Agam 01 Ang 01 Acharanga Sutra Mool Sthanakvasi

The provided text is the Ācārāṅga Sūtra, the first Anga Āgama of the Jain canon. This particular edition is published by the Global Jain Āgam Mission and is the first eBook edition from 2012. It is a foundational text of Jainism, attributed to Śrī Sudharmasvāmī, the fifth Ganadhara of Bhagwan Mahāvīra, and was later revised by Devarddhigani Kṣamāśramaṇa at the Vallabhi Council.

The Ācārāṅga Sūtra is primarily concerned with the conduct and discipline of Jain monks and nuns. It lays down the principles of righteous living and the strict adherence to the vows, particularly non-violence (ahiṃsā). The text details the code of conduct for ascetics, emphasizing meticulous care in all actions to avoid harming any living being, even at the microscopic level.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content based on the provided table of contents and partial text:

Overall Structure and Purpose:

• Core of Jain Asceticism: The Sūtra is fundamental to understanding the ascetic path in Jainism, focusing on the practical implementation of Jain philosophy in daily life.
• Discipline and Conduct: It details the rigorous discipline required for monks and nuns, covering their movements, speech, actions, and interactions with the world.
• Non-violence (Ahiṃsā) as the Highest Principle: The text consistently emphasizes the paramount importance of non-violence towards all forms of life – visible and invisible.

Key Sections and Their Focus:

The provided text includes the table of contents which outlines the two main sections (Śruta Skandhas) and their respective chapters (Adhyayanas) and sub-sections (Uddesas). While the full content isn't provided for every section, the structure reveals the comprehensive nature of the teachings:

1. First Śruta Skandha (Paḍhamo Suyakhandho): This section deals with the fundamental principles and practices of asceticism.

• Śathparijñā (Knowledge of Things/Dharma): This initial chapter likely sets the foundation for understanding the world and the principles of righteous conduct. It focuses on the nature of the self (Ātmā), the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra), and the causes of suffering (karma).
• Lokavijaya (Conquest of the World): This section appears to focus on overcoming worldly attachments and desires, understanding the nature of the universe, and the path to liberation.
• Śītośanīya (Cooling/Comforting): This chapter might delve into practices that bring inner peace and equanimity, possibly relating to enduring hardships and maintaining composure.
• Sammata (Equanimity/Balance): This section likely discusses the importance of equanimity in all situations, maintaining a balanced perspective.
• Śruta Parinyā (Knowledge of Scripture/Learning): This chapter probably emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the Jain scriptures.
• Dhṛtyam (Patience/Endurance): This section would focus on the virtue of patience and perseverance, essential for ascetics.
• Mahāpariṇyā (Great Knowledge/Understanding): This might refer to advanced spiritual knowledge or the ultimate understanding of reality.
• ** Vimokṣa (Liberation):** This likely discusses the ultimate goal of Jainism – liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The various Adhyayanas and Uddesas within this Skandha likely cover topics such as:

• Careful Movement (Iriyā): Detailed guidelines on how to walk and move to avoid harming even the smallest creatures or plants.
• Speech (Bhāṣā): Principles of truthful, gentle, and beneficial speech, avoiding harsh or misleading words.
• Alms-receiving (Vastheṣaṇā): Rules for collecting alms in a way that minimizes harm and avoids attachment.
• Rules of Dress (Piṇḍasaṅga): Guidelines on the use and care of monastic robes.
• Discipline in Daily Life: Chapters likely cover various aspects of a monk's daily routine, including eating, sleeping, and interacting with the environment.
• Understanding the Self and the World: Discussions on the nature of the soul, karma, and the universe.

2. Second Śruta Skandha (Bīo Suyakhandho) - Ācāra Cūlā: This section appears to be supplementary or elaborative on the first Skandha, possibly dealing with more detailed rules and exceptions.

• Piṇḍasaṅga (Alms-related matters): This chapter likely focuses on the specifics of collecting and consuming alms.
• Sejjā (Lodging/Shelter): Rules regarding where and how ascetics should reside, emphasizing minimal impact on the environment.
• Iriyā (Movement): Further details on careful walking and movement.
• Bhāṣā (Speech): More on the proper use of language.
• Vastheṣaṇā (Dress): Details regarding monastic attire.
• Pāyeṣaṇā (Footwear/Protection for Feet): Possibly rules related to protecting the feet while walking.
• Oggahapaḍimā (Collection of Vessels/Upholding Practices): This section might discuss the collection and use of essential monastic items and the adherence to practices.
• Dhāna-śattikaṁ (Endurance of Patience): Focus on the virtue of patience.
• Niṣīhikā Śattikaṁ (Patience in Seclusion): Endurance during solitary practices.
• Saddha-śattikaṁ (Patience in Faith): Steadfastness in faith.
• Rūpa-śattikaṁ (Patience in Forms/Appearance): Enduring external appearances.
• Anvunakiṛiyā-śattikaṁ (Patience in Non-violence/Action): Endurance related to non-violent practices.
• Bhāvanā (Meditation/Contemplation): Practices for spiritual development.
• Vimukti (Liberation): Further discussions on achieving liberation.

Key Principles Highlighted in the Text Snippets:

• Understanding the Nature of Existence: The text repeatedly stresses the impermanence (anitya) and suffering (duḥkha) inherent in worldly existence.
• Renunciation of Worldly Attachments: It advocates for detachment from possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures.
• Meticulousness in Action: The emphasis on avoiding harm (hiṃsā) is evident in every aspect of conduct, from walking to eating.
• Self-Control and Discipline: The core message revolves around rigorous self-discipline, control over senses, speech, and actions.
• Knowledge and Righteousness: The Sūtra promotes acquiring pure knowledge (samyak jñāna) and following the righteous path (samyaṅ mārga).
• The Role of the Ascetic: It defines the ideal ascetic as one who is free from worldly entanglements, compassionate, and dedicated to spiritual liberation.

In essence, the Ācārāṅga Sūtra is a comprehensive manual for the spiritual aspirant, providing detailed guidance on how to live a life of utmost purity, non-violence, and detachment, ultimately leading to liberation. The mission of the Global Jain Āgam Mission, as stated in the introductory pages, is to translate and disseminate these ancient Jain scriptures worldwide to promote compassionate and nonviolent living.