Agam 30A Gacchachara Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Jain Agam Sutra, specifically the Gacchachara Sutra, which is part of Agam 30A. The full title is "Agam 30A Gacchachara Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad," authored by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, and published by Deepratnasagar.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Core Content:

• Gacchachara Sutra (Book 30A): The primary focus is the translation and commentary of this specific Jain scripture. The sutra deals with the conduct and rules pertaining to Jain monastic gacchas (sects or lineages).
• Commentary (Satik Anuvad): The translation is accompanied by a detailed commentary, likely explaining the meanings of the original Prakrit verses, providing context, and offering philosophical insights. The commentary is based on the Vritti (commentary) by Varshagani Ganin, but also mentions the existence of other larger commentaries and an Avasyuri.

Key Themes and Sections of the Gacchachara Sutra (as revealed in the commentary):

The text delves into defining and distinguishing between a true gaccha and false or corrupted ones, highlighting the conduct expected of both ascetics and their leaders (gurus or acharyas). Key aspects covered include:

1. Defining a True Gaccha: This involves describing the qualities and practices of virtuous monks and nuns who form a genuine Jain community. This includes:

   • Qualities of Good Ascetics: Renunciation, control over senses, adherence to vows, detachment from worldly possessions and relationships, absence of pride, moderation in speech, and adherence to the principles of Jainism.
   • Qualities of Ideal Leaders (Acharyas): Those who are knowledgeable, virtuous, lead by example, guide disciples correctly in matters of knowledge, perception, and conduct, and are free from attachment and aversion.
   • Conduct in the Sangha: Emphasis on proper behavior, respect for elders, adherence to the teachings of the Jinas, and maintaining the purity of the monastic order.

2. Identifying False or Corrupted Gachas and Ascetics: The sutra extensively details the signs of those who are not true practitioners, often referred to as "false ascetics" or those who lead astray. This includes:

   • Misconduct: Engaging in worldly activities, attachment to possessions, speaking ill of others, indulging in gossip, lack of control over senses, violating monastic rules, and promoting heretical views.
   • Corrupt Leadership: Acharyas who are self-serving, promote laxity in religious practices, engage in worldly affairs, and fail to uphold the true Jain doctrine.
   • Behavior of Nuns (Sadhvis): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to describing the improper conduct of nuns that would invalidate their claim to being part of a true gaccha. This includes interactions with monks, inappropriate speech, attachment to comforts, engaging in worldly activities, and violating rules of modesty and conduct.

3. The Importance of Right Conduct and the Gaccha: The sutra emphasizes that true liberation is achieved through adherence to the correct path as prescribed by the Jinas, and a virtuous gaccha provides the framework and support for this.

4. Specific Rules and Principles: The commentary elaborates on various rules related to:

   • Diet and Possessions: Strict adherence to rules regarding food, clothing, and other monastic necessities.
   • Interactions: Guidelines for interactions between monks and nuns, and with the laity.
   • Penance and Purification: The importance of confession and other forms of penance to purify oneself.
   • Dharma and Conduct: The essence of Jain dharma, including right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct.

Publishing and Supporting Information:

• Praise and Homage: The initial pages contain invocations and salutations to Jain deities and revered spiritual leaders, including Bal Brahmachari Shri Neminaath, Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharmasagar, and Acharyashri Hanchandrasurishwarji.
• Translator and Publisher: Muni Deepratnasagarji is credited as the creator of the translation series.
• Financial Support: Extensive lists of individuals and organizations who provided financial assistance for the publication are included, demonstrating the collective effort behind this work. These patrons are from various Jain sanghas (communities) across India.
• Other Publications: The document also provides a catalog of other publications by Muni Deepratnasagarji, covering various aspects of Jain Agams, including original texts, translations, commentaries, dictionaries, and books on rituals and philosophy. This showcases a comprehensive effort to make Jain scriptures accessible.

In essence, this document presents a detailed Gujarati translation and commentary of the Gacchachara Sutra, a vital Jain scripture that outlines the principles of monastic conduct and the characteristics of a true Jain community, emphasizing the importance of righteous living and the guidance of virtuous spiritual leaders.