Thanangsuttam And Samvayangsuttam Part 3 Tika - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Thanangsuttam and Samvayangsuttam Part 3 Tika" by Abhaydevsuri and Jambuvijay, published by Mahavir Jain Vidyalay.

Overall Context and Significance:

The work is part of the "Jaina-Agama-Series," specifically the third installment. It presents critical editions of two significant Jain canonical texts, the Sthanangasutram and the Samavayangasuttam. The publication is a testament to the dedicated efforts in preserving and making accessible the profound knowledge contained within the Jain Agamas. The publishers, Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya, Mumbai, highlight the importance of this undertaking, emphasizing the meticulous research and scholarly contribution by Muni Jambuvijaya and Muni Dharmachandra Vijay. The foreword expresses gratitude to various individuals, sanghas, and institutions that supported this costly and labor-intensive project. The publication aims to provide scholars and devotees with a well-researched and reliable version of these foundational texts.

Key Texts Covered:

Sthanangasutram (ठाणंगसुत्तं / स्थानाङ्गसूत्रम्):
- Meaning: The name signifies a text that deals with "places" or "locations" of various Jain doctrines and concepts.
- Structure: It is described as having ten main chapters or adhyayans, starting from Eksthana (one place) to Dasasthana (ten places). These chapters systematically enumerate and categorize Jain teachings and phenomena based on their numerical value (one to ten).
- Content: The text elaborates on various subjects within these ten places, including the nature of souls, substances, time, space, the universe, classifications of beings, karma, and spiritual paths. It employs a distinctive style of presenting information in a structured, classified manner, often using enumerations and classifications.
- Authorship: According to the Svetambara tradition, the Sthanangasutram was authored by Sudharma Swami, the fifth Ganadhara of Lord Mahavira. The Digambara tradition attributes its authorship to Indrabhuti Gautama Swami, the first Ganadhara.
Samavayangasuttam (समवायंगसुत्तं / समवायाङ्गसूत्रम्):
- Meaning: The name signifies a text that deals with "confluence," "collection," or "classification" of Jain concepts.
- Structure: It is presented as a single Shrutaskandha (section of scripture) with one adhyayana and one Uddesaka (section of explanation).
- Content: This text provides a concise overview of the Twelve Angas of Jain Agamas. It then delves into various categories and classifications, including:
  - Self-time (swasamaya) and other-time (parasamaya).
  - Classifications of substances like soul (jiva), non-soul (ajiva).
  - Discussions on elements like earth, water, fire, air, and vegetation bodies (sthana-kayika).
  - Descriptions of mountains, rivers, oceans, celestial bodies, beings in different realms, virtues, vices, and the lineage of kings, spiritual leaders, and other important figures.
  - It also enumerates and describes numerous classifications, often in sets of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and ten, covering a vast range of Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts.
- Authorship: Similar to the Sthanangasutram, the Samavayangasuttam is attributed to Sudharma Swami by the Svetambaras and to Indrabhuti Gautama Swami by the Digambaras.

Editorial Approach and Contributions:

Critical Edition: The publication is a critical edition, meaning it relies on the collation of various ancient manuscripts. Muni Jambuvijaya's extensive research is evident in the effort to determine the most authentic readings.
Manuscript Base: The editor utilized several ancient palm-leaf manuscripts (from Patan and Jesalmer) and paper manuscripts (from the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad) for the Sthanangasutram. For the Samavayangasuttam, palm-leaf manuscripts from Jesalmer and Khambhat, along with paper manuscripts, were consulted.
Commentary: The work is accompanied by the commentary of Acarya Abhayadevsurisuri, which is itself a significant scholarly achievement, providing detailed explanations and insights. The editor has carefully used these commentaries, prioritizing readings that align with the commentaries while also noting significant variations from manuscripts.
Appendices: The book includes eight valuable appendices, which significantly enhance its scholarly utility. These include:
- A glossary of specialized terms.
- An alphabetical index of verse meanings.
- A comparative analysis of the Sthanangasutram and Samavayangasuttam, highlighting their shared and unique concepts.
- A comparative study with Buddhist Pali Tripitaka texts, showing possible influences or parallels.
- A detailed glossary of terms specific to the Samavayangasuttam.
- An alphabetical index of verses from the Samavayangasuttam.
- A comprehensive comparison of the Sthanangasutram and Samavayangasuttam with other ancient Jain and non-Jain scriptures.
- A collection of specific notes and observations by the editor.
Corrections and Additions: The editor has diligently worked to rectify textual inaccuracies and incorporate valuable readings found in manuscripts, which may have been missing or corrupted in previous editions. They acknowledge the meticulous proofreading process but also highlight the potential for minor errors, urging readers to consult the correction slip and appendices.
Scholarly Rigor: The foreword and introduction demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of textual criticism, historical context, and the philosophical nuances of these texts. The editor discusses potential interpolations and divergent traditions, showcasing a rigorous approach to scholarship.

Key Themes and Content of the Sutras (as highlighted in the Foreword):

Numerical Classification: Both Sthanangasutram and Samavayangasuttam are characterized by their systematic use of numerical classifications. They enumerate concepts, beings, phenomena, and principles, often categorizing them into sets of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and ten. This method provides a structured and comprehensive understanding of Jain teachings.
Comprehensive Knowledge: These texts are described as vast treasuries of knowledge (arthakosh), covering various branches of Jain study: Dravyanuyoga (metaphysics), Ganitanuyoga (mathematics/cosmology), Caranakarananuyoga (conduct), and Dharmakathānuyoga (narratives).
Ethical and Spiritual Guidance: The texts offer profound ethical and spiritual guidance. For instance, the Sthanangasutram's discussion on gratitude (shraddhā) and the detailed classifications of human conduct (e.g., the four types of people likened to trees in Chapter 4) are mentioned as examples of their practical relevance.
Cosmology and Philosophy: They provide extensive details about the Jain cosmology, the structure of the universe, the nature of various beings, and the processes of transmigration and liberation.
Comparison with other traditions: The foreword notes the similarity in the numerical classification method found in other religious traditions, specifically mentioning the Buddhist Pali Canon (Anguttara Nikaya and Puggalapannatti).

Overall Contribution:

This publication represents a significant advancement in Jainological studies. By presenting critical editions of the Sthanangasutram and Samavayangasuttam with extensive commentary and appendices, the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, under the guidance of Muni Jambuvijaya, has made a monumental contribution to the preservation and understanding of the foundational texts of Jainism. The work is not merely a reproduction but a scholarly synthesis that aims to make the rich wisdom of the Agamas accessible to a wider audience, facilitating deeper study and appreciation of Jain heritage.