Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Sthanakavsi - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Nishith Sutra, one of the four Chhed Sutras in Jainism, as presented in an edition edited by Pravartak Shri Amar Muni, published by Padma Prakashan.

Here's a breakdown of the key information provided:

1. Importance and Nature of the Nishith Sutra:

It holds the most significant status among the four Chhed Sutras (Dasha, Brihatkalp, Vyavahar, and Nishith).
It is described as highly esoteric, dealing with many exceptional and confidential situations for ascetics.
Knowledge of the Nishith Sutra is essential for any ascetic to move about independently.
It elaborates on the codes and procedures of renunciation for both male and female ascetics, covering normal and exceptional circumstances, along with atonements (prayatshitta).

2. Structure and Content:

The scripture contains twenty chapters (Uddeshak or Adhyayans).
Nineteen chapters discuss four types of atonements (prayatshitta).
The twentieth chapter details the procedure for prescribing atonements.
The text covers various transgressions (atichar) of ascetic conduct, outlining specific expiations (prayatshitta) for each. The chapters are categorized based on the type of atonement:
- Chapters 1-5: Laghumaasik (monthly) atonements.
- Chapters 6-11: Gurumaasik (monthly) and Laghu-Chaturmasik (four-monthly) atonements.
- Chapters 12-20: Primarily focus on Laghu-Chaturmasik and Guru-Chaturmasik atonements.
The edition emphasizes its feature of including elaborations and colorful illustrations to aid understanding.

3. Authorship and Lineage:

In terms of doctrine, the author is Bhagavan Mahavir Swami.
In terms of text, the author is Shrut Kevali Acharaya Bhadrabahu Swami.
This edition is presented as the twenty-seventh composition in the Illustrated Agama Series, inspired by Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Gurudev Bhandari Shri Padmachandra Ji M.S.

4. Editorial Features:

This edition is notable for being the first to be published with original text, Hindi and English translations, detailed elaborations, and multicolor illustrations.
The editor, Pravartak Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj, sought to present the true meaning and spirit of the Agam by drawing from numerous commentaries (Bhashyas and Tikas).
Associate editors include Shri Varun Muni 'Amar Shishya' and Sanjay Surana.
The English translator is Sahitya Manishi Sh. Munnalal Jain.
The publication was inspired by Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Gurudev Bhandari Shri Padmachandra Ji M.S. and is dedicated to his memory.

5. Key Themes and Prohibitions (Illustrated by Chapter Summaries): The provided text details specific transgressions and their corresponding atonements across the chapters:

