Agam 34 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Shwetambar - Book Summary

This document contains a detailed exposition of the Nishith Sutra, a significant Jain scripture, specifically from the Shvetambara tradition. The text is presented in Gujarati and Marathi, with extensive transliteration into Gujarati script, and appears to be part of a larger project by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, under the guidance of various revered Acharyas.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Reverence (Pages 1-5):

The document begins with invocations and salutations to prominent Jain Acharyas and figures like Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami, and Sudharma Swami, highlighting their spiritual significance.
It acknowledges the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra in Koba and Ahmedabad as the organizing bodies.
A significant portion is dedicated to honoring Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj for his research and compilation of the 45 Agamas, and Ganivarya Shri Purnachandrasagarji Maharaj for his role in transcribing and presenting the text.
Gratitude is extended to various individuals and institutions that supported the "Alekhon Karya" (transcription and compilation work), including Acharyas Suryodayasagar Surishwarji, Narendrasagar Surishwarji, Ashok Sagar Suri, Jinachandrasagar Suri, Dolatsagar Suri, Pandits Harshsagarji, and Muni Shri Labdhichandrasagarji.
The publication is noted as the first edition, compiled in Samvat 2061 (corresponding to approximately 2004 CE). The publisher is identified as Jainanand Pustakalay, Surat.

2. Significance of Shrut Gyan and Agamas (Page 6):

The text emphasizes the unparalleled importance of Shrut Gyan (knowledge gained through listening or scripture) in guiding beings out of the cycle of birth and death and out of delusion.
The Agamas are described as the very words of Lord Mahavir.
Formation of Agamas: It states that the Agamas were composed by the first Ganadhara, Shri Indrabhuti Gautam Swami, and other eleven Ganadharas on Vaishakh Shukla Ekadashi, 29 years before Lord Mahavir's Nirvana (approx. 530 BCE). Lord Mahavir himself approved their authenticity.

3. The Six Agam Recensions (Vachanas) (Pages 6-10): The text details a crucial historical aspect of Jain tradition: the successive efforts to preserve and codify the Agamic knowledge through six major recensions (Vachanas) to prevent its loss due to calamities and the passage of time.

First Vachana (approx. 155 years after Mahavir Nirvana): Occurred in Pataliputra (Patna) under the leadership of Sthulabhadra Swami during a severe 12-year famine and political turmoil. The aim was to systematically compile the Dvadashangi (the 12 parts of the Agamas).
Second Vachana (approx. 245-281 years after Mahavir Nirvana): Took place in Ujjain at the request of Emperor Samprati, under the guidance of Arya Suhasti Suri, to preserve the Jinas' teachings.
Third Vachana (approx. 300-330 years after Mahavir Nirvana): Held during a period of persecution by King Pushyamitra. This Vachana involved a large assembly of monks, nuns, and lay followers and focused on organizing the texts of the eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
Fourth Vachana (approx. 592 years after Mahavir Nirvana): Held in Dashpur (Mandsaur). This was necessitated by a severe famine where the lineage of teachers and the tradition of Agamic transmission were severely impacted. Acharya Aryarakshit Suri organized the four anuyogas (classification of scriptures) to make the Agamas accessible and enduring, especially for future generations with potentially diminished intellectual capacity.
Fifth Vachana (approx. 830-840 years after Mahavir Nirvana): This involved two separate congregations: one in Mathura by Arya Skandila Suri for North Indian monks, and another in Vallabhi by Arya Nagarjuna Suri for South Indian monks. The aim was to compile the Agamas, acknowledging that future reconciliation of textual differences between Mathura and Vallabhi recensions would be easier.
Sixth Vachana (Vallabhi, Saurashtra): This was a crucial compilation where Arya Devardhangani Ksama Sramana and Arya Kalki Suri, heirs of the Mathura and Vallabhi traditions respectively, gathered to consolidate the 84 Agamas. The Agamas were systematically compiled and inscribed on palm leaves, making them accessible in textual form. This period is also noted as the time when the lineage of knowledge might have been disrupted with the passing of Sadhu Satyamitra.

