Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Stahanakvasi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Nishith Sutra (Agam 24 Chhed 01), focusing on the initial pages and introductory sections that outline the book and its context:

Book Title: Nishith Sutra (Nishitha Sutra) Author(s): Madhukarmuni, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, Trilokmuni, Devendramuni, Ratanmuni Publisher: Agam Prakashan Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003462/1

This particular volume is dedicated to the memory of the late Pujya Gurudev Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj.

Overview and Publisher's Note:

The Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar, has undertaken the ambitious project of publishing the entire Jain Agam literature. This current publication, the Nishith Sutra, marks the commencement of the fourth division of the Agamas, known as the "Chhed Sutras." The first three divisions (Anga, Upanga, and Mool Sutras) have already been published.

Significance of Nishith Sutra:

The Nishith Sutra is considered a "Chulika" (appendage or elaboration) to the Acharaang Sutra. While the Acharaang Sutra extensively details the prescribed conduct (Vidheyacharya) of ascetics, the Nishith Sutra focuses on the purification and expiation (Pramujan-vidhan) of deviations or transgressions that may occur in that conduct due to negligence (Pramad). Its detailed exposition has led to its recognition as a distinct and voluminous text.

Editorial Approach and Content:

The publishers state that previous publications of the Nishith Sutra were not easily accessible or understandable to the general reader. Adhering to their policy, this edition presents the original text alongside a simple Hindi translation and commentary (Vivechan), along with notes (Tippan). This approach aims to make the profound secrets of Dravyanuyoga (the category of scriptures dealing with substance and reality) comprehensible even to ordinary scholars. The text is lauded for its research-oriented preface, the deep contemplation of the editor, and the mastery of the editor in handling the diversity of Agamic texts.

Key Personnel Involved:

• Convener & Founder Editor: Late Yuvacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar'
• Translator-Annotator-Editor & Anuyoga Pravartaka: Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj 'Kamal'
• Geetarth: Shri Tilok Muniji Maharaj
• Direction: Sadhwi Shri Umravkuvar 'Archana'
• Board of Editors: Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji 'Kamal', Upacharya Shri Devendramuni Shastri, Shri Ratanmuni
• Promoters: Muni Shri Vinayakumar 'Bhima', Shri Mahendra Muni 'Dinakar'

Publication Details:

• First Edition: Vir Nirvana Samvat 2517 / Vikram Samvat 2048 / July 1991
• Publisher: Shri Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar (Rajasthan)
• Printer: Satish Chandra Shukla, Vedic Yantralaya, Ajmer

Dedication:

The book is dedicated to the "Shrutadhar Sthaviras" (learned elders) of the past, present, and future, who are continuously engaged in the practice of flawless self-restraint (Nirācāra Saṃyama Sādhana).

Publisher's Appreciation:

The publishers express gratitude and congratulations to Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj 'Kamal' and Geetarth Shri Tilokmuniji for their translation, commentary, and editing work. They also thank Upacharya Shri Devendramuniji Shastri for the critical preface. The publication is also dedicated to the memory of the late Upapravartak Shasansevi Swami Shri Brijlalji Maharaj and the late Yuvacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar', indicating a continuation of their scholarly legacy.

Information on "Chhed Sutras":

The text clarifies that the term "Chhed Sutras" is not of Agamic origin and was assigned later, approximately a thousand years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. These Chhed Sutras are fundamentally "Prayashchitta Sutras" (scriptures dealing with expiation or penance), dealing with the rules and regulations for monks and nuns when rules are broken. They are essential for the proper conduct and purity of the monastic life.

Origin and Name of Nishith Sutra:

The text discusses various perspectives on the origin and naming of the Nishith Sutra. It explains that it was initially considered a part of the Acharaang Sutra, sometimes referred to as "Achara Prakalpa" or "Nishitha Adhyayan." The name "Nishith" (meaning secret or hidden) likely came into prominence later, possibly after the Nandi Sutra was compiled. The text also notes that the term "Chhed" itself implies separation or division, possibly referring to the separation of practices from the main body of the Angas.

Ancient Commentaries:

The summary mentions ancient commentaries like Niyukti (by the second Bhadrabahuswami), Bhashya (by Acharya Siddhasenagani or Acharya Sanghadassagani), and Churni (by Acharya Jindasganni Mahattar), all in Prakrit. It also highlights a Sanskrit commentary written in the 21st century by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj.

Nature of the Text:

The Nishith Sutra is characterized as a text that is "Apavāda Bahul" (rich in exceptions and specific rules), meaning it deals with special circumstances and exceptions to general rules. It is not meant for casual reading but requires a qualified audience.

Core Subject Matter of Nishith Sutra:

The primary subject of the Nishith Sutra is the expiation (Prayashchitta) for transgressions, whether they occur intentionally or unintentionally. It details the penances for various offenses committed by monks and nuns, categorized according to the severity and the duration of the penance (e.g., Monthly, Quarterly, Six-monthly). It covers offenses related to breaches of conduct, including those involving bodily actions, speech, and thought, as well as specific regulations concerning equipment and interactions.

In essence, the introductory sections of this volume emphasize the critical importance of the Nishith Sutra within Jain scriptural tradition, its focus on ethical conduct and purification within the monastic order, and the scholarly effort made in this publication to make it accessible.