Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Aayaro Dasha Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Aayaro Dasha" by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, published by Agam Anuyog Prakashan. The text, also known as "Aayaro Dasha," is the first of the four Cheda Sutras and deals with the conduct and discipline of monks (anagars) and lay followers (sagars).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose and Context:

Cheda Sutras: The text is identified as the first of the four Cheda Sutras, which are primarily concerned with penance (prayschitta) and the expiation of faults committed by ascetics. The term "Cheda" itself implies "cutting off" or "severing," referring to the severance of the consequences of actions through penance.
Authoritative Source: The text is presented as the teachings of Lord Mahavir, transmitted through his disciples and compiled by ancient scholars like Sthavir Bhadrabahu.
Purpose of the Publication: The publisher, Agam Anuyog Prakashan, aims to provide accessible editions of Jain Agamas for the study of seekers and the curious. This particular publication includes a Hindi translation and commentary.
Target Audience: The text is intended for both monks (anagars) and lay followers (sagars) to enhance their spiritual knowledge and understanding of Jain principles.

Key Themes and Content of the "Aayaro Dasha" (Dasha Shrut Skandh):

The "Aayaro Dasha" is structured into ten chapters (adhyayan), each focusing on different aspects of conduct, ethical principles, and spiritual development. The summary outlines the essence of each chapter:

