Agam 30 1 Gacchachar Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gacchachar Sutra," translated from Hindi by Muni Deepratnasagarji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 30/1 Gacchachar Sutra Hindi Anuwad Author: Muni Deepratnasagarji Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar

This work is a Hindi translation and commentary of the "Gacchachar Sutra," which is identified as the 7th Panna Sutta (Prakirnaka Sutta) within the 30th Agam (Agam 30/1). The translator and editor, Muni Deepratnasagarji, is lauded as an "Agam Diwakar" (Sun of Agams) and "Shrut Maharshi" (Great Sage of Scripture), holding advanced degrees.

The sutra is presented as a guide for the conduct and principles within a Jain monastic community (Gachha), emphasizing the qualities and responsibilities of both spiritual leaders and followers. The text is structured to provide clear guidance, starting with an invocation and then detailing various aspects of monastic life.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Gacchachar Sutra" delves into the essential characteristics of a righteous Jain monastic order (Gachha) and the individuals within it. The core message revolves around conduct, adherence to scripture, spiritual discipline, and the avoidance of detrimental practices.

I. The Importance of a Righteous Gachha and its Leaders:

• Warning Against Unrighteous Gachhas (Sutras 2, 29-32): The text strongly warns against following or associating with "unrighteous" or "wayward" (unmarga-gami) Gachhas. It emphasizes that the company of unrighteous individuals, even for those who are virtuous, can lead to downfall. A single misguided Acharya can lead many followers astray, like a drowning swimmer pulling others down.
• Qualities of a Good Gachha and Acharya (Sutras 8, 14-17, 21, 23, 26, 33-38, 43, 51-57, 61-62, 75-76, 98-101):
  • Acharya (Spiritual Leader): The Acharya is described as the pillar, support, guide, and vessel for the Gachha. They are responsible for establishing boundaries, offering spiritual insight, and protecting the community from the perils of the world. A good Acharya is one who is wise, competent, ethical, and diligently teaches and guides disciples. They should be tested before the Gachha is judged.
  • Disciple's Role: Disciples are urged to seek out and remain in a righteous Gachha for their entire lives. They are encouraged to be enthusiastic in their religious practices, learn from their Gurus, and confess their faults.
  • Gachha as a Supportive Community: A righteous Gachha is characterized by mutual respect, learning, adherence to scriptural rules (Agamokta vidhi), shared sustenance, and a collective effort towards spiritual progress. It is a place where even those with minor faults are guided towards correction.
• Qualities of a Bad Acharya (Sutras 12-13): The text explicitly lists characteristics of a "bad" or "unrighteous" Acharya. These include: acting according to personal whims, engaging in wicked conduct, promoting violence (arambha), being attached to worldly possessions or practices, violating vows, not confessing faults to their Guru, and being engrossed in worldly gossip.
• Repentance and Purification (Sutras 12, 14): Even highly skilled Acharyas are encouraged to perform introspection and "purification" (alochana) by confessing their faults to another learned Acharya, mirroring how a skilled doctor might consult another for their own ailments.

II. Essential Conduct and Discipline for Monks (Muni):

• Diligence and Enthusiasm (Sutras 3-7): Monks who are lazy or disheartened are exhorted to find enthusiasm by observing the diligent efforts of more capable monks. This renewed vigor can help burn away past sins.
• Adherence to Principles (Sutras 22, 24-26, 33-35): True monks are those who uphold the principles of conduct (charitra), practice austerities, and live according to the Agamas. Those who relax their discipline due to comfort or attachment to worldly things are merely wearing the garb of a monk. Even if one cannot perfectly follow the Agamas due to personal limitations, they should at least teach the correct principles sincerely.
• Dietary Discipline (Sutras 58-60): Monks should accept food without attachment to taste or appearance, purely for the sustenance of the body to support their spiritual practices, rather than for pleasure or physical enhancement. The six reasons for accepting food are listed: to quell hunger, for service, for adherence to gait-practice (iryasamiti), for self-discipline, for maintaining life, and for contemplation of Dharma.
• Non-Attachment (Sutras 58-59, 89-91): Renunciation of attachment to food, belongings, and even the body is crucial. The text prohibits the use of gold, silver, money, grains, precious stones, comfortable bedding, or seating.
• Speech Discipline (Sutras 46-48, 57, 100-101): Wise individuals will accept the teachings of a learned monk (gitartha) as nectar, even if it seems difficult. Conversely, the words of an ignorant monk (agitartha) are like poison, even if they appear to be nectar. Monks should speak with humility and avoid harsh or deceitful language.
• Avoiding Worldly Engagements (Sutras 83, 94, 97, 102-103, 104): Monks must avoid engaging in worldly activities like singing, playing, joking, idleness, and any form of commercial activity. They should also avoid anger and animosity towards laypeople.

