Agam 38 Chhed 05 Jitkalpa Sutra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jitkalpa Sutra" (Agam 38, Chhed 05), based on the provided scanned pages:

Book Title: Jitkalpa Sutra (जीतकल्प-सूत्रम्) Author: Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman (श्रीजिनभद्रगणि-क्षमाश्रमण-विरचितं) Commentaries/Appendices:

• Vishama Pad Vyakhya by Shri Chandrasuri (श्रीचन्द्रसूरिसन्हब्ध-विषमपदव्याख्याविभूषित)
• Brihatchurni by Siddhasena Gani (श्री सिद्धसेनगणि कृतबृहचूर्णिसमन्वितम्) Editor: Muni Jinavijay (मुनि जिन विजय) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak Samiti (जैन साहित्य संशोधक समिति), Ahmedabad

Overview:

The book presents the Jitkalpa Sutra, a significant Jain text, along with its detailed commentaries. The Jitkalpa Sutra focuses on the rules and regulations of conduct for Jain monks, particularly concerning penances and expiations (prayshchitta). The provided text is a scholarly edition featuring a critical introduction by the editor, Muni Jinavijay, followed by the primary text and its elaborate commentaries.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Introduction (Sampadakiy Prastavana - संपादकीय प्रस्तावना):

   • Introduction of Source Texts: The editor details the manuscripts used for this edition, including manuscripts of the Jitkalpa Sutra itself and the commentaries by Siddhasena Gani and Shri Chandrasuri. Different versions and their sources are mentioned, highlighting the efforts made to establish a reliable text.
   • About Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman (जिनभद्रगणी क्षमाश्रमण):
     • The text identifies Jinbhadra Gani Kshamashraman as the author of the Jitkalpa Sutra, citing the commentary by Siddhasena Gani and other scholars.
     • Jinbhadra Gani is also recognized as the author of the highly revered "Visheshavashyak Bhashya," considered a jewel in Jain literature. He is credited with elevating the philosophical discussions in Jainism from faith-based to intellectually accessible.
     • He was a renowned scholar and interpreter of Jain Agamas of his time, earning the title "Yugapradhana" (leader of the era).
     • The introduction quotes verses from the Brihatchurni that praise Jinbhadra Gani's profound knowledge, his role as a leader, his command over various branches of knowledge (Agamas, scriptures, logic, grammar, prosody, mathematics), his role as a guide for monks, and his expertise in heterodox doctrines.
     • His authorship of the Jitkalpa Sutra is specifically mentioned as being based on the principles of Cheda Sutras, dealing with the classification of individuals and the rules of penance.
     • The text emphasizes Jinbhadra Gani's position as an "Agamapradhana" (authority on Agamas) and "Siddhantavadi" (upholder of established doctrines). It illustrates this with his critique of Siddhasena Divakara's view on the simultaneous existence of knowledge and perception in Keval (omniscience), arguing that such a view contradicts the Agamas.
   • Works of Jinbhadra Gani: Besides Visheshavashyak Bhashya and Jitkalpa Sutra, other significant works attributed to him include Brihat Sangrahaṇi, Brihat Kshetrasamaas, and Visheshana-vati. The text also mentions a possible work called "Dhyana Shataka."
   • Time Period of Jinbhadra Gani: The introduction discusses the challenges in determining Jinbhadra Gani's exact time period. While later Pattachavalios (genealogies of spiritual preceptors) suggest his demise around 1115 Vira Nirvana Era (645 CE), this is considered speculative due to contradictory evidence in various lineage records. The text notes that he is generally placed after Haribhadra Suri, but this contradicts Haribhadra's own references to Jinbhadra in his works.
   • Jitkalpa Sutra:
     • The name "Jitkalpa" suggests a "kalpa" (rule or procedure) for "Jina" (victorious ones, referring to the practice of penance to overcome karma).
     • The sutra details 10 types of penances (prayshchitta).
     • It notes that while Shvetambara Agamas and texts generally mention 10 types of penances, the Tattvartha Sutra (9.21-22) mentions 9, with different names for the last three categories. Digambara tradition also largely follows the 9-penance model.
     • Jinbhadra Gani mentions in the text that the penances of "Tapa-Anavastapya" and "Tapa-Paranachika" ceased after Bhadrabahu Swami, a view not found in Digambara literature or Tattvartha Bhashya.

