure), and Alpabahutva (subtle-gross). It provides extensive commentary on the initial and some other dwaras.
Nigoda Shattrishika Prakaran: Attributed to Purvacaryas, this prakarana of 36 Gathas is extracted from the 11th Shatak of the Shri Bhagavati Sutra. It meticulously explains the nature of Nigoda (a state of extremely subtle souls). Despite the Gujarati translation, it is considered a challenging text. The author acknowledges the difficulty in providing a fully satisfactory explanation for this chapter.
Samavasarana Prakaran (or Stava): This prakarana, attributed to Purvacaryas, has 24 Gathas. While its subject matter (Samavasarana – the divine assembly for preaching) is familiar, the commentary offers necessary clarifications. It describes the unique event where deities from all four classes come together to honor the omniscient Tirthankara upon attaining Kevalgyan.
Kshamā Kulaka: Consisting of 25 Gathas, this prakarana by Purvacaryas offers potent and effective advice for renouncing anger (Krodha Kashaya). The author believes that careful study of this text can pacify anger.
Indriyavikara Nirodh Kulaka: This short prakarana of only 9 Gathas, by Purvacaryas, describes the fate of souls attached to the objects of the five senses and the resulting destruction of life force. It also provides good counsel for controlling the four Kashayas (passions). The last Gatha is particularly insightful, stating that detachment from senses, renunciation of passions, attachment to virtues, and diligence in actions are the means to attain liberation and supreme bliss.
Lokanalika Dwātrinśikā Prakaran: The author of this prakarana is not mentioned. It contains 32 Gathas as the title suggests. It precisely describes the structure of the Lokanalika (cosmic structure) including Khanda (regions), Suchirajjhu, Prataparrjjhu, and Ghanarajjhu, with reference to the upper, lower, and middle worlds. It includes three large diagrams printed on separate paper, depicting the structure of Lokanalika, the Rasanaadi (thread-like structure) within it, and the counting of regions. It is considered particularly useful for understanding the cosmic structure and includes elements of Ganitanuyoga (Jain mathematics).
Laghu Alpabahutva Prakaran: This concise prakarana consists of only two Gathas. It explains the subtle-gross (Alpabahutva) aspects of water, plants, two-sensed, three-sensed, four-sensed, non-sentient five-sensed, and sentient five-sensed souls, in relation to the four directions. Though brief, it offers a unique insight.
Hridaya Pradip Shattrinshika Prakaran: This prakarana contains 36 Sanskrit verses. It offers profound teachings, and when contemplated with its meaning, it is said to illuminate the heart like a lamp. The author is not named but is believed to be an experienced ascetic. The Shri Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha had previously published this with a Sanskrit commentary and translation. Due to its unavailability and valuable teachings, it was included in this collection at the special request of Sadhviji Labhshriji.

Publication Details and Acknowledgements:

Publication Year: Veer Samvat 2463 / Vikram Samvat 1993.
First Edition.
Price: Rs. 1-4-0.
Contact Address: Shri Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar.
Special Mention: The publication is dedicated to the memory of revered spiritual leaders, including Muni Shri Mudrerayji (Buddhivijayji) Maharaj, Muni Shri Mulchandji (Mukti Vijayji) Gani, Muni Shri Bhakt Vijayji, Muni Shri Vrichidraji (Vriddhivijayji) Maharaj, and Nyasaji Shri Gambhirvijayji Gani.
Printer: Shah Gulabchand Lallubhai at Shri Mahakray Printing Press, Danapith, Bhavnagar.
Gratitude: The publishers express their gratitude to Shastri Jethalal Hirabhai for his assistance in purifying the original Gathas and refining the meanings. They also acknowledge potential errors due to limited knowledge and request feedback from learned individuals for future editions.

Financial Support:

The book lists numerous individuals, primarily women ("shravikas"), who provided financial assistance for its publication, indicating strong community support for spreading Jain knowledge.

Overall Purpose:

The "Prakaran Ratna Sangraha" serves as a valuable resource for Jain scholars and laypeople alike, providing a systematic and accessible collection of key prakaranas that elucidate fundamental Jain principles related to Samyaktva, cosmology, soul states, conduct, and liberation. The effort by Kunvarji Anandji and the support from Guruji Labhshriji highlight a dedication to disseminating spiritual knowledge.