First Chapter (Asamadhishthana Dasha): This chapter details twenty instances that lead to mental disquietude or lack of concentration (asamadhi). These are actions or states of mind that disturb equanimity and hinder spiritual progress. Examples include haste in actions, impurity in conduct, excessive possessions, disrespectful speech, anger, backbiting, and improper conduct during meals. The emphasis is on cultivating mindfulness and avoiding actions that disrupt mental peace.
Second Chapter (Shaval Dosha Dasha): This chapter enumerates twenty-one "Shaval Doshas" or blemishes that mar the purity of conduct. "Shaval" means spotted or stained, implying that these faults tarnish the otherwise pure conduct of an ascetic. These doshas include actions like manual labor, indulgence in sensual pleasures, improper eating habits, accepting forbidden food, transgressing rules related to movement, using impure materials for essential activities, and engaging in deceitful practices.
Third Chapter (Aashatana Dasha): This chapter outlines thirty-three types of "Aashatana" or disrespect, disrespectfulness, or transgression against spiritual seniors (ratnadhi-k or ratnik, referring to elder monks or acharyas). It details specific behaviors that show a lack of reverence towards elders, such as walking ahead of them, standing beside them, sitting near them, speaking before them, or disregarding their instructions. This emphasizes the importance of humility and respect for the hierarchy within the monastic order.
Fourth Chapter (Ganiprabhava Dasha): This chapter highlights eight qualities of an ideal community leader or a knowledgeable scholar (ganisampada). These qualities are crucial for effective spiritual leadership and the propagation of Jain teachings. They include:
- Achar Sampada (Conduct): Adherence to vows, humility, disciplined livelihood, and grave demeanor.
- Shrut Sampada (Knowledge): Being well-versed, familiar with scripture meanings, knowledgeable about different philosophical schools, and possessing clear pronunciation.
- Sharir Sampada (Physical Attributes): Appropriate physique, dignified appearance, strong physique, and well-functioning senses.
- Vachan Sampada (Speech): Worthy and respected speech, sweet speech, unbiased speech, and clear speech.
- Vachana Sampada (Teaching): Ability to ascertain disciple's capacity, teach thoughtfully, teach according to the disciple's aptitude, and teach with proper interpretation of meaning.
- Mati Sampada (Intellect): The four stages of intellect: Avagrah (perception), Iha (investigation), Araya (conclusion), and Dharana (retention), each with their own sub-qualities.
- Prayog Sampada (Application): Skillful use of intellect and knowledge in debates and discussions, considering one's own capacity, the audience, the subject matter, and the context.
- Sangrahaparignana Sampada (Collection and Comprehension): The ability to manage and understand resources for the community, such as arranging suitable dwelling places, accepting necessary items, timely action, and honoring elders.
Fifth Chapter (Chitta Samadhistan Dasha): This chapter describes ten states or conditions that lead to mental concentration and spiritual absorption (chitta samadhi). These are positive mental states and spiritual attainments that lead to inner peace and progress. These include developing faith in Dharma, remembering one's past lives, having auspicious dreams, experiencing divine visions, attaining knowledge of the past, present, and future through Avadhijñana and Manahparyaya Jñana, and ultimately achieving Kevaljñana (omniscience) and Kevaldarshana (omniscience). The chapter also includes verses highlighting the importance of a pure mind for liberation.
Sixth Chapter (Upasak Pratima Dasha): This chapter details eleven stages or vows (pratima) for lay followers (upasakas). These stages represent a progressive path of spiritual discipline for householders, moving from basic faith to a state of conduct resembling that of monks. The chapter begins by describing the characteristics of an akriyavadi (one who denies the efficacy of actions and their fruits) and then contrasts it with the path of a kriyavadi (one who believes in the results of actions). The eleven pratimas represent increasing levels of commitment to Jain principles, including faith, vows, daily meditation (samayika), fasting (poshadhopavasa), and eventually aspiring towards monastic life.
Seventh Chapter (Bhikkhu Pratima Dasha): This chapter outlines twelve stages of strict discipline for monks (bhikkhus). These are highly rigorous practices designed to cultivate detachment, self-control, and spiritual purification. The twelve stages are categorized by duration (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) and include specific observances regarding food intake, daily conduct, accepting alms, dwelling, and interactions. The emphasis is on severe austerity and unwavering commitment to the monastic path.
Eighth Chapter (Paryushana Kalpa Dasha): This chapter focuses on the observances and rules related to Paryushana, the principal festival of Jainism, which occurs during the rainy season (Varsha). It details the timing of Paryushana, the preparation of religious spaces, rules for alms-seeking, permissible food and drink, personal hygiene, and interactions within the monastic community during this sacred period. It highlights the importance of maintaining purity and discipline during the rainy season, which is considered a vulnerable time for ascetics due to the increased presence of life forms. It also touches upon the exemplary conduct of Tirthankaras and their disciples in observing these rules.
Ninth Chapter (Mohaniya Sthan Dasha): This chapter enumerates thirty "Mohaniya Sthan" or causes for delusion and attachment, primarily related to the karmas that bind one to the cycle of birth and death. It details actions and attitudes that generate strong passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion, jealousy, and ignorance, leading to the accumulation of Mohaniya Karma. The chapter emphasizes the destructive nature of these passions and the importance of overcoming them through right faith, knowledge, and conduct. It includes a series of verses illustrating how specific harmful actions lead to intense delusion.
Tenth Chapter (Ayati Sthan Dasha): This chapter discusses "Ayati Sthan" or desires and aspirations related to future attainments, often referred to as "Nidana" or "vows taken with a specific desire for future benefits." It describes how even well-intentioned actions or vows, if undertaken with a hidden motive for worldly pleasures (like heavenly rebirths or powerful positions), can lead to the accumulation of karmas that prolong the cycle of suffering. The chapter cautions against such desires and encourages aspiration for liberation (moksha) as the ultimate goal, free from any ulterior motives. It highlights the story of King Shrenik and Queen Chelana to illustrate the consequences of such "nidana" or desires.

Key Principles Emphasized:

Achar (Conduct): The text places immense importance on proper conduct and discipline, both for ascetics and lay followers.
Prayschitta (Penance): As a Cheda Sutra, penance for transgressions is a central theme, outlining methods to purify oneself from karmic impurities.
Samiti and Gupta (Caution and Restraint): The text elaborates on the five samitis (careful conduct in walking, speech, eating, etc.) and three guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body) as foundational principles for spiritual practice.
Vinaya (Humility and Respect): The importance of showing respect to elders and adhering to the prescribed rules within the monastic order is consistently highlighted.
Nirgrantha and Sagar Dharma: The text differentiates and explains the practices suitable for both renounced ascetics (nirgranthas) and householders (sagars), guiding each on their respective spiritual paths.
Detachment and Non-attachment: A recurring theme is the cultivation of detachment from worldly pleasures, possessions, and even the body itself, as a means to overcome karmic bondage.
Mindfulness and Self-awareness: The text stresses the importance of being constantly mindful of one's thoughts, words, and actions to avoid committing faults and to progress spiritually.

In essence, "Aayaro Dasha" serves as a practical guide for living a life of righteousness and spiritual discipline according to Jain principles, providing detailed instructions on conduct, ethical behavior, and the path to liberation.