Sthananga Samvayanga - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sthananga Samvayanga" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sthananga Samvayanga (સ્થાનાંગ-સમવાયાંગ) Author: Dalsukh Malvania (સંપાદક દલસુખ માલવણિયા) Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad (ગુજરાત વિદ્યાપીઠ અમદાવાદ)

Overview:

The book "Sthananga Samvayanga" is a Gujarati translation of the third and fourth Angas of the Jain Agamas. It aims to present the profound teachings of Lord Mahavir, compiled and organized for modern readers. The translation emphasizes clarity and accessibility for both Jain and non-Jain audiences. The editor, Dalsukh Malvania, notes that these texts are unique in their numerical classification of spiritual and philosophical concepts, ranging from one to ten categories. To enhance readability, the content has been reordered thematically rather than strictly following the original numerical sequence. The publication also includes an extensive index and commentary ("Tippan" and "Vivaran") to aid understanding, making it a valuable resource for studying Jain philosophy.

Content Summary by Section (based on the provided Table of Contents and page snippets):

The text is divided into six main sections, each delving into different aspects of Jainism:

Volume 1 (ખંડ ૧ લો): Moksha Marg (મોક્ષમાર્ગ) This section outlines the path to liberation (Moksha). Key topics include:

1. Satsanga Mahima (સત્સંગ મહિમા): The glory and importance of associating with the virtuous and spiritually evolved.
2. Shravana Mahima (શ્રવણ મહિમા): The significance of listening to the teachings of the enlightened.
3. Dharma (ધર્મ): This extensive chapter covers the essence of Dharma, its attainment, different types, the importance of virtuous conduct, business ethics, necessary actions, contemplation, and the nature of influx (Asrava) and its various causes like delusion, non-restraint, negligence, and passions (Kashay).
4. Aradhana, Viradhana Adi (આરાધના, વિરાધના આદિ): Discusses the practice of religious observances, their violation, and related concepts like lack of attachment (Aslesh).
5. Hita-Ahita (હિત-અહિત): Delineates what is beneficial and detrimental to the soul.
6. Sukha-Dukkha (સુખ-દુઃખ): Explores the nature of happiness and suffering.
7. Avashyak Kartavya (આવશ્યક કર્તવ્ય): Essential duties and responsibilities.
8. Samadhi-Asamadhi (સમાધિ-અસમાધિ): Discusses states of mental equanimity and disturbance.
9. Asrava (આસ્રવ): A detailed analysis of the influx of karmas into the soul, its causes, and the various types of activities (Yog) that lead to it.
10. Bandha (બંધ): The bondage of karma, its causes, types (Prakriti, Sthiti, etc.), and the process of karma binding.
11. Punaya-Papa (પુણ્ય-પાપ): The concepts of merit and demerit.
12. Karma (કર્મ): An in-depth exploration of karma, including its types, causes of binding, the process of bondage (Prakriti, Sthiti, Anubhav, Pradesh), karma suppression, experience, and destruction (Kshaya). It also includes comparisons with Buddhist beliefs on karma.
13. Samvara (સંવર): The restraint of karma through vows, disciplines, and other spiritual practices.
14. Nirjara (નિર્જરા): The shedding of accumulated karma through austerities (external and internal), penance, confession, study, and meditation.
15. Moksha Marg (મોક્ષ માર્ગ): The ultimate path and state of liberation.

Volume 2 (ખંડ ૨ જે): Tattva Jnana (તત્ત્વજ્ઞાન) This section focuses on the core principles and realities of Jainism. Topics include:

