Sutrakritanga Ka Varnya Vishay Evam Vaishishtya - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about the Sutrakritanga, authored by Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain:

The article, "Sutrakritanga ka Varnya Vishay evam Vaishishtya" (The Subject Matter and Significance of Sutrakritanga) by Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain, published by Jinavani, highlights the profound importance of the Sutrakritanga within the Jain Agamas. Following the Acharyanga, Sutrakritanga is considered a highly significant text. Dr. Jain, a professor at Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladanun, provides a concise exposition of its subject matter and significance.

Name and Etymology:

Sutrakritanga is the second Anga (limb or division) in the Anga literature.
In texts like Samvaya, Nandi, and Anuyogadvara, it is referred to as 'Suyagado'.
The commentator Bhadrabahu Swami attributes three qualitative names to it: Sutgata, Suttakad, and Suyagad-Suchakrit.
The name "Sutrakrit" (Sutgata) derives from its origin from Lord Mahavir (Sut - born) and its compilation by Ganadhara (Krit - created) in textual form.
"Suttakad" signifies the imparting of knowledge about principles according to the Sutra.
"Suchakrit" (Suyagad) refers to its function of providing information about one's own doctrines (Swamaya) and those of others (Paramaya).
The term "Sutra" itself, in its Prakrit forms like Sut, Sutta, and Surya, is the root. The three names reflect its informative nature.
The Samvaya and Nandi clearly state that Sutrakritanga informs about one's own and others' doctrines. The term "Sutra" refers to that which informs or indicates.
According to Acharya Virsena, Sutrakritanga describes the views of other philosophers, and its composition is based on this, hence the name Sutrakrit, which is considered a more fitting etymological interpretation.
There is a perceived similarity in name between Sutgata and the Buddhist text 'Suttanipata'.

Structure and Content:

Sutrakritanga is divided into two Shrutaskandhas (sections of scriptural knowledge) and comprises 23 Adhyayanas (chapters). It contains numerous philosophical discussions and inspiring principles that elevate the spiritual practice of a seeker.

First Shrutaskandha:

This section contains 16 Adhyayanas:

