Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrut Skandh Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrut Skandh Sutra Sthanakvasi" by Atmaram Maharaj, published by Padma Prakashan. The provided text includes the title page, introductory pages, a table of contents, a detailed life sketch of the author Acharya Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj, a list of supporting figures, a dedication, a colophon, an editorial note, an author's blessing, and a significant portion of the text itself, covering the first ten "Dashas" (chapters or sections) of the Sutra, along with detailed Hindi commentary.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Key Information about the Text:

Title: Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrut Skandh Sutra Sthanakvasi (दशाश्रुतस्कन्धसूत्रम्)
Author/Commentator: Acharya Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj (आचार्य श्री आत्माराम जी म०)
Publisher: Padma Prakashan (पदम प्रकाशन)
Publisher (for this edition): Acharya Shri Atmaram Jain Dharmaarth Samiti, Delhi (आचार्य श्री आत्माराम जैन धर्मार्थ समिति, दिल्ली) and Padam Prakashan, Narela, Delhi.
Edition: Second Edition (द्वितीय आवृति), printed in 2001 (Vikram Samvat 2058).
Focus: The text is the Dashashrut Skandh Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism, particularly within the Sthanakvasi tradition. Acharya Atmaram Maharaj's commentary (टीका - Ganapati Gun Prakashika) provides a detailed explanation in Hindi.

Content Summary by Dasha (Chapter):

The table of contents and the subsequent text reveal the structure and themes of the Dashashrut Skandh Sutra as explained by Acharya Atmaram Maharaj:

First Dasha: Deals with "Twenty Places of Discontent" (बीस असमाधि स्थान) and "Twenty-one Shabal Doshas" (इक्कीस शबल दोष) – imperfections or faults in conduct. It begins with an explanation of "Shrutam Mayā" (I have heard) and establishes the authority of the scriptures and the importance of guru-bhakti. It also defines "Āpta Vākya" (words of the perfected beings) and discusses the concept of paurusheyatva (being authored by a person) versus apaurusheyatva (being unauthored or divine). The Dasha then enumerates the first few of the twenty "Asamādhi Sthānas" (places of non-equilibrium/discontent) related to conduct, such as hasty movement, improper sweeping, and non-compliance with established rules.
Second Dasha: Continues the discussion on "Shabal Doshas" (शबल दोष), described as contaminating faults. It details the first twenty of these doshas, which relate to improper conduct, such as improper haste, not cleaning places properly, taking more than necessary items, speaking improperly, harming elders, and other transgressions.
Third Dasha: Focuses on "Thirty-three Ashatanas" (तैतीस आशातनाएँ) – acts that cause disrespect or offense to the revered figures or principles of Jainism, as expounded by the elder monks (Sthavirs). It details various offenses related to respecting seniors, their belongings, and their teachings.
Fourth Dasha: Discusses "Eight Gani Sampads" (आठ गणि संपदा) – the eightfold wealth or qualities of a spiritual leader (Gani). These include virtues related to conduct (Āchār-sampad), scriptural knowledge (Shruta-sampad), physical well-being (Sharir-sampad), eloquence (Vachan and Vāchanā-sampad), intellect (Mati-sampad), practical application (Prayog and Sangrah-sampad), and the teacher's instruction to the disciple on four types of discipline (vinaya).
Fifth Dasha: Deals with "Ten Chit-Samādhis" (दस चित्त-समाधियाँ) – states of mental equilibrium or concentration. It describes the process of achieving these states, starting with Dharma-chintana (contemplation of Dharma) and progressing to deeper states of spiritual realization like Jātismaran Gyān (recollection of past births), Dev-darshan (vision of celestial beings),avadhi-darshan, and ultimately Keval-gyan and Keval-darshan (omniscience and omnivision).
Sixth Dasha: Primarily focuses on "Eleven Upāsak Pratimas" (उपासक-प्रतिमा) – the eleven stages or vows undertaken by lay followers to progress spiritually. It begins by defining Upāsak and Shravak and then details the characteristics and practices of each of the eleven stages, ranging from mere reverence (Darshan-pratimā) to near-monastic observance. It also touches upon heterodox views (Akriyāvādi) and orthodox views (Kriyāvādi).
Seventh Dasha: Discusses "Twelve Bhikshu Pratimas" (बारह भिक्षु-प्रतिमा) – the twelve progressive stages of spiritual discipline for monks. These are primarily defined by the duration of their practice, from one month (Māsiki) to one night (Ekarātriki), detailing specific rules and observances for each stage, including posture (āsana) and conduct.
Eighth Dasha: Describes the "Five Kalyāṇakas" (पांच कल्याणक) of Lord Mahavir Swami – his conception, birth, renunciation, omniscience, and liberation. It highlights the astrological constellations associated with these events and underscores the importance of these moments in the spiritual journey.
Ninth Dasha: Focuses on "Thirty Mohaniya Sthānas" (तीस मोहनीय स्थान) – thirty states or causes that lead to delusion and attachment, primarily related to the karmic bond of Mohaniya Karma. It details various harmful actions and intentions that generate this karma, emphasizing the need to avoid them.
Tenth Dasha: Deals with "Nine Types of Nidana Karma" (नौ प्रकार के निदान कर्म) – resolutions or vows made with a worldly desire for future enjoyment, which hinder spiritual liberation. It elaborates on the negative consequences of such resolutions, particularly how they can lead to rebirths in lower realms or the failure to achieve spiritual progress in the long run. It also contrasts the path of nidan with the path of genuine spiritual pursuit.

Author's Life Sketch:

The text provides a comprehensive biography of Acharya Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj, detailing his birthplace, birth date, parents, lineage, initiation date, initiation guru, attainment of the Upādhyāya and Āchārya titles, his tenure as the chief spiritual leader, his lifespan, and his place and date of demise. He is revered as a great Jain scholar and leader.

Key Jain Concepts Discussed:

The text implicitly and explicitly touches upon several core Jain concepts:

Karma: The concept of karma and its influence on one's destiny and spiritual progress is central, especially in the discussions of doshas, ashatanas, mohanīya karma, and nidāna karma.
Vinaya: The importance of discipline and respect towards elders, scriptures, and the path of liberation is highlighted throughout, especially in the descriptions of the Gani Sampads and the different types of vinaya.
Samādhi & Asamādhi: The text contrasts states of mental peace and concentration (samādhi) with states of disturbance and agitation (asamādhi), emphasizing the avoidance of the latter and the cultivation of the former.
Āchār: Conduct and ethical behavior are paramount, forming the basis of the early Dashas.
Shruta: The importance of scriptural knowledge and its proper study is repeatedly emphasized.
Pratimas: The concept of progressive vows or stages of spiritual practice for lay followers (Upāsak Pratimā) and monks (Bhikshu Pratimā) is a major theme.
Moksha: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death is the underlying aim of all these disciplines.

Overall Impression:

The provided text is a rich and detailed exposition of the Dashashrut Skandh Sutra from the Sthanakvasi tradition, enriched by the extensive commentary of Acharya Atmaram Maharaj. It serves as a guide for spiritual practice, outlining the pitfalls to avoid (doshas, ashatanas, mohanīya karma, nidāna karma) and the virtues and practices to cultivate (sampads, samādhis, pratimas) on the path to spiritual realization. The commentary makes the profound teachings accessible in Hindi, making it a valuable resource for Jain education.