Aayaro Taha Aayar Chula - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aayaro Taha Aayar Chula" (The Acārāṅga Sūtra and Acārāṅga Cūli) based on the provided pages:

I. Introduction and Context of the Publication

Title: Aayaro Taha Aayar Chula (आयारो तह आयार-चूला), translated as "The Acārāṅga and the Acārāṅga-Cūli."
Authors/Contributors: Acharya Tulsi (Vacana Pramukha - speaker/expounder) and Muni Nathmal (Editor - Nikaya Saciva - secretary of the order).
Publisher: Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, Agam-Sahitya Prakashan Samiti, Calcutta.
Date: First Edition, December 1967.
Significance: The publication aims to present the original text of the Acārāṅga Sūtra and its supplementary part, the Acārāṅga-Cūli, along with critical apparatus like variant readings, word indexes, and appendices. This edition is presented as a significant effort in making this foundational Jain scripture accessible.

II. Editorial Approach and Challenges

Textual Reconstruction: The editors faced challenges in reconstructing the text due to variations and abbreviations found in different manuscripts. They relied on the Acārāṅga Chūrṇi (commentary) to clarify certain passages.
"Jāva" and "Vaṇṇa'ō" Abbreviations: The text highlights the tradition of shortening scriptures using words like "Jāva" (meaning "etc." or "up to") and "Vaṇṇa'ō" (meaning "up to a certain category"). While these abbreviations were useful for memorization and brevity, they led to a loss of textual beauty and created difficulties for readers who did not have memorized the full context. The edition attempts to restore the full text where possible, with indications for the restored portions.
Dating of Textual Compression: The practice of abbreviating texts is attributed to Devarshi Gani Kshama Shraman, who aimed to avoid repetition by referring to earlier texts or using abbreviations. However, the practice evolved, leading to inconsistencies across manuscripts.
Objective of Textual Restoration: Acharya Tulsi initiated the effort to restore the abbreviated texts to enhance the aesthetic and comprehensibility of the scriptures for the monastic community and other readers.

III. Philosophical and Doctrinal Significance of Ācārāṅga

Foundation of Jainism: The Acārāṅga is described as the most ancient and fundamental scripture of Jainism, serving as a "touchstone" (kaṣopala) for later texts. Its teachings on conduct are considered foundational and represent the earliest form of Mahavira's teachings.
Core Principles: The scripture expounds on fundamental principles like:
- Self-Control (Jiva Saṃyama): Detailed discussions on the existence of souls and classifications of living beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, vegetation-bodied, mobile beings, air-bodied) are present.
- Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Samyak Darśana, Samyak Jñāna, Samyak Cāritra): The path to liberation is consistently emphasized through these three pillars.
- Karma and Liberation: The text explores the cycle of birth and death, suffering, and the means to achieve liberation (nirvāṇa), which is described as "ananya-parama" (ultimate and unparalleled).
Balance of Faith and Independent Inquiry: The Acārāṅga is portrayed as a repository of faith but also encourages independent critical thinking. It presents three methods for attaining truth: mutual agreement, external validation, and scriptural tradition. The emphasis on "Mayiṁ pāśa" (See it yourself) signifies the importance of personal perception and understanding.
Historical Context and Evolution of Thought: The Acārāṅga is discussed in relation to Vedic, Upanishadic, and Buddhist philosophies. Mahavira's teachings challenged the necessity of forest dwelling for spiritual practice, advocating for the possibility of spiritual attainment in both village and forest settings. He also opposed caste-based restrictions on religious discourse, emphasizing the equal right of all individuals, regardless of social standing, to spiritual knowledge.
Ācārāṅga-Cūli's Role: The Acārāṅga-Cūli is seen as an extension and development of the principles found in the original Acārāṅga. It contains details and elaborations not present in the main text, reflecting the evolving understanding and application of Jain ethics in response to changing circumstances. The establishment of principles like utsarga (general rule) and apavāda (exception) is seen as a significant development.

