Agam 29 Mood 02 Dashvaikalik Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

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Book Title: Agam 29 Mood 02 Dashvaikalik Sutra Part 02 (Sthanakvasi Gujarati Edition) Author: Ghasilal Maharaj Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti

Overall Summary:

This volume, Dashvaikalik Sutra Part 02, is a significant Jain scripture that delves deeply into the conduct, ethics, and practices expected of Jain monks (bhikshus) within the Sthanakvasi tradition. It serves as a practical guide, offering detailed explanations and injunctions derived from the teachings of Lord Mahavir. The text emphasizes the importance of meticulous adherence to Jain principles in daily life and spiritual pursuit, outlining specific rules and guidelines to ensure the monk's spiritual progress and the welfare of all living beings.

The text can be broadly categorized into the following key areas covered in its chapters:

1. Rules for Studying Scriptures (Swadhyay):

• Timing and Restrictions: The initial sections provide precise instructions on when and when not to study the scripture. This includes specific times of day and night, avoiding certain periods like twilight or during specific astronomical events.
• Aswadhyay (Non-Study Periods): A comprehensive list of 32 circumstances that necessitate abstaining from study is provided. These are categorized into:
  • Sky-Related (10): Meteor showers, burning horizons, loud thunder, divine roars, lightning, specific lunar phases (Yupak), lightning-like celestial phenomena (Yakshadiptha), and fog (both black and white), dust storms.
  • Body-Related (10): Contact with bones, flesh, blood (if not properly disposed of), broken eggs, excrement/urine, proximity to cremation grounds, lunar and solar eclipses, royal unrest (Rajvyudgat), falling of a dignitary, and the presence of a dead body.
  • Festivals and Specific Days: Abstaining from study during major festivals (Mahotsav) and the days following full moons (Pratipada).
• Specific Timings: Avoiding study during the early and late twilight hours, midday, and midnight.
• Exceptions: The rules for aswadhyaya are specifically for the original text (Mul Path), not for translations or commentaries. Respect and adherence to the guidance of elders and teachers are paramount.

2. Conduct and Principles (Chapters 6-10): The bulk of the text focuses on the practical aspects of a monk's life, detailing eighteen essential principles (Sthanak) that guide their actions and thought processes. These principles are designed to uphold ahimsa (non-violence) and other core Jain virtues.

• Mahaachar Katha (Chapter 6 - Big Conduct): This chapter discusses the importance of adhering to the eighteen essential principles of conduct. It emphasizes that even minor deviations or negligence in these principles can lead to downfall. The eighteen principles cover a wide range of actions and considerations:

  • The Six Vows: Protection of the six categories of living beings (shad jivanikay) – Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Vegetation-bodied, and Five-sensed beings. This includes meticulous care in movement, speech, and actions to minimize harm.
  • Practices: Specific rules regarding eating, sleeping, clothing, and cleanliness are outlined.
  • Specific Prohibitions: This includes refraining from specific actions like using salt, storing food overnight (Sannidhi), bathing, self-adornment, sitting on chairs or beds without proper inspection, and engaging in certain types of speech.
  • Emphasis on Ahimsa: The profound importance of ahimsa is repeatedly stressed, highlighting that all other virtues stem from it. The text details how seemingly small actions can cause significant harm to subtle beings.
  • Renunciation: A strong emphasis is placed on detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions, including avoiding indulgence in sensory pleasures and the accumulation of even minor items.
  • Speech (Bhasha): A significant portion is dedicated to the proper use of language, emphasizing truthful, non-harmful, and beneficial speech. It details what to say, what not to say, and how to speak appropriately in various situations, including interactions with women and animals.
  • Discipline: Strict adherence to rules regarding movement, posture, and interactions is prescribed.

• Achara Pranidhi (Chapter 8 - The Foundation of Conduct): This chapter focuses on the foundational aspects of a monk's conduct, emphasizing the importance of discipline and vigilance in every action.

  • The Four Pillars of Liberation: It introduces four key areas for spiritual progress: Vinaya Samadhi (tranquility through humility/discipline), Shruta Samadhi (tranquility through scriptural knowledge), Tapa Samadhi (tranquility through austerity), and Achara Samadhi (tranquility through righteous conduct).
  • Vinaya (Humility and Respect): This is a significant focus, detailing the importance of respecting elders, teachers, and even fellow monks, regardless of age or perceived intellectual prowess. It emphasizes the consequences of disrespect and the rewards of humility.
  • Shruta (Scriptural Knowledge): The necessity of studying and understanding the scriptures for spiritual growth is highlighted.
  • Tapa (Austerity): The role of austerities in purifying the soul and destroying karma is explained.
  • Achara (Conduct): The meticulous adherence to the prescribed conduct, as outlined in the scriptures, is presented as crucial for spiritual progress.

• Vinaya Samadhi (Chapter 9 - Tranquility through Humility): This chapter further elaborates on the principles of Vinaya, providing detailed examples and analogies to illustrate its importance.

  • Analogy of the Tree: The interconnectedness of virtues, starting from humility, is likened to a tree's growth from its roots to its fruits.
  • Consequences of Disrespect: The severe negative consequences of disrespecting teachers and scriptures are explained, emphasizing the endless cycle of suffering in transmigration.
  • The Four Samadhis: The four key areas of tranquility (Vinaya, Shruta, Tapa, Achara) are reiterated and their respective benefits explained.
  • Living the Principles: The text stresses that these principles are not just theoretical but must be actively practiced in daily life, including interactions, speech, and daily routines.

• Bhikhsu (Chapter 10 - The Mendicant): This chapter defines the ideal qualities and conduct of a true mendicant (bhikshu) who adheres to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

  • Defining a Bhikshu: The text outlines the characteristics of a mendicant, including renunciation, adherence to vows, control over senses and emotions, diligent study, and meticulous practice of conduct.
  • Karma and Liberation: It explains how the practices of a true mendicant lead to the destruction of karma and ultimately to liberation (Moksha).

Key Themes and Significance:

• Ahimsa as the Foremost Principle: The text consistently underscores ahimsa as the paramount virtue, guiding all actions and considerations of a Jain monk.
• Meticulous Observance: The Dashvaikalik Sutra emphasizes a highly disciplined and detailed approach to monastic life, leaving no room for complacency or laxity.
• The Role of the Guru: The importance of a guru and the necessity of absolute obedience and respect towards them is a recurring theme, highlighting their role in guiding the disciple towards spiritual liberation.
• Renunciation and Detachment: The text promotes detachment from worldly pleasures, sensory gratification, and even the subtle attachments to one's body.
• Karma and Liberation: The underlying philosophy is that by adhering to these strict guidelines, a monk can effectively shed karmic bonds and achieve liberation.
• Practical Guidance: The Sutra is not just theoretical; it provides practical, actionable advice for monks to navigate various situations and maintain their spiritual purity.

In essence, this volume of the Dashvaikalik Sutra is a comprehensive manual for Jain monks, laying out the rigorous path of spiritual discipline, ethical conduct, and profound compassion required for liberation. It serves as a testament to the depth and meticulousness of Jain philosophy in guiding its adherents towards the ultimate spiritual goal.