Samaya (Time/Doctrine): Deals with the principles of Jainism (Swamaya) and briefly touches upon some doctrines of non-Jain philosophies (Paramaya). It elucidates the causes of bondage (karma) as possession (parigraha) and violence (himsa), attributing them to attachment (mamatva). It criticizes various philosophical views like Bhutavada, Brahmanaikyavada, Advaita, Dehatmavada, Ajnanavada, Akriyavada, Niyativada, Atmakartavtavada, Savada, Panchaskandhavada, and Dhatuvada. It follows a pattern of establishing and refuting these viewpoints.
Vaitaliya (Vaitallya): Focuses on spiritual truths. It emphasizes the importance of attaining enlightenment (Sambodhi) and the difficulty of achieving it in future lives if missed in the present. It advises detachment from worldly affections and treating all beings as oneself (Atmatula). It also covers aspects like conquering afflictions (parishaha) and passions (kashaya).
Upsarga Parigya (Understanding of Afflictions): Discusses the practice of enduring hardships (upasarga) with equanimity to achieve one's goals. It differentiates between afflictions that cause mental distress and those that cause physical ailments. It highlights that steadfast individuals (dhira) are free from bondage and do not crave worldly life. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of caring for the sick and enduring afflictions.
Itthi Parigya (Understanding of Women): Advises monks to endure hardships related to women and to renounce all contact and association with them, recognizing their potential to fuel desires and cause karmic bondage.
Naraka Vibhakti (Description of Hell): Details the severe sufferings endured by beings in hell. It notes that descriptions of hell are found in Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, with similarities to the Buddhist text 'Kokaliya Sutta'.
Mahavirathuti (Praise of Mahavir): Contains a beautiful eulogy of Lord Mahavir, using various similes. It is considered one of the earliest praises of Mahavir, describing him as supreme among beings, like Airavata among elephants, the lion among deer, the Ganga among rivers, and Garuda among birds. It highlights the importance of fearlessness (abhayadana), truthful speech, and celibacy (brahmacharya) as superior, and similarly, the Jina's son, Nata Putra (Mahavir), is supreme in the world.
Kushil Paribhashit (Definition of the Unvirtuous): Differentiates between virtue (shila), lack of virtue (ashila), and unvirtuous or improper conduct (kushil). It identifies three types of unvirtuous conduct: those who find sweetness in food by renouncing salt, those who believe liberation is achieved by consuming cold water, and those who believe liberation is attained through rituals (homa). It strongly advises against performing austerities for the sake of praise or recognition, stating that such penance, done for worldly rewards, indicates a lack of true knowledge.
Viryam (Effort/Energy): The author distinguishes between two types of effort: Akarmvirya (philosophical effort, primarily involving restraint) and Karmvirya (physical strength/energy). Pandit Virya (wise effort) is considered the cause of liberation. It emphasizes restraint of the senses, urging one to refrain from transgressing vows through speech or even thought, and to practice control in all aspects.
Dharma (Dharma/Righteousness): Explains the Dharma as expounded by Lord Mahavir. The term "Dharma" is used in various contexts, including collective, societal, national, monastic, heretical, scriptural, conduct-based, and household dharma. It primarily categorizes Dharma into worldly and supra-worldly. This study focuses on the supra-worldly dharma.
Samadhi (Concentration/Equanimity): Defines Samadhi as equanimity, contentment, and the cessation of disturbances. It describes four types of Samadhi: mental state, scriptural knowledge, right perception, and conduct.
Marg (Path): Lord Mahavir referred to his method of spiritual practice as the "Marg." The text guides the seeker to practice the path of knowledge, perception, conduct, and austerities for achieving Samadhi.
Samavasarana (Assembly of Doctrines): The term signifies the confluence of various viewpoints and philosophies. This chapter critically examines the beliefs of four doctrines – Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnanavada, and Vinayavada – to establish the truth.
Yathatathya (As It Is): This chapter establishes that a sadhaka (practitioner) who engages in practice without pride or arrogance is truly wise and on the path to liberation.
Grantha (Bondage): Grantha refers to that which binds the soul. It is of two types: material (dravya) and mental/emotional (bhava). Bhava grantha is further divided into auspicious (prashasta) and inauspicious (aprashasta). Auspicious includes knowledge, perception, and conduct, while inauspicious includes violence to life, etc.
Yamakiy (The Yamaka): All verses in this chapter are composed in the 'Yamaka' poetic style (using rhythmic repetition). It describes the beneficial results of practicing restraint and the path to liberation.
Gatha (Verse): The commentator defines Gatha as that which can be sung melodiously, possesses abundant meaning, or is composed in a meter. It explains the four designations of an ascetic: Brahmana, Shramana, Bhikshu, and Nirgrantha.

Second Shrutaskandha:

This section contains seven Adhyayanas:

Pundrik: This chapter describes the world as a pond filled with the mud of karma and sensual pleasures. In the center lies a Pundrik (lotus), attainable only by detached, desireless, and non-violent practitioners who adhere to Mahavratas.
Kriya Sthan (Place of Action): Describes religious actions and motivates the practice of dharma.
Ahar Parigya (Understanding of Food): Discusses food in detail, encouraging ascetics to consume it with restraint.
Pratyakhyana Parigya (Understanding of Renunciation): Highlights the necessity of the practice of renunciation (pratyakhyana) to limit one's life.
Achar Shruta (Scripture of Conduct) / Angar Shruta: States that extensive scriptural knowledge is necessary for the proper observance of conduct. It also instructs ascetics on what kinds of speech to avoid.
Ardakiy (Related to Ardaka): Narrates the story of Prince Ardaka, who became a Jain monk in an uncivilized land. It then refutes the doctrines of Goshalaka, Hasti Tapas, and others.
Nalindiy (Related to Nalanda): Features a dialogue between Ganadhara Gautama and Paishalyaputra Vedal. Vedal renounces the four-fold vows (Chaturyama Dharma) and accepts the five-fold vows (Panchayama Dharma).

Significance:

The article concludes by stating that Sutrakritanga engages in significant philosophical discussions. It inspires the assimilation of spiritual principles into life and the adherence to pure ascetic conduct, rejecting other doctrines. It sheds light on the various traditions prevalent during the time of Lord Mahavir and their religious components. The text offers valuable insights for researchers and holds significant importance from linguistic, historical, philosophical, and religious perspectives, making it a uniquely valuable scripture.