Sutrarth Muktavali

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sutrarth Muktavali" by Labdhisuri, based on the provided catalog link and the scanned pages:

Book Title: Sutrarth Muktavali (सूत्रार्थमुक्तावलिः) Author: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwar (आचार्य श्रीमद्विजयलब्धिसूरीश्वरः) Publisher: Shrilabdhishurijain Granthamala (श्रीलब्धिसूरीश्वरजैनग्रन्थमाला) Genre: Jain Literature, Commentary on Agamas (specifically summarizing key principles from five Agamas) Language: Sanskrit (with Hindi introduction/publisher information) Key Feature: "Sa Tika" (सटीका) - indicates it is a commentary or has annotations.

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Sutrarth Muktavali" is a collection of verses (Muktavali - a garland of pearls) that explain the essence of sutras (सूत्रार्थ). The author, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwar, aimed to present the core teachings of Jainism in an accessible manner, particularly for those with less advanced knowledge of the scriptures. The book serves as a compilation and commentary on the essence of five important Jain Agamas:

1. Anuyogadvara Sutra (अनुयोगद्वारसूत्र)
2. Acharya Sutra (आचारसूत्र - likely referring to Achārānga Sutra)
3. Sutrakritanga Sutra (सूत्रकृताङ्गसूत्र)
4. Sthananga Sutra (स्थानाङ्गसूत्र)
5. Samavayana Sutra (समवायाङ्गसूत्र)

The text is structured as a series of "Muktavalis" (garlands of pearls), with the provided scans showing the Anuyog Lakshana (first garland), Achar Lakshana (second garland), Sutrakrit Lakshana (third garland), Sthan Lakshana (fourth garland), and Samavaya Lakshana (fifth garland). Each garland likely focuses on summarizing key concepts from the respective Agamas.

Summary by Section (Garland):

1. Anuyog Lakshana (अनुयोगलक्षणा - First Garland):

• Focus: This section likely deals with the principles of Anuyog (classification, exposition, and analysis) as presented in the Anuyogadvara Sutra.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Pancha Jnana (पञ्चज्ञान - Five Types of Knowledge): Moti (Mati), Shruta (Shruta), Avadhi (Avadhi), Manahparyaya (Manahparyaya), and Kevala (Kevala). The text defines and explains each type of knowledge.
  • Purpose of Anuyog: It emphasizes that Anuyog is primarily applied to Shruta Jnana (scriptural knowledge) because it's the foundation for understanding other types of knowledge and leads to liberation. The text details the process of Uddesh, Samuddesh, and Anujna (introduction, detailed exposition, and approval/permission) in scriptural study.
  • The Twelve Doors (द्वादशद्वार): The text outlines the twelve categories or "doors" through which scriptural analysis (Anuyog) is conducted. These typically include: Nikshepa (classification), Sutra (verse), Alapa (utterance), Arth (meaning), Vaktavya (discourse), Adhikara (subject matter), Samavaya (combination), Adhyayana (study), Sangraha (compilation), Alpa-Bahutva (lesser-greater), Avyavachheda (unbroken continuity), and Naya (perspective/viewpoint).
  • Upakrama (उपक्रम - Introduction/Method): The text explains the different types of introductions or methods used in scriptural study, including Shastriya (scriptural) and Itara (conventional/worldly) types. It further categorizes Itara Upakrama into Nama (name), Sthapana (representation), Dravya (substance), Kshetra (space), Kala (time), and Bhava (state/quality).
  • Pramana (प्रमाण - Means of Valid Knowledge): The text discusses the various means of valid knowledge like Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (analogy), and Agama (scriptural testimony). It delves into the nuances of Dravya (substance), Kshetra (space), Kala (time), and Bhava (state) pramāṇas.
  • Nayavada (नयवाद - Theory of Standpoints): The text touches upon the Jain concept of Nayavada, where different standpoints (like Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, etc.) are used to understand reality, emphasizing that each has its validity within its own context.

2. Achar Lakshana (आचारलक्षणा - Second Garland):

• Focus: This section is dedicated to the principles of conduct and ethical discipline, likely drawing from the Achārānga Sutra.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Nava Brahmacharyani (नवब्रह्मचर्याणि - Nine Aspects of Brahmacharya/Celibacy): The text elaborates on the nine types of celibacy or perfect conduct.
  • Pancha Mahavrata (पञ्चमहाव्रत - Five Great Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). The text discusses their importance and practice.
  • Conduct of Monks (Muni - मुनि): The text details the conduct, discipline, and behavior expected of Jain monks, including their daily routines, interactions, dietary rules, and the avoidance of various transgressions (doshas).
  • Conduct related to various life forms (Jiva Kayas - जीवकाय): Discussions likely cover the principles of conduct regarding Earth-bodied beings (Prithivi Kaya), Water-bodied beings (Ap Kaya), Fire-bodied beings (Tejas Kaya), Air-bodied beings (Vayu Kaya), and Plant-bodied beings (Vanaaspati Kaya), emphasizing non-violence in each context.
  • Various types of impurity and their removal: The text discusses impurities (dosa) that can affect conduct and the means to purify them.
  • Conduct during different conditions: It likely covers rules for monks during travel, seasons (like monsoon), and interactions with laypeople.

