Aachar Sara - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Aachar Sara" (or Ācāra Sara), authored by Acharya Viranandi. The text, published by Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti, is the 11th publication in their series.

Here's a breakdown of the content and its significance:

1. Title and Author:

Title: Ācāra Sara (आचारसारः) - meaning "Essence of Conduct" or "Summary of Conduct."
Author: Acharya Viranandi (आचार्य वीरनन्दि), also identified as Siddhantachakravarti (सिद्धांतचक्रवर्ती - Chakravarti of Siddhantas). He was a prominent scholar and acharya of the Mula Sangha, Pustaka Gaccha, and Desiya Gana.
Editors/Researches: Indralal Shastri (सम्पादितः पण्डित इन्द्रलाल साहित्यशाविणा), and Manohar Lal Shastri (संशोधितः पण्डित मनोहरलाल शास्त्री).

2. Historical Context and Author's Lineage:

The "Nivedan" (निवेदन - Introduction) section provides valuable historical context.
Acharya Viranandi's guru was Meghachandra Siddhantachakravarti (मेघचन्द्र सिद्धांतचक्रवर्ती), who was renowned for his expertise in logic, grammar, and Jain philosophy (Siddhanta).
Meghachandra was a disciple of the lineage starting from Golacharya, Abhaynandi, Somadeva, and Sakalchandra.
There was a close relationship between Meghachandra and Viranandi, with one inscription referring to Viranandi as Meghachandra's son.
Based on inscriptions from Shravanabelagola, Meghachandra passed away in 1037 Shaka Era (1172 CE), and his disciple Shubhachandra Deva passed away in 1068 Shaka Era (1203 CE). His other disciple Prabhachandra Deva performed a consecration in 1176 CE. This dating suggests Acharya Viranandi lived around the 12th century CE.
The text was edited and revised based on a single manuscript found in the Saraswati Bhandar of the Chandraprahbha Chaityalaya, which is estimated to be at least 250-300 years old. The manuscript itself is described as pure and accompanied by scholarly notes.

3. Structure and Content of Ācāra Sara: The book is divided into ten chapters (Adhikara), each detailing different aspects of Jain conduct and philosophy:

Chapter 1 (Prathamo'dhikarah): Discusses the principles of Jainism as a refuge, the impermanent and impure nature of the body, the mind's entanglement with sensory pleasures, the importance of seeking the path of liberation, the virtues of the Jinas, and the initiation into monasticism (diksha). It outlines the fundamental vows (Mahavratas), sensory restraints (Indriya Nigraha), and essential daily practices (Avashyak Kriya).
Chapter 2 (Dwitiyo'dhikarah): Focuses on "Samācāra" (समाचार - Conduct/Behavior) itself, defining it as appropriate behavior with virtuous individuals. It details various types of conduct such as voluntary actions (Icchākāra), confession of past mistakes (Mithyākāra), acceptance of teachings (Tathākāra), respecting elders and teachers, and the nuances of asking for and giving permissions and advice. It also covers the duties and qualities of various religious figures like Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and monks.
Chapter 3 (Tṛtīyo'dhikarah): Deals with "Darshanācāra" (दर्शनाचार - Conduct related to Right Faith/Perception). It elaborates on the fundamental Jain principles of soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), virtues (Dharma), and other elements of reality. It explains the path to right faith (Samyaktva), emphasizing the importance of recognizing the true nature of reality and avoiding delusion in deities, scriptures, and conduct. The chapter outlines the eight limbs of Samyaktva.
Chapter 4 (Chaturtho'dhikarah): Covers "Jñānācāra" (ज्ञानाचार - Conduct related to Right Knowledge). It details the different types of Jain knowledge: Mati (sense-perception), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience). It explains the processes of acquiring knowledge, the limitations and scope of each type, and the importance of correct understanding derived from scripture.
Chapter 5 (Pañcamo'dhikarah): Focuses on "Charitrācāra" (चरित्राचार - Conduct related to Right Conduct/Behavior). It elaborates on the five great vows (Pancha Mahavratas) of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). It delves into the detailed aspects of each vow, the conditions for their observance, and the associated ethical considerations.
Chapter 6 (Ṣaṣṭho'dhikarah): Deals with "Tapa Ācāra" (तप आचार - Conduct related to Austerities). It describes the six types of external austerities (Anashana, Avamaudarya, Vṛtti-saṅkṣepa, Rasatyāga, Vivikta-śayanāsana, Kāyakleśa) and the six types of internal austerities (Prāyaścitta, Vinaya, Vaiyāvṛttya, Svādhyāya, Dhyāna, Vyutsarga). It highlights the purpose of these austerities in purifying the soul and achieving liberation.
Chapter 7 (Saptamo'dhikarah): Discusses "Vīryācāra" (वीर्याचार - Conduct related to Effort/Energy). This chapter is dedicated to the practice of fortitude and the conquest of the eleven types of hardships or afflictions (Parīṣaha Jayam). It details how a monk overcomes internal and external challenges with strength, determination, and spiritual effort.
Chapter 8 (Aṣṭamo'dhikarah): Covers "Śuddhayaṣṭaka" (शुद्ध्यष्टक - The Eight Purifications). It outlines eight types of purifications essential for maintaining purity in conduct, including purity of thought, speech, action, and more. These purifications are crucial for upholding the ethical standards of Jain monasticism.
Chapter 9 (Navamo'dhikarah): Details "Āvaśyaka Kriyā" (आवश्यक क्रिया - Essential daily duties). This chapter describes the fundamental daily practices that monks must perform, such as Samayika (meditation), Stavana (praise of Jinas), Vandanā (obeisance), Pratikramaṇa (confession and repentance), Pratyākhyāna (renunciation), and Kāya Visarga (body abandonment/meditation). It explains the rituals and their significance.
Chapter 10 (Daśamo'dhikarah): Focuses on "Dhyāna" (ध्यान - Meditation). It elaborates on the different types of meditation, particularly Dharma Dhyana (meditation on virtue) and Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation), and their role in spiritual development and liberation. It describes the stages and methods of meditation for achieving equanimity and concentration.
Chapter 11 (Ekādaśo'dhikarah): Deals with "Jīva Karma Prakaraṇa" (जीव कर्म प्रकरण - Exposition of Soul and Karma). This chapter delves into the complex Jain doctrine of karma, explaining how souls (Jivas) are bound by karmic particles (Karma) and how different types of karma influence their existence, lifespan, body structure, sensory faculties, and rebirths. It details the classification of souls, realms of existence, and the types of karmas that veil the soul's true nature.
Chapter 12 (Dvādaśo'dhikarah): Explains "Śīla Guṇā" (शील गुणा - Virtues of good conduct). This chapter discusses the thirty-five virtues (Śīlas) and the eighty-four lakh virtues associated with the practice of Jain vows and ethical conduct. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating these virtues for spiritual progress and liberation.

4. Overall Significance: "Ācāra Sara" is a foundational text in Digambara Jainism that provides a detailed and systematic exposition of the Jain way of life. It serves as a practical guide for monks and ascetics, outlining the prescribed conduct, ethical principles, spiritual practices, and philosophical doctrines necessary for spiritual advancement and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha). The text is rich in philosophical insights and practical guidance, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of Jain teachings.