Agam 27 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Dasao Terapanth
Added to library: September 1, 2025

Summary
This comprehensive summary covers the content of Agam 27, Chhed 04, Dashashrutskandh Sutra Dasao, as presented in the provided text. The text details the "Dashas" (chapters or sections) of the Sutra, focusing on various aspects of Jain monastic life, conduct, and philosophical concepts.
Overall Structure and Content:
The text is divided into ten "Dashas" (chapters). Each "Dasha" is further broken down into "Sutras" (verses or aphorisms) and "Gathas" (stanzas). The content is primarily instructional, outlining rules, principles, and the consequences of actions for monks and nuns within the Jain tradition. The commentary, provided by Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragna, likely aims to clarify and elaborate on these teachings.
Key Themes and Sections:
The provided pages offer a glimpse into the initial Dashas and some later sections, covering a wide range of topics:
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Page 1 & 3-4: These pages appear to be introductory, listing the ten Dashas and their corresponding Sutra and Gatha references, along with page numbers. This structure suggests a systematic compilation of Jain teachings.
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Page 5-8 (Prathama Dasha - First Chapter): This section focuses on twenty "Asamāhiḍhāṇā" (states of disharmony or agitation) for monks and nuns. The Sutras list various negative behaviors and mental states that disrupt peace and spiritual progress. These include:
- Engaging in actions without proper consideration.
- Being greedy for possessions.
- Speaking untruthfully or harshly.
- Holding onto anger and jealousy.
- Disregarding rules and regulations.
- Inflicting harm or causing distress to others.
- Indulging in sensual pleasures.
- Being careless and negligent in spiritual practice.
- Committing acts that violate the vows.
- Disobeying the spiritual preceptors (Gurus).
- Being attached to worldly affairs and family.
- Engaging in gossip and slander.
- Failing to maintain equanimity and inner peace.
- Being preoccupied with thoughts of the past or future.
- Lacking control over one's senses and mind.
- Developing pride and ego.
- Being envious of others' progress.
- Failing to practice compassion and forgiveness.
- Indulging in hypocrisy and deceit.
- Losing faith in the spiritual path.
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Page 9-12 (Dvitīyā Dasha - Second Chapter): This chapter deals with twenty-one "Sabalā" (states of weakness or vulnerability). This likely refers to actions or mental states that weaken one's spiritual resolve or make them susceptible to negative influences. Examples from the text include:
- Engaging in certain physical actions.
- Consuming food at improper times.
- Engaging in prohibited activities.
- Violating vows or abstinences.
- Showing disrespect to elders or preceptors.
- Lacking proper conduct or behavior.
- Falling prey to desires and attachments.
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Page 13-17 (Tṛtīyā Dasha - Third Chapter): This section outlines thirty-three "Āśāyanā" (offenses or breaches of conduct). These are detailed descriptions of actions or omissions that constitute an offense against Jain principles. The chapter seems to elaborate on specific situations where a monk or nun might commit an offense, often related to their interaction with others, especially their spiritual preceptor (referred to as "Rāṇiṇiya" or "Rāṇiṇiye," possibly meaning a senior monk or nun, or the spiritual order). Examples include:
- Not showing proper respect or deference.
- Acting with pride or arrogance.
- Speaking disrespectfully or critically.
- Failing to follow instructions.
- Misappropriating resources.
- Causing discord or unrest.
- Violating rules of conduct.
- Disregarding the well-being of others.
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Page 18-25 (Chaturthī Dasha - Fourth Chapter): This chapter discusses eight types of "Gaṇīsampadā" (qualities of a spiritual leader or accomplished monk/nun). These qualities are essential for those who lead or guide the monastic community. The categories include:
- Ācārasampadā (Conduct): Purity of action, control over senses, adherence to vows.
- Sūtasampadā (Knowledge): Mastery of scriptures, deep understanding of teachings.
- Śarīrasampadā (Body): Health, strength, and suitability of the body for ascetic practices.
- Vacanasampadā (Speech): Clear, truthful, pleasant, and beneficial speech.
- Vācanāsampadā (Recitation/Teaching): Skill in reciting and explaining scriptures.
- Matisampadā (Intellect): Sharpness, clarity, and depth of understanding.
- Prayogasampadā (Application): Practical application of knowledge and wisdom.