Chapter 1 (Prathimiki / First Lesson): Focuses on celibacy (brahmacharya), advising against masturbation (hastakarma), prohibited actions related to the reproductive organ (angadana), smelling organic substances, getting paths or drains constructed by outsiders, repairing tools without proper procedure, seeking objects without necessity, improper seeking, using objects for unintended purposes, mutual giving, improper return of objects, and getting utensils or staff amended by outsiders. All these lead to Gurumaasik atonement.
Chapter 2 (Dvitiiya Uddeshak / Second Lesson): Discusses issues related to ascetic conduct, such as interacting with women's assemblies, smelling scents, improper path construction, self-repair of tools, transgression of vows (like harsh speech, false speech, stealing), wearing excessive leather or clothing, accepting food meant for charity, and permanent residence. Violations here incur Laghu-masik atonement.
Chapter 3 (Tritiya Uddeshak / Third Lesson): Covers prohibitions on behaviors like begging improperly in public places, entering prohibited houses, accepting specific types of food (Abhihit), self-care or body-cleaning actions, surgery for minor ailments, removing worms, trimming nails, excessive hair removal, teeth brushing, lip and eye decoration, covering the forehead during travel, using controlling spells, improper disposal of excreta, and actions related to kings and their officials. These also lead to Laghu-masik atonement.
Chapter 4 (Chaturtha Uddeshak / Fourth Lesson): Deals with influencing or praising kings and their officials, consuming food mixed with living beings, accepting forbidden food, making or wearing attractive clothing, self-care, improper disposal of bodily waste in various locations, and acts related to creating or reviving quarrels. Violations here result in Laghu-masik atonement.
Chapter 5 (Panchama Uddeshak / Fifth Lesson): Prohibits staying near living trees, getting clothes stitched by householders, tying long threads to shawls, eating leaves, improper handling of returnable items like footpads, staff, and bedding, making colorful or attractive staffs, entering newly built villages or mines, playing musical instruments, and various forms of body decoration. Violations lead to Laghu-masik atonement.
Chapter 6 (Shath Uddeshak / Sixth Lesson): Focuses on transgressions against celibacy, including seeking sexual favors, masturbation, nudity, creating strife, writing letters, physical contact, and consuming rich food. These incur Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 7 (Saptama Uddeshak / Seventh Lesson): Continues the theme of celibacy, prohibiting the making or wearing of rosaries, ornaments, and various types of clothes, especially those made from animal skin, as well as intimate physical contact with women or animals, and performing rituals or decorations. Violations here lead to Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 8 (Aathva Uddeshak / Eighth Lesson): Addresses inappropriate interactions with women in solitary places, assemblies, royal palaces, and prohibited areas, as well as inappropriate speech and conduct. It also covers issues like night meals, improper stays, and interaction with nuns. Violations incur Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 9 (Navama Uddeshak / Ninth Lesson): Focuses on accepting royal food (Rajpind), entering royal palaces, interacting with royal staff, accepting food from kings during festivals or journeys, staying near royal residences, and repeatedly entering royal capitals. These actions lead to Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 10 (Dashama Uddeshak / Tenth Lesson): Deals with offenses related to speech (harshness, falsehood), consuming prohibited food (Anantkaya, Adhakarma), forecasting, influencing disciples or nuns, improper travel during monsoon, not observing Paryushana, accepting clothes during Chaturmas, and improper food consumption at night. These incur Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 11 (Gyarahava Uddeshak / Eleventh Lesson): Prohibits possessing or using forbidden utensils (metal, shell, etc.), accepting or returning items improperly, cleaning utensils improperly, admiring beauty, praising or interacting with non-believers, travelling to rival kingdoms, criticizing day meals and praising night meals, accepting food meant for worship (Naivedya), and praising unworthy individuals. Violations lead to Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 12 (Barahava Uddeshak / Twelfth Lesson): Prohibits capturing or releasing living beings, breaking vows, eating food mixed with living beings, using hairy leather, sitting on clothes-covered seats, getting clothes stitched by householders, harming immobile beings, climbing living trees, using household utensils or clothes, accepting food with unclean hands or utensils, accepting food from certain places, making cosmetic changes to the body, and improper disposal of excreta. These lead to Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 13 (Terahava Uddeshak / Thirteenth Lesson): Covers inappropriate actions on live earth or unstable high places, teaching various arts to householders or outsiders, speaking harshly to householders, engaging in curious activities, telling fortunes, seeing one's reflection in objects, unnecessary use of medicines, praising or interacting with immoral monks, and consuming specific types of food associated with certain faults. These incur Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 14 (Chaudahava Uddeshak / Fourteenth Lesson): Focuses on the misuse and improper handling of utensils, including buying, borrowing, exchanging, snatching, accepting from forbidden sources, donating extra utensils, keeping unfit utensils, changing utensil colors, improper washing, and drying utensils in inappropriate places. Violations lead to Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 15 (Pandrahava Uddeshak / Fifteenth Lesson): Prohibits disrespecting other monks, consuming live mangoes or their parts, getting body-cleaning done by householders, improperly disposing of excreta, giving or taking food/clothes with specific categories of monks, accepting clothes without inquiry, and body decorations. Violations incur Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 16 (Solahava Uddeshak / Sixteenth Lesson): Prohibits staying in houses associated with worldly activities, using live sugarcane, accepting food from forest dwellers or specific clans, improper conduct with different types of ascetics, travelling in prohibited areas, accepting food from despised clans, improper disposal of waste, eating food at home or in front of householders, disrespecting teachers, and keeping excessive belongings. Violations lead to Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 17 (Satrahava Uddeshak / Seventeenth Lesson): Prohibits performing curious activities like tying/releasing animals, making/wearing ornaments, body decoration, engaging in activities near living beings, listening to music and sounds, and displaying attachment to sensory pleasures. These incur Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 18 (Atharava Uddeshak / Eighteenth Lesson): Deals with offenses related to boat travel, improper use of utensils, improper handling of clothes, inappropriate interactions with women, and improper disposal of waste. These incur Laghu-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 19 (Unnisava Uddeshak / Nineteenth Lesson): Addresses offenses related to medicine, improper times for study (anadhyaya), praising or interacting with others' religions, travelling to rival kingdoms, criticizing day meals and praising night meals, improper food consumption, laxity in serving the sick, travelling during monsoon, not observing Paryushana, and interacting with unworthy individuals. These incur Guru-Chaumasi atonement.
Chapter 20 (Bisava Uddeshak / Twentieth Lesson): Focuses on the procedures and consequences of sincere (* Nishchapala*) vs. deceitful (Paliapala) repentance (alochana) for various transgressions over different periods. It also outlines atonements for not observing Paryushana, reciprocal interaction with monks of differing conduct, and improper study times. These lead to Guru-Chaumasi atonement.

6. Appendix:

The appendix provides a list of times considered inappropriate for scripture study (anadhyaya kaal) according to Jain scriptures, including those related to celestial phenomena, physical impurities, and royal events.

7. Editorial Context:

The publication series is described as commencing a new era in Jain literature.
The editor, Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj, is presented as a prominent and influential ascetic of the Jain Shraman Sangh, known for his extensive study and commentary on Jain Agamas.
The publication aims to make Jain scriptures accessible and understandable through simple elaborations, translations, and illustrations, catering to both Hindi and English readers and the younger generation.

In essence, the Nishith Sutra, as presented in this edition, is a crucial text for Jain ascetics, providing detailed guidelines on conduct and the specific atonements required for various transgressions, emphasizing the importance of meticulous adherence to the path of renunciation.