III. Strict Guidelines Regarding Nuns (Sadhvi):

• Separation from Nuns (Sutras 49, 50, 64-71, 77, 78, 81, 84-87, 93-94, 96, 110, 115-117, 119-123, 125-127): This is a significant and recurring theme. The text strongly emphasizes that monks should maintain a strict distance from nuns, considering their association as dangerous as fire or poison. A monk associating with a nun is prone to disgrace and loss of spiritual merit. Even elderly and respected monks can fall into disrepute if they associate with nuns. The text details numerous specific behaviors that are considered violations for nuns, including:
  • Unnecessary conversation with monks.
  • Dressing in colorful or ornamented attire.
  • Using scented oils or engaging in adornment.
  • Going to laypeople's homes for storytelling or receiving young men.
  • Speaking religious discourses at night to men.
  • Engaging in quarrels with other nuns or speaking worldly language in front of laypeople.
  • Failing to perform regular penances or follow the instructions of senior nuns.
  • Using amulets or charms.
  • Not showing compassion to new or sick nuns with proper food and clothing.
  • Wearing elaborate dust-sweepers (rajoharan).
  • Exhibiting attractive gestures or movements that might evoke desire.
  • Touching or even washing parts of their bodies in front of others.
  • Engaging in activities like sewing, filling, or applying oils.
  • Going to places frequented by animals or near the homes of unchaste women.
  • Accepting offerings from laypeople without proper scrutiny.
  • Monks accepting anything brought by nuns without careful consideration.
• Monks protecting Nuns: Conversely, a monk who helps a nun establish themselves in Dharma gains immense spiritual merit.
• Nuns' Conduct: Nuns must uphold their vows of celibacy rigorously. They should avoid any behavior that could lead to suspicion or gossip. Senior nuns are responsible for guiding and disciplining younger nuns. Nuns should not speak worldly language or engage in practices that are not in line with their vows.

IV. Other Crucial Aspects:

• Purity of Water and Food (Sutras 78, 81): Monks must only consume pure, lifeless (nirjiva) water, even during extreme thirst. They should not use stored water (sachitta pani) unless absolutely necessary and with great care.
• Non-Violence (Sutras 76, 77): The text emphasizes the importance of compassion for all living beings. Monks should avoid practices that harm even the smallest creatures. The use of certain types of brooms (khajuri and munja) is mentioned as showing a lack of compassion for living beings.
• Avoiding Contamination (Sutras 73, 79, 80, 83): Monks should be vigilant about maintaining purity in their living spaces and practices, avoiding anything that could lead to contamination or sin, especially concerning food and personal hygiene.
• The True Gachha (Sutras 57, 61-62, 75, 98-101, 130-132): A true Gachha is one where there is mutual respect, adherence to Dharma, spiritual discipline, and a collective commitment to righteousness. It is a place where ascetics are respected, and where the principles of Dharma are paramount. The text highlights that the adherence of a disciple to the Guru's word, even when facing hardship, defines a true Gachha.

In essence, the "Gacchachar Sutra" serves as a foundational text for maintaining the integrity and spiritual purity of the Jain monastic order. It provides detailed guidelines for the conduct of monks and nuns, emphasizing strict adherence to scriptural principles, rigorous self-discipline, and a deep commitment to non-violence and detachment from worldly affairs. The primary aim is to ensure that the Gachha remains a true path towards liberation.