Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Part 04

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Part 04," based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

This document is the fourth part of the fourth volume (Chaturtho Vibhagah) of the Brihat Kalpa Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism, specifically focusing on the second and third sections (Udeshakas). It is presented as part of the Shri Atmanand Jain Granth Ratnamala. The text is a critical edition, compiled and edited by Muni Chaturvijay and Muni Punyavijay, disciples and grand-disciples of the esteemed Acharya Shri Vijayanand Surishwarji (popularly known as Shri Atmaramji Maharaj). The publication is by Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.

Key Content of Part 04:

This specific part (Part 04) covers the Second and Third Sections (Udeshakas) of the Brihat Kalpa Sutra. The provided pages detail the table of contents for these sections, outlining the various Prakaranas (topics) discussed.

Summary of Key Topics Covered in the Second and Third Sections:

The text meticulously details the rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns (Nirgranthas and Nirgranthinis) concerning their conduct, particularly in relation to their residences (Upaashrayas) and the use of various items. The summary below outlines the major themes:

Second Section (Dwitio Udeshak):

This section primarily deals with the rules governing Upaashraya Prakarana (Rules related to Monastic Dwellings) and Saagarika Paariharika Prakarana (Rules related to Laypersons providing necessities).

• Upaashraya Prakarana (Rules related to Monastic Dwellings):

  • Rules about permissible and impermissible Upaashrayas: The text elaborates on various conditions under which monks and nuns can reside in a dwelling. This includes detailed discussions on:
    • Grain contamination: Rules regarding grains like paddy (shali), rice (vrihi), lentils (mudga), etc., being scattered (utkshipta, vikshipta, vitikīrṇa, viprakīrṇa) within the dwelling. The text specifies when staying in such dwellings is permissible (generally not if the grains are scattered) and when it's not.
    • Permitted dwellings: Descriptions of dwellings that are permissible to stay in, such as those that are clean, well-maintained, and free from prohibited elements. This includes rules about dwellings that are organized into piles (rāsīkr̥tāni), heaps (puñjīkr̥tāni), built into walls (bhittikṛtāni), contained within small enclosures (kulikākṛtāni), marked (lāñchităni), sealed (mudritāni), or covered (pihitāni).
    • Seasonal permissions: The text details rules about staying in specific types of dwellings during different seasons (Hemanta - winter, Grīshma - summer, Varshā - monsoon).
    • Types of contamination and their remedies: The text discusses various types of impurities (bīja, vikata, pāna, etc.) that can render a dwelling impermissible and the purification rites or penances required.
    • Types of dwellings and their specific rules: Detailed rules are provided for various types of dwellings or their parts, such as:
      • Agrahaṇāntaka/Agraha paṭṭaka: Rules related to specific coverings or parts of a dwelling used for protection.
      • Āhūtikā-Nirdhṛtikā: Rules concerning items brought from outside or brought by others.
      • Aṁśikā Prakaraṇa: Rules about portions or divisions within a dwelling.
      • Pūjya Bhakta Upakaraṇa: Rules related to items used for revered beings or offerings.
      • Upadhi Prakaraṇa: General rules about permissible and impermissible possessions.
      • Rajoharaṇa Prakaraṇa: Rules concerning the broom used by monks.
  • Types of violations and penances: The text extensively outlines the penances (prāyaścitta) prescribed for various transgressions related to dwelling in impermissible places or using forbidden items. These penances are often graded based on the severity of the violation, the status of the monk/nun (ācārya, upādhyāya, bhikṣu, kṣullaka), and the nature of the contamination.

• Sāgārika Pārihārika Prakaraṇa (Rules related to Laypersons providing necessities):

  • Definition of a Sāgārika: The text clarifies who qualifies as a Sāgārika (lay supporter) in relation to providing alms or necessities.
  • Rules for accepting from a Sāgārika: Detailed rules are given on when and how monks and nuns can accept provisions from a Sāgārika, considering factors like the Sāgārika's intentions, relationship, and the nature of the offered item.
  • Prohibitions and permissions: The text specifies items that are forbidden to accept from a Sāgārika and those that are permissible, often with specific conditions.

