Agam 38 Jitkalpa Sutra Hindi Anuwad

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This document is the Hindi translation of the Jitkalpa Sutra, which is the fifth of the Cheda Sutras (छेदसूत्र) within the Jain Agamas. It is identified as Agam 38. The translation and editing have been done by Agam Diwakar Muni Deepratnasagarji.

The core purpose of the Jitkalpa Sutra, as presented in this translation, is to elaborate on the concept of Prayaschitta (प्रायश्चित्त), which translates to expiation, penance, or atonement. This is crucial for the purification and spiritual progress of ascetics.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Prayaschitta as the Cause of Austerity: The sutra emphasizes that Prayaschitta is the reason for Tapa (तप), which in turn leads to Sanvara (संवर - stopping the influx of karma) and Nirjara (निर्जरा - shedding of accumulated karma). These are essential for achieving Moksha (मोक्ष - liberation).

• Ten Types of Prayaschitta: The text explicitly lists the ten types of Prayaschitta:

  1. Alochanā (आलोचना - confession/self-criticism)
  2. Pratikramaṇ (प्रतिक्रमण - retrospection/repentance)
  3. Tadubhaya (तदुभय - both)
  4. Vivek (विवेक - discernment/separation)
  5. Vyutsarga (व्युत्सर्ग - renunciation/abandonment)
  6. Tapa (तप - austerity)
  7. Chheda (छेद - severance/excision)
  8. Mūla (मूल - root/fundamental)
  9. Anavasthāpya (अनवस्थाप्य - that which cannot be re-established)
  10. Pāranchita (पारंचित - ultimate punishment/exile)

• Prayaschitta for Specific Transgressions (Atichārs - अतिचार): A significant portion of the sutra details the specific Prayaschitta required for various transgressions that monks might commit. These are categorized and explained with varying degrees of penance. Examples include:

  • Ālocanā: For going beyond prescribed boundaries for essential activities like eating, excretion, or visiting the temple or guru.
  • Pratikramaṇ: For lapses in control over senses, violation of regulations regarding speech, truthfulness, possession, or actions like sneezing without proper precautions.
  • Tadubhaya: For transgressions committed due to fear, sorrow, or dependency, involving both mental and physical actions against vows.
  • Vivek: For improper handling or use of prescribed items like food, clothing, or bedding, even if done with a specific reason like illness.
  • Kāyotsarga (कायोत्सर्ग - standing motionless for spiritual practice): Specific durations of Kāyotsarga are prescribed for various activities and even for dreams related to violence or misconduct. The duration is often measured in breath counts (श्वासोच्छ्वास) or in terms of reciting specific mantras like Navkar.
  • Tapa (Austerity): This section is extensive, detailing various forms of austerities (like Ekāsanā - eating once a day, Ayambil - fasting with a specific type of grain and water, Upavāsa - fasting, Shashti - fasting for six days, Attham - fasting for eight days, etc.) prescribed for different transgressions related to knowledge, conduct, and daily practices. The intensity of the penance is often determined by factors like the severity of the transgression, the monk's strength, and the specific context.
  • Chheda (Severance): Prescribed for those who are proud of their austerities, unable to perform them, lack faith in them, or are prone to frequent transgressions.
  • Mūla (Root): Applied for fundamental violations like causing harm to living beings, engaging in sexual misconduct, habitual lying, stealing, or excessive possession.
  • Anavasthāpya (Cannot be Re-established): This Prayaschitta is for severe offenses, including repeated hatred, internal theft (desire for what belongs to others), or causing harm to one's own sect or others without justification. The duration of this penance can range from months to years.
  • Pāranchita (Ultimate Punishment): Reserved for the most serious transgressions, such as disrespecting the Tirthankaras, the teachings, scriptures, Acharyas, or engaging in severe misconduct like repeated sexual offenses with high-status individuals. This can also involve a period of isolation and specific austerities.

• The "Jit" (जीत) in Jitkalpa: The sutra defines "Jit" behavior as the conduct or practice established by great souls (Mahapurushas or Gitarthas) after careful consideration of Dravya (द्रव्य - substance), Kshetra (क्षेत्र - place), Kala (काल - time), and Bhava (भाव - mental state). Engaging in this "Jit" behavior leads to the purification of the soul, much like cleaning dirty clothes.

• Factors Influencing Prayaschitta: The text consistently highlights that the specific Prayaschitta is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on a multitude of factors:

  • Dravya (Substance): The type and availability of resources.
  • Kshetra (Place): The region and its conditions (e.g., dry, moist).
  • Kala (Time): The season (summer, winter, monsoon) and specific times of day or year.
  • Bhava (Mental State): The monk's intention, sincerity, and emotional state (e.g., remorseful, defiant).
  • Puruṣa (Individual): The monk's strength, capacity, knowledge (Gitaarth vs. Agitaarth), personality (patient vs. impatient, honest vs. deceitful), and stage of spiritual development.
  • Severity of the Transgression: The degree and frequency of the offense.

• Conditional Application: The sutra mentions that certain Prayaschitta practices, specifically Anavasthāpya and Pāranchita, have been discontinued since the time of Acharya Bhadrabahu Swami, while others remain relevant as long as the Jain tradition (Shasan) exists.

• Purpose of the Translation: The translation aims to make the teachings of the Jitkalpa Sutra accessible in Hindi for the benefit of monks and scholars, promoting the understanding and practice of Prayaschitta for spiritual purification.

In essence, the Jitkalpa Sutra is a detailed manual for Jain monks outlining the complex system of penances and atonements required to rectify transgressions, maintain spiritual discipline, and ultimately progress towards liberation. It emphasizes the importance of meticulous consideration of various factors when administering or undertaking these expiatory practices.