IV. Key Sections and Concepts Discussed (as evidenced by chapter titles and content samples)

The text is structured into chapters (Adhyayanas) and sections (Uddeshas), covering various aspects of monastic conduct and ethics. Examples include:

First Adhyayana (Paḍhama Ajjhayaṇa):
- Sansa-Pariṇṇā (Understanding of the World/Matter): Discusses the nature of souls, elements, and the world.
- Lōka-Vijaya (Conquest of the World): Focuses on detachment from worldly pleasures and the senses.
- Sī'ōsaṇi'yaṁ (Comfort and Discomfort): Deals with enduring hardships and maintaining equanimity.
- Samyaktva (Right Faith): Explains the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
Second Adhyayana (Bī'aṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Focuses on conduct, self-discipline, and managing desires.
Fourth Adhyayana (Cūth'aṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Discusses various aspects of speech and conduct, including the importance of non-harmful language.
Fifth Adhyayana (Pañcamaṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Covers offerings (piṇḍēṣaṇā) and the conduct related to receiving alms. It details the conditions under which food should be accepted or rejected based on purity and the presence of living beings.
Sixth Adhyayana (Chaṭṭhaṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Discusses various rules related to bedding and seating arrangements (sajjā).
Seventh Adhyayana (Sattamaṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Continues the discussion on bedding and seating, with specific rules related to its purity and use.
Eighth Adhyayana (Aṭṭhamaṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Focuses on various restrictions and guidelines for monks and nuns, particularly regarding their interactions and conduct within households.
Ninth Adhyayana (Navamaṁ Ajjhayaṇa): Deals with nisihiā (prohibitions) and the proper conduct related to them.
Eleventh Adhyayana (Egārasamo Ajjhayaṇa): Discusses piṇḍēṣaṇā (rules for receiving alms) and pāṇēṣaṇā (rules for receiving liquids).
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Adhyayanas: Mentioned as having distinguishing words.
Ascetic Practices and Virtues: The text details practices like endurance, self-control, detachment, and the qualities of a spiritual aspirant.

V. Historical and Scriptural Framework

The "Pūrvas": The text discusses the concept of the "Pūrvas," considered the ancient corpus of Jain scripture. It explains their relationship to the current twelve Angas, suggesting that the Angas were derived from or compiled from the Pūrvas.
Classification of Scriptures: The division of scriptures into Anga-praviṣṭa (part of the Angas) and Anga-bāhya (external to the Angas) is discussed, with Nandi Sūtra being the first to establish this classification.
Importance of the Twelve Angas: The text emphasizes the importance of the twelve Angas as the transmitted scripture of Mahavira's teachings.

VI. Specific Rules and Guidelines Mentioned (Examples)

Acceptance of Alms: Detailed rules govern the acceptance of food and drink, specifying conditions related to purity, the presence of living beings (even microscopic ones), and the intent of the giver.
Conduct with Laypeople: The text outlines how monks and nuns should interact with householders, including observing proper etiquette and refraining from actions that could cause spiritual or physical harm.
Prohibitions (Nisihiā): Rules regarding what is forbidden for monks and nuns, such as engaging in certain activities or accepting items under specific conditions.
Types of Offerings: Various types of offerings (food, clothing, utensils) are discussed in relation to their purity and acceptance.
Living Quarters (Uvasaya): Guidelines for selecting and occupying residential spaces, ensuring cleanliness and avoidance of harm to living beings.
Speech and Conduct: Emphasis is placed on right speech (avoiding harsh, deceitful, or harmful words) and regulated conduct.
Endurance of Hardships: The text stresses the importance of enduring physical and mental suffering with equanimity.

In essence, "Aayaro Taha Aayar Chula" is presented as a critical edition of a foundational Jain text, offering a detailed exposition of ascetic rules, ethical conduct, and philosophical principles, aimed at preserving and disseminating the original teachings of Lord Mahavira.