Agam 38 Chhed 05 Jitkalpa Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Jitkalpa Sutra and its context:

This document appears to be a publication of the Jitkalpa Sutra, an important text within the Shwetambar Jain tradition. It details the lineage of Acharyas involved in its research, editing, and publication, and provides historical context for the preservation and dissemination of Jain Agamas (scriptures).

Key Aspects and Content:

• Attribution and Lineage: The text highlights the role of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj as the re-editor of the 45 Agamas, including the Jitkalpa Sutra. It also credits Punyachandrasagarji Maharaj for the writing and compilation work, supported by various other respected Acharyas and scholars. The publication is by Jainanand Pustakalay, Surat.

• The Importance of Shruta Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge): The introduction (Prastavana) strongly emphasizes the unparalleled significance of shruta jnana (knowledge gained through listening or study of scriptures). It is described as the guide that leads beings out of the wilderness of worldly existence and the darkness of delusion towards light. The Agamas are considered the very words of Lord Mahavir.

• History of Agama Recensions (Vachanas): A significant portion of the introductory text is dedicated to recounting the history of the six major recensions (vachanas) of Jain Agamas, which occurred over a period of 1000 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. These recensions were crucial for preserving the scriptures, especially during times of famine, political upheaval, and the decline of memorization traditions.

  • First Vachana: Occurred around 160 years after Mahavir Nirvana in Pataliputra (Patna), led by Sthulabhadra, to compile the Dwadasangi after a period of dispersion of monks due to a severe famine.
  • Second Vachana: Took place in Ujjain from 245 to 281 years after Mahavir Nirvana, under the guidance of Aryasuhasti, initiated by Emperor Samprati, focusing on protecting the Agamas.
  • Third Vachana: Occurred between 300 and 330 years after Mahavir Nirvana in Kalinga, under the patronage of King Kharavela, after a period of persecution and destruction of scriptures by Pushyamitra. This recension organized the texts of the eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
  • Fourth Vachana: Held in Dashpur (Mandsaur) around 592 years after Mahavir Nirvana, led by Aryarakshita, who organized the Agamas into four anuyogas (classification based on content) for easier comprehension by future generations.
  • Fifth Vachana: Roughly between 830-840 years after Mahavir Nirvana, with separate recensions in Mathura (led by Skandila Suri) and Valabhi (led by Nagarjuna Suri) to safeguard the Agamas.
  • Sixth Vachana: In Valabhi (Gujarat), led by Devardh Gani Kshamashramana and Kalika Suri, where the 84 Agamas were systematically compiled and inscribed on palm leaves, marking a significant step in making the Agamas accessible in written form.

• Post-Sixth Vachana Period and the Need for Revival: The text notes that after the sixth vachana, around 1000 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, the tradition of Agama recensions seems to have ceased for about 1500 years. The decline of strict adherence to the monastic code (shithilachara) led to a decrease in the number of scholars well-versed in the Agamas, making the scriptures rare even for qualified individuals.

• Modern Revival Efforts: The document highlights the crucial role played by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj in the 20th century in reviving the study and dissemination of Agamas. Despite facing difficult socio-political conditions and the scarcity of manuscripts, he diligently researched, collated, and meticulously oversaw the printing of limited editions of Agama texts. He organized numerous communal recitations (vachanas) across various cities, re-establishing the practice of studying the Agamas for hundreds of monks and nuns. He also inspired and guided other scholars, like Muni Shri Punyavijayji, in this endeavor.

• The Jitkalpa Sutra Itself: The latter part of the document presents the actual text of the Jitkalpa Sutra. This section contains a series of verses in Prakrit, detailing the principles and practices of pratikraman (atonement or confession of sins) and various penances (tapasya). It outlines different types of penances, their conditions, the forms of confession, and the appropriate expiations for transgressions based on the nature of the offense, the individual, the place, and the time. Key concepts discussed include:

  • Types of Pratikraman: Alocana (confession), Pratikraman (atonement), Viveka (discrimination), Vausarga (renunciation), Tapas (penance), Chheda (cutting off), Moola (root), Anavasthana (instability), and Parancika (offenses requiring expulsion).
  • Penances and their Classification: The sutra details various categories of penances based on factors like:
    • Dravya (Substance): The material offered or involved.
    • Kshetra (Place): The location where the offense occurred or the penance is performed.
    • Kala (Time): The duration and specific timing.
    • Bhava (Mental State): The intention and inner disposition.
    • Purusha (Person): The qualification and spiritual capacity of the performer.
    • Pratisevana (Practice): The manner of observance.
  • Specific Expiations: It describes penances for various lapses, including dietary restrictions, physical postures, specific actions, and spiritual transgressions. It also discusses conditions for performing penances, such as in case of illness or special circumstances.
  • Parancika (Expulsion/Serious Offenses): A significant portion deals with offenses that warrant severe expiation or even expulsion from the monastic order, detailing the reasons and procedures.

• Colophon and Publisher's Information: The text concludes with details about the publication, including the year of publication (Samvat 2061), the number of copies printed (250), and the details of the library and individuals involved in the publication and printing. It reiterates that the work is for private and personal use.

In essence, this publication of the Jitkalpa Sutra serves a dual purpose: it honors the lineage of scholars who preserved and revived Jain scriptures and presents the detailed, practical guidelines for ethical conduct and spiritual purification as outlined in this specific sutra. It underscores the Jain commitment to preserving knowledge and upholding rigorous spiritual discipline.