Agam 34 Nishith Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 34 Nishith Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad," focusing on its content and context as presented in the pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The document is the Gujarati translation and commentary (Satik Anuvad) of Jain Agam literature, specifically focusing on Nishith Sutra, which is identified as the first of the five Cheda Sutras. This is part of a larger series of Agam Sutra translations being published. The work is dedicated to the spiritual guidance and teachings of Jain Acharyas and Munis, with significant emphasis on the financial and inspirational support received from various Jain Sanghas and individuals.

Key Components and Information:

1. Title and Authorship:

   • Book Title: Agam 34 Nishith Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad (This indicates it's volume 34 of the Agam Sutra series, focusing on Nishith Sutra with commentary in Gujarati).
   • Author/Translator: Muni Diperatnasagar (and possibly others involved in the translation series).
   • Publisher: Deepratnasagar.

2. Agam Series Structure:

   • The document explicitly lists the five main Cheda Sutras: Nishith, Brihatkalpa, Vyavahar, Dashashrutskandh, and Jitkalpa, indicating they are part of a larger series (pages 3, 18).
   • The series is referred to as "Agam Satik Anuvad" (Agam with Commentary Translation) and the entire series of 42 volumes is valued at ₹10,000 (page 2).

3. Content of Nishith Sutra (as summarized):

   • Nishith Sutra is the first Cheda Sutra. It deals with prayaschitta (penance/atonement) for transgressions committed by ascetics (sadhus and sadhvis) on the path of restraint (sanyam).
   • The sutra is divided into 20 Udeshas (chapters/sections).
   • The translator provides a verse-by-verse translation (Sutranuvad) of the Nishith Sutra, detailing specific actions and their associated penances.
   • Types of Penances: The penances are categorized based on the severity and duration, often described as:
     • Masik Parisharsthan Anughatik: Monthly penance.
     • Laghu Masik: Minor monthly penance.
     • Laghu Chaumasi: Minor penance for four months.
     • Guru Chaumasi: Major penance for four months.
     • Shashthamasik: Six-month penance.
     • Panchamasik: Five-month penance.
     • The text emphasizes that the specific penance depends on the nature of the transgression, the intent (Maya-sahita or Maya-rahit), and the frequency of the offense.
   • Categories of Transgressions: The Nishith Sutra outlines a vast array of transgressions, categorized under various Udeshas, including:
     • Actions related to the body (handicrafts, touching, applying oils, bathing, etc.).
     • Actions related to the senses (smelling, seeing, hearing).
     • Improper use of resources or actions involving non-Jains/outsiders.
     • Violations related to food, drink, and monastic belongings (utensils, clothing).
     • Behavioral faults (anger, falsehood, theft, improper speech).
     • Specific conduct related to interactions with the opposite sex, kings, royalty, and even animals or inanimate objects.
     • Prohibitions regarding touching, using, or being near certain items or places.
     • Rules concerning travel, living arrangements, and the proper conduct during various stages of monastic life.
     • Specific mention of meticulous care to avoid harming any living beings (even inadvertently).
     • Detailed rules on obtaining and using alms, water, and other necessities, emphasizing adherence to strict discipline.
   • Penance Determination: The severity of the penance is often linked to the intention behind the act, whether it was done intentionally or unintentionally, and whether it was confessed with sincerity or with deceit. The text details how different durations of penance (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) are prescribed based on these factors.

4. Editorial and Publishing Information:

   • Inspirational Dedication: The work is dedicated to venerated Acharyas like Shrimad Rucchandrasurishwarji M.S. and Shrimad Devendrasagarsurishwarji M.S., who provided the initial inspiration and financial support.
   • Financial Supporters: Numerous Jain Sanghas and trusts from various cities (Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Navsari, Botad, Vankaner, Bhopal, Bangalore, Indore, Mumbai, Jamnagar, etc.) are listed as donors who contributed to the publication of the Agam series (pages 6-9).
   • Other Publications by the Author/Publisher: Pages 10-17 provide a catalog of other Jain religious and scholarly works published by the same entity, covering grammar, commentaries, philosophical studies, rituals, pujans, dictionaries, and more, highlighting their extensive contribution to Jain literature.
   • Translation Philosophy: The translator notes that while they intended to translate the commentaries (Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Vritti) for the Cheda Sutras, due to disagreement from some respected figures, they have only provided the translation of the original sutras for these specific texts (page 18). However, they emphasize the importance of studying the commentaries for a deeper understanding.

In Essence:

"Agam 34 Nishith Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad" is a meticulous Gujarati translation of the foundational Nishith Sutra, a crucial text in Jain monastic law. It details a comprehensive code of conduct for ascetics, outlining numerous potential transgressions and their prescribed penances. The publication represents a significant effort to make these ancient Jain scriptures accessible to the Gujarati-speaking community, made possible through the dedication of the translator and the generous support of the Jain community. The focus is on adhering to strict monastic discipline to achieve spiritual liberation.