Agam 38 Chhed 05 Jitkalpa Sutra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, Agam 38 Chhed 05 Jitkalpa Sutra, authored by Jinbhadragani Kshamashraman and commented upon by Punyavijay. The publisher is Babalchand Keshavlal Modi.

The Jitkalpa Sutra is a foundational text within the Jain tradition, specifically belonging to the 'Chhed Sutra' category, which deals with the rules and conduct for ascetics, particularly in terms of penance and purification. The title itself, "Jitkalpa," can be understood as "Victorious Conduct" or "Victorious Norm," implying the strict adherence to principles that lead to spiritual victory.

The provided text is a Gujarati edition, as indicated by the script and the introductory notes. The summary below draws from the translated content and the extensive table of contents.

Overall Purpose and Content:

The Jitkalpa Sutra, along with its commentary, primarily focuses on the intricate details of prāyashchitta (penance or expiation for transgressions) within the Jain monastic discipline. It aims to guide ascetics on how to purify themselves from faults and maintain the integrity of their spiritual practice. The text elaborates on various types of offenses, their classification, the appropriate penances, and the conduct required for both the penitent and the preceptor.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Prāyashchitta (Penance): This is the central theme. The text meticulously details the principles and practices of prāyashchitta, covering its necessity, types, application, and the qualifications of those who administer and receive it.
2. Vyakhar (Conduct/Behavior): The Sutra outlines the correct behavior expected from ascetics in various situations, distinguishing between different categories of conduct and their associated consequences.
3. Āgama (Scriptural Authority): The importance of adhering to the scriptural injunctions (Āgama) is emphasized throughout the text, serving as the ultimate authority for determining transgressions and their remedies.
4. Knowledge and Conduct: The text stresses the interrelationship between knowledge (jnana) and conduct (charitra). Correct knowledge is essential for understanding and applying the rules of conduct and penance accurately.
5. Āshraya (Dependence/Support): The concept of āshraya is explored in relation to the support system for ascetics, including their dependence on scriptures, teachers, and the community.
6. Purification and Liberation: Ultimately, the entire framework of prāyashchitta and conduct is aimed at purifying the soul, accumulating merit, shedding karma, and progressing towards spiritual liberation (moksha).

Structure and Content Breakdown (based on the Table of Contents):

The comprehensive table of contents (विषयानुक्रमणिका) reveals the vast scope of the Jitkalpa Sutra. It is structured around various types of conduct and their associated faults and penances. The summary below touches upon the major sections:

• Introduction and Mangala (Invocation): The text begins with traditional auspicious greetings and an introduction to the subject matter.
• Agama Vyavahar (Conduct according to Scripture): This section establishes the scriptural basis for conduct, including the different types of āgama (direct and indirect perception) and the interpretation of scriptural terms.
• Prāyashchitta (Penance):
  • Definition and Importance: The text defines prāyashchitta and emphasizes its significance for spiritual purification.
  • Ten Types of Prāyashchitta: It enumerates and explains ten primary types of penance: Ālochana (confession), Pratikramana (repentance), Mishr (combined), Vivek (discrimination), Vyutsarga (renunciation), Tapa (austerity), Chheda (cutting off), Mula (root), Anavsthāpya (unshakable), and Pārāñchika (ultimate transgression).
  • Specific Offenses: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing numerous offenses (अपराधस्थान) that require specific prāyashchitta. These offenses are categorized under various types of penance.
  • Ālochana and Pratikramana: Detailed discussions on the process and importance of confession and repentance.
  • Tapa (Austerity): The role of various forms of austerity in penance is explained.
  • Chheda, Mula, Anavsthāpya, Pārāñchika: These are more severe forms of penance and involve significant disciplinary actions, including temporary suspension, renunciation of specific practices, and in severe cases, expulsion from the order.
• Other Important Sections:
  • Samiti and Gupti (Rules of Conduct and Restraint): The text likely touches upon the five samitis (carefulness in movement, speech, eating, accepting, and disposing) and three guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body) as fundamental principles.
  • Various Types of Conduct (Vyavahar): The text delves into different types of conduct such as Jina Vyavahar (conduct related to victory), Dharna Vyavahar (conduct related to retention/memory), Ājnā Vyavahar (conduct according to command), Shruta Vyavahar (conduct related to scripture), etc.
  • Specific Faults and Remedies: Numerous specific faults and their corresponding remedies are detailed, often with illustrative examples or classifications based on the nature of the offense, the severity, and the ascetic's state. Examples include faults related to possessions (Upadhi), food (Āhāra), conduct towards teachers (Guru Āshātanā), and various forms of misconduct.
  • Bhakta Parigraha (Rules of Accepting Food): Specific rules regarding the acceptance of alms and food are likely covered.
  • Pārāñchika: The most severe transgressions that lead to the utmost penalty are extensively discussed.
  • Types of Asceticism and Conduct: The text distinguishes between different levels of asceticism and their associated rules, such as Jinakalpa (highest conduct), Sthavira Kalpa (conduct of elders), and Parīhāra Kalpa (conduct involving certain restrictions).

Author and Commentary:

• Jinbhadragani Kshamashraman: The primary author of the Jitkalpa Sutra, a revered Jain monk and scholar.
• Punyavijay: The commentator (bhāṣyakāra) who provided the self-commentary (svopajña bhāṣya), explaining and elaborating on the original Sutra. The introduction mentions the dedication of the work to the memory of Vakil Keshavlal Premchand Modi, a prominent literary figure and patron of Jain literature.

Significance:

The Jitkalpa Sutra is crucial for understanding the rigorous disciplinary framework that governs Jain monastic life. It highlights the Jain emphasis on meticulous conduct, self-discipline, and the pursuit of purification through various forms of penance. The detailed classifications of faults and remedies demonstrate the profound analytical approach of Jain philosophy towards spiritual practice.

The provided text is a foundational resource for those studying Jain monasticism, ethics, and the practical application of spiritual principles within the tradition.