Prashna Vyakaran Sutra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashna Vyakaran Sutra" by Muni Chotalal, translated into Gujarati, and published by Laghaji Swami Pustakalay. The provided text offers extensive details about the structure, content, and philosophy presented in this translation of the original Jain scripture.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

Book Title: Prashna Vyakaran Sutra (પ્રશ્નવ્યાકરણ સૂત્ર) Author/Translator: Muni Shri Chotalalji (મુનિ શ્રી છોટાલાલજી), disciple of the late Jainacharya Pujya Shri Laghaji Swami (સ્વ. જૈનાચાર્ય પૂજ્ય શ્રી લાધાજી સ્વામીના શિષ્ય). Publisher: Pujya Shri Laghaji Swami Smarak Granthamala - Manuka 22 (પૂજ્ય શ્રી લાધાજી સ્વામી સ્મારક ગ્રંથમાળા—મણુકા ૨૨ મેા.), Laghaji Swami Pustakalay, Limbdi (પૂજ્ય શ્રી લાધાજી સ્વામી પુસ્તકાલય, લીંબડી). Edition: 1st Edition (આવૃત્તિ ૧ લી) Print Run: 1000 copies (પ્રત ૧૦૦૦) Publication Year: Veer Samvat 2459, corresponding to 1933 AD and Vikram Samvat 1989 (વીર સંવત ૨૪૫૯. સને ૧૯૩૩. વિ. સં. ૧૯૮૯). Price: 10 Annas (મૂલ્ય ૧૦ આના)

Core Content of Prashna Vyakaran Sutra:

The book is a Gujarati translation of the Prashna Vyakaran Sutra, which is considered a fundamental Jain scripture. The primary focus of the sutra is to explain the Asrava (આસવ) and Samvara (સંવર) doors related to karma.

• Asrava (આસવ - Influx of Karma): The text details the five types of Asrava, which are the channels through which karmic particles attach to the soul. These are:

  1. Himsa (હિંસા - Violence/Injury): Killing of living beings, from one-sensed to five-sensed.
  2. Mrushavada (મૃષાવાદ - False Speech): Lying.
  3. Adattadan (અદત્તાદાન - Stealing): Taking what is not given.
  4. Abrahmcharya (અબ્રહ્મચર્ય - Unchastity/Celibacy): Sexual misconduct.
  5. Parigrah (પરિગ્રહ - Possession/Attachment): Accumulation of material things and attachment to them.

• Samvara (સંવર - Prevention of Karma's Influx): Conversely, the text also outlines the five types of Samvara, which are the means to prevent the influx of karma. These are the opposites of the Asravas:

  1. Ahinsa (અહિંસા - Non-violence): Non-violence towards all living beings.
  2. Satya Vachan (સત્ય વચન - Truthful Speech): Speaking the truth.
  3. Dattadan Grahan (દત્તાદાન ગ્રહણ - Accepting what is given): Taking only what is rightfully given or permitted.
  4. Brahmcharya (બ્રહ્મચર્ય - Chastity/Celibacy): Restraint in sensual desires.
  5. Aparigrah (અપરિગ્રહ - Non-possession/Non-attachment): Renunciation of possessions and attachment.

Structure of the Translation:

The translation follows the structure of the original sutra, dividing the content into two main sections:

• Asrava Dwar (આસવ દ્વાર - Door of Karma Influx): This section is further divided into five Adhyayans (અધ્યયન - Chapters), each dedicated to one of the five Asravas (Himsa, Mrushavada, Adattadan, Abrahmcharya, Parigrah). Each Adhyayan details:

  • The nature and definition of the Asrava.
  • Its various names and synonyms.
  • The causes and motivations behind it.
  • The specific types of beings or actions involved.
  • The dreadful consequences and punishments in this life and future lives, particularly detailing the suffering in hell (Naraka) and the animal realm (Tiryan).

• Samvara Dwar (સંવર દ્વાર - Door of Karma Prevention): This section is also divided into five Adhyayans, each corresponding to one of the five Samvaras (Ahinsa, Satya, Dattadan Grahan, Brahmcharya, Aparigrah). Each Adhyayan describes:

  • The nature and importance of the Samvara.
  • Its various names and benefits.
  • The qualities of those who practice it (Sadhus, Munis).
  • Detailed explanations of the five Bhavanas (ભાવના - Meditations/Contemplations) associated with each Samvara, which are crucial for practicing them effectively.
  • The practices and disciplines required, including specific rules and conduct for ascetics.
  • The virtues and merits gained from practicing these Samvaras.

Key Philosophical Points and Themes:

• Analogy of Gold: The preface uses the analogy of gold, which is inherently pure but can be covered by dirt and hidden, to explain how the soul, though inherently pure, becomes covered by the "dirt" of karma.
• Karma and Its Consequences: A significant portion of the text elaborates on the concept of karma, its binding nature, and the severe consequences of negative actions (karmas). The descriptions of hellish punishments are particularly graphic and detailed, serving as a strong deterrent.
• The Role of the Mind: The text emphasizes that the mind is the root cause of bondage and liberation. Controlling the mind is paramount to overcoming karmic limitations.
• Anekantavada (Many-sidedness): While presenting principles, the text implicitly upholds the Jain principle of Anekantavada by acknowledging different perspectives on karma and its effects.
• The Importance of Knowledge: Understanding the nature of karma and the path to liberation is crucial, and the Prashna Vyakaran Sutra serves as a guide for this knowledge.
• The Virtues of Ahinsa: The Adhyayan on Ahinsa is extensive, detailing its multifaceted nature and its profound benefits not only for the practitioner but for all beings. It highlights the importance of subtle forms of non-violence and mindful conduct.
• The Practice of Brahmcharya: The text elaborates on the strict discipline of Brahmcharya, detailing the conduct for ascetics and the pitfalls to avoid, emphasizing the purity of intention and action.
• The Renunciation of Aparigrah: The final Adhyayan on Aparigrah stresses the necessity of detachment from all possessions, both material and abstract, as a path to liberation. It lists numerous items and states of mind that should be renounced.

Additional Information:

• Foreword (Prastavana): The book includes a preface or foreword by Muni Punyavijay (મુનિ પુણ્યવિજય), who expresses regret for not being able to contribute an introduction as initially planned due to health and unforeseen circumstances. He explains the rationale and commitment behind the translation.
• Acknowledgements: The text includes a list of donors who provided financial assistance for the publication.
• Sources: The translator used two printed editions and two handwritten manuscripts for the translation, along with a dictionary compiled by Shatavadhani Panditratna Shri Ratnachandji Swami (શતાવધાની પંડિતરત્ન શ્રી રત્નચંદ્રજી સ્વામી) for clarity.
• Inclusion of other Jain texts: The preface mentions the potential inclusion of a preface by Muni Punyavijay, linking it to the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the spiritual lineage. The text also quotes from the Suyagadanga Sutra (सूयगडांग).
• Concluding Prayers: The book ends with a universal prayer for well-being: "Sukhinah santu Sarvatra Sarve Santu Nirāmayāh Sarve Bhadrāṇi Paśyantu Mā Kaścid Duḥkhamāpnuyāt." (May all be happy everywhere, may all be free from illness, may all see goodness, may no one suffer any sorrow.)

In essence, this Gujarati translation of the Prashna Vyakaran Sutra by Muni Chotalalji provides a detailed and practical guide to understanding and practicing the core principles of karma, its influx (Asrava), and its prevention (Samvara) within the Jain tradition, offering a path towards spiritual liberation.