Agam 37 Chhed 04 Dashashrutskandh Sutra Shwetambar

The provided text is a digitized version of the Jain Agam text, "Dashashrutskandh Sutra," specifically the fourth Chhed (section) of the 37th Agam, as preserved and presented by the Shwetambar tradition. The title page and subsequent pages indicate it's a work published by Jainanand Pustakalay and was prepared by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir. The primary editor or reviser mentioned is Acharya Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji Maharaja, with the "Alekhana Karya" (writing/transcription work) being attributed to Muni Shri Purnachandrasagarji Maharaja.

Here's a summary of the key themes and content presented in the provided pages, focusing on the Agam text itself and the context of its publication:

1. The Significance of Agamas and Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge): The text opens by emphasizing the immense importance of Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge) as a guiding light for beings lost in the cycle of rebirth. Agams are presented as the very words of Lord Mahavir, forming the foundation of the Jain faith.

2. History of Agam Compilation and Recensions (Vachanas): A significant portion of the introductory material details the historical context of the compilation and subsequent recensions (Vachanas) of the Jain Agams. This historical overview explains the necessity of these recensions due to challenging times, famines, political upheavals, and the potential for scriptural knowledge to be lost. The text mentions six major recensions:

• First Vachana: Held at Pataliputra (Patna) under Sthulabhadra Swamiji, necessitated by a severe famine and the scattering of monks.
• Second Vachana: Conducted in Ujjain under Arya Suhasti Suri during the reign of Samprati, focusing on preserving the Agams.
• Third Vachana: Took place in Kalinga under the patronage of King Kharvela, involving a large assembly of monks and nuns, where eleven Angas and ten Purvas were systematically arranged.
• Fourth Vachana: Held at Dashpur (Mandsaur) under Arya Rakshit Suri, who organized the Agams into four Anuyogas (categories of study) to ensure their comprehensibility for future generations.
• Fifth Vachana: Conducted simultaneously in Mathura and Valabhi during a period of chaos, with the aim of eventually harmonizing the textual variations.
• Sixth Vachana: The most significant one, held at Valabhipur (Valabhi) under Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashramana and Acharya Kalak Suri. This recension involved the systematic compilation and writing down of the 84 Agams on palm leaves, thereby preserving them in written form.

The text notes that after these six recensions, which occurred within the first 1000 years of Lord Mahavir's nirvana, there's no mention of further Agam recensions for the next 1500 years.

3. The Role of the "Sagar Shaka" and Acharya Anandasagarsurishwarji: The publication highlights the vital role of the "Sagar Shaka" (lineage of monks) in reviving and preserving the Agamic tradition, especially in the face of declining scriptural knowledge. Acharya Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji Maharaja is credited with a monumental effort in researching, editing, and republishing the Agams. His work involved collecting manuscripts, ensuring accuracy, and organizing community readings of the Agams across various locations. He is recognized for his profound scholarship and dedication to revitalizing the Agamic heritage.

4. The Content of the Dashashrutskandh Sutra: The digitized pages then begin to present the actual text of the Dashashrutskandh Sutra. Based on the provided snippets, the Sutra appears to be structured into chapters or sections (adhyayana), each dealing with specific topics related to conduct, ethics, and spiritual discipline. Some of the chapter titles and their apparent content include:

• Asamadisthana Adhyayana (Chapter on States of Non-Equanimity): Discusses twenty situations or behaviors that lead to disharmony or lack of equanimity.
• Shabala Adhyayana (Chapter on Various Transgressions/Faults): Details twenty-one specific transgressions or faults.
• Ashatan Adhyayana (Chapter on Offenses/Violations): Lists thirty-three instances of offenses.
• Ganisampada Adhyayana (Chapter on the Eightfold Qualities of a Ganadhara/Learned Person): Outlines eight essential qualities of a learned monk or scholar.
• Chittasamadhi Adhyayana (Chapter on States of Mental Equanimity): Describes ten states that lead to mental focus and peace.
• Shramanopasak Pratima Adhyayana (Chapter on the Vows of Lay Disciples): Details the eleven stages or vows for lay followers (Shravakas).
• Bhikhsu Pratima Adhyayana (Chapter on the Vows of Monks): Encompasses twelve stages or practices for monks.
• Paryushana Kalpa Adhyayana (Chapter on Observances during Paryushana): Mentions events related to Lord Mahavir's life.
• Mohaniya Sthana Adhyayana (Chapter on States of Delusion/Infatuation): Discusses various situations that cause delusion, with verses quoted in Prakrit.
• Aayti Sthana Adhyayana (Chapter on Positions of Coming/Arrival): Seems to describe situations and their consequences.

The text is presented in Jain Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi), with specific rules and guidelines for monks and laypeople regarding their conduct, practices, and observances. The detailed descriptions of offenses and virtues highlight the meticulous ethical framework of Jainism.

5. Publication Details: The book is a joint effort of various Jain organizations and individuals dedicated to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The publication is marked as being "For Private And Personal Use Only." The dedication and salutations at the beginning honor various revered Jain Acharyas and deities.

In essence, this document is a critical edition of a foundational Jain Agam text, providing not only the scriptural content but also important historical context regarding its preservation and the lineage of scholars responsible for its transmission.