Agam 01 Acharang Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Acharanga Sutra, based on the provided Hindi translation by Muni Deepratnasagarji:

Book Title: Agam 01 Acharang Sutra Hindi Anuwad Author: Muni Deepratnasagar Publisher: Muni Deepratnasagar Summary:

The Acharanga Sutra, translated and edited by Muni Deepratnasagar, is the first Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas, specifically the first section of the Shrutaskandha. It is primarily focused on Achar (conduct) and lays the foundational principles of Jain spiritual practice. The text emphasizes the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) as the supreme principle governing all aspects of a monk's (and by extension, a layperson's) life.

The summary highlights the following key aspects:

Core Principles:

Ahimsa as Supreme: The Sutra repeatedly stresses that non-violence is the highest duty and the essence of the spiritual path. It extends this principle to all forms of life, from the most subtle (like Earth-bodied, water-bodied beings) to the more visible (like animals and humans).
Knowledge and Renunciation (Parigraha): True understanding and liberation come from knowing and relinquishing attachments, including the six types of life-bodies (Shad-Jeeva-Kaya), sensual desires, and material possessions.
Conduct (Achar): The text meticulously outlines the proper conduct for ascetics, covering their daily life, interactions, and spiritual discipline.
Mindfulness and Vigilance (Yatna): Constant awareness and careful action are crucial to avoid causing harm to any living being. This applies to walking, speaking, eating, and all bodily functions.
Renunciation of Worldly Desires: The Sutra underscores the impermanence of worldly pleasures, relationships, and possessions, urging practitioners to detach themselves from them for spiritual progress.
Self-Control and Discipline: Strict control over the senses, mind, speech, and body is essential for spiritual advancement.

Key Themes and Chapters (as presented in the provided text):

The Acharanga Sutra is structured into two main Shrutaskandhas (sections), further divided into various Chulikas (chapters), Adhyayanas (studies), and Uddeshakas (sections). The provided text focuses on the initial Adhyayanas:

Shrutaskandha 1:

Adhyayana 1: Shastra Parigya (Knowledge of Weapons/Means of Harm): This study focuses on understanding the various forms of harm and violence, particularly in relation to the six life-bodies:
- Prithvi-kaya (Earth-bodied beings): The text details the subtle suffering of earth-bodied beings and the ethical imperative to avoid harming them, even through seemingly innocuous actions.
- Ap-kaya (Water-bodied beings): Similar emphasis is placed on the sensitivity of water-bodied beings and the need for utmost care in handling water.
- Agni-kaya (Fire-bodied beings): The Sutra addresses the harm caused by fire and the importance of avoiding its use for selfish purposes.
- Vayu-kaya (Air-bodied beings): The text discusses the subtle nature of air-bodied beings and the need to avoid disturbing them.
- Vanaspati-kaya (Plant-bodied beings): The Sutra explains that plants are also sentient beings and that unnecessary harm to them should be avoided.
- Trasa-kaya (Mobile beings): The most extensive discussion is on the harm caused to mobile beings, including humans and animals, emphasizing the suffering caused by violence.
- The concept of "Parigya" (knowledge/understanding): Throughout this study, the importance of "Parigya" (deep comprehension) of the consequences of actions is highlighted. One who possesses this knowledge is called "Parigyakarma Muni" (one who knows the karma).
Adhyayana 2: Lokvijaya (Conquest of the World): This study delves into the nature of the world, the cycle of birth and death, the impermanence of life, and the futility of worldly attachments. It emphasizes:
- The illusory nature of worldly relationships and possessions: The text points out that family, friends, wealth, and status are temporary and do not provide true solace or liberation.
- The cycle of karma and rebirth: It explains how actions (karma) lead to suffering and repeated births, and the need to break this cycle through righteous conduct.
- The importance of self-control and renunciation: The study encourages detachment from sensual pleasures and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and liberation.
Adhyayana 3: Shito-ushniya (Cold and Heat): This section discusses the endurance of dualities like pleasure and pain, heat and cold, and the importance of equanimity in facing them. It highlights:
- Equanimity in the face of dualities: Monks are advised to remain undisturbed by physical discomforts like heat and cold, as these are external and temporary.
- The futility of worldly pursuits: The study reiterates that clinging to sensory experiences leads to suffering.
Adhyayana 4: Samyaktva (Right Faith/True Perception): This study focuses on the importance of right faith and understanding, particularly in relation to the core principles of Jainism:
- The supremacy of Ahimsa: The text strongly advocates for non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
- The teachings of the Tirthankaras: It emphasizes following the guidance of enlightened beings.
- Rejection of harmful views: The Sutra critiques those who advocate violence or harmful practices.
Adhyayana 5: Loksaara (Essence of the World): This study discusses the transient nature of the world and the importance of understanding the true essence of life. It touches upon:
- The illusory nature of worldly attractions: The text cautions against being captivated by sensory pleasures, as they lead to suffering and entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.
- The path of renunciation: It highlights renunciation as the way to overcome worldly attachments and attain liberation.
Adhyayana 6: Dhuta (Ascetic Practices): This study elaborates on the rigorous practices undertaken by ascetics to purify themselves and detach from the world. It mentions:
- Endurance of hardships: The text describes the various physical and mental hardships that ascetics must endure with equanimity.
- The life of a true ascetic: It outlines the disciplined and self-denying lifestyle of a renunciate.
Adhyayana 7: Mahaparijna (Great Knowledge): This study, noted as "visciss" (disrupted/incomplete) in the provided text, likely delves into profound knowledge and understanding.
Adhyayana 8: Vimoksha (Liberation): This extensive study explores the concept of liberation from the cycle of suffering and the path to achieving it. Key aspects include:
- Practices of monks and nuns: Detailed guidelines are given for their conduct regarding food, clothing, shelter, and interactions.
- Rejection of unwholesome food and practices: The text outlines strict rules against consuming food or using items that involve harm to living beings or violate Jain principles.
- The importance of pure conduct: It emphasizes the need for purity in all actions, from accepting alms to maintaining one's living space.
- The role of compassion and detachment: The study highlights the cultivation of compassion for all living beings and detachment from worldly concerns.
- The three types of liberation: The text discusses different paths or stages of spiritual freedom.
Adhyayana 9: Upadhana Shruta (Subsidiary Knowledge/Ascetic Sustenance): This study focuses on the practices and life of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing his extreme detachment and rigorous asceticism. It covers:
- Lord Mahavir's life and conduct: Detailed accounts are given of his renunciation, his tolerance of extreme hardships, his non-violence in all actions, and his profound meditation.
- The practice of Achal-kalpa (non-possessiveness): The text highlights Mahavir's adoption of complete non-possession, including the renunciation of clothing.
- Endurance of suffering: The Sutra recounts Mahavir's experiences of facing persecution, physical abuse, and extreme environmental conditions with unwavering equanimity.
Adhyayana 10: Uchchara-prasravana (Functions of Excretion and Elimination): This study provides guidance on the proper and ethical conduct related to bodily excretions and maintaining purity. It emphasizes:
- Cleanliness and non-violence in hygiene: The text outlines specific rules for disposing of waste in a way that minimizes harm to living beings.
- Maintaining purity of the body and surroundings: This includes rules about cleaning one's body, utensils, and living space.
Adhyayana 11: Shabda Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Sound): This study focuses on the ethical conduct related to sound and speech. It covers:
- The dangers of frivolous speech: The Sutra warns against engaging in gossip, idle talk, or speech that causes harm or distress.
- The importance of truthful and harmless speech: It advocates for speaking only what is necessary, truthful, and beneficial.
Adhyayana 12: Roopa Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Form/Sight): This study addresses the ethical conduct related to visual perception and the dangers of attachment to forms. It stresses:
- Avoiding lustful glances: The text warns against looking at pleasing forms with desire or attachment.
- Maintaining equanimity towards all forms: Monks are encouraged to see all forms impartially.
Adhyayana 13: Parakriya Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of External Actions): This study discusses the subtle actions performed by others and the monk's response to them. It covers:
- Accepting service with equanimity: The text guides monks on how to receive actions performed for them by others without attachment or aversion.
- Non-interference in others' actions: Monks are advised not to participate in or encourage actions that violate Jain principles.
Adhyayana 14: Anyonya Kriya Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Mutual Actions): This study likely deals with the interactions and mutual conduct between monks and nuns, or between monks and the laity, emphasizing proper conduct in all relationships.

