Agam 38 Jitkalpa Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Jain Agam, specifically focusing on Agam 38, the Jitkalpa Sutra.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its contents, based on the provided text:

Overall Project:

• The work is part of a larger series titled "Agam Sutra Satik Anuvad" (Agam Sutra with Commentary Translation), published by Deepratnasagar and authored by Muni Diye (Dipratnasagar).
• This specific volume is part 29 of the series.
• The project aims to provide a Gujarati translation and commentary of all Jain Agams.
• It highlights the immense support received from various Jain sanghs (communities), trusts, and individuals, acknowledging their financial contributions on pages 4-9.

Content of Part 29:

• Focus on the Five Cheda Sutras: This volume specifically covers five of the Cheda Sutras, which are considered important for understanding monastic conduct and penance:
  1. Nishith (નિશીથ): Deals with faults and their expiations in the monastic path.
  2. Brihatkalpa (બૃહત્કલ્પ): Discusses various matters and their expiations.
  3. Vyavahar (વ્યવહાર): Outlines conduct, rules, and expiations for monks and nuns.
  4. Dashashrutaskandha (દશાશ્રુતસ્કંધ): Covers topics like places of meditation and various types of faults.
  5. Jitkalpa (જીતકલ્પ): This sutra is presented as a replacement for the Pnachkalp Sutra, which was reportedly lost. It deals with confession, repentance, and expiations.
• Translation Approach: The text mentions that while the original Agams are in Ardhamagadhi, this project provides translations and commentaries for those who may not have access to or understanding of the original languages.
• Exclusion of Commentary for Cheda Sutras: Notably, on page 18, it is stated that the translators initially intended to include commentary for these Cheda Sutras. However, due to disagreements from many respected monks and scholars, they decided to provide only the original sutra translation for these five Cheda Sutras. The original texts of the commentaries (Niyukti, Bhashya, Churnis) are acknowledged as being available in their other publication, "Agam Suttani - Satik" (Agam Sutras with Commentary).
• Jitkalpa Sutra - Specific Details:
  • The translation of the Jitkalpa Sutra is based on the Churni (a commentary).
  • The text acknowledges that the Bhashya of Jitkalpa has been published in their "Agam Suttani - Satik" series.
  • It mentions hearing of a Vrittikara (another type of commentary) for Jitkalpa, but they haven't seen it.
  • The translation prioritizes the essence of the original sutras, sometimes translating the "essence of the mantra" rather than a literal translation.
  • The Jitkalpa Sutra contains 103 Gathas (verses) related to penance (prayschitt).

Core Themes within the Translated Text (Jitkalpa Sutra):

The provided pages focus heavily on the Jitkalpa Sutra and its explanation of different types of penance (prayaschitt). The main points covered are:

• Definition of "Jit Vyavahar": It's defined as a tradition or conduct established by great souls (Gitarthe) after considering the substance, place, time, and mental state. This practice purifies the soul from karmic impurities, similar to how washing removes dirt from clothes.

• The Role of Penance and Tap: Penance is the primary cause of Tap (austere practices). Tap, in turn, is the cause of Samvar (cessation of karmic inflow) and Nirjara (eradication of existing karma), which are the causes of Moksha (liberation).

• Types of Penance: The text details ten types of penance, which are essential for purifying conduct (Chaaritra):

  1. Alochana (Confession of faults)
  2. Pratikraman (Repentance and retracing steps)
  3. Tadubhay (Both Alochana and Pratikraman)
  4. Vivek (Discernment, careful use of items)
  5. Vyuutsarg (Renunciation, letting go)
  6. Tapa (Austere practices)
  7. Chheda (Expulsion from the order)
  8. Mula (Root penance)
  9. Anavasthapya (Unsettling penance, inability to reintegrate)
  10. Paachit (Excommunication or severe punishment)

• Detailed Explanation of Penances:

  • Alochana: Involves going out for alms, answering nature's calls, visiting temples or elders, etc., and observing proper conduct. Not confessing faults makes the action impure.
  • Pratikraman: Deals with faults related to senses, committees (five vows of conduct), disrespect, breaking vows, minor falsehood, theft, possessiveness, untidy habits, anger, desire, attachment, etc.
  • Tadubhay: Occurs due to confusion, fear, distress, or dependence, involving faults related to vows.
  • Vivek: Related to the proper use of food, clothing, bedding, etc., and includes penance for improper handling or classification of these items.
  • Vyuutsarg: Involves penance for actions during movement, arrival, wandering, crossing water bodies, listening to sutras, or even for dreaming about violence, sexual acts, etc. The duration of penance is measured in breaths or "Logass" (a unit of time for contemplation).
  • Tapa: This is a major section, detailing penances related to Knowledge (Gyanachara) and conduct (Chaaritra). It explains various offenses like time transgressions, disrespect, improper use of knowledge, etc., and the corresponding penances ranging from Purimaddha (fasting for a day) to Aayambil (eating once a day with boiled grains and water) and Upvas (fasting). It also covers penances for harming living beings, specific types of impurities, speech, mental states (anger, pride, deceit, greed), and attachments.
  • Mula: Deals with serious offenses like violence, lust, theft, falsehood, and greed, leading to root penance.
  • Anavasthapya: For offenders who cannot be reintegrated into the order due to their actions, the penance is applied based on their appearance (ling), place (kshetra), time (kaal), and austerity (tapa).
  • Paachit: This is the most severe penance, applied for grave offenses like disrespecting the Tirth (Jain tradition), the scriptures, acharyas, or engaging in acts like adultery. It has various forms and durations.

• Considerations for Granting Penance: The text emphasizes that the type and duration of penance should be determined based on:

  • Dravya (Substance): The nature of the fault.
  • Kshetra (Place): The environment and availability of resources.
  • Kaal (Time): The season and duration of the fault.
  • Bhav (Mental State): The intention and remorse of the offender.
  • Shakti (Capacity): The physical and mental strength of the individual.
  • Sthiti (Circumstances): The overall situation of the offender and the community.

Other Publications by the Author/Publisher:

Pages 10-17 provide a detailed catalog of other publications by Muni Diye (Dipratnasagar) and Jain Education International. These include:

• Agam Sutras (Original Texts): Published in separate volumes.
• Agam Gujarati Translation: Full translation of the Agams.
• Agam Sutra with Commentary Translation: Extensive commentary in 30 volumes.
• Agam Vishay Darshan: An index of topics within the Agams.
• Agam Shabdakosh: A comprehensive dictionary of Agamic terms with references.
• Agam Namkosh: A dictionary of names and characters mentioned in the Agams.
• Agam Sutra Hindi Translation: Hindi translation of the Agams.
• Agam Kathaanuyog: Collection of stories and narratives from the Agams.
• Agam Mahapooja Vidhi: Rituals for worshiping the Agams.
• Grammar Literature: Works on Sanskrit grammar.
• Discourse Literature: Collections of spiritual discourses.
• Tattva Abhyas Literature: Studies on Jain philosophy and principles.
• Aradhana Literature: Texts on spiritual practices and final rites.
• Ritual Literature: Guides for various Jain rituals.
• Worship Literature: Texts on different forms of worship.
• Yantra Sanyojan: Yantras (diagrams) for Jain worship.
• Jin Bhakti Literature: Hymns and devotional texts.
• Miscellaneous Literature: Panchang (almanac), directories, rulebooks, etc.
• Sutra Abhyas Literature: Study materials for Jain courses.

In essence, this document is a Gujarati translation of the Jitkalpa Sutra, part of a larger project to make Jain scriptures accessible to a wider audience. It focuses on the intricate details of monastic penances and the principles guiding their application, highlighting the meticulous work of the author and the extensive support received for this significant endeavor.