Agam 36 Vyavahara Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

This document is the 29th volume in a series of Agama Sutras with Gujarati translations and commentaries, published by Deepratnasagar. The specific volume focuses on Vyavahara Sutra, which is identified as the third of the five Cheda Sutras.

Key Information:

• Title: Agama 36 Vyavahara Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad (Agam 36 Vyavahara Sutra with Commentary and Gujarati Translation)
• Series: Agama Satik Anuvad (Agama with Commentary Translation)
• Volume Number: 29
• Publisher: Deepratnasagar
• Author/Creator of Translation Series: Muni Deeratnsagarji
• Content: This volume contains the Gujarati translation of the Vyavahara Sutra, which is part of the Cheda Sutras in Jain Agamas. The text states that this volume focuses on five Cheda Sutras:
  1. Nishith
  2. Brihatkalpa
  3. Vyavahara
  4. Dashashrutaskandha
  5. Jitakalpa
• Original Languages of Agamas: Ardhamagadhi and Sanskrit.
• Reason for Translation: To make the knowledge of the Agamas accessible to those who are not proficient in Sanskrit and Prakrit, and to facilitate the study and understanding of Jain principles for spiritual growth.
• Commentary: The text acknowledges the existence of various commentaries (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Vritti) on these Cheda Sutras, stating that they were considered for translation but, due to disagreements among elders, only the original texts of the Cheda Sutras were translated in this series. The publisher notes that their comprehensive work, Agam Sutra Satik, does include these commentaries.
• Subject Matter of Cheda Sutras:
  • Nishith: Deals with transgressions and expiations for monks and nuns on the path of austerity.
  • Brihatkalpa: Discusses various matters and their respective expiations.
  • Vyavahara: Outlines the conduct, rules, and expiations for monks and nuns.
  • Dashashrutaskandha: Covers topics like states of contemplation, combined faults, etc.
  • Jitakalpa: Serves as a replacement for the Panchakalpa Sutra and deals with confession, penance, and descriptions of faults.
• Specifics of Vyavahara Sutra:
  • It contains ten Uddeśas (chapters/sections).
  • The total number of Sutras is 285.
  • The text mentions that the Bhashya (commentary) of Vyavahara Sutra is available and has a commentary by Acharya Malayagiri, both of which are published in their Agam Sutra Satik series.
  • The document provides a detailed Gujarati translation of specific Sutras from Uddeśas 1 to 10 of the Vyavahara Sutra. These translations cover various rules and regulations for monks and nuns, including:
    • Expiations (prayaschitta) for various transgressions, often dependent on the severity, frequency, and whether the confession is made with or without Maya (deceit).
    • Rules regarding the appointment and responsibilities of Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Ganavacchēdakas, Pravartinis, and other monastic roles, often based on their years of initiation and knowledge.
    • Regulations concerning living arrangements, travel (vihara), and conduct during different seasons (winter, summer, monsoon).
    • Rules for accepting alms (gōcari), food distribution, and the types of food that can be accepted.
    • The importance of adherence to rules and the consequences of their violation, often leading to Cheda or Tapa prayaschitta.
    • Detailed descriptions of various classifications of monks and nuns, their duties, and their interactions with each other and the laity.
    • Specific rules regarding health, illness, and the care of the sick.
    • Prohibitions and permissions related to the use of utensils, belongings, and interactions with householders.
    • Guidelines on what constitutes acceptable or unacceptable food and its preparation, especially concerning householders who are householders with specific types of relationships or business dealings.
    • Mention of the importance of scripture study at specific times and the qualifications for teaching and learning.
    • Discussions on different types of penances and vows, such as Bhiksha-pratima.
    • Emphasis on the hierarchy and proper conduct within the monastic community, including the roles of senior monks (Sthaviras) and the importance of seeking their guidance and permission.
• Acknowledgement of Support: The initial pages list numerous individuals, trusts, and Sanghas who provided financial support for the publication of this series, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in preserving and disseminating Jain Agamas.

In essence, this volume provides a detailed Gujarati translation of the Vyavahara Sutra, a crucial text for understanding the conduct, discipline, and expiations within the Jain monastic tradition.