Shatkhandagama Pustak 05 - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of Book 5 of the Shatkhandagama, titled "Jivasthan - Antara - Bhava - Alpabahutva," compiled by Pushpadant and Bhutbali, with commentary by Virsenacharya. The book was published by the Jain Sahityoddharak Fund Karyalay, Amravati, in V.S. 1999 (E.S. 1942). The volume, edited by Hiralal Jain, covers the last three of the eight Prarūpaṇās (sections) of the Jivasthāna section of the Shatkhandagama: Antara (interruption), Bhava (disposition), and Alpa-bahutva (comparative numerical strength).

Here's a breakdown of the key content:

Overall Structure and Content:

Shatkhandagama: This is a foundational Jain scripture composed by Pushpadant and Bhutbali, and elaborated with the Dhavala commentary by Virsenacharya. This particular volume (Book 5) focuses on specific aspects of the Jivasthāna (states of souls).
Jivasthāna Prarūpaṇās: The Jivasthāna section of the Shatkhandagama is divided into eight Prarūpaṇās. This volume covers the final three:
- Antara-prarūpaṇā: Deals with the minimum and maximum periods of interruption or separation from a particular spiritual stage (Guṇa-sthāna) or soul-quest (Mārgaṇā-sthāna). It contrasts with the "Kala" prarūpaṇā which discussed uninterrupted continuity.
- Bhava-prarūpaṇā: Focuses on the mental dispositions (Bhāvas) that characterize each Guṇa-sthāna and Mārgaṇā-sthāna. These dispositions are categorized into five types: Audayika (from karma fruition), Aupashamika (from karma pacification), Kshāyika (from karma destruction), Kshāyopashamika (from karma mixed destruction/pacification), and Pāriṇāmika (from inherent potential).
- Alpa-bahutva-prarūpaṇā: Explores the comparative numerical strength of souls in different Guṇa-sthānas and Mārgaṇā-sthānas, as signified by its name (Alpa = less, Bahutva = much).

Key Concepts and Summaries of Each Prarūpaṇā:

Antara-prarūpaṇā (Interruption):
- Defines "Antara" as the period during which a soul departs from a particular stage (Guṇa-sthāna) or Mārgaṇā-sthāna and the time until it potentially returns to that state.
- Explains how this is determined based on the continuity of states, considering both collective souls (Nānā Jīva) and individual souls (Eka Jīva).
- Provides examples of minimum and maximum interruption periods for various Guṇa-sthānas and Mārgaṇās, often expressed in units like Antarmuhūrta, Palyopama, and Sāgaropama.
- Discusses the concept of "Ogha" (general) and "Ādeśa" (specific) in determining these periods, particularly concerning Mārgaṇā-sthānas where interruptions are possible (e.g., Upashama-sammyaktva Mārgaṇā, which has an Antara of 7 days).
- The introduction notes the strong correlation between the "Kala" prarūpaṇā (dealing with continuity) and the "Antara" prarūpaṇā (dealing with interruption), as they study similar time periods but from opposite perspectives.
Bhava-prarūpaṇā (Disposition):
- Deals with the five types of dispositions (Bhāvas) that characterize souls at different stages of spiritual development:
  - Audayika (Odayika): Arising from the fruition of karmas. Examples include the four Gatis (realms of existence), three Lings (gender), four Kashāyas (passions), etc. (total 21 dispositions).
  - Aupashamika (Aupasamika): Arising from the pacification of karmas, such as Aupashamika-samyaktva and Aupashamika-chāritra.
  - Kshāyika: Arising from the destruction of karmas, such as Kshāyika-samyaktva, Kshāyika-chāritra, Kshāyika-jnāna, etc. (total 9 dispositions).
  - Kshāyopashamika: Arising from the mixed destruction and pacification of karmas, including various types of Jnāna (knowledge), Darshana (perception), etc. (total 18 dispositions).
  - Pāriṇāmika: Arising from the soul's own nature, independent of karma, such as Jīvatva (soulness), Bhavyatva (potentiality of salvation), and Abhavya (incapacity for salvation).
- Explains how the classification of Guṇa-sthānas is primarily based on the state of Mohaniya Karma (delusion-inducing karma), particularly Darshana Mohaniya (perception-deluding karma) for the first four stages and Chāritra Mohaniya (conduct-deluding karma) for the subsequent stages.
- Discusses the debate on whether Saāsana-samyaktva is Audayika or Pāriṇāmika, concluding it to be Pāriṇāmika due to its independence from specific karma causes, unlike other stages.
- Details the classification of these Bhāvas according to Ogha (general) and Ādeśa (specific) perspectives.
Alpa-bahutva-prarūpaṇā (Comparative Numerical Strength):
- This section determines the relative numbers of souls in different Guṇa-sthānas and Mārgaṇā-sthānas.
- It builds upon the numerical classifications presented in the "Dravya-pramāṇa-anugama."
- The analysis is conducted from both Ogha (general) and Ādeśa (specific) perspectives.
- It establishes numerical orders, for example, showing that souls in the 8th, 9th, and 10th Guṇa-sthānas are the least numerous and mutually equal.
- It details the comparative numbers for various stages, emphasizing the progression of soul numbers through different spiritual states.
- It also applies these principles to Mārgaṇā-sthānas, showing comparative strengths based on factors like gati (movement), indriya (senses), kāya (body), yoga (activity), veda (sex), kashāya (passions), Jnāna (knowledge), Darshana (perception), and Lēśyā (subtle karmic color).
- The introduction includes a detailed Hindi translation of Dr. Avadhesh Narayan Singh's article on Jain mathematics, highlighting the sophisticated mathematical concepts used in Jain scriptures, including the decimal place-value system, theories of indices, and classifications of infinity, all within a philosophical framework.

Editorial and Publication Details:

Editors: Hiralal Jain (Chief Editor), Pandit Hiralal Siddhanta Shastri (Co-editor), Pandit Devakinandan (Assistant in Research), Dr. A. N. Upadhye (Cooperation in Research).
Publisher: Shrimanta Seth Shitabrai Laxmichandra Jain Sahityoddharak Fund Karyalaya, Amravati.
Publication Year: V.S. 1999 / E.S. 1942.
Introduction: The introduction (Prākkathan/Introduction) discusses the publication process, addresses criticisms, outlines the editorial policy of sticking to the original text and providing literal translation, and expresses gratitude to the contributors and supporters. It also mentions the difficulties faced due to material and time constraints, emphasizing the urgency of publishing ancient texts for preservation.
Kannada Inscription: A Kannada inscription praising a general named Mallideva for his charitable donations and temple constructions is included and discussed in the introduction, with historical context provided.
Sankā-Samādhāna (Queries and Solutions): This section addresses specific doubts raised by readers concerning the content of Book 4, clarifying complex points related to karma, spiritual stages, and terminology.

Key Features of the Publication:

The publication aims to present the original Sanskrit/Prakrit text alongside a Hindi translation, comparative notes, and various appendices.
The editorial approach prioritizes fidelity to the original text and avoids extensive independent interpretations beyond what is necessary for clarification.
The introduction highlights the critical importance of preserving and disseminating these ancient Jain philosophical and scientific texts.

In essence, Book 5 of the Shatkhandagama, as presented in this edition, provides an in-depth exploration of the concepts of interruption in spiritual states, the various dispositions of souls, and their comparative numerical strengths, all based on the profound philosophical and analytical framework of Jainism. The included essay on Jain mathematics underscores the advanced scientific understanding present in these ancient texts.