Agam 40 Mool 01 Aavashyak Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, which appears to be the Āvaśyaka Sūtra from the Agam literature, specifically an edition of the Shvetambara tradition:

Overall Context:

This document is the Āvaśyaka Sūtra, a foundational scripture in Jainism, particularly for the Shvetambara sect. It details the essential daily duties and practices of a Jain ascetic and, by extension, provides guidance for lay followers. The text is presented as part of a larger project by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, dedicated to scanning and preserving Jain scriptures. This specific edition is attributed to the editorial work of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj, with the primary author and editor being Purnachandrasagar.

Key Sections and Content:

The document begins with extensive acknowledgments and dedications to various Acharyas and spiritual leaders within the Jain tradition. It then delves into a historical overview of the compilation and transmission of the Jain Agamas, highlighting the significance of various "Vachanas" (recitations or councils).

1. Historical Context of Agama Compilation (Prāk-kathana - Preface):

• Importance of Shrut Gyan: The preface emphasizes the immense value of Shrut Gyan (knowledge acquired through scriptures and teachings) as a guiding light for souls lost in the cycle of rebirth. The Agamas are considered the direct word of Lord Mahavir.
• Origin of Agamas: The Agamas were compiled by the eleven Gandharas (chief disciples) of Lord Mahavir, starting with Indrabhuti Gautam Swami, immediately after Lord Mahavir attained omniscience.
• Oral Tradition: Initially, knowledge was transmitted orally, with disciples memorizing the twelve Angas (limbs of scripture). There was no practice of writing or studying from written texts.
• The Six Vachanas (Recitations/Councils): The text details a history of six major councils held over approximately 1000 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. These councils were crucial for preserving the Agamas due to various challenges:
  • First Vachana (Shrut Sangrahan): Held at Pataliputra (Patna) around 160 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, led by Sthulabhadra, to compile the 12 Angas due to dispersion of monks caused by a severe famine.
  • Second Vachana (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Held in Ujjain, around 245-281 years after Nirvana, during the reign of Emperor Samprati, to protect and systematize the Agamas.
  • Third Vachana: Occurred between 300-330 years after Nirvana, involving numerous monks and nuns from both Jinakalpa and Sthavira Kalpa traditions, as well as lay followers. This council organized the teachings of eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
  • Fourth Vachana: Took place around 592 years after Nirvana in Dashpur (Mandsaur), where Acharya Aryarakshit organized the Agamas into four Anuyogas (classification of Jain literature) to make them more accessible.
  • Fifth Vachana: Held in two parts, Mathura (North) and Vallabhi (South), around 830-840 years after Nirvana, to consolidate the scriptures due to regional disruptions.
  • Sixth Vachana: The most significant, held in Vallabhi (Saurashtra) by Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashraman and Acharya Kalak Suri, with divine assistance. Here, 84 Agamas were systematically compiled and inscribed on palm leaves, marking the transition from oral tradition to written scripture.
• Decline and Revival: After the sixth Vachana, there's a gap of about 1500 years with no mention of major Agama recitations. The text notes a decline in strict adherence to the Agamas, making them rare even for qualified monks. The 20th century saw a renewed effort to preserve and disseminate this knowledge, spearheaded by great Acharyas like Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj and supported by institutions like the Jainand Pustakalay.

2. The Āvaśyaka Sūtra (The Core Text):

The bulk of the provided content consists of the actual text of the Āvaśyaka Sūtra, divided into six sections (Adhyayanas). Each Adhyayana contains specific mantras, recitations, and vows.

• Adhyayana 1 (First Chapter):

  • Begins with the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra): "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva-Sahunam." This is considered the most auspicious mantra.
  • Recitation of Samayika (equanimity) and vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession. It involves abandoning harmful actions and thoughts.

• Adhyayana 2 (Second Chapter):

  • Contains prayers and praises for the 24 Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhdev and ending with Mahavir Swami.
  • Includes verses seeking blessings and prosperity from the Siddhas (liberated souls).