2. About the Commentaries:

   • Siddhasena Gani's Brihatchurni (सिद्धसेनसूरिकृत बृहचूर्णिसमन्वितम्): This is described as an ancient commentary. The editor notes that the exact time and identity of Siddhasena Gani, the author of this churni, are not clearly established and require further research. It is mentioned that there might have been an even earlier churni for this text, but it is not available.
   • Shri Chandrasuri's Vishama Pad Vyakhya (श्रीचन्द्रसूरिसन्हब्ध-विषमपदव्याख्याविभूषित): This commentary explains difficult or unusual terms (vishama pada). Shri Chandrasuri is dated to 1227 Vikram Samvat (1170 CE), based on a manuscript from Anhilpur. He authored other commentaries as well, such as on Shravakapratikramana Sutra Vritti and Panchopanga Vritti. The text notes that these commentaries are generally found to be inaccurate due to being copied from a single earlier, possibly corrupt, manuscript.
   • Sanskrit Teeka by Shri Tilakacharya: This independent Sanskrit commentary is also mentioned, with its beginning and end portions quoted.

3. The Jitkalpa Sutra Text (Actual Sutra Verses - गाथा):

   • The text begins with verses (Gathas) that are the core of the Jitkalpa Sutra, written in Prakrit.
   • Gathas 1-4: These verses introduce the purpose of the sutra – to explain penances (prayshchitta) for the purification of the soul (vishodhana) according to the Jina's conduct (Jita-vyavahara). They highlight the importance of penance as a means to attain liberation (moksha) and as an essential limb of tapas (austerity).
   • Gathas 5-27: These verses detail the first type of penance: Aloyaṇa (आलोयण - Confession/Revelation). They describe the specific actions and situations where confession is necessary, covering various aspects of monastic conduct like taking food, going out, offering salutations, receiving alms, and other daily activities. They emphasize that confessing impurities to a pure soul (like a Guru) leads to purification.
   • Gathas 28-34: These verses describe the second type of penance: Paṭikamaṇa (पडिक्कमण - Repentance/Retrospection). This involves acknowledging and regretting transgressions. The text details various situations where repentance is required, covering lapses in control over senses, mind, speech, and actions, as well as accidental or intentional errors.
   • Gathas 35-56: These verses describe the third type of penance: Tadubhaya (तदुभय - Both Confession and Repentance), where both confession and repentance are necessary. It also covers Vivega (विवेक - Discrimination/Segregation), referring to the process of segregating or purifying items, and Visarga (विउस्सग्गो - Abandonment/Relinquishment) of specific karma or actions.
   • Gathas 57-62: These verses relate to Tapa (तपो - Austerity/Penance), detailing specific forms of austerity and their classification.
   • Gathas 63-73: These verses focus on the types of Dravya (द्रव्य - Substance), Kshetra (क्षेत्र - Place), Kala (काल - Time), Bhava (भाव - State/Mind), and Purusha (पुरुष - Person) which influence the administration and severity of penances. They outline how the quantum of penance is determined based on these factors.
   • Gathas 74-80: These verses describe the penances related to Sevana (सेवना - Consumption/Use) and various forms of Pramada (प्रमाद - Negligence).
   • Gathas 81-86: These verses focus on Chheda (छेद - Severing/Excision), a severe form of penance, and Mula (मूल - Root/Primary) penances.
   • Gathas 87-102: These verses detail Anavastapya (अनवस्थआप - Non-establishment/Temporary Suspension) and Paranchika (पारंचिक - Outcast/Permanent Suspension), the most severe forms of penance, outlining the conditions and procedures for their administration.
   • Gathas 103: The concluding verses summarize the text and its purpose, emphasizing the importance of understanding and applying these rules correctly.

4. The Commentary (Brihatchurni by Siddhasena Gani):

   • The commentary provides detailed explanations for each verse, elaborating on the nuances of the rules, the underlying principles, and the context of monastic life.
   • It includes philosophical discussions, etymological explanations of terms, and practical applications of the rules.
   • The commentary highlights the meticulousness of Jain monastic discipline.

5. The Commentary (Vishama Pad Vyakhya by Shri Chandrasuri):

   • This commentary specifically focuses on clarifying difficult or obscure terms within the sutra, making the text more accessible.

Significance and Contribution:

The Jitkalpa Sutra, with its comprehensive commentaries, serves as a vital guide for Jain ascetics, providing a detailed framework for maintaining spiritual purity and adhering to the rigorous path of liberation. It addresses the intricate aspects of conduct, penance, and expiation, crucial for spiritual progress. The scholarly edition by Muni Jinavijay makes this important text available with valuable contextual and explanatory material, contributing significantly to the study and preservation of Jain Agamic literature. The discussion on Jinbhadra Gani's life and scholarship provides historical and philosophical context.