- Sangahaparigrahasampadā (Management/Administration): Ability to manage resources and community affairs effectively. The chapter also details four types of "Vinayapaṭivattī" (respectful conduct) towards the preceptor and four types of "Vinayapaṭivattī" for the disciple.
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Page 26-30 (Pañchamā Dasha - Fifth Chapter): This section presents ten "Chittasamāhiḍhāṇā" (states of mental concentration or focus). These are described as states that monks and nuns should cultivate for spiritual progress. The text outlines specific meditative states and insights, including:
- Developing profound meditation.
- Gaining knowledge of reality.
- Experiencing divine visions.
- Attaining omniscience.
- Achieving liberation from suffering.
- Understanding the nature of the soul.
- Cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures.
- Attaining spiritual bliss.
- Realizing the ultimate truth.
- Experiencing profound peace and serenity.
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Page 31-38 (Ṣaṣṭhā Dasha - Sixth Chapter): This chapter enumerates eleven "Upāsakapratimā" (stages of spiritual development for lay followers). These are progressive stages of commitment and practice for householders in Jainism, moving towards greater renunciation and adherence to Jain principles. The levels describe increasing levels of austerity, vow-observance, and detachment from worldly possessions and activities.
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Page 39-45 (Saptamā Dasha - Seventh Chapter): This chapter details twelve "Bhikhṣupratimā" (stages of spiritual discipline for monks). Similar to the lay follower stages, these represent progressive levels of austerity, renunciation, and spiritual perfection for monks. Each stage has specific rules and guidelines for conduct, conduct, and practices.
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Page 46-52 (Aṣṭamā Dasha - Eighth Chapter): This chapter, titled "Paryuṣaṇākalpa," focuses on the festival of Paryuṣaṇā, a significant period of repentance, fasting, and spiritual reflection in Jainism. It likely contains rules and rituals associated with this important occasion.
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Page 53-68 (Navamā Dasha - Ninth Chapter): This section, titled "Mohaniyastḥānāni," delves into thirty "Mohanīyāsthānāni" (causes of delusion or passions) that lead to karmic bondage. The text identifies various mental states and actions that generate delusion, such as:
- Causing harm to living beings.
- Speaking untruthfully or offensively.
- Engaging in sensual pleasures.
- Harboring negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
- Disrespecting spiritual guides or teachings.
- Indulging in worldly attachments and desires.
- Holding false beliefs and wrong perceptions.
- Practicing hypocrisy and deceit.
- Causing quarrels and conflicts.
- Engaging in malicious gossip and backbiting.
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Page 69-72 (Daśamā Dasha - Tenth Chapter): This chapter, titled "Nigranthasambodhana-pada," focuses on the teachings and advice given by Lord Mahavir. It likely contains discourses on spiritual liberation, ethical conduct, and the nature of reality, delivered to his disciples and the general public. The text describes the context of these teachings, often involving King Seniya (Bimbisara) and Queen Chelana, and the conversion or enlightenment of individuals. It highlights the importance of:
- Right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
- Renunciation of worldly attachments.
- Austerity and self-discipline.
- Compassion and non-violence.
- Attaining spiritual insight and liberation. The chapter also emphasizes the significance of the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the path to salvation.
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Page 73-86 (Parisishṭa - Appendix): This section appears to be an appendix that includes various additional lists and details, such as:
- Bhagavato Cavanaadi-Naksatra-Padam (1-2): Details related to the birth, descent, and prenatal experiences of Lord Mahavir, including dreams and their interpretations.
- Usabhava-tasya Sumiṇa-Nivedana-Padam (3-6): Further elaboration on dreams and their significance, specifically concerning Lord Rishabhanatha.
- Bhagavato Garbhasāharaṇa-Padam (7): Details about the conception of Lord Mahavir.
- Bhagavato Garbhasāharaṇa-Padam (8): Possibly further details on the conception.
- Tilasāye Sumiṇa-Darsana-Padam (9-12): Details about dreams experienced by Queen Trishala (mother of Mahavir).
- Siddhasya Sumiṇa-Phala-Puccha-Padam (13-14): Asking about the results of dreams and the explanation thereof.
- Siddhasya Sumiṇa-Prasaṁsā-Padam (15-17): Praise and affirmation of the auspicious dreams.
