Agam 35 Bruhatkappo Bieyam Cheyasuttam Mulam PDF File

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 35 Bruhatkappo Bieyam Cheyasuttam Mulam," focusing on the rules and regulations for monks (Nigranthas) and nuns (Nigranthis) within the Jain tradition.

Overall Purpose and Context:

This text, "Bruhatkappo Bieyam Cheyasuttam," is a significant Jain scripture belonging to the Agamas. It functions as a "Cheyasuttam," meaning it deals with the conduct, rules, and disciplinary actions ("Kappas") for ascetics. The text meticulously outlines permissible and impermissible actions for Jain monks and nuns in various situations, aiming to ensure their adherence to the principles of Jainism, particularly non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). The "Bruhatkappo" specifically refers to a comprehensive set of rules.

The text is structured into six "Uddesos" (sections or chapters), each further subdivided into specific rules. The primary focus is on practical guidelines for daily life, interactions, and adherence to the ascetic path.

Key Themes and Regulations Covered:

The text covers a wide array of regulations, broadly categorized as follows:

I. Food and Drink (Asana, Pana, Khadima, Swadima):

• Fruits and Their Consumption: Rules regarding the consumption of unripe (amra) and ripe (pakva) fruits, and whether they are broken (bhinnna) or intact (abhinna) are detailed. There are specific distinctions between what is permissible for monks and nuns.
• Food Preparation and Storage: Strict guidelines are given for accepting and consuming food, particularly concerning whether it has been prepared with living beings (sachittakarma) or is inanimate (achittakarma).
• Accepting Food from Households: Rules are outlined for accepting food offered by householders (sagariyas), including conditions for accepting or refusing food based on its preparation, separation, or offering.
• Night Eating: Generally, night eating (raov va viyale va) of food or drink is prohibited, with specific exceptions like previously inspected bedding.
• Food Handling: Regulations for handling food that might contain living beings (prana) or is not fit for consumption (anesaniyya) are discussed.

II. Shelter and Dwelling (Upashraya):

• Location of Residence: Permissible and impermissible locations for monks and nuns to reside are specified, including specific types of structures and areas within settlements (grams, nagaras, etc.).
• Conditions within Shelters: Rules dictate what is permissible within a dwelling, such as the presence of grains, liquids, or lamps, and the conditions under which monks and nuns can stay.
• Types of Shelters: Distinctions are made between shelters that are "protected" or "unprotected" from external influences, affecting permissibility.
• Bedding and Seating: Rules regarding the type and arrangement of bedding (sejja-santhara) are given, including conditions for their use and maintenance.

III. Conduct and Behavior:

• Movement and Travel: Regulations on traveling, including the permissible distances and times, and the conditions under which monks and nuns can travel, are detailed. The concept of "charana" (wandering) is discussed.
• Interaction with Lay People (Sagariyas): Specific rules govern how monks and nuns should interact with lay followers, including accepting offerings and the conditions for doing so.
• Attire and Possessions: Rules concerning the types of clothing (vastra), hair-cleaning tools (rajoharan), and other essential items are prescribed. Restrictions on the use of animal skins and other materials are mentioned.
• Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness: Guidelines for cleaning oneself and one's surroundings are implied in various regulations.
• Prohibited Actions: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to listing prohibited actions (no kappai) for monks and nuns. These include actions that violate vows, cause harm, or are considered impure.
• Specific Prohibitions for Nuns: There are several rules specifically addressing nuns, such as prohibitions against going alone (eganiva), wearing specific types of clothing, or adopting certain postures.

IV. Disciplinary Actions and Transgressions:

• Punishments and Penances: The text refers to various forms of penance and disciplinary actions for transgressions, such as "choummasiyam," "pariharathanam," and "anudhaiyam."
• Accountability: The concept of being accountable for one's actions is emphasized, and the text outlines how transgressions are identified and dealt with.
• Seeking Guidance: The importance of seeking guidance from and taking permission from senior monks (Acharyas, Upadhyayas, etc.) before undertaking certain actions is repeatedly stressed.

V. Specific Regulations and Scenarios:

• Use of Certain Items: Rules concerning the use of specific items like gourds (laukayam), wooden sticks (darudandakam), and foot-wipers (payapunchanam) are detailed.
• Prohibited Speech: The text lists six types of prohibited speech (avayanani), including lying, speaking harshly, and speaking disparagingly.
• Eighteen Types of Transgressions: The text alludes to "Atta-jayam" (eight types of transgressions), particularly concerning the sustenance and well-being of the body, and the importance of not clinging to the body.
• Six Types of "Kappahiti": The text concludes by mentioning six types of "Kappahiti" (states of being subject to rules or conduct), related to different stages of monastic life and adherence to principles.

Key Terminology and Concepts:

• Nigrantha/Nigranthi: Jain monk/nun.
• Kappai/No Kappai: Permissible/Impermissible.
• Upashraya: Dwelling or monastic lodging.
• Sagariya/Anagariya: Householder/Non-householder.
• Ahimsa: Non-violence.
• Paryavajjeijja: To be affected or afflicted.
• Choummasiyam/Pariharathanam/Anugghaiyam: Types of disciplinary punishments or penances.
• Acharya/Upadhyaya/Thera/Gani/Ganadhara: Senior monastic authorities.

Summary of Specific Chapters (Uddesos):

• Uddeso 1: Focuses on food, fruits, shelters, and general conduct in settlements. It also covers rules related to entering and exiting places and the use of specific areas.
• Uddeso 2: Deals with food in shelters, specific types of food and grains, and their permissible handling. It also discusses conditions within shelters and the acceptance of food.
• Uddeso 3: Covers more detailed regulations on clothing, the use of animal skins, and the conduct of monks and nuns in various situations. It also addresses the transfer of monastic lineage and the acceptance of new disciples.
• Uddeso 4: Continues with detailed rules on conduct, particularly concerning the implications of certain actions, the consequences of transgressions, and the rules for changing monastic orders.
• Uddeso 5: Primarily focuses on strict prohibitions for nuns, including their movement, clothing, and specific postures. It also touches upon what happens when a monk or nun is ill or encounters difficult situations.
• Uddeso 6: Concludes with rules on speech, the consequences of certain actions related to bodily functions, and the principles of dealing with physical difficulties or afflictions. It also lists six "palimanthas" (hindrances) and six types of "kappahiti" (states of conduct).

Significance:

"Bruhatkappo Bieyam Cheyasuttam" serves as a foundational text for understanding the practical aspects of Jain monasticism. It highlights the meticulousness and rigor of the Jain ascetic path, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, adherence to rules, and the renunciation of worldly desires and attachments. The detailed nature of the rules underscores the Jain commitment to minimizing harm (Himsa) in all aspects of life.