Shatkhandagama Pustak 01 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatkhandagama Pustak 01," focusing on the content of the first volume, "Satprarupana," as presented in the provided text:

Book Title: Shatkhandagama Pustak 01 (Shatkhandagama, Vol. 1) Author(s): Pushpadant, Bhutbali (original), Hiralal Jain, Fulchandra Jain Shastri, Devkinandan (editors/commentators) Publisher: Jain Sahityoddharak Fund Karyalay Amravati Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001395/1

Overall Scope and Significance:

The Shatkhandagama is considered a foundational and highly authoritative text in the Digambara Jain tradition, offering a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, particularly concerning karma theory and the stages of spiritual progress. This volume, "Satprarupana," is the first part of the first section (Jivasthana) of this monumental work. It is presented with the extensive commentary "Dhavala" by Virasena, making it a crucial text for understanding the intricacies of Jain cosmology and the soul's journey.

Key Themes and Content of Satprarupana (Volume 1):

Introduction to the Shatkhandagama: The volume begins with an introduction to the Shatkhandagama itself, explaining its origin and importance.
- Origin: According to Digambara tradition, the surviving texts of the twelve Angas of the Jain canon are preserved in the Dhavala, Jaidhavala, and Mahadhavala siddhantas. These were originally transmitted orally from Lord Mahavira's disciples. Dharasena, a sage, felt the need to preserve this knowledge and taught portions of the Viahapannatti (fifth Anga) and Ditthivada (twelfth Anga) to his disciples Puspadanta and Bhutabali. Puspadanta authored the initial 177 sutras (which form the core of Satprarupana), and Bhutabali completed the rest, totaling 6000 sutras.
- Dating: The text discusses the dating of the Shatkhandagama and its commentary (Dhavala). The composition of the Shatkhandagama is estimated to be between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, while the Dhavala commentary was completed by Virasena in 738 Saka era (816 CE).
- Commentaries: The text details the succession of commentaries on the Shatkhandagama, starting with Kundakunda's "Parikarma" and culminating in Virasena's "Dhavala."
- Utilized Literature: Virasena's commentary shows he drew upon a vast array of earlier Jain and potentially other philosophical works, quoting and critiquing various schools of thought and authors.
The Work of Compilation and Publication: The editorial preface (Prastavana) by Hiralal Jain provides a historical account of the efforts to publish these crucial texts.
- Discovery and Preservation: The manuscripts were primarily preserved at the Jain pontifical seat of Mudbidri.
- Philanthropic Efforts: The publication was made possible by the generous donations of philanthropists like Seth Laxmichandra Shitabrai, who founded the Jain Sahitya Uddharaka Fund. Other key figures like Seth Manikchand Hirachand, Seth Hirachand Nemichand, Barrister Jamnaprasadji, and Seth Rajmalji Badjatya played significant roles in encouraging the project, facilitating the copying, and motivating the publication.
- Editorial Challenges: The editors highlight the immense difficulty of the task due to the vastness of the text, the complexity of the subject matter, the Sanskritized Prakrit language, and the corrupted and incomplete nature of the available manuscripts. They explain the principles adopted for text correction and translation to make the work accessible to a wider audience.
Content of Satprarupana (Specific Exposition):
- Maturanga (Introduction/Preliminaries): This section covers essential introductory elements for understanding the text.
  - Mangalacharana (Invocation): The book begins with invocations to the Tirthankaras, the Sages, and other revered figures, which is customary in Indian religious literature. The detailed explanation of "Mangala" (auspiciousness) and its various aspects (name, impetus, cause, measure, etc.) is provided, emphasizing the importance of auspicious beginnings.
  - Nirukti and Etymology: Explanations of key terms like "Mangala," "Naya" (viewpoints), and "Nirikshepa" (categories of classification) are provided, including their linguistic origins and philosophical significance.
  - Pramana (Means of Valid Knowledge): The text discusses the role of valid means of knowledge (pramana) in understanding the scripture, highlighting the importance of combining direct perception (pratyaksha) and inference (anumana).
