Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi

This Jain text, titled "Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi" edited by Amarmuni and Muni Shri Kanhaiyalal "Kamal" and published by Amar Publications, is a significant Agama text in Jainism. This particular part, consisting of sections 1-9 (Udeshakas 1-9), is the second volume of the Nishitha Sutra, which is a comprehensive and encyclopedic work detailing various aspects of Jain monastic conduct and ethics.

Here's a summary of the key aspects of this text, based on the provided pages:

1. Significance of the Nishitha Sutra:

• The Nishitha Sutra is identified as a crucial Agama text for Jain ascetics.
• It is accompanied by the Bhashya of Sthavira Pungava Shri Vishahagani Mahattara and the Churni of Jinadasa Mahattara, both of which are highly valued and add significant depth to the original text.
• The Bhashya is noted for describing conduct suited to specific times and places, and it also sheds light on the cultural, political, and social aspects contemporaneous with its author.
• The Nishitha Sutra is considered an "encyclopedia of knowledge," supplemented by the Bhashya.

2. Content and Structure (Based on the Table of Contents-like pages):

The provided pages offer a detailed index of the topics covered in the second part of the Nishitha Sutra (Udeshakas 1-9). The text delves into extremely specific and minute details of Jain monastic practice, addressing a wide array of situations and potential transgressions. The chapters are structured around specific actions, objects, or scenarios that monks and nuns must be aware of to maintain their vows and purity.

Some of the key areas covered include:

• Conduct related to the body and its parts: This includes detailed discussions on actions related to the hands (Hastyakarma), cleansing the feet and body, dealing with injuries or ailments, and various forms of physical interactions.
• Rules regarding attire and possessions: The text elaborates on the proper use, maintenance, and prohibitions related to clothing (Vastra), vessels (Patra), and other monastic requisites like brooms (Rajoharan), sticks (Danda), etc. It specifies rules about patching, stitching, washing, and the number of items permitted.
• Food and its consumption: Rules regarding the intake of food, including prohibitions on certain types of food, methods of taking alms, and the conduct during meals are extensively discussed.
• Interactions with the outside world: The Sutra addresses conduct with laypeople (Shravaka), other religious traditions (Anyatirthika), and even the royal court.
• Rules concerning sensory experiences: This includes strictures on hearing, seeing, smelling, and touching things that could lead to sensory indulgence or spiritual harm.
• Specific prohibited actions: The text meticulously lists actions like creating steps (Sopana), building bridges (Setu), making needles (Sui), and dealing with specific materials like leather (Charma) or perfumes (Gandha).
• Disciplinary and purificatory rules: The Sutra details various forms of penance (Prayschitta) and purification rituals for different transgressions.
• Ethical considerations in monastic life: It touches upon the importance of vigilance (Yatna), avoiding attachment, and maintaining equanimity in all circumstances.
• Detailed Analysis of Specific Violations: The index shows an exhaustive examination of actions like:
  • Dealing with the body and its impurities (e.g., cleansing, treating wounds).
  • Handling clothing (patching, washing, sewing).
  • Interacting with the environment (e.g., making steps, bridges).
  • Using tools and objects (needles, brooms).
  • Sensory engagement (smelling fragrances, looking at certain things).
  • Monastic vows and their breaches, including specific penitential measures.

3. Focus on Detail and Prevention of Transgression:

A striking feature of the Nishitha Sutra, as evidenced by the detailed index, is its extreme granularity. It aims to cover nearly every conceivable situation a monk or nun might encounter and provides strict guidelines to prevent even the slightest deviation from the path of righteousness. The focus is on meticulous adherence to the prescribed code of conduct to safeguard spiritual purity and prevent karmic entanglement.

4. Editorial and Publishing Information:

• Editors: Upadhaya Kavi Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj and Muni Shri Kanhaiyalal Ji Maharaj "Kamal."
• Publisher: Amar Publications, Varanasi.
• Distributor: Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, Delhi.
• Edition: 2005 (Second Edition).
• Price: Rs. 1200.00 (for the complete set of four parts).

In essence, this part of the Nishitha Sutra serves as a comprehensive manual for Jain ascetics, providing an in-depth, rule-by-rule guide to their daily conduct, emphasizing extreme caution and adherence to principles to achieve spiritual liberation. The detailed listing of offenses and their corresponding remedies underscores the Jain emphasis on vigilance, detachment, and ethical living for spiritual advancement.