Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra" based on the provided pages, focusing on its content and structure:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

The text is a Gujarati translation and commentary (Muniharshini Tika) by Ghasilal Maharaj of the Dashashrutskandh Sutra, which is part of the Jain Agamas. The work aims to explain the profound teachings of this scripture, making them accessible to a wider audience, particularly those with limited understanding. The commentary follows a structured approach, delving into various aspects of Jain monastic and lay life, ethical conduct, and the path to liberation.

Key Sections and Their Content:

The provided pages cover the initial parts of the commentary, introducing the scripture and then elaborating on specific concepts:

1. Mangalacharan (Invocation):

   • Begins with the Navkar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, etc.), the foundational chant in Jainism, recognizing the five supreme beings.
   • Offers salutations to Lord Mahavir Swami, the last Tirthankar, highlighting his infinite knowledge and compassion.
   • Expresses reverence for Ganadhara Gautam Swami, a chief disciple who compiled the Agamas, and for all virtuous monks and ascetics.
   • The author, Ghasilal Maharaj, humbly states his intention to write the Muniharshini commentary for the benefit of the less learned.

2. The Teachings of Sudharma Swami to Jamboo Swami (Pages 13-14):

   • This section introduces a dialogue between the fifth Ganadhara, Sudharma Swami, and his disciple Jamboo Swami.
   • Sudharma Swami addresses Jamboo Swami as "Ayushmana," emphasizing the importance of a long life dedicated to spiritual pursuit and the absorption of knowledge.
   • The term "Bhag" is explained through ten different interpretations, signifying the manifold qualities of the Tirthankaras, such as knowledge, glory, renunciation, strength, wealth, religion, and sovereignty.
   • The concept of the Tirthankara as the source of true scripture (Agam) is highlighted, with the Ganadhar's role in organizing and presenting this knowledge.

3. Explanation of the Term "Dashashrutskandh" (Page 15):

   • The title itself is broken down: "Dasha" refers to the ten chapters or sections of the sutra. "Shruta" signifies knowledge received from enlightened beings. "Skandh" refers to the trunk or a primary part from which branches (other teachings) emanate.
   • The sutra is understood to expound upon ten specific subjects:
     • Twenty places of non-contemplation (Asamadhi Sthan).
     • Twenty-one impurities (Shabal Dosha).
     • Thirty-three offenses (Ashatana).
     • Eight perfections of the Ganadhar (Ganadhar Sampada).
     • Ten states of mental contemplation (Chitta Samadhi Sthan).
     • Eleven vows of the lay follower (Upasak Pratima).
     • Twelve vows of the monk (Bhikshu Pratima).
     • The five auspicious events of Lord Mahavir's life (Panch Kalyanaka).
     • Thirty-three types of delusion-causing karma (Mohniya Karma).
     • Nine types of desires or intentions (Nidan).

4. Description of Asamadhi Sthana (Non-Contemplation/Disturbance) (Pages 16-21):

   • This is the first study and elaborates on twenty situations that disrupt mental peace and spiritual practice.
   • These are categorized into ten related to the sky (e.g., meteor showers, lightning, heavy fog) and ten related to the physical body or environment (e.g., seeing bones, blood, excrement, being near a cremation ground, eclipses, royal conflicts, death of a dignitary, presence of a corpse).
   • Detailed explanations are provided for each of these twenty disruptive situations, emphasizing the need to avoid studying scripture during these times.
   • A crucial clarification is made that these rules apply to the original text (Mulpath) and not necessarily to translations or commentaries in vernacular languages. The importance of respecting the guru's guidance in such situations is stressed.

5. Description of Shabal Dosha (Impurities/Contaminations) (Pages 22-28):

   • The second study details twenty-one specific actions or states that contaminate one's conduct and spiritual purity.
   • These include various forms of improper behavior for monks, such as improper conduct (atikrama), transgression (vyatikrama), and minor offenses (atichara).
   • Specific examples involve harmful actions, wrong speech (lying, divisive speech), accepting improper food (adhakarma), accepting food prepared for specific individuals (rajapind), accepting stolen goods, and being careless with the six types of living beings.
   • The text highlights the severe consequences of these impurities on one's spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation.

6. Description of Ashatana (Offenses/Disrespect) (Pages 29-32):

   • The third study focuses on thirty-three types of disrespect or offenses, primarily directed towards gurus, elder monks, and the principles of the faith.
   • These are presented as actions that hinder spiritual growth and violate the principles of humility and obedience.
   • Examples include disrespect in posture (walking ahead, sitting ahead), improper conversation, not responding to elders, accepting food brought by younger monks before offering it to elders, showing partiality, speaking disrespectfully, and failing to appreciate the guru's teachings.
   • The text emphasizes that respecting the guru and the principles of the faith is paramount for spiritual advancement.

7. Description of Ganadhar Sampada (Perfections of the Ganadhar) (Pages 32-46):

   • The fourth study shifts to the positive qualities and accomplishments of the Ganadhars, the chief disciples who organized the teachings.
   • Eight types of perfections are outlined:
     • Achar Sampada: Adherence to righteous conduct and scriptures.
     • Shruta Sampada: Mastery of the scriptures.
     • Sharir Sampada: A well-proportioned and healthy body.
     • Vachan Sampada: Skillful and beneficial speech.
     • Vachana Sampada: Eloquence and the ability to teach clearly.
     • Mati Sampada: Sharp intellect and quick understanding.
     • Prayog Sampada: Skill in dialectics and argumentation.
     • Sangrah Parignya Sampada: Wisdom in collecting and managing resources (in a spiritual context).
   • Each of these perfections is further elaborated with specific qualities and their importance.