Shrutaskandha 2:

Chulika 1:
- Adhyayana 1: Pindeshana (Quest for Alms): This is a detailed and crucial study that outlines the meticulous rules and principles for monks and nuns to obtain alms (food). It emphasizes:
  - Discrimination in accepting alms: The Sutra specifies the conditions under which alms are considered pure (prashuk) and acceptable, and when they are impure (apraashuk) and should be rejected. This includes avoiding food that is impure due to:
    - Involvement of living beings: Food prepared with harm to the six life-bodies.
    - Improper preparation: Food mixed with or prepared with impure substances.
    - Improper handling: Food touched or handled by impure persons or objects.
    - Specific types of food: Certain foods are explicitly forbidden due to their inherent potential for violence or attachment.
  - Observing rules of conduct while begging: The text provides guidelines on how to approach households, interact with donors, and accept alms with humility and mindfulness.
  - The importance of purity in the quest for alms: This is considered a vital aspect of a monk's spiritual discipline.
- Adhyayana 2: Shayya Eshana (Quest for Lodging): This study provides guidelines on finding and using suitable lodging for monks and nuns. It covers:
  - Purity of dwelling: Rules for inspecting lodgings for any living beings or impurities before occupying them.
  - Appropriate use of lodging: Guidelines on how to use the lodging respectfully and without causing harm.
  - Renunciation of attachment to places: The text encourages detachment even from suitable dwelling places.
- Adhyayana 3: Eerya (Walking/Movement): This study focuses on the principles of careful and non-violent movement. It emphasizes:
  - Conscious walking: Monks are advised to walk with utmost mindfulness, observing the ground for any living beings or obstacles.
  - Protection of all life: The goal is to avoid causing any harm to even the smallest creatures.
- Adhyayana 4: Bhasha Jaat (Types of Speech): This study deals with the ethics of speech, emphasizing:
  - Truthful and harmless speech: Monks should speak only what is truthful, beneficial, and non-violent.
  - Avoidance of gossip and falsehood: The Sutra warns against engaging in conversations that are harmful, misleading, or cause division.
- Adhyayana 5: Vastra Eshana (Quest for Clothing): This study outlines the principles for acquiring and using clothing for monks and nuns. It emphasizes:
  - Minimalism and detachment: The need for only essential clothing and freedom from attachment to garments.
  - Purity in acquiring clothing: Rules for accepting only pure and unadulterated clothing.
- Adhyayana 6: Patra Eshana (Quest for Utensils): This study focuses on the principles of acquiring and using utensils for monks and nuns. It emphasizes:
  - Minimalism and purity of utensils: The need for simple, pure, and ethically acquired utensils.
  - Avoiding attachment to possessions: Freedom from excessive attachment to any material object.
- Adhyayana 7: Avagraha Pratima (Vow of Restraint/Acceptance): This study likely deals with vows of restraint and the conditions for accepting offerings or shelter.
- Adhyayana 8: Vimoksha (Liberation): This study continues the exploration of liberation, focusing on practices that lead to freedom from the cycle of suffering.
- Adhyayana 9: Nishidhika Saptika (Seven Fold Rules of Sitting/Resting): This study would cover the specific rules and etiquette for monks and nuns when sitting or resting, ensuring non-violence and purity.
- Adhyayana 10: Uchchara Prasravana Saptika (Seven Fold Rules for Excretion): This study details the ethical conduct related to bodily functions and waste disposal.
- Adhyayana 11: Shabda Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Sound): This study discusses the ethical conduct related to hearing and speech.
- Adhyayana 12: Roopa Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Form): This study focuses on the ethical conduct related to visual perception and the dangers of attachment to forms.
- Adhyayana 13: Parakriya Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of External Actions): This study likely deals with the monk's interaction with and response to the actions of others.
- Adhyayana 14: Anyonya Kriya Saptika (Seven Fold Knowledge of Mutual Actions): This study probably covers the ethical conduct in reciprocal interactions.

Overall Significance:

The Acharanga Sutra, as presented in this translation, is a profound guide to the Jain way of life. It emphasizes the practical application of Ahimsa in every aspect of a monk's existence, from the most subtle actions to the most significant vows. The text serves as a comprehensive manual for ethical conduct, self-discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation, offering detailed instructions and philosophical underpinnings for the Jain path. Muni Deepratnasagarji's translation aims to make these ancient teachings accessible to a wider audience, facilitating a deeper understanding of Jain principles.