- Namakarana-Saṁkalpa-Padam (18-51): This extensive section covers the naming ceremony and the various qualities, names, and aspects associated with Lord Mahavir and his family.
- Bhagavato Paitinā-Padam (52): Possibly related to his sustenance or conduct.
- Janma-Padam (53-57): Details about the birth of Lord Mahavir.
- Jammotsava-Padam (58-61): Celebrations surrounding the birth.
- Namakarana-Padam (62-65): The naming ceremony itself.
- Parivāra-Padam (66-72): Details about Lord Mahavir's family and entourage.
- Saṁboha-Padam (73): Possibly teachings for overall well-being or enlightenment.
- Pravrajyā-Padam (74-75): Details about Lord Mahavir's renunciation.
- Chāummatta-Caryā-Padam (76-78): His conduct as an ascetic.
- Kevalaṇāna-Labdhi-Padam (79-81): Attainment of omniscience.
- Bhagavato Vāsāvāsa-Vicharaṇa-Padam (82-83): Lord Mahavir's residence during the rainy season and his movements.
- Pāvāye Nivvāṇa-Padam (84-85): Lord Mahavir's attainment of liberation at Pavāpurī.
- Gautamasya Kevalaṇāna-Labdhi-Padam (87): Gautam Swami's attainment of omniscience.
- Dīpāvali-Pravā-Padam (88): Possibly related to a festival or specific event.
- Bhāsarāśimahāgraha-Padam (89-90): Likely astrological or cosmological information.
- Kuntḥu Utpatti-Padam (91): Details about the origin or life of Muni Kuntḥu.
- Bhagavato Dharmasya Parivāra-Padam (92-104): Information about Lord Mahavir's spiritual family and followers.
- Antagaḍabhūmi-Padam (105): Description of the land of liberation.
- Upasaṁhāra-Padam (106-107): Conclusion or summary.
- Puruṣādāṇīye Pāśa-Padam (108-116): Details about the life of Lord Pārśvanātha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
- Arhadṛṣabha-Padam (117-178): Details about the life of Lord Ṛṣabha (Ādinātha), the first Tirthankara. This section is quite extensive, covering his birth, family, renunciation, omniscience, and Nirvana.
- Gaṇharāvali (179-184): Lineage of the chief disciples (Ganadharas).
- Therāvali (185-202): Lineage of the spiritual preceptors (Theras).
- Paryusana-Kalpa (223-288): This appears to be a significant portion detailing the practices and rules associated with the Paryuṣaṇā festival. It covers various aspects of conduct, dietary rules, ascetic practices, and the expected behavior of monks and nuns during this period. This includes:
- The duration of the retreat (Vāsāvāsa).
- Rules regarding food and drink.
- Conduct in relation to the monastery and outside.
- Types of austerities.
- The importance of seeking permission from preceptors.
- The role of the preceptor in guiding disciples.
- The significance of purity and non-violence.
- The concept of "Asamāhiḍhāṇā" (disharmony) and "Sabalā" (weakness) in the context of the retreat.
- The strict rules regarding interaction with the opposite sex and avoiding occasions for spiritual decline.
- The ultimate goal of spiritual practice – liberation (Nirvana).
- The importance of unwavering devotion and following the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
Authors and Publisher:
- Authors: Tulsi Acharya, Mahapragna Acharya. This indicates a scholarly and authoritative interpretation of the text.
- Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati. This suggests a reputable institution dedicated to Jain studies and publications.
Catalog Link:
- The provided link suggests a digital repository or catalog of Jain texts, offering access to this and other related scriptures.
Overall Significance:
This text appears to be a fundamental scripture within the Agam literature, providing detailed guidance on the path of renunciation, asceticism, and spiritual development according to Jain principles. The "Chhedas" (chapters) likely address specific areas of discipline and conduct, while the "Dashas" within the "Dashashrutskandh" provide a structured framework for understanding these teachings. The detailed enumerations of offenses, weaknesses, qualities, stages of spiritual development, and rules for the Paryuṣaṇā festival highlight the rigorous and systematic nature of Jain monasticism. The inclusion of the lives and lineages of Tirthankaras and Acharyas further grounds these teachings in the historical and spiritual lineage of Jainism.