Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Brihatkalpa Sutra (Agam 35, Chhed 02), based on the translated text:

Title: Agam 35 Chhed 02 Brihatkalpa Sutra Author(s): Kheemvijay (Translation) Original Author: Shri Shrutskevali H.H. Bhadrabahu Swami Publisher: Mehta Family Trust, USA (1998)

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra, also known as Kalpa Sutra, is a foundational text within the Shvetambara Jain tradition. It is primarily revered and recited during the Paryushana festival, a period of intense spiritual observance for Jains. The text is considered a "kalka" or guiding principle, outlining the rules, conduct, and ethical framework for ascetics (monks and nuns) in Jainism. Its name signifies its importance in governing the "kalpa" or rules of conduct. The Brihatkalpa Sutra is highly valued for its ability to bestow spiritual merit, prosperity, and ultimately liberation from the cycle of birth and death for those who study or listen to it with devotion.

Key Content and Structure:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra, attributed to the revered Acharya Shrutakevali Shrimad Bhadrabahu Swami, is presented as a commentary or elucidation of the rules of conduct for ascetics. The text highlights the following key aspects:

The Ten Kalpas (Rules of Conduct): The scripture details ten specific "kalpas" (rules or practices) that are essential for ascetics. These are:
- Achelaka Kalpa: The principle of being unclothed or having minimal, worn-out clothing. This relates to the attitude towards possessions and detachment.
- Uddeshika Kalpa: Rules regarding food and alms, specifically concerning food prepared for ascetics.
- Shayyatara Kalpa: Regulations concerning the dwelling place of ascetics and the conditions under which they can accept hospitality.
- Rajpind Kalpa: Rules pertaining to accepting alms from royalty or wealthy individuals, considering potential drawbacks and societal perceptions.
- Kritkarma Kalpa: The practice of salutations and showing respect within the monastic community, especially regarding seniority in initiation.
- Vrata Kalpa: The Mahavratas (Great Vows) and the specific interpretations or applications thereof, noting differences in the conduct of ascetics in different Tirthankara eras.
- Jayeshtha Kalpa: The principle of seniority and the manner in which it is determined among ascetics, based on initiation dates.
- Pratikramana Kalpa: The observance of specific acts of repentance and purification, including the distinction between daily and periodic Pratikramana.
- Masa Kalpa: Regulations regarding the duration of stay in one place, typically limited to one month during the monsoon season.
- Paryushana Kalpa: The observance of the Paryushana festival itself, including its minimum and maximum durations, and the special practices during this sacred period.
Distinction in Practices Across Tirthankara Eras: The text elaborates on why certain practices (like Achelaka, Uddeshika, etc.) are prescribed for the ascetics of the first and last Tirthankaras (Shri Rishabhdev and Shri Mahavir Swami) and how these practices might differ or be less strictly defined for the Tirthankaras in between. This distinction is attributed to the inherent nature and disposition of the beings in those respective eras (Riju, Vakri, Jada, Prajna).
Detailed Explication of Mahavir Swami's Life: The text dedicates significant portions to the life story of Lord Mahavir Swami, covering:
- Genealogy and Birth: His lineage, the auspicious dream his mother Trishala had, and the divine events surrounding his birth.
- Ascetic Life: His renunciation, austerities, severe penances, and the numerous difficulties and miracles he encountered during his ascetic journey.
- Gana-dharas: The establishment of the council of learned disciples (Gana-dharas) and the resolution of their doubts.
- Philosophical Teachings: The text delves into various philosophical discussions, including the concept of "kalpa" itself, the nature of conduct, and the growth of spiritual knowledge.
The Importance of Paryushana and Kalpa Sutra Recitation: The Brihatkalpa Sutra emphasizes the sanctity of the Paryushana festival and the merit derived from listening to or reciting the Kalpa Sutra during this time. It highlights that hearing the text twenty-one times with faith can lead to liberation.
The Authorship and Transmission: The text explicitly states that it was compiled by Shrutskevali Bhadrabahu Swami, emphasizing the authority and antiquity of the teachings.
Metaphor of the Kalpavriksha: The scripture is metaphorically described as a "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree), where the Tirthankaras' lives are the seeds, their disciples are the sprouts, their conduct is the trunk, their disciples' knowledge is the fragrance, and the ultimate goal is liberation (moksha).
The Mehta Family Trust's Contribution: The publication is highlighted as a noble endeavor by the Mehta Family Trust, USA, in memory of their parents. Their dedication to societal service, the construction of religious sites, and the publication of valuable literature for spiritual seekers is praised. Shri Mukundbhai Mehta's personal journey, education, and commitment to Jain principles are also detailed.

Specific Details and Concepts:

Ten Kalpas: The text defines ten specific "kalpas" that are central to ascetic discipline.
Tirthankara Characteristics: The text discusses the characteristics of Tirthankaras and the differences in their conduct and the conduct of their followers across different epochs.
Three Divisions of Kalpa Sutra: The text mentions that the Kalpa Sutra itself has three main divisions: the introduction of Tirthankaras, Sthaviravali (lineage of elders), and Sadhu Samachari (conduct of monks).
Nine Vyakhyanas (Commentaries/Sections): The Kalpa Sutra is understood to have nine sections, each offering detailed explanations of specific aspects, including discussions on the ten kalpas, the lives of Tirthankaras (especially Lord Mahavir), and the duties of monks.
Social, Economic, and Judicial Traditions: The summary notes that the Kalpa Sutra is not just a religious text but also a repository of information about the contemporary social, economic, and judicial traditions of the era.
Purity and Conduct: Emphasis is placed on the rigorous discipline required for ascetics, including meticulous attention to purity in all actions, especially concerning alms, water, and personal belongings.
The Nagketu Story: A significant narrative illustrating the power of austere practices, particularly the "Attham Tap" (fasting for eight days), is presented through the story of Nagketu.
The Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar: The text highlights the fundamental mantra of Jainism, the Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar, as the primary auspicious chant for overcoming sins and initiating good fortune.
The Size of the Fourteen Purvas: The vastness of the knowledge contained in the fourteen Purvas, the original Jain scriptures, is described in terms of the enormous quantity of writing material they would require.
The Authority of Bhadrabahu Swami: The text repeatedly emphasizes the profound scholarship and spiritual authority of its author, Bhadrabahu Swami, who is described as a Chaturdasha Purva-dhari (possessor of fourteen Purvas).

Overall Message:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra serves as an exhaustive guide for Jain ascetics, emphasizing detachment, self-discipline, ethical conduct, and spiritual purity. It provides a detailed blueprint for the monastic life, ensuring adherence to the vows and principles laid down by the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir. The text's continued relevance and the meticulous efforts of publishers like the Mehta Family Trust underscore its enduring importance in Jain tradition and education.