Sthananga Sutra Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sthananga Sutra Part 01," based on the provided pages. Please note that the original text is in Prakrit and the summary is in English.

Book Title: Sthananga Sutra Part 01 Author(s): Nemichand Banthiya, Parasmal Chandaliya Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004186/1

This volume, part of the "Shri Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskriti Rakshak Sangh Sahitya Ratna Mala," is the 66th jewel in their collection. It contains the Sthananga Sutra, specifically "Sthan 1-4," presented with pure original text, explanations of difficult words, meaning (Bhavartha), and detailed commentary (Vivechan). The translation and original text are attributed to Pandit Shri Ghevarchandji Banthiya "Virputra" and the editing to Nemichand Banthiya and Parasmal Chandaliya.

Introduction (Prastavna):

The introduction emphasizes that the foundation of Jain philosophy, culture, and religion lies in the words of the Vitaraga Sarvajna (omniscient beings free from attachment). The Tirthankara-Buddhas, through their supreme spiritual practices, destroy the Ghati Karma and attain Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) and Kevala Darshana (absolute perception). After their enlightenment, they establish the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold community: monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen). Their speech, which benefits all living beings, is then compiled into Sutras by their disciples, the Shrutakevalis and Ganadharas. This Sutra-form of speech has been transmitted through tradition.

In earlier times, when the tradition of writing Sutras was not established, this knowledge was preserved in memory. However, due to the weakening of memory and other reasons, the Agam knowledge gradually began to be forgotten or lost. Approximately 980 years after the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir, Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashraman led the effort to transcribe these Agamas, which were then called Ganipitika. Ganipitika encompasses the entire Dvadasangi (twelve Angas). Later, these were classified as Anga Pravishta, Anga Bahya, and Anga Upanga, with further divisions into Moola, Cheda, etc. The currently available Agamas are in this classified form.

The Sthananga Sutra's Place and Content:

The Sthananga Sutra holds the third position among the current eleven Anga Shastras. It describes the various states and transformations of living beings (Jiva) and matter (Pudgala) from the first to the tenth Sthan (levels or categories). The subject matter discussed in this Agama is also found in the Nandi Sutra and Samavayanga Sutra.

Key Information from Samavayanga Sutra cited in the Introduction:

The Sthananga Sutra establishes and explains:

• Swasamaya ( own doctrine) and Parasamaya (other doctrines), and their combination.
• Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), and Jivajiva (both soul and non-soul).
• Loka (universe), Aloka (non-universe), and Lokāloka (universe and non-universe).
• Dravya (substance), Guna (qualities), Kshetra (space), Kala (time), and Paryaya (transformations) of Jiva and Ajiva.
• Descriptions of mountains, great rivers, oceans, celestial abodes (Vimana), mines, general rivers, treasures, types of human beings, sounds, lineages, and the movement of celestial bodies (Jyotishi Devas) from one to ten.
• The descriptions of Jiva and Pudgala residing in the Loka.

The Sthananga Sutra is described as having a "paritta" (limited) Vachana (recitation), with numerical accounts (Anuyogdwar), limited "pratipattis" (conclusions), limited "vedha" (metrical verses), limited "shlokas" (verses), and limited "sangrahaniyas" (compilations). It comprises one Shruta Skandha, ten Adhyayanas (chapters), twenty-one Uddeshaka (sections), and seventy-two thousand "padyas" (words/terms). It contains limited letters, infinite principles (Gama), infinite manifestations (Paryava), limited mobile beings (Trasa), and infinite immobile beings (Sthavara).

The Nature of the Sthananga Sutra:

A significant observation about this Agama is that it prioritizes number (संख्या) over any single subject. The entire Agama is structured based on numbers. The first Sthan enumerates subjects related to the number "one," whether they pertain to Jiva, Ajiva, history, mathematics, astronomy, geography, philosophy, ethics, etc. This style is followed for the subsequent Sthans, from the second up to the tenth. Although this Agama does not provide extensive explanations of any single topic, the compilation of over a hundred subjects from a numerical perspective makes it an invaluable Jain philosophical lexicon. Any subject related to numbers can be instantly located at the corresponding Sthan.

Significance and Impact of the Sthananga Sutra:

The study of this Agama provides general knowledge of Jain philosophy to the seeker. It is so significant that the term "Sthanasamavayadhara" (one who retains the knowledge of Sthananga and Samavaya) is used as an epithet for a "Shruta Sthavira" (an elder in scriptural knowledge). This indicates that a monk, even if not physically old or initiated early, but knowledgeable in Sthananga and Samavaya, can remain in one place for a longer duration than the Kalpa period if the occasion arises. Furthermore, according to the Vyavahara Sutra, only those who are knowledgeable in Sthananga and Samavaya are qualified for the titles of Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Ganavacchedaka. Thus, this Agama is highly beneficial for acquiring general Jain philosophical knowledge.

