Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi

The provided text is the table of contents and beginning of the sixth chapter of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra (Part 03), specifically for the Sthanakvasi tradition, as authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The text is primarily in Gujarati, with some Sanskrit and Hindi phrases.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Core Jain Principles and Textual Information:

• Salutation: The text begins with the Navkar Mantra (નમો અરિહંતાણે... એસો પંચ નમુકકારો સવ્વ પાવપ્પણાસણો મંગલાણં ચ સવ્વસિં પઢમં હવઈ મંગલ), which is a fundamental prayer in Jainism, praising the enlightened beings (Arihants), liberated souls (Siddhas), preceptors (Acharyas), instructors (Upadhyayas), and all monks (Sadhu/Sarva Sadhu).
• Textual Details:
  • Book Title: Agam 01 Ang 01 Aacharang Sutra Part 03 Sthanakvasi
  • Author: Ghasilal Maharaj
  • Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti
  • Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006303/1
  • Edition: First edition, 1000 copies.
  • Publication Year: Vir Samvat: 2483, Vikram Samvat: 2013, Christian Era: 1957 (The page states 157, which is likely a typo for 1957).
  • Language: Primarily Gujarati, with Sanskrit mantras and potentially Hindi/Sanskrit in commentaries/translations.
  • Content Focus: This part of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra covers Chapters 5-9 of the First Śruta Skandha.

Key Themes and Instructions (Primarily from Pages 6-10):

The majority of the detailed text provided focuses on the rules and regulations for Swadhyay (self-study or reading of scriptures), specifically the Āchārāṅga Sūtra.

• Timing of Swadhyay: The original text is to be studied during the first and fourth prahar (periods of the day/night).
• Prohibited Swadhyay Times: Swadhyay is not to be done during specific periods like dawn, dusk, noon, and midnight. There's a specific timing mentioned related to sunrise (24 minutes before and after) and sunset.
• Restrictions related to Women: Women in their menstrual cycle are not to read the scripture, nor should anyone read in their presence. Swadhyay should be done in a separate room where such individuals are not present.
• Thirty-Two Aswadhyaya (Non-Swadhyay) Occasions: The text lists numerous circumstances that prohibit Swadhyay. These are categorized into:
  • Ten Sky-Related Aswadhyayas: These include events like meteor showers (ulkaapat), directional fires (digdaah), loud thunder (garjarav), divine noises (nirghaata), lightning (vidyut), specific celestial phenomena like Yupak, lights resembling lightning (yakshaadipt), smoky fog (dhumika krushna), white fog (mahika shweta), and dust storms (rajouddat).
  • Ten Body-Related Aswadhyayas: These involve contact or proximity with certain bodily substances or situations, such as undecomposed bone, flesh, or blood, a broken egg, excreta/urine (if visible or emitting odor), cremation grounds (within 100 hands), lunar or solar eclipses (for a specified duration), royal unrest/warfare (for a day and night after), death and subsequent rituals until a new appointment, or the presence of a dead body (of a five-sensed being) within a certain radius of the study place.
  • Four Festivals and Four Pratipada (First Day of Lunar Fortnight) Aswadhyayas: Specific full moon days (e.g., Ashadh, Ashwin, Kartik, Chaitra) and the subsequent four ekam (first day of the dark fortnight) are also prohibited for Swadhyay, totaling eight days.
  • Specific Time-Based Aswadhyayas: Two instances are mentioned related to dawn/dusk and midday/midnight, where a certain period around these times is restricted.
• Purpose of Aswadhyaya Rules: The text clarifies that these rules are for the mulpath (original text). Translations in Gujarati etc., are not subject to these rules. The emphasis is on vinay (humility/respect) as the core of Dharma, and following the guidance of seniors during difficult times.

Table of Contents (Pages 11-58):

The detailed table of contents outlines the structure of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra, Part 03, covering its fifth to eighth chapters. It provides a section-by-section breakdown of the themes discussed within each chapter and their respective sections (Uddesh).

• Chapter 5 (Loksaar - Essence of the World): Focuses on Charitra (conduct/virtue) as the essence of the world, explaining its relationship with Samyaktva (right faith) and Jnana (knowledge). It discusses various aspects of renunciation, detachment, and the dangers of worldly attachments and actions.
• Chapter 6 (Dhootakhyaan - Description of the Purified): Deals with the purification process, including the renunciation of worldly associations (family, wealth), the shedding of karmic burdens, and the conduct of monks who have achieved this purification. It highlights the exemplary life of Lord Mahavir.
• Chapter 7 (Mahaparijna - Great Knowledge): This chapter is mentioned as being absent due to a break in the scripture. However, its intended topic was related to knowledge of worldly illusions and their transcendence.
• Chapter 8 (Vimoksha - Liberation): This chapter, which is the main focus of the provided page numbers from 363 onwards, discusses the path to liberation. It delves into:
  • Renunciation: The importance of renouncing worldly attachments, including family and wealth.
  • Conduct of Monks: Detailed instructions on how monks should behave, including their interaction with outsiders, acceptance of alms, dealing with hardships, and the nature of true asceticism.
  • Adherence to Teachings: Emphasis on following the path laid out by the Tirthankaras and the importance of self-discipline and purity of conduct.
  • Types of Death and Their Significance: Discussion on various ways of dying (e.g., bhakta-pratyakhyana, ingita-marana, padmapogama-marana) and their impact on spiritual progress.
  • Critique of Other Philosophies: The text contrasts Jain principles with those of other philosophical schools (like the Charvakas, Vedantins, and Sankhyas), highlighting the perceived flaws in their doctrines regarding the nature of the world, existence, and liberation.
  • The Nature of the Soul and Knowledge: The inherent connection between the soul and knowledge is explored, emphasizing their non-dualistic nature according to Jain philosophy.
  • The Importance of Renunciation: The text repeatedly stresses the need to renounce worldly possessions, desires, and attachments as a path to liberation.

In essence, this extract from the Āchārāṅga Sūtra, as interpreted by Ghasilal Maharaj for the Sthanakvasi tradition, provides detailed ethical and practical guidelines for Jain monks, particularly focusing on the rigorous discipline required for self-study and the spiritual path towards liberation. It emphasizes detachment from the world, adherence to vows, and the importance of following the teachings of the Tirthankaras.