Agam 26 Chhed 03 Vyavahara Sutra Vavaharo Terapanth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Vyavahara Sutra, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 26 Chhed 03 Vyavahara Sutra Vavaharo Terapanth Author(s): Tulsi Acharya, Mahapragna Acharya Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Overall Purpose: The Vyavahara Sutra is a fundamental text within Jainism, specifically within the Achardanga (or Acharaanga) canon. It serves as a practical guide detailing the rules, conduct, disciplinary measures, and day-to-day life of Jain monks and nuns. The text focuses on the "behavior" or "conduct" (vyavahara) necessary for spiritual progress, outlining the proper way to live as an ascetic and the consequences of deviating from these guidelines. The provided excerpt focuses on specific sections and regulations within this larger work.

Key Themes and Contents (Based on the provided excerpt):

The excerpt is structured into ten Uddeshas (sections or chapters), each covering specific aspects of monastic conduct. Here's a breakdown:

First Uddesha (Pages 5-15): This section primarily deals with pratishevana (service or observance) and its associated penalties. It defines different periods of observance (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) and the consequences of violating them. Key concepts include:

Pratishevana: The act of observing or serving a vow or rule.
Parihar Sthana: A specific period of penance or austerity.
Aparikunchita/Parikunchita: Terms likely relating to the manner of observance or confession, affecting the duration of penance.
Bahusha Pratishevana: Repeated observance or violation.
Saha Pratishevana-Sanyoga Sutra: Observance involving combinations of different periods.
Saha Sāirega Pratishevana: Observance with an extra period.
Parihariya/Aparihariya: Terms relating to whether an action is subject to penance or not.
Anunayya/Anannayna: Related to permission or approval.
Pasathyadi Vihara: Conduct with external (non-Jain) individuals or groups.
Parapashanda: Associating with other religious sects.
Ganāvo Ōhāvana: Descent or removal from a monastic community.
Akichchathana-Aloyakrama: Confession of uncommitted or improper acts.

Second Uddesha (Pages 16-25): This section continues with regulations concerning various monastic situations and responsibilities. It covers:

Sthapanija Kappatiya: Related to established rules or practices.
Aniyujyahana: Non-acceptance or refusal.
Anavatappa/Paranchiya: Terms possibly referring to specific states or conditions of an ascetic.
Uvastapana: The act of establishing or appointing someone.
Satyapratin-Vyavahara: Conduct based on truthful testimony or evidence.
Ekapakshiya: Actions taken by a monastic who is alone or separated.
Acharya/Upadhyaya Sthapana: Appointment or establishment of Acharyas and Upadhyayas.
Pariharya/Apariharya Anya Goshthika Sangbhujana: Shared meals or activities between those under penance and those not, or those from different groups.
Vishesh Vidhi: Specific rules for those under penance.

Third Uddesha (Pages 26-30): This section focuses on the proper conduct and qualifications for leadership roles within the monastic order. It details:

Padadharana Vidhi: Rules for assuming positions or roles.
Acharya/Upadhyaya Nissa: Dependence on or association with Acharyas and Upadhyayas.
Pade Dharana Vidhi: Rules for holding a position.
Utsukabaddha Kaley Aticharya/Upadhyaya Vihara Vidhi: Rules for the movement and conduct of Acharyas and Upadhyayas during specific times (e.g., monsoon retreats).
Vasa Vasha Acharya/Upadhyaya Vihara Vidhi: Conduct during monastic retreats.
Anyanya Nissa Vihara Vidhi: Interdependent conduct.
Dehavasane Annasya Upsampadana Vidhi: Procedures for succession or taking over a position upon the death of a leader.
Arha/Acharya/Upadhyaya: The status of the highest spiritual beings and leaders.
Uvastapana Vidhi: The process of appointing or establishing someone.
Upsampada: The act of joining or being initiated into a higher order.
Anapurva Charya: Conduct following a specific lineage or sequence.
Shetha/Rājiniya Sambandha: The relationship between senior monks and younger ones, or those who are "rajaniya" (related to kingship or authority).
Rājiniya Nissa Viharana: Conduct based on the authority of a "rajaniya."

Fourth Uddesha (Pages 620-625): This section deals with movement and conduct during specific periods and in relation to other monks. It covers:

Utsukabaddha Kale Acharya/Upadhyayaadi Vihara Vidhi: Movement rules for Acharyas and Upadhyayas during periods of heating or cooling.
Vasavas Asy Acharya/Upadhyayaadi Vihara Vidhi: Movement rules for Acharyas and Upadhyayas during the monsoon retreat.
Acharya/Upadhyayaadi Anyonnya Nissa Vihara Vidhi: Interdependent movement rules for Acharyas and Upadhyayas.
Dehavasane Annasya Upsampadana Vidhi: Succession or transfer of authority upon death.
Arha/Acharya/Upadhyaya: The roles of Arhats and the lineage of Acharyas and Upadhyayas.
Uvastapana Vidhi: Appointment procedures.
Upsampada: Initiation or joining a higher order.
Anapurva Charya: Conduct in sequence.
Shetha/Rājiniya Sambandha: Relationship between senior and junior monks or those with authority.
Rājiniya Nissa Viharana: Movement based on authority.