Publication Details and Acknowledgements:

This is a new publication by the Sangh, following the style of their Bhagavati Sutra publication. It includes the original text, difficult word meanings, Bhavartha, and necessary commentary for clarification. The publication was inspired by finding old handwritten manuscripts translated by Pandit Shri Ghevarchandji Banthiya "Veerputra." Shri Jasvantlalji S. Shah, the president of the Sangh, generously agreed to sponsor the publication. The text also acknowledges the contributions of Shri Hirachandji S. Pecha for transcribing the press copy and the revisions made by Pujya Veerputraji M. Sa. The editors also mention that despite their limited experience in Agama editing, they have strived for accuracy and invite corrections from learned individuals.

The publication is dedicated to the financial support of Shri Jasvantlal Bhai Shah and Shravika Ratna Shrimati Mangla Behna Shah of Mumbai, who desire that all Agam publications be made available to readers at half price. Their deep interest and devotion are highly appreciated.

Structure of the Sthananga Sutra (as presented in the Table of Contents):

The text is divided into ten Sthans (places or categories), and each Sthan is further divided into Uddeshakas (sections). This particular volume covers Sthan 1 to 4. The table of contents lists numerous topics within these Sthans, covering a vast range of subjects:

• First Sthan (Pages 37-46): Deals with concepts related to "one," including the soul, soul's journey, mind, speech, body, actions, senses, states of being, time, atoms, liberated souls, suffering, dharma/adharma, existence, and the nature of various entities. It meticulously lists numerous phenomena that exist as "one."
• Second Sthan (Pages 46-97): Focuses on dualities and classifications. It covers concepts like:
  • Dualities: Jiva/Ajiva, Trasa/Sthavara, Soul with/without life, Jiva with/without mind, etc.
  • Karma: Bandha (bondage), Moksha (liberation), Punhya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma).
  • States of existence: Kalpopapanna/Kālpa-atita (celestial beings), various hellish realms (Nirayika), human realms, animal realms.
  • Mind and Speech: Types of mind, speech, and their modifications.
  • Cosmology: Descriptions of Jambudvipa (the central continent), its mountains, rivers, oceans, and its time and life cycles.
  • Cosmic Divisions: Lokākāsha (space with beings) and Alokākāsha (space without beings).
  • Classifications of beings based on senses, knowledge, conduct, etc.
• Third Sthan (Pages 97-247): Continues the theme of enumeration and classification, often focusing on "three" and other numerical categories. It delves into:
  • Classifications of Beings: Narakas, various celestial beings (Asura Kumara, Nagakumara, etc.), beings based on Dandas (categories), Bhavasiddhika/Abhavasiddhika (destined for liberation/not destined), Samyagdrushti/Mithyadrushti (right/wrong faith).
  • Leshya: Colors of karma-effluence (Krishana, Nila, Kapota, Tejo, Padma, Shukla) and their association with different beings.
  • Time Cycles: Avasharpini (descending time cycle) and Utsarpini (ascending time cycle) and their respective eras (Aras).
  • Concepts: Guan (knowledge), Darshan (perception), Charitra (conduct), and their various types.
  • Cosmography: Further details on continents, mountains, rivers, and the structure of the universe.
  • Ethics and Conduct: Descriptions of various types of misconduct (Pap Sthan), their cessation (Samyama), and ethical practices.
• Fourth Sthan (Pages 247 onwards): Continues the enumerative style, often focusing on "four." It covers topics such as:
  • Fatal Actions: Four types of fatal actions (Antakriya).
  • Pudgala: Descriptions of Pudgala (matter) and its properties like color, smell, taste, and touch.
  • Types of Men: Classifications based on various criteria like internal and external qualities, behavior, and aspirations.
  • Cosmology: Further details on planets, stars, constellations.
  • Tapas (Austerities): Various types of austerities.
  • Causes of phenomena: Explanations for various occurrences.

Overall Impression:

The Sthananga Sutra, as presented in this volume, is a foundational text in Jainism. Its primary characteristic is its systematic, numerical classification of virtually all aspects of existence, from the subtlest philosophical concepts to the most detailed descriptions of the universe and its inhabitants. The text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jain principles by enumerating and categorizing them, emphasizing the interconnectedness of actions, consequences, and spiritual progress. The detailed commentary aims to make these complex ideas accessible to the reader.