Agam 37 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Ek Adhyayan - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 37 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Ek Adhyayan" by Ashok Kumar Singh, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dashashrutskandhaniryukti: Eka Adhyayana (A Study of the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti) Author: Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith, Varanasi Publication Year: 1998 ISBN: 81-86715-27-4 Price: Rs. 125.00

Overall Purpose: This book is a scholarly study of the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti, an ancient exegetical work in the Jain tradition, specifically on the Dashashrutskandh Sutra, one of the six Cheda Sutras. The study aims to present the original Prakrit text, its Sanskrit translation, and a Hindi translation and analysis of the Niryukti. It highlights the importance of translating and studying the rich but often neglected Jain exegetical literature (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Vrittis) for a deeper understanding of the Jain Agamas.

Key Sections and Their Content:

Foreword (Prakathhan): The foreword emphasizes the critical need for translating and studying the ancient Jain exegetical literature, which is vital for understanding the subtle meanings within the Agamas. It notes that while many Agamas have been published with translations and commentaries, the translations of Niryuktis have been scarce. The book is presented as the first Hindi translation and study of the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti, a work by Bhadrabahu. It also provides an overview of previous scholarly work on Niryuktis and the Dashashrutskandh Niryukti itself.
Introduction: A Reconsideration of Niryukti Literature (Bhumika: Niryukti Sahitya: Ek Punarchintan): Penned by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, this introduction delves into the nature of Niryukti literature, positioning it as the oldest layer of Jain exegesis, preceding Bhashyas, Churnis, and Sanskrit commentaries. It discusses the definition, structure, and purpose of Niryuktis, emphasizing their role in clarifying the technical and philosophical terms within the Agamas using methods like 'Nikshepa' (a system of categorizing concepts based on name, establishment, substance, and mode). It also discusses the authorship and dating of Niryuktis, a topic of considerable scholarly debate, considering various viewpoints on whether the author was the first Bhadrabahu or the later "Naimittika" Bhadrabahu.
Chapter 1: Chedasutras and Dashashrutskandh (Chhedasutra aur Dashashrutskandh): This chapter provides a historical and contextual background of the Cheda Sutras. It explains the etymological meaning of "Cheda" (related to cutting off or exceptions in conduct), discusses the number and general subject matter of Cheda Sutras, and then focuses on the Dashashrutskandh. It covers its nature, author (traditionally Bhadrabahu), dating, sources (Ninth Purva), and subject matter, divided into ten "Dashas" (stages or sections). It also briefly mentions the exegetical literature on the Dashashrutskandh and its eighth Dasha, which is identified with the Kalpa Sutra.
Chapter 2: Structure of Niryukti and Dashashrutskandhaniryukti (Niryukti-sanrachana aur Dashashrutskandhaniryukti): This chapter details the structural components of Niryuktis, primarily focusing on the Nikshepa theory. It elaborates on the various classifications of Nikshepa as found in key texts like Anuyogadvara Sutra and Shatkhandagama, providing a comparative analysis. It then applies this framework to understand the structure of the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti itself, outlining its specific content and the subjects it addresses.
Chapter 3: Dashashrutskandhaniryukti from the Perspective of Prosody: Textual Determination (Chhand-drishti se Dashashrutskandhaniryukti: Path-nirdharan): This chapter critically examines the number of verses (Gathas) attributed to the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti, noting discrepancies in scholarly and published editions. It then analyzes the Niryukti's verses from a metrical perspective, identifying verses that are metrically pure, those requiring minor corrections (like vowel changes or additions of 'nipatas'), and those that might be interpolations or from other sources (like Nishihtbhashya Churni). The study involves comparing verses with parallel texts to establish the most accurate readings.
Chapter 4: Indicative Narratives in Dashashrutskandhaniryukti (Dashashrutskandhaniryukti mein Ingkit Drishtant): This chapter focuses on the illustrative stories (Drishtanta Kathas) found within the Niryukti. It explains that Niryuktis often contain brief allusions to stories that are elaborated in later Churni literature. The chapter details the narratives related to adhikaraṇa (sin/misconduct), the importance of forgiveness, and the consequences of the four cardinal passions (Krodha, Mana, Maya, Lobha), presenting their context and moral lessons. It provides the original Prakrit verses and their Hindi summaries based on Churni texts.
Conclusion (Upasanhar): The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study, reiterating the significance of Cheda Sutras and the Dashashrutskandh's role in Jain conduct and disciplinary rules. It touches upon the authorship debate of Niryuktis and the specific historical context of the Dashashrutskandh's compilation from the Ninth Purva. It emphasizes the methodical organization of the Dashashrutskandh's content, showing how the ten "Dashas" logically progress, from understanding misconduct to achieving spiritual liberation. The conclusion also underscores the importance of the Niryukti in understanding the narrative and didactic purpose of the Agamas, highlighting the role of Nikshepa and illustrative stories.
Dashashrutskandhaniryukti (Original, Sanskrit Chhaya, Hindi Translation): The latter part of the book provides the actual text:
- Prakrit Text: The original verses of the Niryukti.
- Sanskrit Chhaya: A Sanskrit rendering of the Prakrit verses.
- Hindi Translation: A verse-by-verse translation of the Niryukti into Hindi, along with explanatory notes and interpretations.
- Verse Index (Gathanukramanika): An index of the verses.
- Word Index (Shabdhanukramanika): An index of key terms.
- Bibliography (Sandarbh Granth Suchi): A list of cited works.

Key Themes and Contributions:

Importance of Exegetical Literature: The book strongly advocates for the study of Niryukti literature, highlighting its role in preserving and explaining the complex meanings of the Agamas.
Analysis of Dashashrutskandh: It offers a detailed examination of the Dashashrutskandh, its structure, content, and its place within the Cheda Sutras.
Metrical and Textual Analysis: The study undertakes a rigorous analysis of the Niryukti's verses, addressing issues of meter and textual variations, which is crucial for accurate scholarly interpretation.
Narrative Interpretation: By analyzing the 'Ingkit Drishtanta' (indicated narratives), the book sheds light on how ethical and philosophical concepts were conveyed through stories in ancient Jain tradition.
Comprehensive Study: The book provides a holistic approach, covering historical context, textual analysis, structural components, and interpretive insights, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jainism.

This detailed summary captures the essence and scholarly contribution of Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh's study on the Dashashrutskandhaniryukti.