Agam 01 Ayaro Gujarati Translation

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 01 Ayaro Gujarati Translation" by Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar:

This document is the Gujarati translation of the first Anga Sutra, "Aachara" (also transliterated as "Ayaro"), of the Jain Agamas. The translation and editing have been done by Muni Dipratnasagarji, who is described as an "Agam Diwakar" (Sun of Agamas) and holds multiple academic qualifications (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D.). The publication date is March 30, 2020.

The text is structured into various "Shrutskandhas" (branches of scripture), "Adhyayanas" (chapters), and "Uddeshas" (sections). The core of the text is the detailed explanation of the principles and practices of Jain monastic conduct, focusing on "Aachara" (conduct or discipline).

Key Themes and Content Covered:

The translation meticulously covers the Aachara Sutra, which delves into the stringent rules and guidelines for Jain monks and nuns. The summary below highlights the major themes discussed across the Adhyayanas and Uddeshas presented:

Shrutskandha 1:

• Adhyayana 1: Shastra Parigjna (Knowledge of Weapons/Implements)

  • Uddesha 1: Jeev Astitva (Existence of Souls): Discusses the existence of souls and the concept of self (Atmavadi), leading to the acceptance of the world (Lokavadi), actions (Karmavadi), and the doer of actions (Kriyavadi). It emphasizes that actions bind the soul due to the involvement of mind, speech, and body. It stresses the importance of understanding the nature of actions and their consequences.
  • Uddesha 2: Pruthvikaya (Earth Element Souls): Explains the subtle life in earth element beings, the suffering they endure, and the ethical implications of harming them. It warns against the harmful use of earth-related "implements" (shastras), which cause violence and suffering. It highlights the concept of "Parigjna" (comprehension or renunciation) in relation to these beings.
  • Uddesha 3: Apkaya (Water Element Souls): Discusses the life in water element beings, the suffering caused by harming them, and the necessity of compassion and non-violence. It warns against the misuse of water-related "implements" and emphasizes the understanding and renunciation of such actions.
  • Uddesha 4: Agnikaya (Fire Element Souls): Focuses on the life in fire element beings, the pain inflicted by harming them, and the importance of avoiding fire-related violence. It warns against the misuse of fire-related "implements" and stresses the need for comprehension and renunciation.
  • Uddesha 5: Vayukaya (Air Element Souls): Discusses the life in air element beings and the harm caused by disrupting them. It highlights the importance of understanding and renouncing actions that harm these beings.
  • Uddesha 6: Trasakaya (Mobile Souls): Details the existence and suffering of mobile beings (with two or more senses) and the critical need for non-violence towards them. It warns against any form of harm and emphasizes comprehension and renunciation of actions causing suffering.
  • Uddesha 7: Vayukaya (Again): Reiterates the principles of non-violence towards air element beings, emphasizing the understanding and renunciation of actions that cause harm.
  • Uddesha 8: Six Jivakayas: This section appears to summarize the non-violence required towards all six types of living beings (Jivakayas), reinforcing the core principle of Ahimsa.

• Adhyayana 2: Lokavijay (Conquest of the World)

  • Uddesha 1: Swajan (Relatives/Dependents): Emphasizes the transient nature of worldly relationships and possessions. It advises against attachment to family, wealth, and worldly pleasures, as these are sources of suffering and hinder spiritual progress. The importance of detachment and self-effort for liberation is highlighted.
  • Uddesha 2: Adadhata (Instability/Lack of Firmness): Discusses the impermanence of life, youth, and worldly glories. It stresses the need for unwavering effort in spiritual practice and warns against procrastination and attachment. The futility of worldly pursuits and the importance of self-control are emphasized.
  • Uddesha 3: Mad Nishadh (Cessation of Pride): Addresses the dangers of ego, pride, and attachment to lineage or social status. It advocates for humility and equanimity, reminding that all beings are subject to the consequences of their actions. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and detachment from worldly desires.
  • Uddesha 4: Bhogasakti (Attachment to Pleasures): Focuses on the perils of attachment to sensory pleasures and worldly enjoyments. It warns that such attachments lead to suffering, rebirth, and entanglement in the cycle of existence. The text encourages renunciation and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
  • Uddesha 5: Lokanishra (Dependence on the World): Discusses the pitfalls of depending on worldly support or possessions. It advises against attachment to wealth, family, or external factors, emphasizing self-reliance in spiritual practice.
  • Uddesha 6: Amamtva (Non-possessiveness): Stresses the importance of non-possession and detachment from all worldly things, including the body. It highlights that true liberation comes from eradicating possessiveness and cultivating a state of equanimity.

