Acharanga Sutra Part 05 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Acharanga Sutra Part 05" by Muni Manek, translated and published by Shri Mad Mohanlal Jain Shwetambar Gyan Bhandar, Surat. The summary is based on the Gujarati text provided, covering the contents from page 1 to page 352.

Book Title: Acharanga Sutra Part 05 Author: Muni Manek Publisher: Shri Mad Mohanlal Jain Shwetambar Gyan Bhandar, Surat Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023096/1

Overall Scope: This volume, Part 05, of the Acharanga Sutra, is a detailed commentary (Satik Bhashantar) based on the original Sutra and its commentaries (Tika and Niryukti). It concludes the second Skandha (part) of the Acharanga Sutra, focusing on the conduct and discipline of ascetics (monks and nuns). The text is rich in ethical guidelines, philosophical explanations, and historical context, aiming to provide a clear understanding of Jain monasticism.

Key Sections and Themes:

Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 4-5, 10-15):
- The preface highlights that this part concludes the second Skandha, emphasizing the importance of understanding and following the ascetic code for peace, fearlessness, fame in this life, and liberation or divine status in the next.
- It addresses potential repetition with Dashavaikalik Sutra but justifies it by stating Dashavaikalik is in verse form for memorization, while this text is for contemplation and understanding.
- It specifically mentions clarifying misconceptions by Hermann Jacobi regarding dietary restrictions, providing detailed explanations.
- The publication was made possible through the generous support of various individuals and institutions, primarily from Palanpur, whose contributions are listed.
- The author acknowledges the assistance of Muni Shri Tilakchandji, Acharya Maharaj Shri Buddhisagarji, LaxmiMuniji, and Jitendramuniji.
- It also pays tribute to the significant role of the Pari family of Palanpur, particularly Shri Amulakhbhai Khubchand, for their contributions to Jainism and the community, highlighting their exemplary lives and philanthropic activities.
Subject Index (Pages 6-10):
- This extensive index outlines the detailed coverage of the text, divided into two Skandhas, further broken down into numerous studies (Adhyayana) and sections (Uddesha). The topics are highly specific to ascetic conduct, covering:
  - First Skandha:
    - The nature of 'Agra' (foremost), its origin, and purpose.
    - The rationale and procedures for ascetics to take food (Ahara), including what to avoid and its consequences.
    - Rules regarding participating in communal meals ('Sankhadi') and the associated defects.
    - The attire and begging procedures of Jinakalpi and Sthavira Kalpi ascetics.
    - Guidelines for entering places where forbidden items are found, with a specific example.
    - Precautions regarding forbidden items when visiting relatives.
    - Rules for accepting food (Pind) and walking.
    - Behavior towards other beggars and the avoidance of causing distress.
    - Not causing distress to other beings or householders.
    - Rules for accepting water and its various divisions and defects.
    - Detailed discussion of edible and non-edible substances.
    - Rules regarding relatives during begging and a description of 16 defects.
    - Defects related to mixed food and begging.
    - Distribution of alms among ascetics and clarification of improper items.
    - Procedures for handling errors, like mistaking salt for sugar.
    - Rules for providing alms to the sick.
    - Seven types of alms-seeking and water practices.
    - Rules for taking residence.
    - Procedures for entering and staying in residences, including avoiding certain types of dwellings.
    - Rules for movement (Irya) and monsoon conduct.
    - Guidelines for travel and crossing rivers.
    - Rules for verbal conduct (Bhasha) and its 16 types.
  - Second Skandha:
    - Rules regarding wearing and washing clothes for monks and nuns.
    - Procedures for lending or borrowing clothes and handling damaged items.
    - Rules for accepting and using utensils.
    - Handling raw food and water given to monks.
    - Description of 'Avagrahas' (restrictions).
    - Guidelines for residing in dwellings and their seven stages.
    - How ascetics should spend their nights.
    - Rules for places of recitation and listening.
    - Avoiding attachment to words and forms.
    - The nature of 'Param Kriya' (actions of others) and other actions.
    - Detailed exposition of contemplating virtues (Darshan, Gyan, Charitra).
    - The life of Lord Mahavir, contemplation of the Great Vows (Mahavrata), and the final chapter on liberation (Vimukti).
Detailed Content of Key Adhyayanas and Uddeshas (Pages 21-352):
- The text then delves into specific verses and their interpretations, systematically progressing through the Adhyayanas and Uddeshas.
- Agra Nireksha (Pages 21-26): Explains the concept of 'Agra' (foremost, peak, beginning) in various contexts (material, spatial, temporal, qualitative, numerical, collection). It defines 'Upakara Agra' as the principle underlying these discussions, where these supplementary discussions elucidate the core principles of the Acharanga Sutra.
- Pind Aeshana (Alms-Seeking) (Pages 29-45, 48-53, 57-71, 76-104, 110-131, 137-139, 142-143, 151-158, 176-179, 182-196): This is a major focus, detailing extensively the rules and prohibitions related to the conduct of ascetics during begging for food and water. It covers:
  - Purity of Alms: Avoiding food contaminated by living beings (Ekendriya to Panchendriya), raw water, improperly prepared food, food associated with forbidden activities, food given with improper intention, or food that has come into contact with forbidden substances or persons.
  - Householder Conduct: Rules for interacting with householders, observing their activities, and avoiding situations that could lead to sin or compromise purity.
  - Forbidden Items: Detailed lists of forbidden food items, including specific prohibitions related to meat, fish, honey, alcoholic substances, roots, certain fruits, and items contaminated by improper processes.
  - Purity of Place: Guidelines for choosing places for alms-seeking and for resting, avoiding areas with excessive life, noise, or improper activities.
  - Handling of Alms: Rules for accepting, distributing, and consuming alms, emphasizing detachment and purity.
  - Specific Prohibitions: Detailed rules about what to do if mistakes occur, such as accepting something impure, and procedures for purification.
- Sthana (Place) and Irya (Movement) (Pages 118-179, 196-218): This section focuses on the appropriate places for ascetics to reside, travel, and perform essential activities like excretion. It emphasizes the need for careful observation and avoidance of places where sin might be incurred or where their presence might cause distress or harm to others.
  - Residence: Strict guidelines on selecting pure and appropriate dwelling places, avoiding those occupied by unsympathetic individuals, places of violence, or places with excessive sensory stimulation.
  - Movement: Rules for walking, avoiding harm to visible and invisible beings, and navigating paths carefully.
  - Travel: Guidelines for journeying, crossing rivers (with specific instructions for handling boats), and avoiding dangerous routes.
- Bhasha (Speech) (Pages 197-217): This section deals with the ethical use of speech for ascetics.
  - Purity of Speech: Avoiding harsh, untrue, hurtful, or boastful speech. It categorizes speech into four types: truth, falsehood, mixed truth-falsehood, and neither truth nor falsehood.
  - Proper Speech: Emphasizes speaking truthfully, kindly, and with deliberation.
  - Specific Guidelines: Examples of appropriate and inappropriate speech are given, including addressing others respectfully and avoiding gossip or divisive language.
- Vastra Aeshana (Clothing Seeking) (Pages 218-237): This section details the rules for monks and nuns regarding the acquisition, use, and maintenance of their clothing. It stresses the importance of austerity and non-attachment, with strict limitations on the quantity and quality of garments.
- Patra Aeshana (Utensil Seeking) (Pages 238-246): Similar to clothing, this section outlines the strict rules for obtaining and using utensils, emphasizing simplicity and purity.
- Avagraha (Restrictions) and Shayan (Resting) (Pages 247-348): This broad section covers various forms of restrictions and rules related to daily life, including:
  - Avagraha: Specific rules about what monks can or cannot look at, accept, or interact with.
  - Shayan: Detailed guidelines for selecting and using resting places, including specific prohibitions and precautions.
  - Hygiene and Purity: Extensive rules on personal hygiene, cleanliness of surroundings, and avoiding contamination.
  - Interaction with Others: Rules for interacting with householders, other ascetics, and the general public.
  - Specific Examples: The text provides numerous illustrative examples and stories to clarify these rules.
- Bhāvanā (Contemplation) (Pages 296-348): This section discusses the importance of cultivating virtues and proper mental states.
  - Types of Bhāvanā: Outlines contemplations related to Darshan (right faith), Gyan (right knowledge), Charitra (right conduct), Tapa (austerity), and Vairagya (detachment).
  - Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows): Elaborates on the practice of the five vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession) and their associated contemplative practices.
  - Life of Mahavir Swami: The text includes biographical details of Lord Mahavir's life, his birth, initiation, enlightenment, and establishment of the monastic order, emphasizing his adherence to the highest ascetic principles.
- Vimukti (Liberation) (Pages 348-352): This final section briefly touches upon the ultimate goal of asceticism – liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through righteous conduct and contemplation.

