Agam 35 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Brihatkalpa Sutra" (Agam 35, Chhed Sutra-2), with a Hindi translation by Muni Dippratnasagarji:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra is the second of the Chhed Sutras in Jainism, and this document presents its Hindi translation. It is a foundational text that outlines the ethical conduct, rules, and prohibitions for Jain monks and nuns (Sadhus and Sadhvis). The translation is attributed to Muni Dippratnasagarji.

The text is structured into six sections (Uddeshaks), each containing various sutras (aphorisms) that detail specific guidelines. Across these sections, there are a total of 215 sutras in this volume.

Key Themes and Rules Covered:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra meticulously details the daily life and conduct of Jain ascetics, focusing on preventing transgressions and maintaining purity of conduct and mind. Here's a breakdown of the key areas addressed in each Uddeshak:

Uddeshak 1:

Food and Acceptable Items: This section begins by discussing what fruits (like mangoes and bananas) are permissible for Sadhus and Sadhvis, distinguishing between those cut by a weapon and those not. It emphasizes that fruits should be processed in a way that renders them unpollutable.
Dwelling Regulations: Extensive rules are provided for where Sadhus and Sadhvis can reside. This includes:
- Duration of Stay: Restrictions on how long they can stay in villages, towns, and other settlements, differentiating based on whether there is habitation outside the settlement.
- Simultaneous Residence: Rules against Sadhus and Sadhvis residing together in places with only one entrance/exit.
- Location within Settlements: Prohibitions on staying in markets, busy intersections, or the front of alleys due to potential for moral compromise.
- Upaashray (Monastic Dwelling) Conditions: Guidelines for Upaashray, including those with open doors, the permissibility of using curtains, and the use of specific vessels (like the "ghati matrak" for Sadhvis).
- Prohibited Locations: Restrictions on staying near water bodies, in Upaashray with paintings (to avoid attachment), and the differing rules for Sadhvis and Sadhus regarding dependency on householders.
- Prohibited Actions: Rules against sleeping, eating, or performing bodily functions near water sources.
Travel and Behavior: Regulations on traveling in different seasons, the prohibition of frequenting or approving of activities in adversarial kingdoms, and rules for accepting donated items like clothing or vessels after obtaining permission from spiritual leaders.
Interaction and Conduct: Guidelines on avoiding conflicts, seeking forgiveness, and the importance of equanimity.
Geographical Boundaries: Defining the permissible geographical areas for Jain ascetics.

Uddeshak 2:

Residences and Grain Stores: Detailed rules about staying in areas where grains (rice, wheat, lentils, etc.) are stored, differentiating based on how the grains are kept (piled, covered, in containers, etc.) and the presence of moisture or contamination.
Contaminated Areas: Rules about staying in places where alcohol is stored or where fires are kept burning at night, with specific time limits for such stays to avoid transgressions.
Food Items: Regulations concerning the presence of milk products, sweets, and other food items in the vicinity, with distinctions between neatly stored and scattered items.
Shelter Types: Prohibitions for Sadhvis on staying in open shelters, under trees, or under partially covered areas, with exceptions for Sadhus in certain circumstances.
Householder Dependence: Rules concerning residences with multiple householder owners and the protocols for interacting with them for alms and shelter.
Acceptance of Food (Pind): Strict guidelines on accepting food offered by householders, especially regarding food that has been moved between houses or mixed with other food. It emphasizes the importance of purity and segregation in accepted food.
Acceptable Materials: The text lists five types of permissible fabrics for clothing and five types of permissible materials for dust-removers (rajoharan).

Uddeshak 3:

Inter-gender Residence Restrictions: Strict prohibitions against Sadhus staying in Sadhvis' Upaashray and vice-versa, including rules for sleeping, eating, and performing bodily functions in each other's designated spaces.
Material Restrictions: Rules on the use of animal hides (for Sadhus but not Sadhvis, with specific conditions), and the use of torn or cut pieces of cloth versus whole garments.
Body Coverings: Guidelines on who can wear specific body coverings like the "avagrahanantak" (genital covering).
Obtaining Clothing: Rules for Sadhvis needing clothing, emphasizing the need for permission from senior nuns or other designated spiritual leaders.
Initiation and Belongings: Regulations on what items Sadhus and Sadhvis can possess upon initiation, distinguishing between new initiates and those who have been initiated before.
Seasonal Clothing: Rules about accepting new clothing after the monsoon season.
Acceptance of Items: Guidelines on accepting clothing and bedding at different stages of the spiritual path.
Prohibited Actions in Public: Rules against standing, sitting, or performing religious discourse in houses or between houses, with exceptions for brief, contextually appropriate interactions.
Return of Belongings: The importance of returning borrowed bedding or other items in the same condition as they were received.
Shared Spaces: Rules for occupying Upaashray that have been vacated or where items have been left behind.
Permission for Residence: Guidelines for residing in unoccupied houses or those with specific ownership or habitation.
Prohibited Travel: Restrictions on entering areas with enemy armies and consequences for violating these rules.
Territorial Limits: Defining acceptable distances for seeking alms and for staying within a village or town.

