Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Part 03

The provided text is the third part of the Brihatkalpa Sutra, specifically Book Agam 35, Ched 02, authored by Bhadrabahuswami and compiled by Chaturvijay and Punyavijay, published by Atmanand Jain Sabha. This volume, the eighty-fourth gem of the Shri Atmanand Jain Granthratnamala, is enriched with the original Niryukti by Sthavir Aryabhadrabahu, the Laghu Bhashya compiled by Sanghdas Gani, and the commentary by Acharya Malayagiri, completed by Acharya Khemkirti.

This third volume contains the first section (Uddeshak) of the Brihatkalpa Sutra, covering the Prakritas of Pralamba and Masakalpa. The editors are Munishri Chaturvijay and Munishri Punyavijay, disciples of Paramaguru Shri Hansvijayji Maharajshri. The text meticulously details various rules and regulations relevant to Jain monks and nuns, particularly concerning their conduct, ascetic practices, and interactions within different environments and situations.

The summary, based on the comprehensive index (Anukram) and the content provided, reveals the following key areas and topics covered in this volume:

Core Subject Matter: Conduct and Regulations for Ascetics

The Brihatkalpa Sutra, as presented in this volume, delves deeply into the intricacies of monastic life, offering detailed guidance on:

• Residential Rules:

  • Vagada Prakrita (Chapters 10-11): This section focuses on the rules regarding living in villages, towns, and cities, particularly concerning areas with a single entrance and exit ('Ekavagada-Ekadwara'). It elaborates on the permutations and combinations of single or multiple entrances and enclosures ('Vagada-Dwara Chaturbhangi') and the associated transgressions and expiations. The text discusses specific scenarios of monks and nuns residing together, the doshas (faults) that arise from such proximity, and the prescribed penances. It also touches upon the concept of impurity related to shared living spaces and the rules for overcoming them.
  • Aparavrutadvara Prakrita (Chapters 14-17): This deals with rules related to residential structures, specifically those with open or uncovered entrances. It outlines guidelines for monks and nuns regarding their use, including the installation of curtains and the conduct of gatekeeping nuns.
  • Ghathimatrak Prakrita (Chapters 16-17): This section focuses on the rules concerning the use of specific vessels or containers, likely related to water or other essential items.
  • Chilimilika Prakrita (Chapter 18): This chapter addresses the use of 'Chilimilika', likely a type of cloth or screen used for privacy or protection, detailing its types, measurements, and proper usage.
  • Dakateer Prakrita (Chapter 19): This section covers rules related to residing near or on the banks of water bodies like lakes and rivers, detailing prohibited activities such as standing, sitting, sleeping, eating, studying, or meditating in such areas, and the associated transgressions.
  • Apanagriha-Rathyāmukhādi Prakrita (Chapters 12-13): This covers rules concerning residences located near shops, street entrances, and public spaces, focusing on the conduct of nuns in such environments to avoid attracting attention or causing scandal.
  • Sahagariko-pashraya Prakrita (Chapters 25-29): This extensive section details the rules regarding residences associated with lay householders ('Sahagarika-upashraya'). It elaborates on the concept of 'Sahagarika' (lay supporter), the different types of lay supporters (dravya and bhava), and the various rules and restrictions that apply when monks and nuns interact with or reside in spaces associated with them, including detailed descriptions of deities, human figures, and animal representations in art that might cause distraction or defilement.
  • Pratibaddha Shya Prakrita (Chapters 30-31): This covers rules concerning prohibited residential arrangements, particularly when a residence is 'connected' or 'associated' with a lay person's house in a way that might lead to impurity or attachment. It details the rules for monks and nuns in such situations.

• Conduct and Activities:

  • Chitrakarma Prakrita (Chapters 20-21): This section deals with rules concerning residences adorned with paintings or artwork ('Chitrakarma'), detailing prohibitions and guidelines related to their presence and interaction with them.
  • Ratri Bhakta Prakrita (Chapters 42-43): This is a significant portion dedicated to the prohibition of eating or accepting food ('Ratri Bhakta') during the night or twilight hours. It extensively discusses the reasons, exceptions, and expiations for violating this rule, along with various associated ethical considerations.
  • Ratri Vastradi Grahana Prakrita (Chapter 44): This covers rules regarding the acceptance or use of clothing and other belongings during the night.
  • Haritahrita Prakrita (Chapter 45): This section likely deals with rules related to acceptable and unacceptable types of greenery or vegetation that monks and nuns might encounter or use.
  • Adhva Prakrita (Chapter 46): This covers rules related to travel and movement ('Adhva'), particularly concerning journeys, pathways, and the conduct during travel, including rules for night travel and interactions with various entities.
  • Sankhadi Prakrita (Chapter 47): This section addresses rules related to 'Sankhadi', which might refer to specific types of locations, rituals, or objects that require particular conduct. It details various rules for interacting with or residing in such contexts.
  • Vichara Bhumi-Vihar Bhumi Prakrita (Chapters 48-49): This focuses on the rules regarding solitary meditation ('Vichara Bhumi') and monastery living ('Vihara Bhumi'), particularly for nuns, emphasizing the prohibition of solitary night travel and the need for companionship. It outlines detailed guidelines for their movements and safety.
  • Arya Kshetra Prakrita (Chapter 50): This final section in this volume defines the boundaries of 'Arya Kshetra' (sacred or pure land) and discusses the significance of adhering to these boundaries. It highlights the importance of staying within these designated areas for the spiritual well-being and adherence to Jain principles, and the consequences of violating them. It also touches upon the spiritual significance and the presence of enlightened beings within these sacred realms.

• Detailed Regulations and Examples:

  • The text frequently uses detailed examples, analogies, and discussions between disciples and teachers (Acharyas) to clarify the rules.
  • It elaborates on the concept of 'doshas' (faults) and 'prayaschitta' (penances or expiations) for various transgressions.
  • Emphasis is placed on meticulous conduct ('Yatana') in all aspects of monastic life, from daily routines to specific situations encountered during travels or in residences.
  • The text also includes discussions on the classification of various entities, situations, and actions, often presenting a detailed 'Chaturbhangi' (four-fold classification) to cover all possible scenarios.

Overall Purpose:

The Brihatkalpa Sutra, as seen in this volume, serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain ascetics, ensuring the strict adherence to the principles of conduct (Achara) and ethical behavior essential for spiritual progress and the maintenance of the Jain monastic tradition. The detailed nature of the rules underscores the Jain emphasis on mindfulness, self-control, and the avoidance of even subtle transgressions.