3. Sutrakrit Lakshana (सूत्रकृतलक्षणा - Third Garland):

• Focus: This part likely summarizes the teachings of the Sutrakritanga Sutra, which deals with refuting wrong views and establishing correct ones.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Refutation of Non-Jain Philosophies: The text likely discusses and refutes various philosophical schools of thought prevalent at that time, such as those emphasizing fate (Niyati), mere action (Kriya), material elements (Bhuta), divine creation (Ishvara), the Sankhya philosophy (Prakriti), and the Buddhist concepts of impermanence (Kshanika) and emptiness (Shunya).
  • The Soul (Atma - आत्मा): The existence and nature of the soul are likely discussed, contrasting them with the refutations of various materialistic and nihilistic viewpoints.
  • Karma Theory: The text would explain the Jain theory of Karma, how it binds the soul, its different types, and the means to shed it.
  • The Path to Liberation: Based on the refutation of other doctrines, the text would highlight the Jain path to liberation (Moksha), emphasizing right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra).

4. Sthan Lakshana (स्थानलक्षणा - Fourth Garland):

• Focus: This section draws from the Sthananga Sutra, which classifies Jain teachings into various categories and numerical lists.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Classification of Existence (Jiva and Ajiva - जीव, अजीव): The text likely categorizes living beings (Jivas) and non-living substances (Ajivas) as per Jain cosmology.
  • Types of Knowledge (Jnana - ज्ञान): Further elaboration on the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala) and their nuances.
  • The Soul (Atma - आत्मा): Discussions on the nature of the soul, its attributes, and its journey through transmigration.
  • Karma Categories: Detailing the different types of karma (Prakriti, Sthiti, Anubhava, Pradesha) and their binding principles.
  • Cosmology: Descriptions of the Jain universe, including Loka (space), Aloka (non-space), Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgala, and Jiva.
  • Numerical Lists (Sankhya - संख्या): The text would enumerate various Jain concepts in numerical lists, such as the number of hells, heavens, types of sense beings, vows, etc., as found in the Sthananga Sutra. The scans reveal discussions on Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) categories, types of heavens and hells, and the structure of the universe.

5. Samavaya Lakshana (समवायाङ्गलक्षणा - Fifth Garland):

• Focus: This section summarizes the Samavayana Sutra, which categorizes and interrelates various Jain principles and entities.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Interrelation of Entities (Samavaya - समवाय): The text focuses on how different Jain principles, entities, and concepts are interconnected.
  • Cosmic Geography and Time: Details about the Jambudvipa (the central continent of the Jain universe), the Meru mountain, different types of hells (Naraka), heavens (Deva Loka), and their respective inhabitants.
  • Time Cycles (Manvantara, Kalpa): Explanations of various time periods like Kalpa, Manvantara, and the cycles of time (Yuga) within the Jain cosmology.
  • Tirthankaras and their attributes: Descriptions of the Tirthankaras, their lives, achievements, and the number of their disciples (Gana, Gana-dhara). The text mentions specific Tirthankaras like Rishabha, Ajit, Shantinath, Kunthu, Munisuvrata, Nemi, Parshva, and Mahavir, along with details about their ascetics and the counts of their followers.
  • Celestial Beings (Devas - देव): Classification of celestial beings, their realms (Vimana), and their lifespans (Ayus).
  • Various Practices and Vows: Discussions on different types of practices, vows (Vrata), and disciplines, including the conduct of monks (Muni) and lay followers (Shravaka).
  • Nirvana (मोक्ष - Liberation): The text likely concludes by reinforcing the path to liberation as the ultimate goal, achievable through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.

Author and Publisher:

The book is attributed to Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwar, a prominent Jain monk and scholar. The Shrilabdhishurijain Granthamala (श्रीलब्धिसूरीश्वरजैनग्रन्थमाला) is the publishing house, indicating a lineage or affiliation with the tradition of Acharya Labdhisurishwar.

Overall Significance:

"Sutrarth Muktavali" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the foundational texts of Jainism. By extracting and commenting on the essence of these five Agamas, Acharya Labdhisurishwar provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of Jain philosophy, ethics, cosmology, and the path to liberation. The "Sa Tika" aspect suggests it aids in a deeper comprehension of the original sutras through explanatory notes.