Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra" by Devendramuni, published by SuDharm Gyanmandir Mumbai, based on the provided text.

Title: Bruhatkalpa Sutra (Agam 35, Chhed 02) Author: Devendramuni Shastri Publisher: SuDharm Gyanmandir, Mumbai Guidance: Pt. Pushkar Muniji Maharaj Translation (Gujarati): Jagjivandas Lalji Doshi, B.A. LL.B.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The Bruhatkalpa Sutra, presented as Agam 35, Chhed 02, is a foundational Jain text, specifically within the Chhed Sutra category. This edition aims to provide a clear, well-annotated, and comprehensive understanding of the Kalpa Sutra, which is highly revered in Jain tradition, particularly among the Shvetambara community. The text is celebrated for its rich content encompassing:

The life of Lord Mahavir: Detailing his biography, previous lives, conception, dreams, birth, renunciation, ascetic practices, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), establishment of the Tirth (religious order), and Mahaparinirvan.
Jain lineage: Tracing the lineage of Tirthankaras, including Purushadaniya Parshva, Arihant Arishtanemi, Arihant Nami, Arihant Ajit, and Bhagwan Rishabhdev, providing insights into their lives and the Jain tradition.
Monastic conduct (Samachari): Outlining the rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns, particularly regarding the Varshavak (monsoon retreat), alms-seeking (Bhikshachari), hair-plucking (Kesh Loch), and forgiveness (Kshamaapana).
Historical and Philosophical depth: The work is lauded for its scholarly approach, incorporating research, comparative analysis, and extensive references to other ancient texts. It addresses complex topics like the placement of Kalpa Sutra within the 32 Agamas and its relationship to the Dashashrutaskandha.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured to provide a holistic understanding of the Kalpa Sutra, covering various aspects:

Introduction to Kalpa: Discusses the meaning of "Kalpa" as conduct, discipline, rules, and boundaries, emphasizing its importance in spiritual progress. It clarifies the meaning of "Achelaka" (non-possession of clothes) as minimal or worn-out clothing, not complete nudity.
Jina Kalpa vs. Sthavira Kalpa: Explains the two paths of monastic conduct: the Jina Kalpa (followed by those with inherent purity and adherence to ancient rules, often depicted as being nude or following strict penances) and the Sthavira Kalpa (followed by those who adopt certain conveniences like clothing or vessels, often adapting to the times and circumstances).
Ten Kalpas: Details ten specific regulations or conduct rules within Jain monasticism:
- Achelaka (clothing)
- Audeshika (rules related to food offered with specific intention)
- Shayyatara-pinda (rules regarding the householder who provides the resting place)
- Rajapinda (rules regarding royal offerings/food)
- Krutikarma (rules related to respecting elders)
- Vrata (vows/disciplines)
- Jyeshtha (rules regarding seniority)
- Pratikraman (atonement and confession)
- Masakalpa (rules specific to monthly observances)
- Paryushana-Kalpa (rules for the monsoon retreat)
Lord Mahavir's Life and Lineage: The text meticulously narrates the life events of Lord Mahavir, from his previous births to his final nirvana. It also provides the genealogies of previous Tirthankaras, emphasizing their divine qualities and the unbroken spiritual lineage.
Commentaries and Interpretations: The text acknowledges and builds upon existing commentaries, providing its own insights and annotations, enriching the reader's understanding of the complex philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism.
The Importance of Paryushana: The book highlights the Paryushana festival, a significant Jain event, and the practice of reciting the Kalpa Sutra during this period to foster spiritual awareness and ethical conduct.
Reconciliation of Traditions: The work is noted for its approach to understanding the Kalpa Sutra from a perspective that respects and clarifies the traditions within the Shvetambara Jain community, asserting its place within the 32 Agamas.
Scholarly Apparatus: The publication includes valuable appendices, a glossary of technical terms, and a reference list, demonstrating a high degree of scholarly rigor. The introductory sections and annotations by Devendra Muni Shastri are particularly praised for their depth and research.

Key Strengths Highlighted by Scholars:

The reviews from prominent Jain monks and scholars (pages 8-17) emphasize several strengths:

Accuracy and Clarity: The translation and commentary are praised for their faithfulness to the original text and their lucid explanation of complex concepts.
Scholarly Rigor: The extensive research, comparative analysis, and use of ancient texts to support interpretations are highly appreciated.
Comprehensive Nature: The inclusion of appendices, glossaries, and detailed explanations makes the work an invaluable resource for both general readers and researchers.
Guidance and Vision: The contribution of Pandit Pushkar Muniji Maharaj as a guiding force is acknowledged, lending significant weight and spiritual authority to the work.
Inclusivity: The work is recognized for transcending sectarian boundaries, as evidenced by positive reviews from scholars across different Jain traditions.
Aesthetic Presentation: The printing, paper quality, and binding are commended for their excellence, making the book a pleasure to own and read.

Summary of the Text's Content (Based on the detailed index):

The index provided on page 7 outlines the comprehensive coverage of the Bruhatkalpa Sutra, including:

Lord Mahavir's biography in detail (previous lives, birth, renunciation, tapasya, kevalgyan, etc.)
The lineage of Tirthankaras, from Rishabhdev to Mahavir.
The specifics of monastic conduct (Samachari), including monsoon rules, alms rules, hair plucking, and forgiveness.
Historical accounts of prominent figures (Ganaadhars, Sthaviras like Jambu, Bhadrabahu, Sthulibhadra).
Technical terms and a glossary.
Appendices providing supplementary information.

In Essence:

This edition of the Bruhatkalpa Sutra is presented as a definitive work that meticulously reconstructs the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir and the preceding Tirthankaras, while also providing a detailed guide to the rigorous ethical and disciplinary framework essential for Jain monasticism. The scholarly effort behind the commentary, translation, and annotation makes it a landmark publication for anyone seeking to understand this vital Jain scripture.