Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Brhatkalpa Sutra (Agam 35, Chhed 02), as presented in the scanned pages from the catalog link you provided.

The text is a digitized version of the Brhatkalpa Sutra, part of the Agam literature of Jainism. The scanned pages include a title page, introductory remarks, acknowledgments, a list of other Jain texts that have been restored or digitized (Pages 4-9), the main text itself, and detailed descriptions of the illustrations present in the manuscript (Pages 10-236). The latter part of the scanned document (Pages 237-373) contains the actual text of the Brhatkalpa Sutra with its commentary, likely including the Churni and Niryukti, and possibly the commentary by Prithvichandrasuri as indicated in the title page description (Page 10).

Here's a breakdown of the content and key aspects:

1. Introduction and Context:

Title: Agam 35, Chhed 02, Brhatkalpa Sutra.
Author/Editor: Punyavijay, Bechardas Doshi.
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab.
Sponsorship/Restoration: The project is presented as a "Shrut Gyanoddhar" (restoration of scriptural knowledge) sponsored by Shri Ashapooran Parshvanath Jain Gyan Bhandar and initiated by the inspiration of Pujya Sadhvi Shri Jitendrashriji and her disciples. The restoration work was supported by Pujya Anand Sāgar Sūriśvarji M.Sa. and the specific publication is attributed to Sambat 2067 (2011 CE).
Objective: The project aims to preserve and make accessible ancient and "almost unobtainable" Jain texts by creating scanned DVDs and making them available for download from a website. It emphasizes the value of scriptural knowledge and the effort involved in restoring and preserving these ancient books.
"Aho Shrut Gyanam": This phrase, meaning "Oh, scriptural knowledge!" or "Salutations to scriptural knowledge!", appears frequently and underscores the reverence for the Jain scriptures being presented.

2. Catalog of Restored Texts (Pages 4-9):

These pages list numerous Jain texts that have been part of the restoration project. The list includes titles of various philosophical, grammatical, astronomical, architectural, and historical works in Jain tradition, along with their authors/commentators and page numbers. This indicates the extensive nature of the restoration initiative.

3. The Brhatkalpa Sutra Content:

Core Text: The primary focus is the Brhatkalpa Sutra. This is a fundamental text within the Chhed Sutra category of Jain Agamas, dealing with conduct, discipline, and regulations for Jain monks and nuns. The Brhatkalpa Sutra is known for its detailed exposition on the rules of monastic life.
Commentaries: The text is presented with its original text (mula path), Churni (a type of commentary that explains the Niryukti and Sutra in simpler terms), Niryukti (an older commentary that explains the meaning of words and verses), and a Tippanak (a further commentary, in this case, attributed to Prithvichandrasuri). This multilayered presentation is typical of significant Jain scriptural texts, allowing for a deep and nuanced understanding.
Illustrations (Pages 10-236): A significant portion of the document is dedicated to describing and displaying numerous illustrations found within the manuscript. These illustrations are crucial for understanding the historical context, artistic styles, and visual representations of Jain teachings, events, and figures. The descriptions are very detailed, often explaining the iconography, symbolism, and the specific event or deity depicted. These cover:
- Tirthankara Biographies: Illustrations of the lives of various Tirthankaras, including Mahavir Swami, Parshvanath, Neminath, and Rishabhdev, detailing their birth, diksha (ascetic initiation), samavasarana (preaching assembly), and nirvana (liberation).
- Deities and Celestial Beings: Depictions of Indras (Indra), Yakshas (like Brahmashanti Yaksha), and various divine attendants involved in Tirthankara events.
- Monastic Life: Illustrations of Jain monks and nuns, their rituals, and their conduct, highlighting the discipline and practices.
- Socio-Cultural Scenes: Scenes that offer glimpses into the life and culture of the time, including depictions of kings, queens, courtiers, common people, their attire, and activities.
- Architectural Details: Illustrations of temples, palaces, and other structures, providing insights into Jain architecture.
- Symbolic Representations: Representations of auspicious symbols and concepts central to Jain philosophy.
Language and Script: The text is primarily in Prakrit, with commentaries and glossaries potentially in Sanskrit and old Gujarati. The manuscript appears to be from an ancient period, with mentions of palm-leaf manuscripts and paper manuscripts dating back to the 13th-16th centuries CE.
Manuscript Details: The "Nivedan" (Preface) section by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab (Page 14 onwards) provides a historical overview of Jain miniature painting, referencing his earlier works and the manuscripts he consulted. It discusses the evolution of palm-leaf to paper manuscripts and the dating of these artistic and scriptural treasures. He specifically mentions the use of 28 manuscripts in total for this edition of the Kalpasutra, detailing their origins and dates (Pages 36-46).

3. Key Themes and Content of the Brhatkalpa Sutra (as inferred from the commentary and introduction):

Monastic Discipline: The Brhatkalpa Sutra is central to Jain monastic discipline. It outlines the stringent rules and practices that monks and nuns must follow to achieve liberation, including rules about their conduct, possessions, movements, dietary practices, and interaction with the world.
The Chaturmasya Period: A significant portion of the text and its illustrations likely pertains to the Chaturmasya (four-month rainy season) period, during which Jain ascetics traditionally remain in one place to avoid harming more life forms that become active during the rains and to dedicate themselves to intensive spiritual practice. The text details the rules and regulations specific to this period.
Historical and Cultural Insights: Through the detailed descriptions of the illustrations and the preface, the text offers invaluable insights into the history of Jain art, script, language, and the socio-cultural milieu of ancient Western India, particularly Gujarat.
Scholarly Effort: The preface emphasizes the immense scholarly effort by Muni Punyavijayji and Pandit Bechardas Jivraj Doshi in compiling, editing, and annotating this voluminous work, often referring to their meticulous comparison of various manuscripts.

4. Significance of the Project:

Preservation of Knowledge: The "Shrut Gyanoddhar" project is vital for preserving Jain scriptural heritage, much of which is in fragile ancient manuscripts.
Accessibility: Digitizing these texts makes them accessible to a wider audience of scholars, monks, nuns, and lay followers for study and research, transcending geographical limitations.
Artistic and Historical Documentation: The detailed description of the illustrations is a significant contribution to the study of Jain art history and the visual culture of the Jain tradition.

In essence, this digitized version of the Brhatkalpa Sutra is a monumental work of scholarship and preservation, bringing together ancient scripture, its detailed commentaries, and a rich visual heritage for the benefit of the Jain community and scholars worldwide.