Agam 39 Mahanisiham Chattham Cheyasuttam Mulam PDF File

This document is a Jain scripture, specifically the Mahanisiham Chhattam Cheyasuttam, which is the 39th volume in the Agam Online Series, compiled and revised by Muni Deepratnasagar. The text, written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, focuses on removing "salla" (thorns or impurities) from the mind and actions to achieve liberation. It emphasizes the importance of samyak darshan (right faith), samyak gyan (right knowledge), and samyak charitra (right conduct) as the path to spiritual purity and ultimately to Moksha (liberation).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content, chapter by chapter:

The core message revolves around the concept of "Salla" (thorn/impurity) which hinders spiritual progress and the process of its removal (Salluddharna). This "salla" represents various negative states of mind, actions, and attachments that create suffering and obstruct the path to liberation.

Chapter 1: Salluddharna (Removal of Thorns)

• Introduction: The text begins with salutations to the Tirthankaras and the Jain path. It introduces the concept of "salla" as the primary obstacle to spiritual progress.
• Nature of Salla: It elaborates on various forms of "salla," including desires, anger, ego, deceit, attachment, aversion, ignorance, envy, pride, greed, lust, ill will, slander, backbiting, false accusations, quarrels, and other negative mental states (Tamasic qualities). These are described as impurities that stain the mind and lead to negative karma.
• Consequences of Salla: The text details the dire consequences of harboring these "sallas," leading to suffering in this life and future lives, including rebirths in lower realms, physical and mental pain, poverty, and loss of spiritual merit.
• The Process of Removal: The primary focus of this chapter is the method of removing "sallas." This involves:
  • Self-reflection and introspection: Understanding one's own faults and shortcomings.
  • Alochana (Confession): Openly confessing one's wrongdoings to a spiritual guide or elder.
  • Pratikramana (Expiation/Repentance): Performing specific penances and self-purification rituals.
  • Kshama (Forgiveness): Seeking and granting forgiveness to oneself and others.
  • Cultivating virtues: Developing patience, self-control, truthfulness, non-violence, and detachment.
  • Adhering to Jain principles: Following the teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly the emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and control over the senses.
• The Importance of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct: The text repeatedly stresses that the combination of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, and Samyak Charitra is crucial for effectively removing "sallas" and achieving spiritual liberation.
• The Role of Austerity and Penance: Various forms of austerities (tapas) and penances are prescribed as powerful tools for purifying the soul and removing the accumulated karma, which is the root cause of "sallas."
• The Ideal Ascetic: The text portrays the ideal monk (Sadhu) or nun (Sadhvi) as one who is free from these "sallas," possesses unwavering faith, knowledge, and conduct, practices rigorous austerities, and is deeply devoted to the spiritual path.
• The Pervasiveness of Salla: It highlights that even seemingly minor flaws can create "sallas" if not addressed, and emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and purification.

Chapter 2: Karma Vivaga Vagaranam (Discourse on the Fruits of Karma)

• Karma and its Consequences: This extensive chapter elaborates on the law of karma and its fruits. It describes how actions (karma) in this life and past lives determine one's destiny, leading to different states of existence (heaven, hell, animal, human).
• Suffering in Different Realms: The text graphically depicts the suffering experienced in various hellish realms (Narakas), the animal kingdom, and even the cycle of birth, death, and suffering in the human and celestial realms.
• The Three Types of Suffering: It categorizes suffering into physical (sharirika) and mental (manasika), with further subdivisions into intense, severe, and extreme levels of suffering.
• The Cause of Suffering: The primary cause of suffering is identified as karma, accumulated through actions driven by passions (kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and by actions against Jain principles (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession).
• The Cycle of Rebirth: The chapter underscores the relentless cycle of birth and death (samsara) that one is bound to due to the bondage of karma. It emphasizes that even immense worldly pleasures are temporary and ultimately lead to suffering.
• The Path to Liberation from Karma: The text reiterates that the only way to break free from this cycle of karma and suffering is by diligently following the path of Jainism: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, and practicing austerities and virtues.
• Detailed descriptions of suffering: The chapter includes vivid and often graphic descriptions of the torments experienced in various hells and the challenges faced by beings in other realms, serving as a stark warning against negative actions.

Chapter 3: Kushila Lakshanam (Characteristics of the Corrupt/Improper Ascetic)

• Identifying the Corrupt: This chapter focuses on identifying individuals who, despite outwardly appearing to be ascetics, are spiritually corrupt or deviate from the true path.
• Characteristics of the Corrupt: It lists various traits that characterize such individuals:
  • Misuse of knowledge: Using knowledge for wrong purposes, teaching incorrect doctrines, or boasting about their learning.
  • Deviations in Conduct: Indulging in sensual pleasures, harboring attachments, breaking vows, engaging in hypocrisy, and not practicing the prescribed conduct with sincerity.
  • Ignorance of True Principles: Lacking genuine understanding of the soul, karma, and liberation, and being driven by worldly desires and passions.
  • Association with the Corrupt: Associating with people who exhibit these negative traits.
  • Hypocrisy and Deceit: Pretending to be virtuous while harboring corrupt intentions and actions.
• The Importance of Right Association: The text warns against associating with such corrupt individuals, as their company can lead to spiritual downfall.
• The Role of the Guru: It emphasizes the importance of a genuine and virtuous guru who guides the disciple on the right path and corrects deviations.
• The Danger of Hypocrisy: The chapter strongly condemns hypocrisy, highlighting that outward appearances of piety without inner purity are futile and detrimental.

