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MAY 2016
PRABUDDH JEEVAN
39
SAMMANA-SUTTAM
Dr. Kokila Hemchand Shah
The book Saman-Suttam can be considered as the was second only to the Bhagvad Gita. Its outcome was central book of Jainism. In it, the essence of Jain Re- publication of a book etntitled 'Samansuttam' containligion & Philosophy is explained in proper order. The ing universally acceptable essence of Jainisim. tittle of the book is significant. It connotes sayings of As regrads the content of the book, Samansuttam Jaina ascetics or seers" - (Sramanas) The book con- contains 756 verses divided into four parts & fortyfour tains 756 verses in Prakrit. Prakrit gathas (verses) are sections dealing with various aspects of Jainism as called Sutras-aphorisms. A Sutra is an aphorism which follows: conveys the meaning in brief. 'Sramana' is also sug
CONTENT gestive of 'samata' one who is eqanimous. The con
Verses cepts of equanimity is central to Jainism. Hence the First Part : Source of Illumination (Jyotirmukh) tittle of the book 'Samansuttam' is justified. It repre- 1. Precepts on the Auspicious (
H TGET
1-16 sents essence of Jainism. The book was prepared on 2. Precepts on the Jina's Teachings (1997) 17-24 the inspiration of Vinobaji. Samansuttam is a brief com- 3. Precepts on the Religious Order (HERHET 25-31 pilation of essential verses from scriptures of all the 4. Precepts on the Scriptural Exposition (
F UE) 32-44 sects. As such it is as sacred as scriptures them- 5. Precepts on the Transmigratory Cycle ( 4) 45-55 selves. Jainas have many sects & many books. 6. Precepts on the Karmas (HET)
56-66 Acharya Vinoba wanted that Jainas should have one 7. Precepts on the Wrong Faith (1982 ) 67-70 book in which the essence of Jain philosophy is avail- 8. Precepts on the Renunciation of able in the best possible manner. Just as essence of Attachment (ETTERE
71-81 Hinduism is available in Bhagvadgita, there is 9. Precepts on the Religion ( EE)
82-121 Dhammapada to know Buddhism, there is Bible to 10. Precepts on Self-Restraint (44455 122-139 Christianity, Kuran to be acquainted with Islam, there 11. Precepts on Non Possessiveness (3T4R 464)140-146 is one book 'Samansuttam' to know Jainism agree- 12. Precepts on Non Violence (3116RHE) 147-159 able to all. The word Sramana also indicates labour 13. Precepts on Vigilance (314414FT)
160-169 (Srama), and subdued passions (vikarsaman). The title 14. Precepts on Education (FTATE)
170-176 Samansuttam indicates sutras preached by great 15. Precepts on Soul (31CHE)
177-191 Sramana Lord Mahavira along with other Sramana fol
Second Part: Path of Liberation lowing his tradition.
16. Precepts on the Path of Liberation (124TTE) 192-207 Originallythe book was prepared by Shri Jinendra- 17. Precepts on Three Jewels (TERRET 208-218 Varni, under the tittle Jain-Dharma Sar". Its revised 18. Precepts on Right Faith ( CRF) 219-244 version entitled Jinadhamma' was published in the year 19. Precepts on Right Knowledge (YRTIERE) 245-261 1974. Finally, an august assembly consisting of Jain 20. Precepts on Right Conduct (
RF) 262-287 Acharyas, monks and scholars representing all the four 21. Precepts on Spiritual Realization (HEHE) 288-295 sects of Jainas namely, Digambara, Svetambara, 22. Precepts on the Two Paths of Religion (
Cerita) 296-300 Terapanthi and Sthanakvasi was held at the request 23. Precepts on House-holder's Religion (PC ) 301-335 of late Acharya Vinobaji. Discussions and suggessions 24. Precepts on Religion of Monks (
4 ) 336-363 were made by the experts. It was in this assembly that 25. Precepts on Vows (
C ET)
364-383 Samansuttam took its present form. Then in 1975 the 26. Precepts on Carefulness and Self-Control first edition of the book was published on 25th Cente- (uffa THET)
384-416 nary of Nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
27. Precepts on Obligatory duties (3104CET) 417-438 It had been regarded as the greatest achievement. 28. Precepts on Penance (
CET)
439-483 The book had been prepared with the objective of pre- 29. Precepts on Meditation (21 )
484-504 senting to the world an authentic and authoritative ver- 30. Precepts on Reflection (354 ) 505-530 sion of Jainism - the religion of Jinas - the conquer- 31. Precepts on Soul-Colouring (GIF) 531-545 ors' who have got victotry over passions.
32. Precepts on Spiritual Progress (Fur444) 546-566 Now this has been a significant historical event. Al- 33. Precepts on Passionless Death (
H CHRET 567-587 most all Jain Scholars, Monks gave their cooperation
Third Part: Metaphysics (Tatva-Darsan) in same form or the other and supported the book. 34. Precepts on Fundamental (and ) 588-623 Vinobaji remarked that imapcts of Mahavira on his mind 35. Precepts on the Substance (SRE) 624-650
