Aagam 01 ACHAR Choorni - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aagam 01 ACHAR Choorni" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aagam 01 ACHAR Choorni Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006201/1

Overview:

The text is the Achar Choorni, a commentary and elaboration on the Achārāṅga Sūtra, which is the first of the twelve Anga Sutras in Jainism. The Achārāṅga Sūtra primarily deals with the conduct and discipline of Jain ascetics. The Choorni is a detailed explanation of the Niryukti, a commentary on the original sutras, attributed to Jinadasagani. This particular edition has been compiled and supplemented by Muni Deepratnasagar, with the initial editing and compilation attributed to Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb.

Key Aspects and Content:

The provided pages offer a detailed table of contents and the beginning sections of the commentary. The text is structured around the Achārāṅga Sūtra, which is divided into two Shrutaskandhas (sections of scripture), further divided into Adhyayanas (chapters) and Uddeshas (sections or lessons within chapters).

Structure and Content Breakdown:

Title and Salutation: The text begins with invocations and respects to Jain spiritual leaders. It identifies the work as the Achārāṅga Sūtra Choorni, compiled by Muni Deepratnasagar, based on the Niryukti by Acharya Jinadasagani. The initial editing and compilation are credited to Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji.
Table of Contents (Vishayanukram): This is a crucial part of the provided text, detailing the extensive coverage of the Achārāṅga Sūtra. It lists:
- Shrutaskandha 1: Covers various aspects of ascetic conduct, including:
  - Adhyayana 1 (Shastra Parigya): Deals with the understanding of weapons (shastra), existence of life (jivāstitva), the nature of different life forms (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, mobile beings), the concept of lokasāra (essence of the world), and principles of non-attachment (aparigraha).
  - Adhyayana 2 (Lokavijaya): Focuses on conquering the world (lokavijaya), ethical principles like non-violence (aviratamani), understanding the impermanent nature of things (avyakta), and renouncing negative tendencies (kashayavama).
  - Adhyayana 3 (Shitoshniyam): Discusses the endurance of dualities like heat and cold (sheetoshniyam), the concept of suffering (dukhānubhavam), and the cessation of actions (akriya).
  - Adhyayana 4 (Vyanchanam): Explores various aspects of speech (vachana vibhakti), anger control (krodhotpattivarjanam), and attachment to worldly pleasures (bhogaasakti).
  - Adhyayana 5 (Vastraishana): Details the rules and ethics concerning the acquisition and use of clothing (vastragrahanavidhi, vastradharanvidhi).
  - Adhyayana 6 (Pātraishana): Focuses on the rules and ethics related to vessels (pātra svarūpam, pātra grahanavidhi), travel regulations (vihār niṣedha), and interactions with others.
  - Adhyayana 7 (Avagraha Pratima): Discusses the concept of containment or vows (avagraha pratima).
  - Chula 1, 2, 3, 4: These seem to be further subdivisions or thematic sections within the Shrutaskandha. Topics include various states of being, renunciations, virtues, and specific practices.
- Shrutaskandha 2: Covers further aspects of Jain conduct and philosophy, including:
  - Adhyayana 1 (Pindeshana): Deals with the principles of begging for alms (pindeshana), the right way of accepting food, and related prohibitions.
  - Adhyayana 2 (Shayyāishana): Focuses on the rules and conduct concerning resting places (shayyaishana).
  - Adhyayana 3 (Parishaha): Details the understanding and endurance of hardships (parishaha).
  - Adhyayana 4 (Rogātanka): Discusses illness and its associated remedies or conduct.
  - Adhyayana 5 (Lokavijaya): Reinforces the concept of conquering the world and worldly attachments.
  - Adhyayana 6 (Trasa Kaya): Deals with the conduct related to mobile beings.
  - Adhyayana 7 (Vāyukāya): Focuses on the conduct related to beings of air.
  - Adhyayana 8 (Vimoksha): Discusses liberation or release.
  - Adhyayana 9 (Upadhāna Shruta): Relates to the practice of specific austerities or learning.
Editorial Philosophy: Muni Deepratnasagar explains the rationale behind this specific publication. He notes that while previous editions of the Choorni existed, this publication aims to present the text in a format that respects the original editorial work of Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji, while also making it accessible through modern digital means. He highlights the challenge in compiling the Choorni due to its less structured nature compared to a Vrutti (a more direct commentary), where sutras are not always clearly demarcated.
Content Snippets: The provided pages showcase excerpts from the Choorni, which are in Prakrit (or a related Prakrit-influenced language). These excerpts delve into detailed explanations of Jain philosophical concepts, ethical guidelines for monks and nuns, descriptions of various types of beings and their characteristics, the importance of non-violence (ahimsa), the nature of karma, the path to liberation (moksha), and the meticulous rules of conduct for ascetics. The commentary explains concepts like the four types of auspiciousness (Mangala), the four Anuyogadvaras (ways of exposition), the significance of Brahmacharya, the different classes of beings (nigama), the importance of knowledge (jnana), and the various types of death and renunciation (mārasaṃyama, samādhi).

Overall Purpose:

The Aagam 01 ACHAR Choorni serves as an authoritative commentary on the foundational Jain text, Achārāṅga Sūtra. It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the rigorous ethical and disciplinary practices required for Jain ascetics, covering a vast range of topics essential for spiritual progression and liberation according to Jain philosophy. The compilation by Muni Deepratnasagar makes this important text accessible to a wider audience through digital publication.