Key Jain Principles Emphasized:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence towards all living beings (Jiva), from the smallest to the largest, is evident throughout the text, especially in the detailed rules about food, movement, and interaction with the environment.
Aparigraha (Non-possession): Strict adherence to possessing minimal belongings and detachment from worldly possessions is repeatedly stressed.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy): The text contains detailed guidelines for monks and nuns regarding conduct related to the opposite sex and avoiding any situations that could compromise their vows.
Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): While not explicitly stated in every section, the detailed and nuanced rules imply the principle of avoiding rigid interpretations and considering various contexts.
Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): The entire work is dedicated to outlining the path of right conduct for ascetics, covering every aspect of their daily life.
Purity (Shuddhi): Emphasis on the purity of alms, utensils, clothing, and dwelling places is a recurring theme.
Control of Senses: The need to control the senses (eyes, ears, tongue, etc.) from being lured by pleasant objects, sounds, tastes, and smells is a constant thread.
Austerity (Tapa): The text implicitly and explicitly encourages the practice of various forms of austerity as a means to spiritual progress.

Overall Tone and Purpose: The Acharanga Sutra, as presented in this part, is a foundational text for Jain monasticism. It aims to guide ascetics in maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct, self-discipline, and spiritual purity. The detailed explanations and examples serve to prevent any lapse in the strict code of conduct, ensuring the path towards liberation is followed with utmost diligence and awareness. The reverence for Lord Mahavir and the emphasis on the teachings of the Tirthankaras are also evident.