Agam 40 Avassayam Padhamam Mulsuttam Mulam PDF File

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 40 Avassayam Padhamam Mulsuttam Mulam" in English, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

Book Title: Agam 40 Avassayam Padhamam Mulsuttam Mulam Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003779/1

Overall Purpose:

This text, identified as the 40th in the Jain Aagam Online Series, is a foundational scripture known as "Avassayam Padhamam Mulsuttam," meaning "Avasyaka, the First Root Sutra." The "Avasyaka" refers to the daily obligatory duties and practices prescribed for Jain ascetics and practitioners. This work is presented in a modified and edited format by Muni Diptratnasagar.

Structure and Content:

The book is divided into six main sections, referred to as "Adhyayan" (chapters):

1. Samayika (सामाइयं) - Pages 3 & 7:

   • This section begins with the core Jain salutation ("Namo Arihantanam," etc.) and the Panch Namaskar Mantra, which is considered auspicious and capable of destroying all sins.
   • It then details the Samayika ritual, which involves renouncing all sinful activities and intentions for the duration of the practice. The practitioner recites a vow to not perform, cause to be performed, or approve of sinful acts through mind, speech, or body.
   • The practitioner expresses regret, self-blame, and surrender for any past transgressions.
   • The section concludes with the declaration that the first chapter is completed.

2. Chatuveesatthao (चउवीसत्थओ) - Pages 3-4 & 7-8:

   • This chapter is dedicated to glorifying and paying homage to the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers).
   • It lists the names of these Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhadeva (Usabha) and ending with Mahavir (Vardhamana).
   • The verses praise their virtues, such as being beacons of light, establishers of the Dharma, and those who have conquered attachment and aversion.
   • The text expresses a desire for their blessings to achieve purity, wisdom, and peace.
   • The chapter concludes with the completion of the praise of the 24 Tirthankaras.

3. Vandanayam (वंदणयं) - Pages 3-5:

   • This section focuses on the act of veneration and respect, particularly towards spiritual preceptors and the Jain order.
   • It begins with a request for permission to approach and pay respects to a senior monk ("Ichchhami khamasamaṇo vandium...").
   • The practitioner asks for forgiveness for any unintentional offenses caused during the day, including those committed through mind, speech, or body, and expresses remorse.
   • This chapter emphasizes the importance of purification of conduct, speech, and thought.
   • It reiterates the auspiciousness of the Panch Namaskar Mantra, the Four Blessings (Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, Dharma), and the Four Supreme Beings.
   • The text includes detailed recitations of offenses committed throughout the day, covering various categories like:
     • Violations related to knowledge, perception, conduct, and scripture.
     • Offenses related to the senses, passions, vows, and life-forms.
     • Breaches of ethical conduct, asceticism, and monastic disciplines.
     • Specific transgressions in dealings with the world, including acts of commission and omission.
   • The chapter concludes with a comprehensive prayer for forgiveness and a statement of the practitioner's commitment to the Jain path.

4. Patikramanam (पडिक्कमणं) - Pages 4-6:

   • This chapter is a detailed recitation of confession and repentance for daily transgressions. It is closely related to the Vandanayam section and elaborates on the act of "Pratikraman."
   • It starts with the Panch Namaskar Mantra and the Samayika vow.
   • The text lists numerous specific transgressions across various categories, including:
     • Four Types of Blessings: Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the preached Dharma are invoked as blessings.
     • Four Supreme Beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the preached Dharma are declared as the greatest in the world.
     • Four Refuges: Seeking refuge in Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the preached Dharma.
     • Daily Transgressions: A comprehensive list of sins and errors committed in thought, word, and deed, relating to various aspects of Jain practice, vows, and spiritual disciplines. This includes offenses against knowledge, perception, conduct, the six vitalities (life-forms), and monastic rules.
     • Specific Transgressions: Detailed enumeration of potential lapses in conduct, speech, and thought, often categorized into specific numbers (e.g., 33 types of offenses, 21 types of virtues).
     • Eighteen Categories of Unchastity (Abrahmacharya).
     • Various other sins and shortcomings.
   • The section emphasizes the act of seeking forgiveness ("Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ") for all these identified errors.
   • It also includes a pledge to uphold the Dharma and a declaration of becoming a renunciate, free from sin and attachment.

