Saman Sutra

The provided text is a comprehensive Jain scripture titled "Saman Sutra," translated by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain. The book was published by the 26th Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Shatabdi Sanyojika Samiti, Punjab. The text begins with a dedication to Shri Vinobha Bhave Ji and acknowledges Shri Jihendra Varni Ji (Panipat) as the compiler.

The introduction, written by the translators, highlights Jainism as an ancient, independent religion with its own history, civilization, culture, art, and literature, tracing its lineage through 24 Tirthankaras from Vishvadev to Lord Mahavir. It notes that Jain teachings were originally delivered in Ardha Magadhi Prakrit and that while various languages have seen Jain literature, Punjabi has not had significant contributions in the last 2500 years. The publication of this translation is marked as auspicious, coinciding with the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir, and notably, a year when all four sects of Jainism (Svetambara Murti Pujak, Svetambara Sthanakvasi, Svetambara Terapanthi, and Digambara) recognized a single flag, symbol, and scripture – the "Saman Sutra."

The genesis of the "Saman Sutra" is attributed to the inspiration of Vinobha Bhave. He brought together leaders from all four sects, including Acharya Shri Anand Rishi Ji Maharaj, Acharya Shri Tulsi, Acharya Shri Samudra Vijay, and Acharya Shri Desh Bhushan Ji, to create a universally accepted scripture. A compilation committee of esteemed monks was formed, comprising Shri Sushil Muni Ji Maharaj, Shri Nath Mal Ji Maharaj (later Acharya Mahapragya), Shri Janak Vijay Ji Maharaj, and Acharya Shri Vidya Nand Ji Maharaj. After two years of diligent work, they arrived at the "Saman Sutra." The translators completed their work in 1976 but faced publication delays until this current release, coinciding with Acharya Shri Mahagya Ji's visit to Punjab. The book is dedicated to Acharya Shri Mahagya Ji.

The "Saman Sutra" itself is described as a compilation of Jain philosophy, yogic practices, and the path of conduct, presented in Prakrit verses (gathas). It is structured into four parts and 44 sections, totaling 756 gathas.

The core themes and contents covered in the "Saman Sutra" are extensive and can be summarized as follows, based on the provided text:

• Introduction to Jainism: Emphasizes its ancient origins, independence from other religions, and its rich cultural heritage. It also touches upon the foundational principles of Jainism, contrasting it with theistic traditions by highlighting its belief in self-reliance and the potential for every soul to achieve liberation.
• The Nature of Reality: Discusses the existence of soul (Atma) and matter (Pudgal), and the fundamental principles governing the universe.
• The Concept of Tirthankaras: Explains the lineage of Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhdev (Adinath) to Lord Mahavir, and the cyclical nature of time in Jain cosmology.
• Core Jain Principles:
  • Atmavada (Soul-centricity): The emphasis on the soul's potential and its inherent purity.
  • Anekantavada (Multi-faceted Reality): The doctrine that truth is relative and has multiple aspects, crucial for understanding non-violence.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the foundational principle of Jain conduct, extending beyond physical actions to include thoughts and intentions, understood through Anekantavada.
  • Vitragata (Dispassion/Detachment): The state of being free from attachment and aversion, leading to liberation.
  • Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra): The "Three Jewels" that form the path to liberation.
• The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara Chakra): Describes the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth, aging, and death, driven by desires and karma.
• Karma Theory: Explains the nature of karma, how it binds the soul, its different types (8 primary karmas), and their impact. It emphasizes that karma is a consequence of one's actions and intentions.
• Mithyatva (False Belief): Discusses the pitfalls of wrong perceptions and how they lead to suffering and a distorted view of reality.
• Raga Parihar (Abandoning Attachment): Highlights attachment and aversion as the roots of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, advocating for detachment and dispassion.
• Dharma (Righteousness): Defines dharma as the inherent nature of things and as a path characterized by forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, self-control, and austerity.
• Samyama (Self-Control) and Tap (Austerity): Details the practices necessary for spiritual progress, including controlling the senses and undergoing various forms of penance.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): Explains the concept of non-possession, both internal (passions) and external (material possessions), as essential for liberation.
• Ahinsa (Non-violence) in Detail: Further elaborates on the practical aspects of non-violence in daily life and conduct.
• Pramada (Carelessness): Warns against heedlessness and the importance of vigilance in spiritual practice.
• Siksha (Learning and Teaching): Underscores the importance of acquiring and practicing knowledge, and the role of a guru.
• Atma (Soul): Discusses the nature of the soul, its different states (outsider, inner, supreme), and its ultimate potential for divinity.
• Moksha Marg (Path to Liberation): Outlines the steps and principles leading to spiritual freedom.
• Ratna Traya (Three Jewels): Reinforces the importance of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
• Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Explains its significance as the foundation for liberation and its various aspects.
• Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Details the different types of knowledge and their role in understanding reality.
• Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Focuses on the ethical and behavioral principles guiding a Jain follower.
• Lesya (Disposition/Aura): Describes the different psychic colors or dispositions of beings based on their karma and mental states.
• Atma Vikas (Soul's Evolution): Outlines the stages of spiritual development (Gunasthanas) that a soul progresses through on its journey to liberation.
• Sanlekhana (Controlled Death/End of Life Practice): Discusses the Jain practice of consciously preparing for death, often through fasting, to weaken karmic ties.
• Tapa (Austerity): Explains both external and internal austerities and their purpose in purifying the soul.
• Dhyana (Meditation): Highlights meditation as a crucial practice for achieving concentration and spiritual insight.
• Anupreksha (Reflections): Covers the twelve vital reflections that aid in cultivating detachment and spiritual understanding.
• Praman Sutra (Means of Valid Knowledge): Discusses epistemology, particularly the concepts of valid means of knowledge (pramana) and the various types of knowledge (mati, shruta, avadhi, manaparyaya, keval).
• Syadvada and Saptabhangi (Seven-fold Predication): Explains the doctrine of conditioned predication, asserting that statements are true from a particular perspective, and the method of expressing this multi-faceted reality.
• Nikshepa (Classification): Outlines the various categories and classifications used in Jain logic to understand reality.
• Samanya (General) and Vishesh (Specific) Aspects: Explores how general and specific attributes contribute to understanding the nature of reality.

The "Saman Sutra" is presented as a foundational text, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of Jain teachings, principles, and practices to a wider audience, particularly in Punjabi. The detailed structure with numbered verses and the inclusion of a glossary (paribhashik shabd kosh) at the end suggest it's a scholarly and accessible presentation of Jain wisdom.