Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Part 06

The provided text is the sixth part of the Brihatkalpa Sutra, specifically covering the Sixth Chapter (Uddesha) and including thirteen appendices. This volume is part of the Shrimad Atmanand Jain Granth Ratnamala series, published by Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects presented in the text:

1. Publication Details:

• Title: Agam 35 Chhed 02 Bruhatkalpa Sutra Part 06
• Author(s): Bhadrabahuswami (original author of the Niryukti), Chaturvijay, Punyavijay (compilers/editors). The text is also noted to include the Bhashya compiled by Sanghadassagani Kshamashramana and the Vritti (commentary) started by Malayagiri Suri and completed by Kshemakirti Suri.
• Publisher: Atmanand Jain Sabha, Khargate, Bhavnagar - 364001 (Gujarat, India).
• Editions: The text mentions a first edition in Vikram Samvat 1998 (AD 1942) and a second edition in Vikram Samvat 2058 (AD 2002).
• Compilers/Editors: Munishri Chaturvijay and Munishri Punyavijay, disciples and grand-disciples of Pravartak Shrimad Kantivijayaji. They are praised for their dedication to knowledge, research, and revival of ancient Jain literature.

2. Content of Part 6:

• This sixth part covers the Sixth Uddesha (Chapter) of the Brihatkalpa Sutra.
• It also includes thirteen appendices (Parishishta) which likely offer supplementary information, explanations, or historical context related to the sutra and its commentaries.

3. Historical and Scholarly Significance:

• The text highlights the vastness and depth of Jain Agam literature, noting that this part concludes the entire Brihatkalpa Sutra.
• It emphasizes the painstaking work of the compilers, Chaturvijay and Punyavijay, in synthesizing and presenting the complex meanings of the Agamas.
• The preface (Uddeshak) itself is noted to contain extensive and detailed discussions regarding the Niryukti's author (identifying him as Sthavir Aryabhadra Bahuswami, a fourteenth-purvadhar) and the time of its composition, referencing ancient sources like Acharya Shilanka and Jinabhadra Ganikshamashramana.
• The text details the meticulous approach taken in its compilation and publication, including the collection and comparison of various manuscripts (indicated by abbreviations like भा., डे., मो., ले., कां., तामू., ताटी., ताभा.).
• It also discusses the process of textual correction and augmentation based on different manuscript traditions.

4. Dedication and Acknowledgements:

• A significant portion of the introductory material is dedicated to paying homage to the lineage of gurus, particularly Pujya Munirajshri Punyavijayji Maharaj, recognizing his monumental efforts in excavating and preserving ancient Jain manuscripts, including the Jaisalmer Jain Agam Bhandar.
• The publication is a result of the efforts and cooperation of various Jain Sangh (communities) and trusts.

5. Detailed Outline of the Sixth Uddesha and Appendices:

The appendices provide a very detailed index of the content within the Sixth Uddesha. This outline, presented in Gujarati and transliterated Sanskrit, covers the following:

• Uddesha 6: Deals with "Vachana Prakruta" (speech regulations), covering six types of improper speech (falsehood, belittling, abuse, harshness, speech related to householders, and speech about pacified disputes). It details various rules, exceptions, and scenarios related to speech, including examples and their associated penances.
• Vachana Prakruta: Explains the impropriety of six types of speech for Jain monks and nuns, with detailed rules and consequences for violations.
• Prastara Prakruta: Discusses the classification of penances (Prastara) into six categories based on the type of transgression: violence, falsehood, theft, celibacy, attachment, and the four vows. It outlines the penances associated with each.
• Kantakāuddharana Prakruta: Deals with rules concerning the removal of thorns, injuries, or other physical discomforts, especially when they occur to monks or nuns. It outlines who is responsible for such removals and the associated penances.
• Durga Prakruta: Discusses rules related to monks and nuns entering or being in a dangerous place (Durg), such as a fortress, difficult terrain, or a place with impurities.
• Kshiptachittaadi Prakruta: Addresses conduct related to monks and nuns whose minds are disturbed (Kshipta-chitta), including those affected by anger, fear, or vanity. It also covers instances of uplifted minds and their regulations.
• Unmada Prakruta: Discusses rules concerning monks and nuns who might be suffering from mental disturbances or madness, outlining how they should be treated and managed.
• Upasarga Prakruta: Covers rules concerning external afflictions or disturbances faced by monks and nuns, such as those caused by deities, humans, or animals, and the proper conduct and penances in such situations.
• Sadhyakarana Prakruta: Deals with monks and nuns who are associated with or have a connection to dangerous situations or individuals.
• Sapagrachita Prakruta: Discusses penance related to being affected by impure actions or situations.
• Bhakta-pana Pratyakhyata Sutra: Covers rules about monks and nuns who have renounced (Pratyakhyata) food and drink, and the subsequent conduct or penance required.
• Artha Jata Sutra: Discusses the "meaning of wealth" or "purpose of existence" in relation to monks and nuns, and the conduct required in such contexts.
• Parimanth Prakruta: Details the six types of actions or states that obstruct spiritual progress (Parimanthas), such as pride, falsehood, speech, desire, etc., and their associated penances.
• Kalpasthiti Prakruta: Explains the six types of stages or conditions of conduct for monks and nuns within the framework of the Kalpa Sutra, including rules for different types of ascetics (e.g., those following the Jinakalpa, Sthavira Kalpa, etc.).

6. Key Themes and Concepts:

• Achar (Conduct): The entire text revolves around the detailed rules of conduct for Jain monks and nuns, covering speech, actions, and spiritual practices.
• Penance (Prayashchitta): A significant portion of the text outlines various penances for different transgressions, often categorized by the severity of the offense and the status of the monk or nun.
• Utsarga and Apavada: The text implicitly or explicitly discusses the general rules (Utsarga) and exceptions or special circumstances (Apavada) in conduct, highlighting the nuanced ethical framework of Jainism.
• Purity and Control: A core theme is the maintenance of purity of mind, speech, and body, along with strict control over desires and external influences.
• Gurus and Lineage: The text deeply respects the lineage of gurus and the transmission of knowledge from master to disciple.
• Historical and Cultural Insights: The appendices and footnotes offer valuable glimpses into ancient Indian society, geography, customs, and the development of Jain literature and traditions.
• Textual Criticism: The extensive notes on variations in manuscripts underscore the scholarly effort involved in reconstructing and presenting the text.

In essence, this volume is a crucial part of the Jain Agam literature, providing detailed regulations and ethical guidelines for ascetic life, enriched by extensive commentary and historical context, reflecting the deep scholarly tradition within Jainism.