Aavashyak Saptati

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aavashyak Saptati" by Acharya Muni Chandrasuri, with a commentary by Shri Maheshwaracharya, and edited by Muni Labhsagar Gani. The text is published by Agamoddharak Granthmala and is part of their collection.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Title: "Aavashyak Saptati" (also known as "Paakshik Saptati"). "Aavashyak" refers to essential duties in Jainism, and "Saptati" suggests seventy verses or a collection of seventy.
• Author: Acharya Muni Chandrasuri.
• Commentator (Vrttikar): Shri Maheshwaracharya.
• Editor (Sanshodhak): Muni Labhsagar Gani, a disciple of Acharya Manikya Sagar Suri.

2. Publisher and Context:

• Publisher: Agamoddharak Granthmala (a series dedicated to revitalizing and publishing ancient Jain scriptures).
• Significance: It's the 49th gem in this important series, indicating its value in preserving Jain heritage.
• Purpose: The text addresses external and internal challenges to Jainism throughout history, particularly the spread of false doctrines or interpretations. It aims to clarify and reinforce the correct practices as established in the ancient Jain canons (Agamas).

3. Core Subject Matter: The "Aavashyak Saptati" primarily focuses on clarifying the correct performance and timing of the Aavashyak (essential daily duties) in Jainism, especially concerning periodic observances like Paakshik (fortnightly) observances.

4. Historical Context and Polemics:

• The "Purnima Gachh" Controversy: A significant portion of the introductory material (likely from the "Parichay" section) discusses the emergence of a sect called "Purnima Gachh," founded by Acharya Prabhachandra around the 11th century CE.
  • Prabhachandra, originally from the Vadgachh, reportedly established this new sect due to personal issues (e.g., jealousy) with Muni Chandrasuri.
  • The "Purnima Gachh" is characterized by its deviation from established Jain practices, specifically the assertion that Paakshik observances should be performed on the full moon (Purnima) instead of the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the lunar fortnight.
  • The "Aavashyak Saptati" directly counters and refutes these deviations, particularly the practice of performing Paakshik on Purnima, by providing scriptural evidence from Agamas like Mahanishiha, Brihatkalpa, and Nishiha.

5. Key Themes and Topics Covered (based on the Table of Contents): The text systematically elaborates on various aspects of Aavashyak and related practices:

• Nature of Aavashyak: Defining what constitutes the essential duties.
• Location of Aavashyak: Where and how these duties should be performed.
• Specific Practices:
  • Abhishayyap and Abhiniṣīdhikā (types of resting/meditation places).
  • The importance of adhering to one's own Guru and establishing their presence (Guru Sthapana).
  • Timing for daily Pratikraman (confession/repentance).
  • Proof that Paakshik Pratikraman should be on the Chaturdashi (14th day) and not Purnima.
  • Evidence for performing the "Chaturth" (possibly a specific ritual or observance related to Chaturdashi).
  • Ten places of mental concentration (Chitta Samadhi).
  • Worshipping all Chaityas (temples) and Sadhus on Chaturdashi.
  • The process of Paryushana (annual religious observance) and related rites.
  • Observances for the eighth day after Paryushana (Paryushana Ashtamottara Parana Din).
  • Characteristics of a female ascetic (Sadhvi) who travels continuously.
  • The tradition of Aalochana (confession) to a Sadhvi and then to a Sadhu.
  • The timing for Aalochana.
  • Merits of asceticism performed during festivals (Parva).
  • Specific days for confession.
  • Eighteen types of kingly figures (Gana Rajas).
  • The concept of "Avama Tithi" (inauspicious days).
  • The timing for imparting knowledge of lineages or traditions.
  • The characteristics of proper conduct.
  • Historical accounts, such as the dance drama of Devi Prabhavati before Jivat Swami.
  • Examples of understanding scripture broadly (Desh-Sarva Grahan) and in reverse order (Utkrama-Krama Yukta).
  • The sin of misinterpreting scriptures (Utsutra Pra-rupana) and its consequences.
  • Reasons for performing Chaturmasak (four-month observance) on Chaturdashi.
  • The nature of Bhava Aavashyak (internal/mental essential duties) and its forms.

6. Scholarly and Scriptural Basis: The work is deeply rooted in the Agamas and relies on extensive scriptural references and logic to establish the correct practices. It aims to uphold the traditional and orthodox interpretation of Jain principles.

7. Language: The original text is in Prakrit, and the commentary (Vrtti) is in Sanskrit.

8. Purpose of Publication: The publishers express joy in presenting this work as a crucial resource for understanding and preserving Jain traditions. They acknowledge the importance of such works in safeguarding the historical and religious heritage of Jainism, even if the sect they critique no longer exists. The publication serves as a testament to the history of doctrinal disputes and the scholarly efforts to maintain scriptural integrity.

In essence, "Aavashyak Saptati" is a significant scholarly and polemical work within Jainism that meticulously details the correct performance of essential duties, particularly the Paakshik Pratikraman, by systematically refuting deviations from the established Agamic teachings and historical practices.