  - Ayurveda and Cosmology: Sections touch upon concepts like the lifespan of beings, the nature of bodies, and the classifications of senses, which are integral to Jain cosmology.
- Jivasthana (Nature of the Soul): The core of this volume delves into the classification and characteristics of souls (jivas).
  - Classification of Souls: The text categorizes souls based on various criteria, including:
    - According to Senses: Ekendriya (one-sensed), Dvi-indriya (two-sensed), Tri-indriya (three-sensed), Chaurindriya (four-sensed), and Panch-indriya (five-sensed).
    - According to States: Sañjin (sentient) and Asaṅjin (insentient).
    - According to Conditions of Existence: Naraka (hell beings), Tiryancha (sensient beings, animals), Manushya (humans), and Deva (celestial beings).
    - According to Spiritual Development: The text systematically details the fourteen stages of spiritual progress, known as Guna-sthana (गुणस्थान). This is a central theme, explaining the soul's transformation from the lowest state of delusion (Mithyatva) to the highest state of liberation (Yogik Kevalī and Ayogik Kevalī). Each guna-sthana is described in terms of the soul's spiritual qualities, its relation to karma, and its characteristics. The text elaborates on specific states like:
      - Mithyatva (Misconception): The lowest state characterized by wrong beliefs.
      - Sāsaadana (Degenerate state): A transitional state.
      - Mishra (Mixed state): A state with mixed right and wrong beliefs.
      - Samyaktva (Right Faith): The state of true faith.
      - Stages of Delusion Sublimation and Annihilation: Such as Desa-virata (partial self-control), Pramatta-samyata (vigilant self-control), Apramatta-samyata (unwavering self-control), Apurva-karana (unprecedented causes), Anivrutti-karana (uninterrupted causes), Sukshma-samparaya (subtle passions), Upashanta-kashaya (suppressed passions), Ksheena-kashaya (eradicated passions), Yogik Kevali (omniscient with activity), and Ayogik Kevali (omniscient without activity).
    - Margana (Lines of Investigation): The text introduces the concept of "Margana," which are the specific modes or states of existence through which the soul is investigated. The fourteen Marganas are discussed: Gati (conditions of existence), Indriya (senses), Kaya (body), Yoga (activity), Veda (passion type), Kashaya (passions), Jnana (knowledge), Samyama (restraint), Darshana (perception), Leshya (soul's disposition), Bhavyatva (potentiality for liberation), Samyaktva (right faith), Sañjin (sentient), and Ahara (nutrition).
- Detailed Exposition of Guna-sthana and Margana: A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to explaining these fourteen gunasthanas and fourteen marganas in detail, describing the characteristics of souls in each state and through each category. The interactions between these concepts, particularly how souls in different gunasthanas relate to various marganas, are meticulously analyzed.
- Language and Style: The text is in a Sanskritized Prakrit, with the original sutras in Prakrit and the Dhavala commentary extensively using both Prakrit and Sanskrit. The editors provide Hindi translations and comparative notes. The commentary is known for its logical rigor, detailed analysis, and extensive cross-referencing within the Jain tradition.

Summary of Key Concepts Elaborated:

Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal of the soul's journey, achieved through the complete annihilation of karma and the realization of its pure, omniscient, and omnipotent nature. The Guna-sthanas chart the path towards this liberation.
Karma Theory: The Shatkhandagama, and by extension Satprarupana, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding karma, its influx, bondage, stages of influence, and eventual shedding, which is central to the soul's progress through the gunasthanas.
Soul's Nature: The text defines the soul's intrinsic nature, its qualities, and its journey through various states of existence, influenced by karma.
Logic and Epistemology: The text employs rigorous logical reasoning and elaborate analytical frameworks, including the use of Nayas (viewpoints) and Nikshepas (classifications), to elucidate complex philosophical concepts.

In essence, "Shatkhandagama Pustak 01: Satprarupana" is a profound and exhaustive exploration of the soul's states and the path to liberation within Jainism, meticulously annotated and presented by dedicated scholars.