• Adhyayana 3: Shitosniya (Heat and Cold)

  • Uddesha 1: Bhavasukh (Mental Pleasure): Differentiates between the enlightened (Muni) who are ever-awake and the unenlightened (Amuni) who are always asleep. It emphasizes the understanding that all beings experience suffering and the importance of renouncing violence. It defines a true Muni as one who knows the self, the world, and the nature of bondage and liberation.
  • Uddesha 2: Dukhanubhav (Experience of Suffering): Explains that happiness is dear to all beings and suffering is disliked. It emphasizes empathy and treating all beings equally. It reiterates the importance of renouncing worldly attachments and the cycle of birth and death through righteous conduct.
  • Uddesha 3: Akriya (Non-action/Renunciation): Discusses the path of renunciation and the cessation of karmic influx. It emphasizes the importance of controlling desires, renouncing worldly attachments, and adhering to the principles of non-violence, truth, and non-possession.
  • Uddesha 4: Kashayavaman (Shedding of Passions): Focuses on the eradication of the four cardinal passions: anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It explains how controlling these passions leads to liberation and the attainment of omniscience. It highlights the interconnectedness of these passions and their role in karmic bondage.

• Adhyayana 4: Savyatva (Righteousness/Attainment of the True)

  • Uddesha 1: Samyagvad (Right Speech): Emphasizes the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed. It stresses that all omniscient beings have preached the same eternal truth of non-violence, and adherence to this principle is the path to liberation.
  • Uddesha 2: Dharmavadi Pariksha (Examination of the Follower of Dharma): Discusses the nature of karma, the influx of new karma (asrava), and the cessation of karma (nirjara). It highlights the importance of understanding these principles correctly to follow the path of dharma. It also touches upon the different views of various philosophical schools.
  • Uddesha 3: Anavadya Tap (Blameless Austerity): Describes the practice of austerities that are free from blame and conducive to spiritual progress. It emphasizes the importance of detachment, self-control, and equanimity in the face of hardships.
  • Uddesha 4: Sankshipt Vachan (Concise Words): Provides brief yet profound teachings on detachment, equanimity, and the importance of right conduct for achieving liberation.

• Adhyayana 5: Lokasar (Essence of the World)

  • Uddesha 1: Ekchar (Sole Conduct/Wandering): Describes the solitary conduct of ascetics, their detachment from worldly pleasures, and their steadfastness in the path of righteousness despite severe hardships. It narrates the life of Lord Mahavir as an example of perfect conduct.
  • Uddesha 2: Virat Muni (Renounced Ascetic): Further elaborates on the exemplary life of Lord Mahavir, highlighting his detachment, equanimity, and unwavering commitment to spiritual practice even in the face of extreme adversity.
  • Uddesha 3: Aparigrah (Non-possession): Emphasizes the ultimate importance of non-possession of all material and mental attachments as a path to liberation. It details the various aspects of non-possession and its significance in spiritual progress.
  • Uddesha 4: Avyakt (The Unmanifest): Discusses the ultimate state of liberation and the ineffable nature of the liberated soul, which transcends all material descriptions and limitations.
  • Uddesha 5: Hrida Upama (Analogy of the Heart/Pond): Uses analogies to explain the qualities of an enlightened soul and the path to spiritual realization.
  • Uddesha 6: Unmargavarjan (Abandoning the Wrong Path): Warns against straying from the true path of righteousness and engaging in actions that lead to karmic bondage. It reiterates the importance of adhering to the teachings of the omniscient beings.

• Adhyayana 6: Dhuta (Ascetic Practices)

  • Uddesha 1: Swajan Vidhunanan (Discarding Relatives/Attachments): Focuses on the arduous process of renouncing all worldly attachments, including family and relationships, for the sake of spiritual liberation. It highlights the difficulties faced by ascetics and the strength required to overcome them.
  • Uddesha 2: Karma Vidhunanan (Shedding of Karma): Explains the practical methods and spiritual discipline required to shed accumulated karma. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, patience, and equanimity in facing hardships.
  • Uddesha 3: Upakaran Sharir Vidhunanan (Discarding Accessories and the Body): Discusses the complete detachment from all possessions and even the body itself, viewing the body as a temporary vessel. It highlights the practice of severe austerities and the acceptance of all hardships with equanimity.
  • Uddesha 4: Gauravtraya Vidhunanan (Discarding the Three Types of Pride): Addresses the eradication of pride, arrogance, and vanity, which are significant obstacles to spiritual progress. It emphasizes humility and the recognition of the presence of the divine in all beings.
  • Uddesha 5: Upsarg Sanman Vidhunanan (Discarding Suffering and Honor): Discusses the importance of equanimity in the face of both suffering and favorable circumstances. It highlights the practice of remaining undisturbed by external events and focusing on inner purification.

• Adhyayana 7: Mahaparijnya (Great Comprehension) - This section is noted as not currently available in the provided text.