8. Description of Chitta Samadhi Sthana (States of Mental Contemplation) (Pages 46-55):

   • The fifth study focuses on ten states of mental concentration and equanimity that lead to spiritual progress and ultimately liberation.
   • These are presented as stages or experiences that arise from following the path of righteousness.
   • The ten states include: contemplation of Dharma, experiencing auspicious dreams, recollecting past lives (Jati Smaran), celestial visions (Dev Darshan), clairvoyance (Avadhi Gyan), clairvoyant vision (Avadhi Darshan), telepathy (Manah Paryav Gyan), perfect knowledge (Keval Gyan), perfect vision (Keval Darshan), and ultimately, liberation (Keval Maran).
   • The text emphasizes that these states are achieved through virtuous conduct, detachment from worldly desires, and the practice of austerities.
   • The influence of karma, particularly Mohaniya Karma (delusion-causing karma), is highlighted as a primary obstacle to achieving these states.

9. Description of Upasak Pratima (Stages of Lay Discipleship) (Pages 56-75):

   • The sixth study outlines eleven stages of spiritual development for lay followers (Upasakas or Shravakas).
   • These stages represent progressive commitments to observing vows, practicing virtues, and renouncing worldly attachments.
   • The stages begin with basic understanding and commitment (Darshan Pratima) and gradually progress to more rigorous practices, including dietary restrictions, celibacy, and renunciation of certain activities.
   • The text explains the specific practices and observances associated with each of the eleven stages, emphasizing the gradual purification of the soul.

10. Description of Bhikshu Pratima (Stages of Monasticism) (Pages 75-88):

    • The seventh study details twelve stages of monastic practice for monks.
    • These stages involve progressively longer periods of adherence to vows and austerities, including fasting (upavas), specific postures during meditation, and strict adherence to rules regarding alms-seeking and conduct.
    • The text describes the duration and specific practices for each of the twelve Bhikshu Pratimas, highlighting the extreme dedication required for spiritual liberation.

11. Description of Panch Kalyanaka (Five Auspicious Events) and Upadesha (Teachings) (Pages 87-90):

    • The eighth study briefly touches upon the five auspicious events in the life of Lord Mahavir: conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience, and liberation.
    • It also transitions into the importance of righteous conduct and the consequences of neglecting spiritual duties.

12. Description of Mohaniya Karma (Delusion-Causing Karma) (Pages 90-117):

    • The ninth and tenth studies delve into the nature and consequences of Mohaniya Karma, which causes delusion and attachment.
    • The text details thirty specific actions and mental states that generate this karma, including various forms of violence, falsehood, theft, improper conduct, disrespect, pride, attachment to worldly pleasures, and the failure to uphold spiritual principles.
    • The negative impact of these actions on one's spiritual journey is emphasized, leading to rebirth in lower realms or a hindered path to liberation.
    • The text also contrasts these negative actions with the virtuous conduct that leads to spiritual progress and the attainment of higher states of existence or liberation.
    • The concept of "Nidan" (desires or intentions for future benefits) is discussed, particularly in the context of monks and nuns experiencing temptations and making resolutions for worldly gains, which ultimately hinders their spiritual progress. The text illustrates how such desires can lead to undesirable rebirths and prevent the attainment of true liberation.

13. Description of Nidan Rahita Sanyam (Detachment from Desires) (Page 115):

    • This section concludes by highlighting the immense benefits of practicing Sanyam (restraint and discipline) without any underlying desires (Nidan). It states that such individuals achieve true knowledge, attain liberation, and end all suffering.

14. Summary of Teachings and Conclusion (Pages 116-118):

    • The concluding sections summarize the essence of the teachings, emphasizing the efficacy of renouncing negative tendencies like Mohaniya Karma and Nidan.
    • It reiterates the importance of following the path of righteousness, as taught by the Tirthankaras, to achieve ultimate happiness and liberation.
    • The text concludes with a "Shastra Prashasti" (Praise of the Scripture), detailing the auspicious circumstances of the commentary's creation, including the patronage of a local ruler and the support of the Jain community in Morbi.

Key Themes:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Pervades the entire text, from the avoidance of any harm to living beings to the meticulous conduct required of monks and the ethical obligations of lay followers.
• Right Conduct (Achara) and Discipline (Sanyam): The text heavily emphasizes the importance of following prescribed rules of conduct for both monks and laypeople to ensure spiritual progress.
• Detachment (Vairagya): The renunciation of worldly desires, attachments, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures is a recurring theme, essential for spiritual liberation.
• Respect for Gurus and Elders: The commentary highlights the paramount importance of humility, obedience, and respect towards spiritual guides and senior monks.
• Karma: The text consistently explains how actions (karma) have direct consequences, shaping one's present and future lives, and underscores the need to cultivate positive karma and avoid negative karma.
• Attainment of Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of all practices and principles discussed is the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.

Overall Significance:

The Dashashrutskandh Sutra as presented with the Muniharshini Tika serves as a vital guide for Jains, offering a systematic and detailed exposition of the principles and practices necessary for spiritual growth, ethical living, and the eventual attainment of Moksha. The commentary's focus on practical application and the clear explanations of complex concepts make it a valuable resource for understanding this significant Jain scripture.