• Adhyayana 3 (Third Chapter - Vandana):

  • Focuses on the act of respectful salutation and seeking permission from a spiritual preceptor.
  • Involves requesting forgiveness for any offenses committed unknowingly or knowingly through mind, speech, or body.

• Adhyayana 4 (Fourth Chapter - Paḍikramaṇa):

  • This section is extensive and details various forms of Paḍikramaṇa (confession and atonement).
  • It includes confessions for daily transgressions related to:
    • Mind, speech, and body.
    • The four auspicious things (Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, Dharma).
    • Taking refuge in the above.
    • Various sins and shortcomings related to the five vows, senses, emotions (kashayas), and desires.
    • Transgressions related to the six types of living beings, different types of meditation, and ethical conduct.
    • Specific confessions for actions related to the Irāyāpahikā (movement), Prāmadikam (heedlessness), Pratikramaṇa (confession), and Gochara (alms-seeking) practices.
    • Confession of sins related to knowledge, perception, conduct, and the vows.
    • Confession of errors in recitation or study.
    • Confession of general transgressions against the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus, and the Jain Dharma.

• Adhyayana 5 (Fifth Chapter - Kāyotsarga):

  • Deals with Kāyotsarga (standing in meditation, abandoning the body). It includes the initial Samayika vow and detailed confessions similar to the Paḍikramaṇa section.
  • It describes the process of dedicating oneself to meditation, observing one's breath, and focusing the mind.
  • It reiterates the praise of the Tirthankaras.

• Adhyayana 6 (Sixth Chapter - Pratyākhyāna):

  • This chapter focuses on Pratyākhyāna (renunciation and vows for lay followers – Shramanavasaka).
  • It outlines the vows of a lay follower, including:
    • Abandoning external deities and their worship.
    • The five major transgressions (Maha-pāpas) that a lay follower must avoid related to:
      • Violence (Pāṇātvipāta) - with detailed forbidden actions.
      • Falsehood (Mṛṣāvāda) - with specific types of deceit.
      • Stealing (Adinnādāna) - with various forms of illicit acquisition.
      • Improper sexual conduct (Paradāragamana) - with emphasis on contentment with one's own spouse.
      • Unlimited possession (Aparimitaparigraha) - with the vow of limiting possessions.
  • It further details specific restrictions and vows related to directions, consumption of food and drink (upbhog paribhoga), karma, and wrongful conduct.
  • It defines Samayika and the various Shiksha Vratas (disciplinary vows).
  • It emphasizes the importance of daily observances like Paushadha (fasting) and Atithi Samvibhaga (offering food to guests/monks).
  • It concludes with various types of renunciation of food, including single meal (ekasana), meals at specific times (purvṛddha), fasting (abhattodhu), and partial fasting (ayambila).

Key Themes and Significance:

• Spiritual Discipline: The Āvaśyaka Sūtra is the backbone of daily spiritual practice for Jains, outlining the fundamental disciplines required for spiritual progress.
• Atonement and Purity: A significant portion is dedicated to confession and atonement (Paḍikramaṇa), emphasizing the importance of purifying oneself from sins committed through mind, speech, and body.
• Asceticism and Lay Vows: It clearly distinguishes between the practices of monks/nuns and the vows undertaken by lay followers, providing a comprehensive guide for both.
• Reverence for Tirthankaras and Siddhas: The text consistently invokes the names and praises the virtues of the Tirthankaras and Siddhas, highlighting their role as spiritual exemplars.
• Preservation of Knowledge: The historical preface underscores the commitment of the Jain tradition to preserving its sacred scriptures through turbulent times, employing both oral transmission and written compilation.
• The Importance of the Navkar Mantra: The mantra is presented at the beginning, signifying its supreme importance.

In essence, this document is a vital scripture that details the core practices of Jainism, from daily recitations and confessions to the foundational vows that guide a spiritual life. The accompanying historical context highlights the rigorous efforts made to preserve this knowledge throughout centuries.