Pravachana Kiranavali Pistalisa Agam Rahasya - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pravachana Kiranavali Pistalisa agam Rahasya" by Acharya Vijaypadmasuri, as presented in the provided pages. The text appears to be a detailed exposition of the forty-five Jain Agamas.

Book Title: Pravachana Kiranavali Pistalisa agam Rahasya (પ્રવચન કિરણાવલી પીસ્તાલીસ આગમવ્હસ્ય) Author: Acharya Vijaypadmasuri (આચાર્ય વિજય પદ્મસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજ) Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar (શ્રી જૈનધર્મ પ્રસારક સભા— ભાવનગર)

Overall Summary:

The book "Pravachana Kiranavali" is a monumental work by Acharya Vijaypadmasuri, dedicated to explaining the essence and secrets of the forty-five principal Jain Agamas, which are the divinely revealed scriptures (compiled by the disciples of the Tirthankaras). The text aims to make the profound philosophical and ethical teachings of Jainism accessible to the general populace in Gujarati.

The book is structured into several parts or "Prakasha" (પ્રકાશ), systematically introducing and summarizing the content of various Agamas. The provided text mainly focuses on the initial parts, detailing the first few Agamas (Angas) and then delving into the Upangas.

Key Content Areas and Themes:

Introduction and Dedication:
- The book is dedicated to the revered Guru Acharya Shri Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj, with deep respect and devotion from the author, Acharya Shri Vijaypadmasurishwarji.
- The author is lauded with titles such as "Shastra-visharad" (Scholar of Scriptures) and "Kavi-divakar" (Sun of Poets), highlighting his mastery in Jain philosophy, Prakrit language, and poetic composition.
- The publisher, Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar, is recognized for its role in making Jain religious literature accessible. The text mentions its history and the re-publication of this significant work.
The Significance of Agamas:
- The text emphasizes the paramount importance of the Agamas as the embodiment of the Tirthankaras' teachings. They are considered the true source of Jain doctrine and practice.
- The author highlights the curiosity of Jain followers to know the contents of these sacred texts, even though direct access to the original Agamas might be restricted for householders.
Structure and Purpose of the Book:
- The book, "Pravachana Kiranavali," is designed to be a "Kiranavali" (ray of light) illuminating the Agamas.
- It aims to provide a concise yet informative overview of the 45 Agamas, explaining their subjects, their structure (like the number of verses or chapters), and the key philosophical points.
- The author notes that the original works are in Prakrit and in verse form (Gathabaddha), with his own commentary.
Detailed Summary of the Agamas (Angas):
- The Twelve Angas (Books of Jain Canon): The text systematically introduces each of the twelve Angas, providing a brief overview of their core subjects.
  - Acharanga Sutra: Deals with the conduct and discipline of monks and nuns.
  - Sutrakritanga Sutra: Discusses core Jain principles, contrasts them with other philosophies (like the 363 sects or "Pashandiya"), and explains the nature of soul, non-soul, Dharma, Adharma, etc.
  - Sthananga Sutra: Organizes Jain teachings numerically, from one to ten, covering various subjects like soul, non-soul, rivers, etc.
  - Samavayana-ang Sutra: Presents substances and their principles from one to over a hundred.
  - Bhagavati Sutra: A comprehensive text covering various philosophical topics like the four Anuyogas (Dravya, Ganita, Charana-Karana, Dharma-Katha) in a question-and-answer format.
  - Jnātādharmakathāṅga Sutra: Narrates stories and teachings of Tirthankaras and enlightened beings, illustrating spiritual concepts.
  - Upāsaka Daśāṅga Sutra: Focuses on the conduct and virtues of ten prominent lay disciples (Śrāvakas).
  - Antakṛt Daśāṅga Sutra: Describes the lives of those who attained liberation at the end of their lives (Antakṛt Kevalins).
  - Anuttaropapātika Daśāṅga Sutra: Deals with souls attaining the highest celestial realms (Anuttara Vimanas).
  - Praśna Vyākaraṇa Sutra: Explains the origins and nature of various activities, karma, and their results, often through dialogues.
  - Vipāka Śruta: Focuses on the consequences of actions (karma) – the results of good and bad deeds.
  - Dṛṣṭivāda: The twelfth Anga, which is considered lost in its entirety, but its importance and the lineage of its teachings are discussed, referencing Nandi Sutra for its classification.
- The structure of the Angas: The text details the number of "Shrutaskandhas" (major divisions of teachings), "Adhyayanas" (chapters), "Uddeshas" (sections within chapters), and the verse count where available.
Introduction to Upangas (Secondary Scriptures):
- Following the Angas, the book begins to introduce the Upangas. The provided text covers the first few Upangas:
  - Aupapātik Sutra: Describes the birth, life, and spiritual journey of beings, including various celestial and hellish beings.
  - Rāyapraśnīya Sutra: Focuses on dialogues and philosophical questions, notably the discourse between King Pradeshi and Acharya Keśī Goma.
  - Jivābhigama Sutra: Details the nature of souls, their different states of existence, and the principles of transmigration. It covers various classifications of souls and their classifications based on senses, consciousness, etc.
  - Prajñāpanā Sutra: Explains abstract philosophical concepts like soul, karma, liberation, and the nature of reality from various perspectives, often in a question-and-answer format.
  - Sūrya Prajñapti: Describes the celestial bodies, their movements, and their influence, focusing on the sun.
  - Chandra Prajñapti: Discusses the moon and its celestial aspects.
  - Niryāvalikā Śrutaskandha: A collection of stories and narratives, often focusing on the consequences of actions and the path to liberation.
The Author's Approach:
- Acharya Vijaypadmasuri emphasizes clarity, making the text accessible in Gujarati.
- He uses analogies and references to traditional commentaries (Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tika) to elucidate the meaning.
- The author expresses humility and acknowledges the possibility of errors, inviting learned readers to point them out for correction in future editions.
The Goal:
- The ultimate aim is to spread the knowledge of Jain Agamas, foster devotion, and guide individuals towards the path of liberation (Moksha) through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Biographies of Acharyas:
- The text includes biographical information about the author, Acharya Vijaypadmasurishwarji, detailing his birth, initiation, attainment of various scholarly titles (Ganipd, Nyāyavachaspatī, Sūri pad), his extensive literary contributions (around 150 works), and his virtuous life dedicated to the service of Jainism.

In Essence:

"Pravachana Kiranavali" is a comprehensive guide to the Jain Agamas, presented in an accessible manner by Acharya Vijaypadmasuri. It aims to illuminate the path to spiritual understanding and liberation by systematically explaining the doctrines, stories, and philosophical concepts embedded within these ancient scriptures. The book serves as a bridge between the complex original texts and the contemporary seeker of Jain wisdom.