Agam 41A Oghniryukti Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 41A Oghniryukti Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad," authored by Deepratnasagar and published by Deepratnasagar. The text is part of a larger series of Jain Agamas with commentary and Gujarati translation.

Title: Agam 41A Oghniryukti Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad (Agam 41A: Oghniryukti Sutra with Commentary and Gujarati Translation)

Author: Muni Diperatnasagar (credited as the creator of the translation series)

Publisher: Deepratnasagar (likely the name of the author and the publishing house)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009077/1

Context and Content:

The title indicates that this is the 41st Agama in a series (Agam 41A). Specifically, it deals with Oghniryukti (also known as Monishrutti in Prakrit), which is the second of four main root sutras within the "Pindnirukti" (Pindniryukti) section. The translation and commentary are in Gujarati.

The publication is part of a larger project to translate and publish all 45 primary Agamas, along with 4 subsidiary Agamas, making a total of 49 Agamas. This specific volume is the 35th part of a series that aims to provide a complete, commentary-based Gujarati translation of the Agamas.

Key Features and Themes of Oghniryukti:

• Focus on Sadhu's Daily Conduct: The Oghniryukti is primarily concerned with the daily routine and conduct of monks (Sadhu). This is why it's also called "Oghniryukti," referring to the "Ogha" or general conduct.
• Charaṇkaraṇānuvāda (Conduct and Action): This Agama emphasizes the principles of Charaṇkaraṇānuvāda, which deals with the practical aspects of a monk's life, including ethical conduct and adherence to rules. While it focuses on conduct, it also includes elements of Dharmakatha Anuvada (religious narratives).
• Bhadravahu Swami's Work: The Niryukti (commentary) for this Agama was composed by Bhadravahu Swami, a prominent fourteen-pūrvadhara (a scholar possessing fourteen types of ancient Jain knowledge). He compiled it for the benefit of monks and nuns, drawing inspiration from the Ogha Sāmacārī found in the twentieth Ogha Prābhṛta of the third Ācāra Vastu within the ninth Pūrva.
• Seven Doors (Dvāras) of Conduct: The Oghniryukti outlines seven crucial aspects of a monk's conduct, which are:
  1. Pratilekhana Dvāra: How to perform inspection (of one's movements, belongings, etc.) to avoid harming living beings.
  2. Pinda Dvāra: How to maintain purity while begging for alms (food).
  3. Upadhi Pramāṇa Dvāra: The prescribed quantity and type of possessions a monk can keep.
  4. Anāyatana Varjana Dvāra: Avoiding places and associations that are detrimental to spiritual progress.
  5. Pratishevanā Dvāra: The consequences of transgressing rules or engaging in prohibited actions.
  6. Ālocanā Dvāra: The process of confessing one's faults and seeking penance.
  7. Vishuddhi Dvāra: The purification process achieved through penance and sincere repentance.
• Detailed Breakdown of Conduct (Charana-karana Sitri): The text extensively details the principles of Charana (conduct) and Karana (action).
  • Charana Sitri (70 aspects): Includes vows (vratas), monastic virtues (śramaṇa dharma), self-control (sanyam - described in 17 aspects), service (vaiyavach - 10 types), celibacy (brahmacharya - 9 types), knowledge/perception/conduct triad, austerities (tapa - 6 external and 6 internal), and control of passions (krodha, mana, maya, lobha).
  • Karana Sitri (70 aspects): Includes purity of alms (pinda vishuddhi - 4 types), carefulness in actions (samiti - 5 types), meditative contemplation (bhavana - 12 types), stages of spiritual progress (pratima - 12 types), control of senses (indriya nirodha - 5 senses), ritualistic inspection (pratilekhana - described in 25 types with 16 faults to avoid), control of mental, verbal, and physical actions (gupti - 3 types), and vows of restraint (abhigraha - 4 types).
• Emphasis on "Simple to Complex" Approach: The translator, Muni Diperatnasagar, states that the purpose of this "Vishesh Sutra Saar" (Special Essence of Sutras) is to introduce the reader to the Oghniryukti in a simplified manner before delving into the more complex, full commentary.
• Funding and Sponsorship: The publication highlights significant financial support from various Jain Sangh (communities) and trusts, underscoring the collective effort and reverence for these sacred texts. Page numbers 4 through 10 detail these contributors.
• Related Publications: Pages 11 through 17 list other publications by the same author/publisher, including other Agamas in Gujarati and Hindi, dictionaries, guides to rituals, and commentaries on various Jain philosophical texts. This demonstrates a prolific output aimed at disseminating Jain knowledge.

