Agam 29 Mool 02 Dasvaikalik Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

A Comprehensive Summary of Agam 29, Mool 02, Dasvaikalik Sutra, Part 01 (Sthanakvasi)

This summary is based on the provided text, which is the first part of the Dasvaikalik Sutra, a significant Jain scripture, as explained and commented upon by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj and published by the A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The text is part of a larger collection aiming to make Jain scriptures accessible for educational and research purposes.

Overall Purpose and Context:

The Dasvaikalik Sutra, particularly this first part, is a foundational text for Jain ascetics (monks and nuns). It meticulously outlines the conduct, principles, and practices necessary for their spiritual journey towards liberation (moksha). The commentary by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj aims to clarify the complex teachings of the original text, making them understandable for both ascetics and scholars. The book emphasizes the importance of knowledge and action (ज्ञानक्रियाभ्यां मोक्षः) for achieving liberation, highlighting that neither can be neglected. It also stresses the necessity of understanding both the ultimate truth (निश्चय नय) and practical, worldly ways (व्यवहार नय) to truly grasp the principles of Jainism.

Key Themes and Content:

The text, comprising 10 chapters (adhyan), covers a wide range of essential topics for the Jain ascetic life. This summary focuses on the content as described in the provided text, particularly the introductory sections and the summaries of the first five chapters:

• Foundation of Jainism: The introduction emphasizes that Lord Mahavir Swami taught two types of dharma: scriptural (श्रुतचारित्र) and practical conduct (आचार), both of which are crucial for achieving liberation. It stresses the interdependence of knowledge (ज्ञान) and action (क्रिया).

• The Importance of Both Nayas (Perspectives): The text explains that true understanding of Dharma requires considering both Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth/essence) and Vyavahar Naya (conventional/practical truth). Relying solely on one leads to spiritual downfall.

• The Dasvaikalik Sutra and its Structure: The text outlines the 10 chapters of the Dasvaikalik Sutra and briefly summarizes the content of the first five chapters:

  • Chapter 1 (First Adhyayan): Defines Dharma as Ahimsa (non-violence), Sanyam (restraint), and Tapa (asceticism). The commentary delves into the etymology and meaning of Dharma, and elaborates on Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tapa. It also discusses the use of a mouth-cloth (मुखवस्त्रिका) for air-consciousness restraint and the principles of Niravadhya Bhiksha (pure alms-taking), including its six types.
  • Chapter 2 (Second Adhyayan): Focuses on Sanyam (restraint) and its challenges. It narrates the story of Rathnemi and Rajimati to illustrate how to stabilize a new monk's mind when it wanders from the path of restraint. It also clarifies who is considered a true renunciate (tyagi) and who is not.
  • Chapter 3 (Third Adhyayan): Deals with the prevention of 52 'Anacharnas' (improper conduct) for a restrained monk, as these are detrimental to true Sanyam. It instructs on the renunciation of these Anacharnas.
  • Chapter 4 (Fourth Adhyayan): Explains the concept of six life-bodies (Shad-Jeeva-Kaya) and their protection. It states that only one who avoids the 52 Anacharnas can protect the six bodies. It also emphasizes the importance of Ayatan (carelessness) and Yatan (carefulness) and that true understanding of the path to liberation comes from knowledge of soul and non-soul (Jeeva-Ajeeva).
  • Chapter 5 (Fifth Adhyayan): Details the method of protecting the six bodies through pure alms-taking (Niravadhya Bhiksha). It outlines the rules and procedures for taking alms.
  • Chapter 6 (Sixth Adhyayan): Describes the observation of 18 principles through pure alms-taking. It highlights the importance of speaking truthfully and conventionally (Vyavahar Bhasha).
  • Chapter 7 (Seventh Adhyayan): Discusses the four types of languages that one should use to follow the 18 principles, emphasizing truthfulness and conventional language.
  • Chapter 8 (Eighth Adhyayan): Elaborates on the five treasures of conduct (Achar Nidhi) attained by speaking pure language.
  • Chapter 9 (Ninth Adhyayan): Defines Vinaya (humility), stating that only one who follows the five treasures of conduct can be considered truly humble.
  • Chapter 10 (Tenth Adhyayan): Describes the nature of a Bhikshu (monk), emphasizing that only one who follows the methods described in the previous nine chapters can truly be called a Bhikshu.

• Testimonials and Endorsements (Sammat Patra): The text includes numerous testimonials from prominent Jain scholars, monks, and leaders like Upadhyay Jin Muni Aatmaramji Maharaj, Pandit Ratna Muni Ghasilalji Maharaj, Pandit Trikamchandji Maharaj, and others. These endorsements praise the commentary for its depth, clarity, authenticity, and the author's profound understanding of the Agamas. They highlight the work's value in revitalizing Jain scripture study and benefiting the community.

• Detailed Analysis of Key Concepts: The commentary provides in-depth explanations of crucial Jain concepts, such as:

  • Ahimsa: Defining it not just as absence of violence but as active protection of life and the desire for it.
  • Pramad (Negligence): Identifying the five types of negligence (maddhya, vishaya, kashaya, nidra, vikatha) and also the eight types of negligence arising from mental states (ajnan, samshay, viparyay, rag, dwesh, etc.).
  • Subtle Violations: Detailing how subtle actions, even while practicing restraint, can lead to violence against microscopic life forms (sukshma jiva), and explaining the meticulous precautions monks must take, such as the proper use of a mouth-cloth (मुखवस्त्रिका) to prevent harm to airborne organisms.
  • Tapa (Asceticism): Explaining both external (bhaya) and internal (abhyantara) tapas, with detailed descriptions of the six types of each. It clarifies that true tapas is not mere suffering but a means to overcome karmas and attain purity.
  • Bhiksha (Alms-taking): Providing extensive guidance on the principles of pure and ethical alms-taking, emphasizing the "bhramar-drishtanta" (example of the bee) to illustrate taking nourishment without causing harm and the importance of accepting food without attachment or greed.
  • Pashan (Attachments): Explaining the negative impact of attachments, particularly to women and sensory pleasures, on the spiritual path and the necessity of detachment.
  • Yatanas (Carefulness): Detailing the meticulous care required in every action, from walking to eating, to avoid harming even the slightest life forms.
  • Purification: Stressing the importance of purifying one's actions and intentions, especially in receiving alms, and the need to avoid food that is impure or obtained through improper means.
  • Moksha (Liberation): Describing the ultimate goal of Jainism as the state of liberation, achieved through the destruction of all karmas and the attainment of infinite knowledge, perception, power, and bliss, a state of eternal peace and perfection.

Key Takeaways:

The Dasvaikalik Sutra, as presented with Kanhaiyalal Maharaj's commentary, serves as an essential guide for Jain ascetics. It emphasizes:

1. Holistic Practice: True spiritual progress lies in the integration of knowledge and action, understanding both ultimate and conventional truths.
2. Meticulous Conduct: Every action, however small, must be performed with utmost mindfulness (Yatanā) to avoid harm to any life form.
3. Renunciation: Freedom from attachments, especially to sensory pleasures and worldly possessions, is paramount for spiritual advancement.
4. Discipline: The text provides a comprehensive framework for monastic discipline, covering alms-taking, conduct, and the prevention of improper actions.
5. The Goal of Liberation: The ultimate aim is moksha, a state of eternal bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death, achievable through rigorous adherence to the principles outlined in the sutra.

This commentary aims to ensure that the rigorous path of Jain asceticism is understood and practiced correctly, enabling aspirants to move closer to their ultimate spiritual goal.