4. Later Preservation Efforts (Pages 9-10):

The text notes a gap of 1000 years after the sixth Vachana without further mention of Agam recensions or major scriptural restoration efforts.
From the 10th century onwards, the decline in adherence to strict practices (shithilachar) led to the Agamic knowledge being held by fewer qualified scholars. Handwritten manuscripts became rare.
In the latter half of the 20th century, despite the strong vows of monks, the continuity of scriptural study and teaching was greatly diminished.
The text then highlights the significant role of Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj (also known as "Pujya Sagarji Maharaj"). Despite a short period of mentorship with his Guru, Pujya Muni Shri Jhaverasagarji Maharaj, he possessed profound knowledge and was instrumental in reviving and re-publishing the Agamas from the year 2040 VS (1970 CE).
He undertook extensive research, collected manuscripts, and managed the printing of limited copies of Agamas. He organized community readings of Agamas in various places like Patan, Kapadvanj, Ahmedabad, and Surat from 1971 to 1977 CE, leading to the study of 26 texts, totaling approximately 2,33,200 verses. He also guided Pujya Munishri Punyavijayji Maharaj in this endeavor.
The current publication is a result of the efforts to re-print the Agamas researched and edited by Acharya Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj.

5. Nishith Sutra Content (Pages 12-53): The remaining pages are dedicated to the actual text of the Nishith Sutra. This scripture details the rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns, primarily focusing on their conduct, austerities, and prohibitions to maintain their spiritual purity and adherence to the vows. The text is presented in a structured manner, divided into various Uddeshas (chapters or sections), each dealing with specific types of conduct and their associated penalties or expiations (pariharsthana).

The sutra covers a vast array of rules related to:

Daily Activities: Eating, drinking, personal hygiene, movement, interaction with the outside world, and care for oneself and the environment.
Prohibitions: What monks are not allowed to do, such as touching certain objects, using prohibited items, engaging in specific activities, or consuming certain foods and drinks.
Specific Scenarios: Rules are outlined for various situations, including interactions with laypeople, dealing with illness, traveling, and observing religious periods like Varsavas.
Penalties and Expiations: For violations of these rules, specific periods of penance or purification are prescribed, often categorized by the severity of the transgression and the duration of the offense.
Religious Practices: It details rules for meditation, scriptural study (Sajjhaya), and observance of fasts.
Care for Belongings: Rules are laid out for the proper handling and maintenance of essential items used by monks.
Interactions with Different Groups: Specific guidelines are given for interactions with various communities, including those of different religious affiliations, royalty, and even animals or nature.
Sexual Conduct and Purity: Several sections (particularly in the later Uddeshas) focus on maintaining strict sexual purity and avoiding any inappropriate behavior or thoughts.
Purity of Food and Drink: Detailed rules govern the acceptance, preparation, and consumption of food and beverages.

Key Aspects of the Nishith Sutra's Content:

Strict Discipline: The sutra underscores the highly disciplined lifestyle required for Jain monks and nuns.
Attention to Detail: It demonstrates an incredible level of detail in outlining conduct, leaving no room for ambiguity in adherence to the vows.
Emphasis on Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Many rules are rooted in the principle of Ahimsa, such as avoiding harm to even small living beings or engaging in activities that might cause distress to any life form.
Protection of Spiritual Purity: A significant portion is dedicated to preventing any actions or thoughts that could compromise a monk's spiritual purity.
Contextual Rules: The rules are often contextualized within the specific circumstances faced by ascetics in their daily lives.

Conclusion:

The document provides the foundational and practical aspects of Jain monasticism as outlined in the Nishith Sutra. It highlights the historical efforts to preserve these sacred texts and emphasizes the meticulous discipline required for spiritual liberation in Jainism. The collaborative effort involved in producing this edition reflects a deep commitment to disseminating this important scripture within the Jain community.