Aagam 30 GACHCHH AACHAAR Moolam Evam Chhaayaa

This document, titled "Aagam 30 GACHCHH AACHAAR Moolam evam Chhaayaa" (Agam 30 Gachchhaachaar: Original and Translation), is a Jain religious text. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The text is identified as the Gachchhaachaar Prakeernak-7, which is the 30th Agam (scripture) in the Jain canon. It primarily deals with the conduct, principles, and proper behavior of Jain monks and nuns, particularly within the context of a "gachchha" (a monastic lineage or community). The book presents the original Prakrit text (Moolam) alongside a Sanskrit translation (Chhaayaa).

Key Themes and Sections:

• Introduction and Dedication: The text begins with salutations to the Jain faith ("Namo Namo Nimmaldansans") and veneration of spiritual gurus like Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Susheel-Sudharmasagar and Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji. It also acknowledges Muni Diperatnasagar as the compiler and editor.
• Historical Context and Compilation: The publication notes that this version is a re-compilation of an earlier edition published by Shri Agamoday Samiti in 1927 (Vikram Samvat 1983), originally titled "Chatuh Sharanaadi Maran Samadhyantam Prakeernaka Dashakam." The current edition aims to honor the original work and make it accessible.
• Purpose of the Re-compilation: Muni Diperatnasagar explains his motivation for re-publishing this text. He highlights the need to preserve and disseminate ancient Jain scriptures accurately. He also expresses his dissatisfaction with previous unauthorized reproductions of the original text that omitted the original editor's and publisher's names. His intention is to provide a more accessible and informative version for a global audience through jain_e_library.org.
• Structure and Features:
  • Dual Text: The core of the book features the original Prakrit verses alongside their Sanskrit translation.
  • Footnotes and Explanations: The compilation includes footnotes to clarify specific points, identify printing errors in the original, or explain numbering inconsistencies.
  • Indexing: A detailed index (Anukramanika) is provided, listing various topics and studies within the text with corresponding page numbers for easy access.
  • Formatting: The new edition is formatted to display the original edited version with the Agam's name and verse numbers prominently. Left side includes the Agam's sequence and the current text's verse sequence, along with a "Deep Anukram" for cross-referencing across publications. Special markers (like [-] for verses and || || or "Gatha" for verses) are used to distinguish between verse types.
• Content of the Gachchhaachaar (as seen in the excerpt):
  • Praise for Mahavir and the Gachchha: The text begins by praising Lord Mahavir and the virtues of living within a "gachchha."
  • Qualities of a Good Gachchha: It elaborates on the characteristics of a true Jain community, emphasizing righteous conduct, adherence to principles, diligence, renunciation of worldly attachments, and the importance of proper guidance.
  • The Role of the Suri (Spiritual Leader): The text extensively discusses the qualities and responsibilities of a Suri (an Acharya or senior monk). It defines what constitutes a good Suri and highlights the pitfalls of a Suri who deviates from the right path, warning against their negative influence.
  • Characteristics of Good Monks and Nuns (Aarya): A significant portion details the ideal conduct of monks and nuns, emphasizing their detachment, discipline, adherence to vows, respect for elders, diligence in spiritual practice, and avoidance of worldly distractions and improper relationships.
  • Warning Against Negative Influences: The text repeatedly warns against the negative impacts of associating with individuals or communities that deviate from the Jain path, especially those influenced by worldly desires, improper conduct, or the teachings of those who don't understand the true essence of the scriptures.
  • The Importance of Righteous Conduct: The core message throughout is the paramount importance of adhering to the right path (Sammarg) as taught by the Jinas. Deviation from this path leads to downfall and suffering.
  • Specific Prohibitions: The text lists numerous undesirable behaviors and situations within a monastic community, including:
    • Association with those who are not well-versed in scriptures or who have lax discipline.
    • Improper relationships between monks and nuns.
    • Focus on worldly affairs, gossip, or ornamentation instead of spiritual practice.
    • Lack of respect for elders or scriptures.
    • Materialistic attachments.
    • Deviations from the strict Jain code of conduct.
  • The Ideal Gachchha: The text concludes by describing the characteristics of an ideal gachchha, where monks and nuns are disciplined, adhere to the scriptures, are detached from worldly concerns, and guide others towards liberation.

Publisher and Net Publication:

The publication is by Deepratnasagar and is presented as a Net Publication of jain_e_library.org.

In essence, "Gachchhaachaar" is a crucial Jain text that serves as a guide for maintaining the purity and integrity of the Jain monastic tradition, outlining the ideal conduct for both spiritual leaders and practitioners to ensure spiritual progress and ultimately liberation.