Acharanga Sutra Sanuwad - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, which is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Jain text Acharanga Sutra Sanuwad by Dungarshi Maharaj, published by Kamani Trust. The text focuses on the Acharanga Sutra, the first Anga of the Jain Agamas, which details the conduct and discipline of monks (Sadhu-Sadhavi) and provides guidance for lay followers (Shravak-Shravika).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

Acharanga Sutra as a foundational text: The text emphasizes the Acharanga Sutra as the most ancient and foundational of all Jain scriptures. Its core purpose is to describe "Achar" (conduct), which is understood as the living practice of Dharma.
Emphasis on Ahimsa and restraint: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to elaborating on the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) in its most subtle forms, urging caution and awareness in all actions.
Guidance for monks and lay followers: While primarily detailing the strict code of conduct for monks, the text also encourages lay followers to engage in the path of restraint and develop devotion towards the principles taught by Lord Mahavir.
Simplification and accessibility: The author, Dungarshi Maharaj, aims to present the sutras in a simple and understandable language with commentary to benefit the readers.

Key Content and Themes:

The Nature of Conduct (Achar):
- Acharanga Sutra is the entry point to understanding Jain principles, with its first section dealing with Ahimsa.
- Ahimsa is presented as the ultimate path to supreme happiness in this world and the next.
- The opposite of Ahimsa, which is violence (Id, Ghatak, Moharup, Narukrup, Mithyatva), is described as the root of suffering and the seed of future delusion.
The Life of a Monk (Shraman/Anagar):
- Discipline and Restraint: The text details the rigorous discipline required for monks, including:
  - Consciousness of every action: Even the smallest actions must be performed with utmost care and awareness.
  - Protection of the sixfold life-forms (Chay-Jeeva-Kaya): Detailed descriptions cover the protection of earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied (one-sensed), and multi-sensed beings. This involves strict guidelines on how monks should behave around them, including avoiding actions that would harm them.
  - Understanding of instruments (Shastra): The text emphasizes the need to understand that using "Shastra" (instruments or means of action) can lead to harm and the importance of avoiding them.
  - Vow of Brahmacharya: The first part of the first Sutra is referred to as the Brahmacharya Sutra, highlighting the centrality of celibacy and deep contemplation.
  - Bhikshacharyaa (Alms-wandering): The second part of the first Sutra details how monks should conduct their alms-round, emphasizing ethical and non-violent acquisition of food.
  - Tapasya (Austerities): The importance of various forms of austerities is mentioned, including fasting and enduring hardships.
  - Equanimity and Tolerance (Titikksha): The text stresses the need for monks to develop tolerance and equanimity, especially towards worldly pleasures and pains, and the harshness of the world.
  - Understanding of the Self and the World: The book touches upon the need for monks to understand the nature of the soul, the world, and the karmic process.
  - Avoiding attachment: The text repeatedly advises against attachment to worldly possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures, seeing them as the cause of suffering.
  - Mindfulness and self-control: The importance of controlling the mind, speech, and body is a recurring theme, emphasizing awareness and preventing negative karmic influx.
  - Living according to the teachings of the Tirthankaras: The ultimate goal is to live according to the path shown by the Jinas, which leads to liberation.
Ethical Principles and Renunciation:
- Renunciation of worldly life: The text highlights the need for monks to renounce their worldly ties, including family, wealth, and possessions, for spiritual advancement.
- Importance of knowledge and understanding: The sutras aim to impart deep understanding of the true nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation.
- The nature of Karma: The text alludes to the binding nature of karma, its causes, and the means to avoid it.
- The value of human birth: The rarity and preciousness of human birth is implied as a reason to strive for spiritual liberation.
Specific Guidelines and Prohibitions:
- Avoiding harmful actions: The text details specific actions that monks should avoid to prevent harm to life, such as treading carelessly, carrying water improperly, or using fire improperly.
- The nature of Speech: The importance of right speech is emphasized, with guidance on speaking truthfully, kindly, and only when necessary.
- Attachment to belongings: The text advises against attachment to even the most basic necessities like a cloth or a bowl.
- Dealing with householders and their offerings: The sutras provide detailed rules on how monks should interact with householders, accept alms, and avoid creating further karma through their actions. This includes strict guidelines on what kind of food, clothes, and items are permissible and how they should be accepted and used.
- Living in isolation vs. community: The text hints at the importance of both solitary living and, when necessary, the guidance of a Guru or association with like-minded monks.
The Role of the Guru:
- The importance of following the Guru's instructions and adhering to their guidance is underscored. The example of the text being presented by Acharya Sudharma Swami to his disciple Jajuswami highlights this transmission of knowledge.
Personal Stories and Donations:
- The pages also contain mentions of individuals and families who contributed to the publication of the book, such as the Kamani family, and the late Shri Maneklal Keshavlal Sheth, underscoring the community's role in preserving and disseminating these texts.
- There are also poignant descriptions of individuals like Ramesh Amritlal Shah, who lived a life dedicated to service and whose life is presented as an inspiration, highlighting the practical application of Jain ideals.

In essence, the provided pages from the "Acharanga Sutra Sanuwad" offer a deep dive into the fundamental principles of Jainism, particularly the rigorous path of monastic discipline, with a profound emphasis on non-violence, self-control, and renunciation as the means to achieve spiritual liberation. The commentary aims to make these ancient teachings accessible and relevant to modern readers.