The Summary of the Introduction and Core Concepts:

The introductory sections (pages 1-18) establish the context of the translation project, dedicating it to spiritual leaders and acknowledging the patrons. Page 18 specifically introduces the Oghniryukti as Agama 41/2, a second root sutra within Pindnirukti. It mentions the total number of verses, commentary verses, and projection verses. It reiterates that the Agama describes the general daily conduct of monks, earning it the name Oghniryukti. The importance of the seven dvāras (doors) of conduct is highlighted, along with the emphasis on Charaṇkaraṇānuvāda. The translator expresses the intention to provide an introductory guide ("Vishesh Sutra Saar") rather than a full commentary translation for this particular volume, following a "simple to complex" approach for readers.

Detailed Breakdown of the "Vishesh Sutra Saar" (Pages 18-256):

The bulk of the document provides a detailed summary of the Oghniryukti's content, organized according to the seven dvāras and their sub-sections. The summary covers:

• The Importance of Conduct (Charana and Karana): A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the 70 aspects of Charana (conduct) and 70 aspects of Karana (action), providing specific examples and enumerations for each. This includes detailed explanations of vows, virtues, austerities, sense control, rules for movement, alms-begging, interactions, and various forms of spiritual practice.
• Pratilekhana (Inspection): This section details the meticulous process of inspection required before movement, using one's belongings, or during various activities to avoid harming living beings. It outlines the precautions to be taken in different situations, concerning earth-bodies, water-bodies, fire-bodies, air-bodies, plant-bodies, and the world of life (trasa).
• Pinda (Alms): The rules for pure alms-begging are extensively covered, including the purity of food, methods of begging, the types of food permissible, and the conditions under which certain foods might be impure. It also discusses the ethics of accepting food and the conduct during meals.
• Upadhi (Possessions): This section details the prescribed number and types of possessions a monk can possess, distinguishing between essential items (Ogha Upadhi) and those kept for specific purposes (Upagraha Upadhi). The differences in possessions for Jinakalp, Sthavirkalp monks, and nuns are also mentioned.
• Anayatana Varjana (Avoiding Improper Places/Company): This part explains how to identify and avoid places and associations that are spiritually detrimental, including both material (e.g., houses with certain impurities) and spiritual (e.g., associating with impure or backsliding monks) "non-aayatanas."
• Pratishevana (Transgressions): This section discusses the various ways a monk can commit faults or transgress the rules, covering errors related to vows, actions, and conduct. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the avoidance of pride, attachment, and desire.
• Alocana (Confession): This is a crucial part of monastic discipline. The text explains the process of confessing faults to a qualified teacher or elder, the types of confession (related to root vows and subsidiary vows), and the importance of sincerity and humility in this process. It also discusses the obstacles to confession (shalyas or hidden faults) and how to overcome them, relating it to the attainment of omniscience (kevaljnana).
• Vishuddhi (Purification): Following confession, this section deals with purification through penance and adherence to the prescribed remedies. It highlights the importance of diligently performing the penances prescribed by the teacher to eradicate karmic impurities and achieve spiritual purity. It also lists the eight causes of falling into error and the consequences of not purifying oneself from faults.

Overall Purpose:

This publication serves as a guide to the fundamental principles of Jain monastic conduct as outlined in the Oghniryukti. It emphasizes adherence to a strict code of ethics, meticulous attention to detail in daily activities, and the continuous effort towards spiritual purification. The translation aims to make these teachings accessible to Gujarati-speaking followers of Jainism.

The inclusion of detailed lists of donors and related publications underscores the commitment of the publishers to the propagation of Jain scripture and knowledge.