Third Section (Tṛtīya Udeśaka):

This section primarily focuses on the rules for entering dwellings (Upaśraya Praveśa Prakaraṇa) and the use of skins/hides (Charma Prakaraṇa).

• Upaśraya Praveśa Prakaraṇa (Rules for entering Dwellings):

  • Prohibition for monks in nuns' dwellings and vice versa: Strict rules are laid out prohibiting monks from entering or staying in dwellings occupied by nuns, and vice versa, unless specific exceptions are met.
  • Exceptions and permissions for entry: The text details the conditions under which entry into a dwelling of the opposite sex might be permissible. This includes scenarios involving:
    • Necessary reasons: Such as the presence of a seriously ill monk/nun, a visiting revered ascetic (ācārya, upādhyāya, gaṇadhara), or for official duties of the monastic order.
    • Specific individuals: Rules vary based on whether the dwelling is occupied by a senior nun (pravartinī), a junior nun (bhikṣuṇī), or a novice (kṣullikā).
    • Conditions of the dwelling: Rules also depend on whether the dwelling is occupied by a layperson, whether they are knowledgeable (jñānakī), or ignorant (ajñānī), and whether they are sympathetic or hostile.
    • Prohibited actions within the dwelling: The text specifies actions that monks and nuns are forbidden to perform within a dwelling, such as chatting excessively, practicing yoga, engaging in specific rituals, or staying overnight without proper permission.
  • Penalties for violations: As with other sections, penances are prescribed for breaches of these rules.

• Charma Prakaraṇa (Rules concerning Skins/Hides):

  • Prohibition of using certain skins: The text strictly prohibits the use of skins from animals with fur (sālomāni) or certain types of processed hides (charma) for monks and nuns.
  • Permissible skins: The text may also outline any permissible types of hides or skins, possibly under specific conditions or for particular purposes, though the primary emphasis is on prohibition. The rules likely detail the difference between "kṛtsna" (whole/processed) and "akṛtsna" (partial/unprocessed) hides and their permissibility.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

• Authors: Bhadrabahuswami (original author), Chaturvijay, Punyavijay (editors/compilers).
• Publisher: Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Khargate, Bhavnagar-364001.
• Series: Shri Atmanand Jain Granth Ratnamala, Ratnam 87.
• Editions: Mentions of first and second editions with corresponding publication years (Vira Samvat 2465 / 1938 and Vira Samvat 2528 / 2002).
• Dedication: The fourth volume is dedicated to the revered Pūjya Shri Vijayvallabhsūrivar, following the command and inner desire of Gurudev Shri 1008 Shri Vijayanand Sūriśwarji (Shri Atmaramji Maharaj).
• Acknowledgement: Thanks are given to Munis Chaturvijay and Punyavijay for their work in uncovering the profound meanings of the Agamas.
• Manuscript References: Page 9 provides a detailed list of abbreviations used for various manuscripts consulted during the research (e.g., Bhā. - Pattan-stha Bhābhā pāṭhaka-satka Koshiya prati, De. - Ahmedabad Delā'upāśraya bhāṇḍāgāra-satka prati, Mo. - Pattana-ntargata Makā Modi bhāṇḍāgāra-satka prati, etc.).
• Correction Methodology: Page 9 also explains that incorrect readings found in the manuscripts were corrected and placed within parentheses ( ), while believed omissions were filled in with square brackets [ ].

Overall Significance:

The Brihat Kalpa Sutra, as evidenced by this detailed compilation, is a highly intricate text that governs the daily life, conduct, and ethical framework of Jain ascetics. This specific volume, Part 04, delves into the practical and nuanced rules concerning dwellings, interactions, and the permissible use of various materials, demonstrating the Jain emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and meticulous discipline in the spiritual path. The editorial effort by Munis Chaturvijay and Punyavijay highlights the commitment of Jain scholars to preserving and presenting these ancient teachings for modern study.