Chapter 4: Kushila Samsargi (Association with the Corrupt)

• The Perils of Bad Company: This chapter directly addresses the dangers of associating with "kushilas" (corrupt individuals or those who deviate from the path). It elaborates on how bad company can corrupt one's mind, lead to the abandonment of good practices, and ultimately result in spiritual ruin.
• The Story of Sumati and Naila: A significant portion of this chapter recounts the story of Sumati and Naila, illustrating the consequences of associating with the wrong people and the corrupting influence of worldly desires. Sumati, initially on a good path, gets influenced by his brother Naila and eventually falls into a cycle of suffering.
• The Fall from Grace: The narrative highlights how even those with good intentions can falter due to bad company and the allure of worldly temptations.
• The Importance of Discernment: It stresses the need for careful discernment in choosing one's associations and the importance of seeking the company of the virtuous.
• The Story of Savajya Acharya: This narrative details the downfall of a spiritual teacher (Acharya) who, due to pride and attachment, deviates from the path, leading to severe consequences for himself and his followers. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility, sincerity, and unwavering adherence to the teachings.

Chapter 5: Navaneeya Saaram (The Essence of Nectar/Best Essence)

• The Qualities of a Virtuous Community (Gachha): This chapter defines the characteristics of a truly virtuous spiritual community or Sangha.
• Key Attributes: A righteous community is characterized by:
  • Equanimity: Treating friends and foes alike.
  • Self-control: Practicing restraint over senses and passions.
  • Non-violence: Strict adherence to Ahimsa in thought, word, and deed towards all beings.
  • Detachment: Freedom from worldly attachments and possessions.
  • Sincerity and Humility: Genuine devotion and humility towards the teachings and the Guru.
  • Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct: Upholding the three jewels of Jainism.
  • Adherence to Vows: Strict observance of vows (vratas) and conduct rules.
  • Austerity and Meditation: Engaging in rigorous penances and deep meditation.
• The Role of the Guru: The text emphasizes the indispensable role of a true Guru in guiding the community and upholding the spiritual discipline. A Guru who embodies these virtues is considered a true guide.
• The Importance of Purity: It highlights the paramount importance of internal purity of mind and intention, not just outward rituals.
• Consequences of Deviation: The chapter warns about the severe consequences of deviating from the righteous path and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, leading to a cycle of suffering.

Chapter 6: Geeyarthavihara (Proper Conduct for Ascetics/Ascetic Life)

• The Ideal Ascetic Life: This chapter describes the conduct expected of Jain ascetics (munis and muni-patnis).
• Renunciation and Detachment: It emphasizes the need for complete renunciation of worldly possessions, attachments, and sensual desires.
• Mindfulness and Vigilance: The importance of constant mindfulness, vigilance, and carefulness in all actions (thoughts, words, and deeds) is stressed to avoid any transgression or harm to living beings.
• The Twelve Reflections (Anu-preksha): The chapter likely refers to or implies the practice of the twelve reflections, which are central to Jain asceticism for cultivating detachment and equanimity.
• Living the Principles: It details how an ascetic should live, emphasizing the practice of virtues, austerities, and meditation in everyday life.
• The Danger of Worldly Inclinations: The text warns against even subtle worldly inclinations, as they can hinder spiritual progress and lead to "sallas."
• The Story of Nandisena and the Courtesan: This narrative illustrates the peril of worldly attachments and the consequences of even subtle deviations from the path, even for those who are outwardly devout. It highlights the story of Nandisena, who falls prey to worldly desires despite his spiritual path, and the subsequent suffering he endures.
• The Importance of Purity and Repentance: The story emphasizes the need for purity of mind and actions, and the importance of sincere repentance (pratikramana) and penance for any transgressions.

Chapter 7: Pachittasuttam (The Sutra on Repentance)

• The Necessity of Repentance: This chapter focuses on the concept of "prayaschitta" (repentance, expiation) and its crucial role in the Jain path.
• Types of Transgressions: It outlines various types of transgressions (violations of vows and principles) that require repentance.
• The Process of Pratikramana: The chapter details the process of pratikramana, including confession (alochana), repentance, and performing specific penances.
• The Severity of Sins: It describes how different sins have different degrees of severity and require corresponding levels of expiation.
• The Role of the Guru in Pratikramana: The importance of confessing to and receiving guidance from a Guru for performing pratikramana is highlighted.
• The Goal of Pratikramana: The ultimate goal of pratikramana is to purify the soul, remove negative karma, and progress on the path to liberation.
• The Stages of Purification: It suggests that through sincere repentance and penance, one can achieve purification and spiritual progress.

Chapter 8: Chulika-2 (Second Appendix/Sub-Chapter)

• Further Elaborations on Karma and Consequences: This chapter appears to further elaborate on the themes of karma, its consequences, and the importance of righteous conduct.
• The Story of Sujjasiya and Govinda: A significant portion of this chapter narrates the story of Sujjasiya, a woman who, due to her past karma and association with wrong influences, goes through immense suffering and a cycle of negative rebirths. The story emphasizes the long-term repercussions of actions and the eventual path to liberation through sincere repentance and austerity.
• The Importance of Correct Understanding: It highlights the need for correct understanding of Jain philosophy and principles to avoid falling into wrong paths.
• The Path of Liberation: The narrative ultimately shows how even after immense suffering, through sincere effort, good company, and adherence to the right path, liberation can be attained.

Overall Significance:

The Mahanisiham Chhattam Cheyasuttam is a profound scripture that delves into the practical aspects of spiritual discipline in Jainism. It emphasizes the eradication of inner impurities ("sallas") through rigorous self-discipline, introspection, confession, repentance, and the cultivation of virtues. The text serves as a comprehensive guide for ascetics and lay followers alike, outlining the challenges on the spiritual path, the consequences of straying, and the ultimate means to achieve liberation. The narratives and detailed descriptions of consequences underscore the seriousness of adhering to the Jain way of life.