• Adhyayana 8: Vimoksha (Liberation)

  • Uddesha 1: Asmanogya Vimoksha (Liberation without Similarities): Discusses the unique nature of a liberated soul, which cannot be compared to anything in the material world. It emphasizes the state of absolute freedom from all bondage.
  • Uddesha 2: Akalpaniya Vimoksha (Inconceivable Liberation): Explores the transcendental nature of liberation, which is beyond human comprehension and description.
  • Uddesha 3: Angcheshthabhashit (Speech Related to Body Movements): Likely discusses subtle aspects of conduct related to the body's movements and their connection to spiritual discipline.
  • Uddesha 4: Vehayasanaadimaran (Various Types of Death by Voluntary Fasting or Ascetic Practices): Details various forms of intentional, voluntary fasting and ascetic practices that lead to death for the sake of spiritual advancement.
  • Uddesha 5: Glanbhaktaparigjna (Understanding of Food for the Infirm/Weak): Focuses on the principles of accepting food for those who are infirm or weak, emphasizing purity and proper conduct in obtaining and consuming food.
  • Uddesha 6: Ekatvavanam-Ingitamaran (Meditation on Oneness and Death by Signs): Discusses the practice of meditating on the oneness of the soul and the concept of death through subtle signs or intentional cessation of life processes.
  • Uddesha 7: Padpopagaman (Remaining Fixed like a Tree): Describes a specific form of ascetic practice where the aspirant remains stationary like a tree, enduring all hardships and afflictions without complaint, as a means to shed karma.
  • Uddesha 8: Anashana-Maran (Death by Fasting): Elaborates on the practice of death by fasting as a means of spiritual purification and liberation. It discusses the conditions and motivations for undertaking such a vow.

• Adhyayana 9: Upadhana Shruta (Preparatory Knowledge)

  • Uddesha 1: Charya (Conduct/Behavior): Narrates the exemplary conduct of Lord Mahavir before and after his initiation, highlighting his unwavering adherence to the principles of Jainism despite severe challenges.
  • Uddesha 2: Shayya (Bedding/Dwelling): Details the ascetic practices related to finding suitable places for rest and dwelling, emphasizing the importance of purity and detachment from worldly comforts.
  • Uddesha 3: Parishah (Endurances): Describes the various hardships and adversies that ascetics must endure with equanimity and fortitude. It highlights the resilience of those who are steadfast in their spiritual path.
  • Uddesha 4: Atankita (Afflicted by Sickness/Troubles): Discusses how ascetics, even when physically afflicted, maintain their spiritual focus and detachment. It emphasizes the importance of inner strength and equanimity in overcoming external afflictions.

• Adhyayana 10: Pideṣaṇā (Alms-Seeking)

  • Uddesha 1-11: This extensive section provides highly detailed and specific rules regarding the proper and improper ways of accepting alms (food, water, clothing, etc.). It covers minute details about what constitutes pure (prasuka) and impure (aprasuka) food and drink, the conditions under which alms can be accepted, the etiquette to be followed, and the places to avoid. It emphasizes the principles of non-violence, detachment, and careful observation in all aspects of alms-seeking.

• Adhyayana 11: Irīya (Movement/Conduct in Walking)

  • Uddesha 1-3: This section focuses on the strict rules of movement for monks and nuns, particularly during the rainy season (Varshavas). It details how to walk carefully to avoid harming even the smallest creatures, the places to avoid, and the appropriate conduct while traveling or residing in different locations.

• Adhyayana 12: Bhasha Samiti (Carefulness in Speech)

  • Uddesha 1-2: This section outlines the principles of careful speech for ascetics. It categorizes language into truthful, untruthful, mixed, and neutral speech. It stresses the importance of speaking only what is beneficial, true, and gentle, avoiding harsh, offensive, or misleading words.

• Adhyayana 13: Rupa (Form/Appearance)

  • Uddesha 1: Discusses the principles of observing and describing forms or appearances without attachment or judgment. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from seeing things as they are, without projecting personal biases or desires.

• Adhyayana 14: Parakriya (Actions of Others)

  • Uddesha 1: Focuses on how ascetics should conduct themselves when others perform actions for them, either by request or by their own volition. It emphasizes non-involvement, detachment, and the avoidance of any action that might lead to karmic bondage.

• Adhyayana 15: Anyonyakriya (Mutual Actions)

  • Uddesha 1: Deals with the interactions and mutual actions between ascetics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual discipline and avoiding any conduct that could compromise their vows or lead to negative karma.

• Adhyayana 16: Bhavana (Mental Contemplation)

  • Uddesha 1: This section appears to describe the mental states and contemplations that ascetics should cultivate, likely focusing on themes like detachment, equanimity, and the contemplation of the nature of reality and the path to liberation. It also narrates key life events of Lord Mahavir.

Overall Message:

The Gujarati translation of the Aachara Sutra, as presented in this document, serves as a profound guide for Jain monks and nuns. It meticulously outlines the ethical framework, behavioral conduct, and spiritual discipline necessary for a life of renunciation and ultimate liberation. The emphasis is consistently on non-violence (Ahimsa) in its broadest sense, encompassing all living beings, and the rigorous practice of self-control, detachment, and mindfulness in all aspects of life. The translation aims to make these ancient Jain teachings accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers, preserving the essence and depth of the original Agamas. The extensive nature of the text indicates the comprehensive and detailed guidance provided for the monastic path in Jainism.