Sthanakvasi Jain Gyan Sagar

The book "Shri Sthanakvasi Jain Gyan Sagar" (શ્રી સ્થાનકવાસી જૈન જ્ઞાનસાગર) by Jivanlal Chhaganlal Sanghvi, published in 1, 1950 (Samvat 2006), is a comprehensive collection of Jain scriptures and teachings, particularly relevant to the Sthanakvasi tradition. The book aims to provide a concise yet thorough understanding of Jain philosophy and practices for the general public.

Here's a breakdown of its key aspects based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Shri Sthanakvasi Jain Gyan Sagar (શ્રી સ્થાનકવાસી જૈન જ્ઞાન સાગર)
• Author/Compiler/Publisher: Jivanlal Chhaganlal Sanghvi (જીવણલાલ છગનલાલ સંઘવી)
• Edition: Second Edition, 1950 (Samvat 2006 Vikrami)
• Price: Three and a half rupees.
• Key Feature: The title itself signifies a "Ocean of Knowledge" related to the Sthanakvasi Jain tradition.

2. Content and Purpose: The book serves as a compilation of essential Jain literature, including:

• Core Scriptures: It includes important Sthanakvasi Jain texts like the Samayika Sutra, Pratikraman Sutra, and various Adhyayanas (chapters) from foundational Agamas like the Dashavaikalika Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra.
• Spiritual Practices: Detailed explanations and texts related to key practices like Samayika (meditation/equanimity), Pratikraman (repentance), and Kausharga (standing meditation).
• Doctrines and Principles: It covers fundamental Jain principles such as the Navatattva (Nine Universal Substances), the vows of Shravakas (lay followers), the 21 virtues of a Shravaka, and various "Bols" or principles related to Jain philosophy.
• Devotional Literature: The book includes devotional hymns (Stotras) like the Panch Paramesthi Stotra (108 virtues of the five supreme beings), the Kalyanmandir Stotra, and the Chintamani Parshwanath Stotra, along with various poems and verses.
• Ethical and Moral Teachings: Emphasis is placed on understanding right and wrong, developing virtues like compassion, non-violence, truthfulness, and forgiveness, which are considered essential for spiritual progress.
• Accessibility: The compiler aimed to make these teachings accessible to all, from children to the elderly, by presenting them in a concise Gujarati language with explanations.

3. Historical Context:

• The preface mentions that the first edition of "Gyan Sagar" was published 47 years prior to the second edition (i.e., around 1899) by the late Shri Anandji Tarachand Punatar of Jamnagar. This indicates a long-standing need and appreciation for such compilations within the Jain community.
• The second edition is presented as a successor and improvement upon the first edition and another similar collection called "Gyan Bhandar" published in 1922.
• The rapid sale of the previous edition of "Sthanakvasi Jain Gyan Sagar" (published three years prior, on 23-3-1947) demonstrates the continuous demand and popularity of the book.

4. Key Sections and Topics (from the Index): The detailed index (page 6 and 7) reveals the wide range of topics covered:

• Samayika Vrat (Observance of Samayika) with meanings.
• Thirty-two faults of Samayika, Twenty faults of Kausharga.
• Pratikraman Sutra with meanings.
• Dharmadhyana Kausharga (Meditation on Righteousness).
• Method of observing the Tenth and Eleventh vows.
• Eighteen faults of Paushadh (fasting observance).
• Ten Pacyakhan (vows) of a Shravaka.
• 108 virtues of Panch Paramesthi with meanings.
• 21 virtues of a Shravaka.
• Bols related to various subjects (e.g., Kaya, Kaya, Kasaaya, etc.)
• Navatattva (Nine Universal Substances).
• Various other teachings and principles like Guru Sthanadwar, Ashta-anubandhas, etc.
• Adhyayanas from Dashavaikalika and Uttaradhyayana Sutras, including Bhaktamar Stotra and Kalyanmandir Stotra.
• Mahavir Stuti recited at the beginning of discourses.
• A collection of various poems.

5. Presentation and Language:

• The book uses clear black font for readability.
• The language is Gujarati, and the compiler emphasizes care taken in language, spelling, and proofreading.
• The intention is to make complex philosophical concepts understandable to a broad audience.

6. Publisher's Note: Jivanlal Chhaganlal Sanghvi expresses gratitude to the researchers and publishers of "Gyan Sagar" and "Gyan Bhandar" for their foundational work. They express confidence that the current edition will be as well-received as the previous ones.

In essence, "Shri Sthanakvasi Jain Gyan Sagar" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the core tenets, practices, and devotional aspects of Sthanakvasi Jainism, compiled with care and presented in an accessible manner by Jivanlal Chhaganlal Sanghvi.