Uddeshak 4:

Prohibited Acts and their Consequences: This section details various transgressions and the corresponding penances (Prayschitta). It categorizes transgressions into:
- Anudghatik Prayschitta: Lesser offenses that are difficult to purify.
- Paranchik Prayschitta: More severe offenses.
- Anavsthapya Prayschitta: Offenses that cannot be overlooked.
Eligibility for Initiation: Rules regarding individuals who are not suitable for initiation, such as the impotent, those unable to control desires, or the cowardly.
Teaching and Guidance: Rules about who can be taught spiritual knowledge and who is considered difficult to guide.
Interactions with Family: Guidelines on how ascetics should interact with their non-ascetic family members, and the potential for penance if certain physical contact is made and approved.
Food Purity: Rules concerning the consumption and disposal of food that has been kept beyond a certain time limit or distance.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Food: Detailed guidelines on accepting food that may be contaminated with living beings or impure substances, and the procedures for purification or disposal.
Acceptable Food Categories: Distinctions between food prepared according to different Jain observances (e.g., for those observing extreme austerities vs. those in intermediate stages).
Changing Sects (Gana): Strict rules about seeking permission before joining a different sect or group of ascetics.
Renunciation of Leadership: Rules for leaders (Acharyas, Upadhyayas, etc.) who wish to switch sects, requiring them to relinquish their leadership roles.
Shared Residences: Guidelines for ascetics from different groups interacting or residing together.
Accepting Spiritual Guidance: Rules for accepting a guru from another sect.
Handling Deceased Monks: Protocols for managing the body of a deceased ascetic.
Consequences of Unresolved Conflict: Restrictions imposed on ascetics who do not resolve conflicts, including limitations on their movement, participation in communal activities, and the process for seeking forgiveness and penance.
Penance and Care: Guidelines for administering penance, including providing food and care for those undergoing austerities.
Crossing Rivers: Rules for crossing large rivers, including limitations on frequency and the use of boats.
Upaashray Conditions: Further details on permissible Upaashray, including ceiling height and freedom from obstacles like dry grass or spiderwebs.

Uddeshak 5:

Divine Interference and Penance: Rules regarding interactions with divine beings in disguise and the associated penances for inappropriate approval of touch.
Resolving Disputes: Procedures for ascetics involved in disputes, including penance and returning to their original group.
Timely Eating: Rules about consuming food within prescribed times, with penalties for eating after sunset or before sunrise.
Bodily Expulsions: Guidelines for managing vomiting or expelling bodily fluids, with penalties for re-ingestion.
Food Contamination: Rules for handling food that is contaminated with living beings or impure substances.
Prohibited Actions for Sadhvis: Specific prohibitions for Sadhvis related to physical actions, such as being touched by animals, accepting impure touch, being alone, traveling alone, or staying in isolation.
Nudity and Austerities for Sadhvis: Strict rules against Sadhvis being naked, using only their hands for alms, or performing certain types of austere practices.

Uddeshak 6:

Forbidden Speech: A list of six types of speech that are prohibited for ascetics, including falsehood, contemptuous language, angry words, harsh words, secular terms, and repeating past conflicts.
Types of Penance: A discussion of six types of penance, linked to major vows like harming life, lying, stealing, and celibacy. It outlines the process of accusation, proof, and imposing penance.
Mutual Assistance: Guidelines for ascetics assisting each other in removing thorns, foreign particles from eyes, or rescuing from dangerous situations, emphasizing that such help does not violate Jain principles.
Protection from Danger: Rules for ascetics providing assistance to others in perilous situations like falling, drowning, or being distressed.
Support During Difficult Times: Guidelines for ascetics assisting others who are emotionally distressed, starving, or require nursing care.
Harmful Conduct: Identification of six types of conduct that are detrimental to the ascetic path: ill-mannered behavior, excessive talking, greed for sustenance, lustful gaze, attachment to possessions, and desires for material gain.
Stages of Asceticism: A brief mention of six stages or types of ascetic conduct, including those observing different levels of austerity and adherence to strict rules.

In essence, the Brihatkalpa Sutra is a comprehensive manual for the disciplined and pure life of Jain ascetics, addressing every aspect of their daily existence to ensure spiritual progress and adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The Hindi translation by Muni Dippratnasagarji aims to make these crucial principles accessible to a wider audience.