Sthanang Sutra Ka Pratipadya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sthanang Sutra ka Pratipadya" by Tilakdhar Shastri, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The text, an excerpt from the preface written by Tilakdhar Shastri for the Sthanang Sutra published by Acharya Shri Atmaram Jain Prakashan Samiti, Ludhiana, delves into the essence and significance of the Sthanang Sutra, the third Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas.

What is Sthanang Sutra?

"Encyclopedia of Jain Culture": The Sthanang Sutra is described as a comprehensive repository of Jain knowledge, akin to an encyclopedia.
Numerical Classification: Its unique style is the classification of elements, facts, history, astronomy, and more, arranged numerically from one to ten. This method aids in easy memorization and recall.
Meaning of "Sthanang": The word "Sthanang" is a compound of "Sthan" (place, measure, appropriate) and "Ang" (limb).
- "Sthan": Refers to the quantitative measure or number of elements, from one to ten, as presented in the Sutra. It also implies an appropriate selection or arrangement of these elements.
- "Ang": In Jain literature, "Ang" refers to the primary scriptures of the twelve Angas, forming the Ganiipitaka. The Sthanang Sutra, as an Anga, signifies a scripture that establishes the numerical order of elements.
Spiritual Significance: The name "Sthanang" also suggests that it is a scripture where the soul's inherent knowledge, which is its "Ang," is organized and placed in order from one upwards.

Significance and Placement in the Jain Canon:

Third Position: The Sthanang Sutra holds the third position within the Ganiipitaka, signifying its importance.
Purpose of Early Placement: The text speculates that while some believe the Sthanang and Samavayang Sutras were created later for memory and research, their third placement indicates a pedagogical purpose. The first two Angas (Acharanga and Sutrakritanga) focus on conduct for new ascetics. The Sthanang is placed third to provide a structured overview of all knowable subjects, enabling ascetics to then delve into detailed explanations in other Angas.
Prerequisite for Advanced Study: Understanding the Sthanang and Samavayang Sutras is considered a key step towards becoming proficient in all Angas, earning the title of "Shruta Sthavira" (senior scholar). The text mentions the Vyavahara Sutra stating that an ascetic with eight years of discipline is qualified to study the Sthanang and Samavayang, as they develop a stable intellect and firm faith.
Accessibility for Laity: While primarily intended for ascetics, the study of Sthanang is also possible for householders (shravakas and shravikas) who are virtuous and mindful of the fourteen transgressions of knowledge.

Structure and Content:

Studies (Adhyayan) and Sections (Uddeshak): The Sthanang Sutra is divided into 10 studies (adhyayan) and 21 sections (uddeshak).
- Studies 2, 3, and 4 have four sections each.
- Study 5 has three sections.
- The remaining six studies have one section each.
Single Shruta Skandha: Unlike some other Angas which are divided into two "Shruta Skandhas" (collections of teachings based on style or subject matter), the Sthanang Sutra has only one. This is because its core subject matter, the numerical exposition of elements, is consistently presented from beginning to end.
"Adhyayan" (Study): In Jain Agamas, "Adhyayan" refers to a major section, while "Uddeshak" is a smaller section. The term "Adhyayan" signifies a deep and assimilative study of the scripture, leading to self-realization.
"Pad Sankhya" (Word Count): The exact word count of the Sthanang Sutra is a subject of debate. While some texts mention 72,000 words (like Samavayang and Nandi Sutra), the Digambara tradition states 42,000. The author discusses different interpretations of "pad" (word) and suggests that a count considering grammatical word forms (subanta and tinanta) might lead to the 72,000 figure. However, the text also notes that the total number of "sutras" in a specific published edition is 783, and the "shlok" (verse) count varies between 3700 and 3770.
Style: The Sthanang Sutra employs a collection-based, treasury style (sangraha-pradhana kosh shaili), similar to the Samavayang Sutra, which is effective for memorization. This style is also found in the Mahabharata and Buddhist texts.
- Each "Sthan" (place) deals with items and actions numbered sequentially from one to ten.
- The text notes that in the ninth study, a reference is made to the Samavayang Sutra ("Jaha Samavae"), suggesting that the compilation of Sthanang and Samavayang likely occurred concurrently.
- While primarily collection-based, the Sthanang occasionally deviates to incorporate descriptive passages to answer specific queries or provide detailed information, such as the description of Nandiśvara island.
Numerical Symbolism: The text highlights the unique way numbers are expressed in Jain Agamas, such as "dasadsai" for one hundred and "das sayai" for one thousand. It also explains the use of "chacchaddha" (six divided by two, meaning three) to maintain a numerical sequence related to human lifespan.