5. Kaussargam (काउस्सग्गो) - Pages 7-9:

   • This chapter focuses on the Kaussargam (or Kayotsarga) practice, which involves standing still, meditating, and renouncing physical movement and worldly thoughts.
   • It begins with the Samayika vow and a prayer for forgiveness.
   • The practitioner declares their intention to perform Kaussargam as a form of penance for all transgressions committed during the day.
   • It lists various physical and mental states that can interrupt the practice, such as sneezing, coughing, yawning, and minor bodily movements, and seeks to remain unaffected by them.
   • The verses then reiterate the glorification of the 24 Tirthankaras, similar to the "Chatuveesatthao" section, expressing devotion and seeking their grace.
   • The Kaussargam is performed with the intention of purification and concentration, aiming to attain liberation.
   • It includes salutations to all Arihant Cheityas (temples/icons) and includes devotional verses.

6. Pachchakkhana (पच्चक्खाणं) - Pages 9-12:

   • This is the final and longest section, dealing with Vows and Renunciations (Pachchakkhana). It is aimed at householders (Samano-vasao - lay followers) and details the specific vows they take and the associated conduct.
   • Renunciation of Wrong Faith (Micchattā): A lay follower must renounce wrong faith and embrace right faith (Samyaktva). Specific offenses against right faith are listed, such as doubt, dissatisfaction, and associating with heretics.
   • Vows (Anuvratas): The text details the five minor vows (Anuvratas) taken by lay followers:
     • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Renouncing gross violence to living beings. Offenses include binding, beating, cutting, overloading, and withholding food/water.
     • Satya (Truthfulness): Renouncing gross falsehood. Offenses include betraying secrets, false testimony, and deceitful writing.
     • Asteya (Non-stealing): Renouncing gross stealing. Offenses include theft, aiding thieves, violating property laws, and using false weights/measures.
     • Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Renouncing extramarital relations. Offenses include relations with wives of others, and specific impure acts.
     • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Contentment): Renouncing excessive accumulation. Offenses relate to exceeding limits of possessions like wealth, land, animals, etc.
   • Subsidiary Vows (Gunavratas): These are the three subsidiary vows that strengthen the minor vows, and the four vows related to discipline and self-restraint.
   • Specific Renunciations: The chapter details various types of fasting and renunciation of food and activities performed at specific times of the day or for specific durations:
     • Ekasana: Eating one meal a day.
     • Ekasthana: Staying in one place for the day.
     • Ayambila: A specific type of fasting.
     • Abhakta: Fasting from food.
     • Divasacharima: Renouncing food for the rest of the day.
     • Bhavacharima: Renouncing food for the entire life.
     • Abhiggaha: Specific vows related to food or activities.
     • Nivvigaiyam: Renouncing specific types of food or preparations.
   • Limitations and Offenses: For each vow and practice, the text outlines specific offenses that a lay follower should avoid to uphold the vow correctly.
   • Ethical Conduct: The section also emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical conduct, cultivating good intentions, and practicing austerities.

Overall Significance:

"Agam 40 Avassayam Padhamam Mulsuttam Mulam" serves as a foundational guide for understanding and practicing the essential daily duties (Avasyaka) in Jainism. It covers the core practices of Samayika, veneration of Tirthankaras, confession and repentance, and the vows and renunciations undertaken by practitioners. The text highlights the importance of purity of thought, word, and deed, and outlines a detailed framework for ethical conduct and spiritual discipline, particularly for lay followers. The edited nature by Muni Diptratnasagar suggests an effort to present this ancient scripture in a clear and accessible manner.