Agam 29 Mool 02 Dasvaikalik Sutra Dasaveyaliyam Terapanth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Agam 29 Mool 02 Dasvaikalik Sutra (Dasaveyaliyam), authored by Tulsi Acharya and Nathmalmuni, published by Jain Vishva Bharati, based on the provided pages:

Overall Context and Significance:

The provided text is the second edition (1974) of the Dasavaikalik Sutra, a significant Jain Agam text. This edition is published by Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, Rajasthan, and is dedicated to the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir. The text is presented in its original Prakrit language, with Sanskrit rendering, Hindi translation, and explanatory notes. The initiative was spearheaded by Acharya Tulsi as the "Vacana Pramukha" (lecturer/guide) and Muni Nathamal as the editor and commentator.

Key Themes and Contents:

The Dasavaikalik Sutra, as presented and contextualized in this edition, is a foundational text for Jain monks and nuns, focusing on the practical aspects of their spiritual discipline, conduct, and ethical guidelines. The introduction and commentary highlight the following key themes:

The Importance of Agama: The text emphasizes the critical role of the Agamas (Jain scriptures) as the basis of religious thought and practice, distinguishing them from other literature due to their origin from enlightened beings (Jinas).
The Dasavaikalik Sutra's Purpose: The title itself, "Dasavaikalik," meaning "belonging to the ten periods" or "related to the ten critical times," suggests its focus on crucial aspects of monastic life and conduct that are essential for spiritual progress and avoiding downfall.
Authorship and Guidance: Acharya Tulsi, a prominent figure in the Terapanth tradition, guided the project, ensuring its alignment with Jain principles. Muni Nathamal, an erudite scholar, provided the detailed commentary, making the complex text accessible.
Preservation and Transmission of Knowledge: The preface and editorial notes discuss the historical challenges of preserving and transmitting the Jain Agamas, including the loss of texts and the efforts made through various councils (Vachanas) to compile and preserve them. The text acknowledges the difficulties faced by ancient commentators like Abhaydev Suri and highlights the dedication of monks and nuns in the task of editing and translation.
Classification of Agamas: The introductory sections delve into the classification of Jain Agamas according to both Svetambara and Digambara traditions, detailing the 84, 45, and 32 Agamas, with a specific mention of the Dasavaikalik Sutra within these classifications.
Structure and Content of Dasavaikalik Sutra: The text provides a detailed table of contents for the Dasavaikalik Sutra, listing its ten main chapters (Adhyayanas) and their respective subjects. It covers a wide range of topics crucial for monastic life, including:
- Conduct and Ethics: The Sutra details ethical conduct, covering aspects like the importance of Dharma (virtue), the five core vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha), and the avoidance of specific transgressions (Anachar).
- Daily Life and Practices: The text guides ascetics on proper conduct during activities like begging for alms (Pindeshana), movement, sitting, sleeping, speaking, and interacting with the community. It provides detailed rules for maintaining purity and non-violence in all actions.
- Self-Discipline and Mindfulness: Emphasis is placed on controlling senses, managing desires, and cultivating virtues like patience, contentment, and equanimity.
- Key Concepts: The text elaborates on the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) in its comprehensive form, the significance of Samyama (restraint), and Tapas (austerity) as central pillars of spiritual practice. It highlights the importance of right knowledge (Samyak Darshan), right faith, and right conduct.
- Philosophical Insights: Underlying the practical guidelines are philosophical principles related to the nature of the soul, karma, liberation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Commentary and Translation: The Hindi translation and commentary by Muni Nathamal are praised for their depth and clarity, providing historical context, linguistic explanations, and philosophical interpretations of the original Prakrit text. The commentary acknowledges the meticulous research and consultation of various ancient Jain texts.
Importance of Scholarly Work: The publication highlights the collaborative effort involved, crediting various monks, nuns, and individuals who contributed to the editing, translation, and financial support of this scholarly work.

Specific Chapters Mentioned (with a focus on early ones):

Chapter 1: Drum-Pushpika (Tree-Flower): This chapter is presented as an introduction, explaining the nature of Dharma, its characteristics (Ahimsa, Samyama, Tapas), and the importance of adhering to it. It uses the analogy of a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them to illustrate the principle of ethical begging (Madhukari Vritti).
Chapter 2: Shramanyapurvakam (The Foundation of Asceticism): This chapter focuses on the foundational elements of asceticism, particularly self-control and the renunciation of worldly desires. It emphasizes the importance of equanimity and self-mastery, using the example of the life of Jain ascetics.
Chapter 3: Kshullakachar Katha (The Story of Minor Conduct): This chapter details minor transgressions (Anachar) that ascetics must avoid. It lists a significant number of prohibited actions, covering various aspects of daily conduct and interaction.
Chapter 4: Shadjivanika (The Six Types of Living Beings): This chapter is crucial for understanding the Jain principle of Ahimsa. It describes the six categories of living beings (Prithvikaya, Apkaya, Tejukaya, Vayukaya, Vanaspatikaya, and Trasakaya) and the importance of non-violence towards all of them, highlighting the subtle forms of violence that can occur even in seemingly innocuous actions.
Chapter 5: Pindeshana (Alms-Seeking): This extensive chapter is divided into two parts, detailing the intricate rules and ethical considerations involved in the process of seeking alms. It covers what to accept, what to avoid, how to interact with householders, and the importance of purity in every step of the process. The commentary emphasizes the meticulousness required to maintain non-violence and self-discipline even in the act of seeking sustenance.
Chapter 6: Mahachar Katha (The Story of Great Conduct): This chapter seems to build upon the principles of minor conduct by elaborating on the great rules and practices essential for ascetics, possibly delving deeper into the avoidance of major transgressions and the cultivation of higher virtues. The commentary suggests it covers eighteen key areas of conduct.
Chapter 7: Vakya Shuddhi (Purity of Speech): This chapter focuses on the ethical guidelines for speech, emphasizing the importance of truthful, non-harmful, and mindful communication, while avoiding gossip, harsh words, and deceptive language.

Overall Contribution:

This edition of the Dasavaikalik Sutra by Jain Vishva Bharati, under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi and the scholarly work of Muni Nathamal, serves as a vital resource for understanding and practicing the core tenets of Jain monasticism. It highlights the text's enduring relevance for spiritual aspirants and its commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain wisdom. The detailed commentary provides invaluable insights into the nuances of Jain ethical conduct and its philosophical underpinnings.