Sutrakritanga Sutra Part 02

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sutrakritanga Sutra Part 02," based on the scanned pages:

The provided text is an excerpt from the Sutrakritanga Sutra, Part 02, published by Mohanlal Jain Shwetambar Gyanbhandar. The text is a Gujarati translation and includes extensive reference lists of other Jain and related Sanskrit/Prakrit texts digitized and made available on DVD by the Shree Ashaapooran Parshvanath Jain Gyan Bhandar. The overall project is titled "Aho Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnoddhar."

Key Aspects and Summary of Content:

• Identification of the Text: The title page clearly indicates "Sutrakritanga Sutra, Part 02" as the subject, with the author listed as Manekmuni. The publisher is Mohanlal Jain Shwetambar Gyanbhandar.

• Project Context: The preface and catalog lists highlight a significant effort called "Aho Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnoddhar" (Revival/Restoration of Knowledge of Scripture). This project involves scanning and digitizing rare and inaccessible ancient books, making them available on DVDs and online at www.ahoshrut.org. The publication of this Sutrakritanga Sutra part is part of this larger initiative.

• Inspirational Source: The work is dedicated to the inspiration of various respected Jain Acharyas and nuns, particularly Pujya Sa. Shri Pushpalatashriji M.Sa. and her disciples, including Pravartini Gurumata Pujya Sa. Shri Punyarekhashriji M.Sa. and Pujya Sa. Shri Harshitarekhashriji M.Sa. The financial support is noted as coming from the knowledge fund of sisters during their Chaturmas in Mallinath Apartment, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad.

• Content of Sutrakritanga Sutra, Part 02:

  • The preface (Page #12) explains that this second part of the Sutrakritanga Sutra covers chapters three to seven.
  • Chapter 3 (Upasarga Adhyayan): Deals with "upasargas" (afflictions, calamities, or obstacles) – both adverse and favorable ones. It includes descriptions of the nature of these afflictions and the proper conduct of monks when facing them. The chapter elaborates on various challenges, including the emotional attachments to parents, the body, the concerns of weak monks, the arguments of other religious sects (paravadi), and the impurity of women. The detailed explanation of these challenges and the need for equanimity in facing them is a central theme.
  • Chapter 4 (Stri Parignana): Focuses on the "maya" (deception, illusion) of women and the correct conduct in dealing with them. It describes the various ways women can ensnare individuals, the consequences of associating with them, and the importance of not yielding to their influence. This chapter emphasizes the detrimental effects of women on spiritual practice and the path to liberation, highlighting the dangers of worldly attachments.
  • Chapter 5 (Naraki Varnana): Describes the plight of beings in hell (naraka). It details the intense suffering, the varied forms of torture inflicted by hellish beings (paramadhāmi), the nature of hellish environments, and the consequences of past negative karma. The text provides vivid and graphic descriptions of the punishments faced by those who commit sinful actions.
  • Chapter 6 (Mahavir Stuti): This chapter is dedicated to praising the virtues and qualities of Lord Mahavir. It highlights his profound knowledge, his equanimity, his renunciation, and his role as a spiritual guide. The chapter draws parallels between the attributes of Lord Mahavir and natural phenomena or great figures to emphasize his greatness.
  • Chapter 7 (Kushila Paribhasha): This chapter defines and describes "kushila" (those with impure conduct or false views) and contrasts them with "sushila" (those with pure conduct). It criticizes various non-Jain philosophical viewpoints and practices, exposing their flaws and the resulting negative consequences. It delves into the reasons why certain individuals or sects are considered "kushila" and outlines the negative outcomes of their actions and beliefs.

• Structure and Content within Chapters:

  • The text extensively uses the concept of "nikshepa" (placement, categorization) to analyze terms like "upasarga," "stri," "naraka," and "vir." This involves examining words and concepts from various perspectives: name, designation, substance, place, time, and mode (bhava).
  • Detailed Examples and Narratives: The text employs numerous examples, stories, and allegories to illustrate its points. The story of Shishupala and Krishna, the comparison of elephants to lions, and various descriptions of hellish punishments are used to make the teachings relatable and impactful.
  • Emphasis on Conduct: A significant portion of the text focuses on the conduct of ascetics (monks) and the principles they must follow to achieve liberation. It emphasizes detachment, equanimity, endurance of hardships, and the avoidance of attachment to worldly pleasures and relationships, particularly those involving women.
  • Critique of Other Sects: The text critically analyzes and refutes the doctrines and practices of various other religious sects, deeming them "kushila" (impure or misguided) and highlighting the perceived flaws in their paths.
  • The Importance of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct: Implicitly and explicitly, the text underscores the Jain emphasis on right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak gyan), and right conduct (samyak charitra) as the path to liberation, contrasting this with the perceived errors of other paths.
  • Detailed Catalogues: The extensive lists of digitized books on pages 2 through 10 showcase the breadth of the "Aho Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnoddhar" project, covering a wide range of subjects from Jain scriptures and commentaries to treatises on architecture, astrology, grammar, philosophy, history, and art.

In essence, this volume of the Sutrakritanga Sutra, as presented, aims to guide individuals, particularly aspiring ascetics, through the understanding of spiritual obstacles (upasargas), the temptations of the world (especially women), the terrifying consequences of negative karma (hell), the praises of the enlightened Tirthankaras (Mahavir), and the critique of erroneous spiritual paths, all while emphasizing the importance of pure conduct and righteous knowledge as laid down in the Jain tradition.