Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra, translated by K.C. Lalwani, published by Motilal Banarsidass.

This foundational Jain text, the Bruhatkalpa Sutra, belongs to the Cheda Sutras group of Agamic texts, which primarily deal with rules of personal behavior and organizational discipline for Jain monks. While its exact meaning of "cheda" is unclear, its content suggests a focus on monastic conduct. Notably, the Kalpa Sutra itself is identified as the eighth chapter of the Dasā text, which along with Kappa-vavahāra and Dasā-kappavavahāra, forms a significant compilation known as Sruta Skandha. The text's recitation during the Parjusaņā festival imbues it with great spiritual significance for certain Jain sects.

The Kalpa Sutra, attributed to Bhadrabahu Svāmi, is considered one of the earliest available accounts of the lives of the Tirthankaras. The translation by K.C. Lalwani is noted for its authenticity, adherence to the original Prakrit text in both prose and verse, and its efforts to rectify perceived inaccuracies in previous translations.

The Kalpa Sutra has been divided by scholars into three parts: Tirthankaras, Church Leaders, and Parjuṣaṇā. However, for this translation, it is further segmented into seven parts:

1. Bhagavan Mahāvira: The life and teachings of the 24th Tirthankara are detailed, with a particular focus on his birth, dreams of his mother Trisala, the divine transfer of his embryo from Devānanda to Trisala's womb, his name "Vardhamāna," and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Kevala knowledge.
2. Arhat Pārśva: The life of the 23rd Tirthankara, Pārśva, is presented, including his birth, dreams, renunciation, and attainment of Kevala knowledge.
3. Arhat Ariṣṭanemi: The 22nd Tirthankara's life is described, from his celestial origin and birth to his royal life and eventual renunciation.
4. Twenty other Tirthankaras: The lives of the remaining twenty Tirthankaras (from the 1st to the 21st) are briefly summarized, often with a focus on the astronomical figures indicating the time difference between them. The text acknowledges the similarity in their earthly missions.
5. Arhat Rşabha: The account of the first Tirthankara, Rṣabha, is presented, highlighting his role as a progenitor of Indian civilization, his establishment of social order, arts, and crafts, the naming of the Brahmi script after his daughter, and his eventual renunciation after a long period as a prince and monarch. His association with Hinduism as an incarnation of Vishnu is also mentioned, along with his presence in the Vedas.
6. Church Leaders: This section provides a historical account of senior monks and leaders of the Jaina church up to the time of Devardhi Kṣamāśramaņa in the 6th century AD. It also offers a glimpse into the fragmentation of the Jaina church into various ganas, kulas, gacchas, and sākhās in the millennium following Mahāvira's liberation.
7. Parjuṣaṇā: This part contains detailed prescriptions regarding the conduct of Jain monks during the four months of the rainy season, a period known as Parjuṣaṇā. This section is considered by the translator to be potentially a later addition, given its focus on monastic rules rather than biographical narratives. The Parjuṣaṇā period, usually falling in the month of Bhadra, involves ascetic practices like fasting (tapasya), scripture study (svādhyāya), and meditation (samāyika). The text elaborates on the specific rules for monks and nuns during this period, including permissible food and drink, movement, shelter during rains, purification practices, and the importance of seeking permission from superiors for various activities. It also emphasizes the concept of apeya (non-violence) towards minute forms of life and the importance of humility and forgiveness. The text concludes by mentioning the historical timeline of Jainism and the eventual liberation of Mahāvira.

Key Themes and Content:

• Lives of Tirthankaras: The text provides biographical sketches of the Tirthankaras, with detailed accounts for Mahāvira, Pārśva, Ariṣṭanemi, and Rşabha, highlighting their birth, childhood, renunciation, and attainment of Kevala knowledge.
• Monastic Discipline: As a Cheda Sutra, the Kalpa Sutra outlines the stringent rules and regulations for the conduct of Jain monks and nuns, particularly during the Parjuṣaṇā.
• Cosmology and Time Cycles: The text indirectly touches upon Jain cosmology through descriptions of celestial abodes and the vast time scales involved in the lives of Tirthankaras.
• Historical Lineage: The "List of Senior Monks" (Therāvalī) provides a significant genealogical account of the monastic lineage, tracing the succession of teachers and the branching of ganas, kulas, and sākhās. This highlights the organizational structure and development of the Jain church.
• Spiritual Practices: The Parjuṣaṇā section elaborates on the specific observances and practices expected of monks and nuns during the monsoon retreat, emphasizing austerity, non-violence, and adherence to rules.
• Significance of Dreams: The text places importance on the dreams of the Tirthankaras' mothers, interpreting them as auspicious omens indicating the future spiritual stature of their offspring.
• Brahmanical Associations: The text notes some Brahmanical associations in the life of Mahāvira, such as his descent into a Brahmin womb and his Ganadharas being Brahmins, while also pointing out the Kșatriya context of Mahāvīra's lineage.
• The Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana): The text details the ascetic practices and renunciations undertaken by the Tirthankaras, including Mahāvira's tonsure and adoption of a homeless life.
• Attainment of Kevala Knowledge: The text describes the moment of omniscience for each Tirthankara.
• Moksha (Liberation): The final liberation of the Tirthankaras is also recorded.

In essence, the Bruhatkalpa Sutra is a vital text for understanding the lives of the Tirthankaras, the foundational principles of Jain monasticism, the historical development of the Jain monastic orders, and the prescribed conduct during significant religious periods like Parjuṣaṇā.