1. Dravyanuyoga (દ્રવ્યાનુયોગ): The classification and nature of substances (Dravya), including Astikayas and the nine Tattvas.
2. Jiva Vichara (જીવ વિચાર): A comprehensive study of the soul (Jiva), its characteristics, types, the cycle of rebirth (Samsara), different states of existence (Naraka, Tiryanch, Manushya, Deva), and various classifications of beings based on senses, consciousness, and life forms (Bhuta Grama, Jiva Nikaya).
3. Jiva Pariname (જીવ પરિણામે): The modifications and states of the soul, covering transmigration (Gati), sensory perception (Indriya), passions (Kashaya), inner states (Leshya), knowledge (Jnana) in its various forms (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), means of valid knowledge (Pramana, Naya), spiritual development (Darshan, Charitra), and the conduct of monks (Agaar Dharma, Nigrantha, Mund, Achara, Anagara). It also includes extensive details on specific practices and regulations.
4. Jiva Sthiti (જીવ સ્થિતિ): The lifespan and existential conditions of various beings.
5. Jiva Vishe Vividh (Dandak Vichar) (જીવ વિષે વિવિધ – દંડક વિચાર): Various classifications and inquiries about the soul and living beings, including respiration, sustenance, death, aggregate states (Samudghata), species, birth, possession, body, bodily characteristics (Sanghayana, Samsthana), actions (Kriya), desires (Samjna), dwelling places (Avasa), and detailed distinctions.
6. Devanikaya (દેવનિકાય): The realm of celestial beings (Devas), their types (Bhavanapati, Paramadharmik, Vaanavyantara, Jyotishka, Vaimanika), their abodes (Vimana), leaders (Devendra), guardians (Lokapala), consorts, and attendant deities.
7. Naraka and Naraka (નરક અને નારક): The realms of hellish beings (Narakas) and their inhabitants.
8. Ajivastikaya (અજીવસ્તિકાય): Non-living substances, including time (Kal), Dharma, Adharma, and Pudgala (matter) and their characteristics and classifications.

Volume 3 (ખંડ ૩ જે): Ganitanuyog (Bhugol) (ગણિતાનુગ – ભૂગોળ) This section deals with cosmography, astronomy, and the structure of the universe according to Jain cosmology. Topics include:

1. Loka-Aloka (લોક-અલોક): The structure and divisions of the universe (Loka) and the non-universe (Aloka).
2. Dwipa-Samudradhikara (દ્વીપસમુદ્ર અધિકાર): Detailed descriptions of the continents (Dwipa) and oceans (Samudra), including Jambudvipa, Lavana Samudra, Ghataki Khanda, Pushkaravara Dwipa, and the geographical features within them like mountains, rivers, and cities.
3. Manushya Kshetra (મનુષ્યક્ષેત્ર): The region inhabited by humans, including the influence of time cycles (Avamarpiņi, Utsarpiņi).

Volume 4 (ખંડ ૪ થે): Mahapurusha (મહાપુરુષ) This section focuses on significant individuals in Jainism:

1. Samanya Babato (સામાન્ય બાબતો): General characteristics of great beings.
2. Kulakara - Lokavyavasthapaka (કુલકરે - લોકવ્યવસ્થાપકે): The role of the Kulakaras in establishing social order.
3. Tirthakara (તીર્થકરે): The lives, teachings, and characteristics of the Tirthankaras, including their birthplaces, parents, names, auspicious events (Kalyanaka), lifespan, disciples, and the temporal span of their eras (Avamarpiņi, Utsarpiņi).
4. Chakravarti (ચક્રવતી): The lives and powers of universal monarchs (Chakravarti).
5. Baladeva-Vasudeva and Pratibhasudevas (બળદેવ-વાસુદેવ અને પ્રતિવાસુદેવ): The lineages and roles of these significant figures in Jain history.
6. Samanya Mahapurusha (સામાન્ય મહાપુરુષ): Other revered individuals.

Volume 5 (ખંડ ૫ મે): Sangha Vyavastha (સંઘવ્યવસ્થા) This section details the organization and regulations of the Jain monastic order (Sangha):

1. Sangha Vyavastha (સંઘ વ્યવસ્થા): The structure and administration of the Sangha, including the rules for monks (Pravajya), teachers (Acharya, Upadhyaya), leaders (Gani), disputes and their resolutions, disciple conduct, practices (Vyavahara, Kalpa, Samachari), vows (Niyamanirgranth), recitation (Vachana), and veneration (Vandana).

Volume 6 (ખંડ ૬ ઠો): Purusha Pariksha (પુરુષ પરીક્ષા) This section delves into the examination of human character, qualities, and conduct:

1. Purusha na Prakare (પુરુષના પ્રકારે): Various classifications and types of individuals based on their qualities and actions.
2. Purusha Vishesh na Bhed (પુરુષ વિશેષના ભેદ): Specific classifications and distinctions of individuals.
3. Purusha ni Upamao (પુરુષની ઉપમાઓ): Analogies and metaphors used to describe individuals and their traits.

Overall Significance:

The "Sthananga Samvayanga" is a foundational text in Jainism, providing a systematic and comprehensive enumeration of its philosophical, cosmological, historical, and ethical principles. It serves as a vital reference for understanding the intricate details of Jain doctrine, meticulously categorized and explained. The Gujarati translation by Dalsukh Malvania makes these complex concepts accessible to a wider audience, furthering Jain education and scholarship.