Comparative Study and Influence:

Similarities with Buddhist Texts: The text draws parallels between the Sthanang Sutra and the Anguttara Nikaya of Buddhism, citing examples of similar categorizations and discussions, particularly in the fourth place concerning four types of elements (water, clouds, fruits) and their metaphorical application to human character. This suggests a shared cultural and intellectual milieu.

Possible Insertions (Prakshipta):

Like other Agamas, the Sthanang Sutra might contain additions or modifications made by scholars over time. The mention of specific monastic lineages (Ganas) and "Ninhava" (heretics) in the text, whose origins are dated much later than Lord Mahavir's time, suggests that some material was added later, possibly up to the time of Devarddhigani.

Diversity of Subjects (Pratipradya Vishay Ki Vividhata):

The Sthanang Sutra is praised for its vast range of topics, covering almost every aspect of knowledge:

Tirthankaras: Mentions twenty Tirthankaras by name, providing details about their lifespan and physical attributes where relevant.
Chakravartins: Lists twelve Chakravartins, categorizing ten who achieved spiritual liberation and two who were engrossed in worldly pleasures and faced negative consequences.
Biology: Describes the composition of bodies from two-sensed beings to five-sensed beings, including bones, flesh, blood, nerves, and veins.
Geography: Discusses major rivers like Ganga and Sindhu, their tributaries, and other rivers like Yamuna, Sarayu, etc. It also mentions mountains and potentially hot springs, with ongoing research needed to identify their modern equivalents.
Astronomy: Touches upon astronomy with mentions of 28 constellations, their presiding deities, and 88 planets. It discusses the influence of constellations on planetary movements and the reasons for drought and excessive rainfall, including scientific and socio-religious factors.
Ayurveda: Details eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine, including pediatrics, general medicine, specialized treatments for sensory organs, surgery, toxicology, demonology, treatment with alkalis, and mineral/herbal preparations for strength. It also lists nine causes of disease, types of lifespan, strength, vegetation, sexual practices, paternal and maternal contributions to offspring, causes of conception and non-conception, and various aspects of human physiology.
Psychology: Covers ten causes of anger, sources of pride, types of happiness and distress, and mental afflictions, aligning with modern psychological studies.
Physics: Discusses the nature of sound as atomic, with its practical and natural forms. It mentions sounds of various instruments and natural sounds, and the origin of sound from the coming together or breaking apart of atoms, hinting at concepts like atomic explosions.
Poetry and Drama: Describes four types of musical instruments (stringed, wind, percussion, and hollow), four types of dance, four types of singing, and four types of poetic forms (prose, verse, narrative, and lyrical).
Human Behavior and Analogies: The Sutra extensively uses analogies from nature (trees, clouds, fruits, rivers, animals) and daily life to explain human nature and behavior. It likens humans to different types of trees and clouds, illustrating various traits like generosity, speech, and action. The text emphasizes the use of nearly 100 similes and metaphors to understand human psychology.

In essence, the Sthanang Sutra, as explained by Tilakdhar Shastri, is a monumental Jain scripture that systematically organizes a vast array of knowledge according to numerical principles, serving as a foundational text for spiritual and worldly understanding.