Agam 30 Prakirnaka 07 Gacchachar Sutra Shwetambar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Gacchachar Sutra," focusing on its content and the context of its publication:

Book Title: Agam 30 Prakirnaka 07 Gacchachar Sutra Shwetambar Author(s): Purnachandrasagar Publisher: Jainanand Prakashan Context: This is a text from the Shwetambar Jain tradition, specifically classified within the Prakirnaka (miscellaneous) section of the Agamas, designated as Agama 30, Prakirnaka 07. The publication details indicate it was revised and edited by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj and its transcription was inspired by Acharya Shri Hemchandrasagar Suri. The printing and publication were carried out by Jainanand Pustakalaya, Surat.

Core Content of the Gacchachar Sutra:

The "Gacchachar Sutra" (pages 12-20 of the provided text) primarily focuses on defining and outlining the characteristics and conduct expected within a Jain monastic order (Gachha). It's essentially a guide to what constitutes a righteous and properly functioning monastic community and what behaviors are considered unacceptable or indicative of a fallen state.

Here's a breakdown of key themes and characteristics discussed:

The Importance of the Gachha and its Leader (Suri): The text emphasizes the central role of the Gachha as a spiritual refuge and the importance of a qualified leader (Suri). It highlights that a well-guided Gachha leads to spiritual merit (nijra), while a poorly led one can lead to downfall.
Characteristics of a Proper Gachha and its Leader:
- Righteous Conduct: The Gachha should be composed of monks who are vigilant, possess strong character, follow the prescribed conduct (charitra), are devoid of attachment and aversion, and are disciplined.
- Spiritual Depth: Leaders (Suris) should be learned in the scriptures (Gianyarthi), vigilant, steadfast in their vows, and free from worldly desires. They should be able to guide disciples properly.
- Discipline and Order: There's a strong emphasis on maintaining discipline, adhering to scriptural injunctions, and ensuring proper conduct among all members.
- Purity and Austerity: The text stresses the importance of purity in diet, conduct, and possessions. Monks should be free from unnecessary attachments and should practice austerity.
- Compassion and Dharma: A righteous Gachha is one that upholds Dharma, shows compassion, and guides others towards liberation.
Characteristics of a Fallen Gachha or Leader: The Sutra extensively details the signs of a Gachha that has deviated from the right path:
- Disregard for Rules and Scriptures: Leaders or members who act arbitrarily, disregard scriptural teachings, or abandon their vows are condemned.
- Attachment to Worldly Things: The text criticizes Gachhas that are attached to wealth, possessions, and worldly comforts, including those that involve handling money or engaging in business.
- Laxity in Conduct: Monks who are lazy, lacking in effort, or show favoritism are deemed unacceptable.
- Improper Relationships: The Sutra strongly condemns any Gachha where there is inappropriate interaction or undue influence between monks and nuns, or between monastic members and laypeople, especially those involving personal contact or gossip.
- Lack of Spiritual Guidance: Gachhas where the leader is not truly learned or capable of guiding disciples, or where the disciples are rebellious or disrespectful, are considered problematic.
- Engaging in Harmful Activities: The text explicitly states that Gachhas involved in activities like hunting or that are otherwise harmful are to be avoided.
The Role of the Disciple (Sishya): The importance of disciples respecting and obeying their Guru is highlighted. Disciples who do not learn or respect their teachers are also criticized.
Specific Examples and Scenarios: The Sutra uses numerous examples and contrasts to illustrate the difference between a righteous and a fallen Gachha, often posing questions to a hypothetical interlocutor (Gautama).

Historical Context and Publication:

The introductory pages (pages 6-11) provide valuable historical context regarding the preservation and compilation of Jain Agamas, particularly highlighting the "Six Recensions" (Chha Vachana). This section explains:

The Importance of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge): It emphasizes the unparalleled value of scriptural knowledge in guiding individuals through the cycle of birth and death and out of delusion.
The Recensions of the Agamas:
1. First Recension (Shrut Sankalan): Held in Pataliputra (Patna) around 160 years after Mahavir Nirvana, under the leadership of Sthulabhadra, to address the chaos caused by a famine and the scattering of monks.
2. Second Recension (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Conducted in Ujjain, involving Arya Suhasti, to protect the Agamas during times of political upheaval.
3. Third Recension: Occurred between 300-330 years after Mahavir Nirvana, involving both Jinakalpi and Sthavira Kalpi monks, along with nuns and lay followers, to compile the eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
4. Fourth Recension: Took place in Dashpur (Mandsaur) around 192 years after Mahavir Nirvana, initiated by Vajraswami and Aryarakshit, to organize the knowledge into four Anuyogas, especially in anticipation of a severe famine.
5. Fifth Recension: Involving the Mathura and Valabhi recensions around 830-840 years after Mahavir Nirvana, to address potential differences in interpretations.
6. Sixth Recension: The most significant one, held in Valabhīpur (Gujarat) around 1000 years after Mahavir Nirvana, where 500 Acharyas compiled the 84 Agamas onto palm leaves, marking the definitive written compilation of the Agamas.
The Decline of Agama Tradition: The text notes a decline in the systematic study and preservation of Agamas after the first millennium following Mahavir Nirvana, due to the influence of difficult times and an increase in laxity.
The Revival Efforts of the 20th Century: It highlights the significant efforts of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj (also known as "Pujya Sagarji Ma.") in the mid-20th century. He undertook the monumental task of researching, editing, and publishing the Agamas, organizing communal readings across various cities, and making these sacred texts accessible once more. This effort is described as a "Bhagirath" (heroic) task.
The Role of the Current Edition: This specific edition of the "Gacchachar Sutra" is presented as a result of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj's research and editing, made possible by the publication efforts of Jainanand Pustakalaya, Surat.

Overall Significance:

The "Gacchachar Sutra," as presented in this document, serves a dual purpose:

Spiritual Guidance: It acts as a moral and ethical compass for Jain monks and nuns, defining the standards of conduct required for spiritual progress and the maintenance of a pure monastic order.
Historical Documentation: The accompanying introductory material provides a vital historical account of the painstaking efforts to preserve and transmit the Jain Agamas through various historical periods, underscoring the challenges and the dedication of scholars and spiritual leaders in safeguarding this precious heritage.

The text is a testament to the Shwetambar Jain tradition's emphasis on disciplined monastic life and the continuous effort to uphold the integrity and purity of its scriptural lineage.