Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashyam Part 01

This document is the first part of the Hindi translation of the Jain text "Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashyam," authored by Muni Dulahrajji and published by Jain Vishva Bharati. The translation was initiated by Acharya Mahaprajna and assisted by Muni Rajendra Kumar and Muni Jitendra Kumar.

Key Aspects of the Text:

• Title: Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Bhashyam Part 01
• Author: Muni Dulahrajji
• Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun
• Content: The text is an extensive commentary (Bhashyam) on the Jain Chedasutras, specifically focusing on the Brihatkalpa Sutra. It is presented with a Hindi translation.
• Structure: The document contains introductory pages, including:
  • A title page and copyright information (pages 1-6).
  • A Samarpan (Dedication) by Acharya Tulsi (page 7).
  • An "Ashirvachan" (Blessing) by Acharya Mahaprajna (page 9), highlighting Muni Dulahrajji's dedication and scholarly contributions, particularly his translation work on Agam texts like Vyavahar Bhashya and Brihatkalpa Bhashyam. Acharya Mahaprajna praises Muni Dulahrajji's laboriousness and devotion to the Agam literature.
  • A "Bhumika" (Introduction) by Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakprabha (pages 11-48), providing a comprehensive overview of the Brihatkalpa Sutra and its Bhashyam.
• Content of the Introduction (Bhumika):
  • Significance of Agams: The introduction emphasizes the Agams (scriptures) as the foundation of Jainism, originating from the words of the Aptas (omniscient beings).
  • Classification of Agams: It explains the division of Agams into Anga (twelve primary scriptures) and Angabahya (secondary scriptures), detailing the current status of Angas and the concept of Purvas (ancient texts).
  • Chedasutras: It focuses on the Chedasutras, which are crucial for regulating the conduct of monks and nuns. It mentions the differing opinions on the number of Chedasutras and lists four accepted by the Terapanth Dharmasangh tradition: Nishith, Vyavahar, Brihatkalpa, and Dashashrutskandh.
  • Purpose of Chedasutras: These scriptures provide guidelines for monastic life, specifying actions that are permissible (karaneeya) and forbidden (akaraṇīya), along with provisions for penance (prayshchitta) for transgressions.
  • Literature of Agams: The introduction discusses the vast commentary literature on Jain Agams, including Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tika, etc., and mentions the use of Prakrit and Sanskrit languages, as well as regional languages later on.
  • Brihatkalpa Sutra: It delves into the 'Brihatkalpa' scripture, its name derivation from 'Kalpasutra' and its commentary tradition. It highlights that Brihatkalpa itself is a Niryundh (compiled) text, derived from the Purvas.
  • Authorship of Brihatkalpa Bhashya: It discusses the traditional view that the Brihatkalpa Sutra and Vyavahar Sutra were compiled by the Chaturdashpurvi Bhagwan Bhadrabahu Swami from the Pratyakhyanpurva. The commentary (Bhashya) was created to simplify these texts due to the decline in intellectual capacity over time. While the Tika (commentary on the Bhashya) is attributed to Acharya Malayagiri and Acharya Khemakirti, the name of the Bhashyakara is not explicitly mentioned in Malayagiri's commentary, though Munishri Dulahrajji and Samani Kusumpragya, quoting Munishri Punyavijayji, suggest Sanghdas Gani as the Bhashyakara. Sanghdas Gani's period is estimated to be the fifth-sixth century Vikram era.
  • Magnitude of Bhashyas: The introduction details the extensive nature of the Bhashyas on ten Agam texts, specifically noting the large number of gathas in Brihatkalpa Bhashya (6490).
  • Meaning of "Kalpa": It explores the multiple meanings of the word "Kalpa" as found in Nandi Sutra, including ability, description, cutting, action, comparison, and dwelling.
  • Mangalacharana (Invocation): It explains the use of the word "Nandi" as a symbol of Panchatmak Gyan (five types of knowledge) and the purpose of mangalacharana.
  • Method of Anuyoga (Explanation): It describes the process of Anuyoga, detailing the seven stages of learning for disciples and the importance of Shrutgyan.
  • Paurvaparya of Sutra and Artha: It discusses the philosophical debate on whether the Sutra (aphorism) or the Artha (meaning) comes first, citing various arguments and examples from the Bhashya.
  • Lakshanas of Vyakhya (Characteristics of Explanation): It outlines the six characteristics of a good explanation: Samhita, Pada, Padartha, Padavigraha, Chalana, and Pratyavasthana.
  • Arhata of Sutra-Grahan (Eligibility for Studying Sutras): It mentions the fourteen examples used in the Bhashya to test the eligibility of disciples for studying Sutras, highlighting the different categories of disciples and the teacher's responsibility.
  • Detailed Analysis of First Sutra: The introduction provides an in-depth analysis of the very first sutra of Brihatkalpa ('No kappai nigganthāṇa vā nigganthīna vā āme tālapalambe abhinne paḍigāhittae'), explaining its words and their philosophical implications, including the meaning of "आम" (apachya/uncooked) and "प्रलंब" (hanging). It also touches upon the concept of Nikshetra (classification) and Pratyaschitta (penance).
  • Other Topics: The introduction covers various other aspects discussed in the first part of the Bhashya, including the rules for Masakalpa Vihar (monastic conduct during monsoon), the importance of Agam Adhyayan (study of scriptures), the concept of Maharddhik, the methodology of Vaitritya (service), the criteria for Patra (alms bowl) and Vastra (clothes), the significance of Atapana (sunbathing as a practice), Avagaha (jurisdiction), the concept of Utasar Kalpa, the importance of Shravakacharyas, and specific rules concerning Anarya Desh (barbarian territories). It also highlights the detailed descriptions of historical events and social conditions of the time reflected in the text.
  • Translator's Journey: The introduction concludes with a reflection by Muni Dulahrajji on his translation journey, emphasizing the support received from Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Mahaprajna and the collaborative effort with his assistants. He also touches upon the challenges of translating ancient texts and the need for such efforts to make the vast Jain heritage accessible.
• Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika): Pages 37-178 provide a detailed index of the topics covered in the Bhashya, organized by Gatha (verse) numbers. This index covers a wide range of subjects related to monastic discipline, ethics, cosmology, and philosophy as expounded in the Brihatkalpa Sutra Bhashyam.

Overall Purpose:

The publication of this text, especially its Hindi translation, is a significant contribution to Jain scholarship, making a complex and foundational Chedasutra commentary accessible to a wider audience interested in understanding the nuances of Jain monasticism and its historical context. Muni Dulahrajji's meticulous work is highly appreciated, as noted by Acharya Mahaprajna.