Fifth Uddesha (Pages 626-630): This section focuses on the movement rules for female ascetics (Pravrittini and Ganavachhedini) and the procedures for succession upon their demise. It mirrors some of the rules for male ascetics but is specific to the female sangha:

Utsukabaddha Kale Pravrittini/Ganavachhedini Vihara Vidhi: Movement rules for female leaders during periods of heating or cooling.
Vasavas Pravrittini/Ganavachhedini Vihara Vidhi: Monsoon retreat rules for female leaders.
Anyonnya Nissa Vihara Vidhi: Interdependent movement rules for female leaders.
Dehavasane Annaya Upsampadana Vidhi: Succession upon death of female leaders.
Arha/Pravrittini/Ganavachhedini: Roles of Arhats and female leaders.
Acharakappa-Pamhuī Vidhi: Rules related to the Acharakappa (a text or practice related to conduct) and its implications.

Sixth Uddesha (Pages 630-634): This section deals with various rules related to dwelling, learning, and personal conduct:

Sayana Griha Gaman Vidhi: Rules for visiting or residing in homes or dwelling places.
Acharya/Upadhyaya Atisesha: Specific prohibitions or restrictions for Acharyas and Upadhyayas.
Ganavachhedaka Atisesha: Prohibitions for Ganavachhedakas.
Agadashuta: Rules concerning monks who have studied specific texts or streams of knowledge.
Ekatra Vāsa Vidhi: Rules for living together.
Appashruta/Vashruta: Rules for those with little or much learning.
Hastyakarma/Meghakapratishevana: Penances for specific actions, possibly related to physical labor or something resembling cloud-like activities (penance for sins).
Akrita Paryayschitta: Penance not yet performed.
Nigranthi Upasthapanadi Nishedha: Prohibition of supporting or assisting an unreformed nun.
Nigranthi Upasthapanadi Vidhana: Rules for supporting or assisting a reformed nun.

Seventh Uddesha (Pages 635-638): This section focuses on rules of interaction, confession, and behavior with respect to other monastic groups and individuals:

Anyagana Gataya Nigranthiya Pucchana Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of questioning nuns from other communities.
Visambhoyika Karana Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of acting as a confidante or intermediary.
Nigranthi Pravajya Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of initiating a nun.
Nigrantha Pravajya Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of initiating a monk.
Vīgrishṭa Dasa Uddeshana Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of describing or discussing certain states or conditions.
Vīgrishṭa Kalaha Upsamana Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of resolving disputes or conflicts in a certain manner.
Sajjhaya Vidhi Nishedha: Prohibition of studying or reciting in a particular way.
Upadhyayaadi Uddeshana Vidhi: Rules for addressing or instructing Upadhyayas and others.
Nigrantha Maranottara Vidhi: Post-death rituals or conduct for monks.
Sejjattara Sthapana Vidhi: Rules related to bedding or seating arrangements.
Oghraha Ananvavana Vidhi: Rules related to reception or acceptance.

Eighth Uddesha (Pages 640-646): This section details rules concerning bedding, receiving alms, and the conduct of monks in various situations:

Sejja Samtharagrahana Vidhi: Rules for taking or receiving bedding.
Thera Samachari: Conduct of senior monks.
Padiharika Sejja Samthara: Bedding or seating arrangements that are designated or set aside.
Oghraha Anuravanā: Reception or acceptance with remembrance.
Paribhrashta Upakarana Vidhi: Rules for misplaced or lost articles.
Atirega Padigraha: Excessive reception of alms or items.
Ahara Pramana: Rules regarding the quantity of food.

Ninth Uddesha (Pages 646-653): This section continues with rules regarding alms, penances, and ascetic practices, specifically focusing on different stages or types of asceticism:

Sejjattara: Related to bedding or seating.
Bhikkshā Padima: Stages or levels of alms-seeking.
Moya Padima: Stages or practices related to "moya," possibly referring to a type of ascetic discipline or vow.
Shankhadattika: Possibly related to a specific practice or classification.
Pidheshana: Rules concerning begging or collecting alms.

Tenth Uddesha (Pages 653-661): This section covers rules for specific ascetic practices, classifications of monks, and the importance of learning:

Yavamadhya/Vairamadhyā Padima: Stages or practices of asceticism named "Yavamadhya" (barley-middle) and "Vairamadhyā" (renunciation-middle) related to the moon.
Pancha Vyavahara: The five types of conduct or behavior.
Ashta Mana: Possibly related to eight types of pride or arrogance.
Dharma: Righteousness or religious duty.
Acharya: Teacher or spiritual guide.
Antevasin: Disciple or student.
Thera Bhumi: Stage of a senior monk.
Shetha Bhumi: Stage of a junior monk.
Pravajya Vrata: Vows associated with initiation.
Agama Adhyayana Kalasima: Time limits for studying scriptures.
Dashavidha Veyavachcha: Ten types of service or respect.

Overall Significance: The Vyavahara Sutra is crucial for understanding the practical application of Jain philosophy and ethics in the lives of ascetics. It provides a detailed framework for maintaining purity of conduct, avoiding sins (karma), and progressing on the path to liberation (moksha). The text emphasizes adherence to rules, proper confession, and the importance of respecting seniors and established traditions. The excerpt highlights the meticulous detail with which Jainism regulates the life of its monastics.