Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashantar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashantar" (Agam 35, Chhed 02), translated by Manik Muni:

Overall Purpose:

The "Bruhatkalpa Sutra" is a fundamental text in Jainism, primarily dealing with the conduct, rules, and regulations for Jain monks (ascetics). This specific text, "Bhashantar," is a Hindi translation and commentary on the original Sanskrit (or Prakrit) "Kalpa Sutra," aiming to make its profound teachings accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences. The translation and commentary are based on earlier traditions and scholarly interpretations.

Key Themes and Contents:

1. Introduction to Jainism and Tirthankaras: The text begins by introducing the core tenets of Jainism, emphasizing the concept of Tirthankaras as supreme beings who guide souls toward liberation. It clarifies that Jainism does not believe in an interventionist God who punishes the wicked or rewards the virtuous in a human-like manner. Instead, it stresses individual karma and the soul's inherent potential for liberation through self-effort and adherence to righteous conduct.

2. The Nature of the Soul: It explains that each soul is trapped in the cycle of birth and death due to ignorance, mistaking the physical body for the self. Only when a soul realizes its true nature as conscious and distinct from the body can it strive for liberation.

3. The Role of Tirthankaras and Saints: Tirthankaras, like Lord Mahavir (the last Tirthankara), are seen as paramount figures whose teachings illuminate the path to liberation. The text also mentions the importance of Ganadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras) and Sthaviras (senior monks) and their lives as historical and spiritual guides.

4. The Significance of the Kalpa Sutra: The "Kalpa Sutra" is presented as a guide for monks to observe the path of liberation through achar (conduct/behavior). It outlines ten types of monastic conduct, emphasizing the importance of principles like proper clothing, pure food, respect for elders, adherence to the five great vows (Mahavratas), and specific observances like Pratikraman (confession and repentance) and Chaumasa (four-month retreat during the monsoon).

5. Historical Context and Lineage: The text traces the lineage of Jain tradition from the first Tirthankara, Rishabdeva, to Lord Mahavir. It mentions the composition of the Kalpa Sutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu Swami, a renowned scholar who lived around 2200 years ago. It also provides insights into the transmission of Jain teachings through various acharyas.

6. Differences in Conduct Based on Tirthankaras: A significant portion explains the variations in monastic conduct across different Tirthankaras. It suggests that the rules were adapted based on the spiritual capacity and understanding of the followers during the time of each Tirthankara. For instance, the conduct of Rishabdeva's disciples was considered more straightforward due to their inherent nature, while Mahavir's disciples, being more complex, required specific guidelines to prevent transgressions.

7. The Rules of Paryushan: The text elaborates on the crucial Paryushan festival, a period of intense spiritual observance for Jains. It details the ideal qualities of a place for the four-month retreat (Chaumasa), emphasizing factors like purity, minimal harm to living beings, suitable living arrangements, and spiritual environment. It also highlights the benefits of listening to the Kalpa Sutra during this period for purification of conduct, knowledge enhancement, and strengthening of right faith.

8. The Importance of Virtues: The summary repeatedly stresses the adoption of virtues like forgiveness, gentleness, simplicity, and non-possessiveness as essential for spiritual progress. It encourages followers to remain impartial and avoid sectarian conflicts, focusing on the inner purification of the soul.

9. The Glorification of Austerity (Tapas): The text includes a detailed narrative about the power of Aham Tapasya (severe austerity) through the story of Nagketsu. This story illustrates how extreme penance, even in infancy, can lead to miraculous outcomes and divine intervention, emphasizing the immense spiritual merit gained through austerity.

10. The Birth and Early Life of Lord Mahavir: A substantial part of the text is dedicated to Lord Mahavir's life, including:

    • The Miraculous Conception: The story of Lord Mahavir's soul descending from heaven and the auspicious dreams of his mother, Queen Trishala.
    • The Transfer of the Embryo: The divine intervention by King Indra to transfer Mahavir's embryo from Queen Devananda to Queen Trishala, highlighting the extraordinary nature of a Tirthankara's birth.
    • Queen Trishala's Dreams: The detailed description of the fourteen auspicious dreams seen by Queen Trishala, signifying the birth of a great soul.
    • Interpretation of Dreams: The interpretation of these dreams by King Siddhartha and learned Brahmins, foretelling the extraordinary destiny of the child.
    • Lord Mahavir's Education and Youth: His intellectual prowess, his immense strength and divine qualities even as a child, his divine protection, and the story of his participation in games that displayed his virility.
    • The Donation and Renunciation: His extensive charitable acts before renouncing worldly life and the grand procession leading to his Diksha (initiation).
    • The Twelve Years of Austerity: His rigorous penance, enduring immense hardships and overcoming obstacles with equanimity and forbearance.
    • The Attainment of Keval Gyan: The description of Lord Mahavir attaining omniscience under the Shal tree near the Rijuvalika river.
    • The Formation of the Sangha: The establishment of the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) with the guidance of Ganadharas, particularly Gautam Swami.
    • The Teachings of Mahavir Swami: The summary of his preaching, emphasizing key Jain doctrines and the explanation of complex philosophical concepts like "syadvada" to address the doubts of learned individuals like Gautam Swami.

11. Biographies of Other Tirthankaras: The text also provides brief accounts of other Tirthankaras, including:

    • Lord Parshvanath: His birth, his heroic deeds, his encounter with Kamatha (who later became Dharanendra and Padmavati), and his attainment of Keval Gyan.
    • Lord Neminath: His life, his engagement to Rajimati, his renunciation and subsequent Keval Gyan.
    • Lord Rishabdeva: His role as the first Tirthankara, the founder of civilization, the establishment of castes and professions, his extensive charity, and his celestial birth and eventual liberation. It also details his 72 arts and the establishment of the Jain lineage and practices.

12. The Succession of Acharyas: The text outlines the lineage of Jain acharyas, starting from Mahavir's chief disciple, Gautam Swami, and continuing through various prominent monks like Suvedharma Swami, Jambuswami, Prabhuswami, Shyayambhavasuri, Yashobhadra, Sambhutivijaya, and Bhadrabahu. This lineage highlights the continuous transmission of spiritual knowledge.

13. The Concept of Acharyas and Gachhas: It implicitly touches upon the concept of different Gachhas (sects or lineages) within Jainism, as indicated by references to the support received from different communities and the mention of various acharyas.

14. The Importance of the Hindi Translation: The translator, Manik Muni, expresses his motivation for undertaking this work, noting the scarcity of comprehensive Hindi translations of such significant texts and the need to spread Jain knowledge widely. He also acknowledges the assistance received and expresses humility regarding potential shortcomings in his translation due to his own limitations in Gujarati and Sanskrit.

In essence, the "Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashantar" serves as an extensive guide for understanding the rigorous yet compassionate path of Jain asceticism, illuminated by the lives and teachings of the Tirthankaras and the venerable acharyas who preserved and propagated this ancient wisdom.