Agam 42 Mool 03 Dash Vaikalik Sutra - Book Summary

The following is a comprehensive summary of the "Dashavaikālikasūtra" (Agam 42 Mool 03), authored by Bhadrankarvijay and published by Shashikant Popatlal Trust Ahmedabad, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Overview:

The "Dashavaikālikasūtra" is a foundational text in Jainism, considered one of the four principal Āgamas. It's renowned for its practical guidance on ethical conduct and spiritual discipline for ascetics (monks and nuns). The text, compiled by the author Bhadrankarvijay, provides the original verses, their meanings, and commentary, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Historical Context and Creation:

The preface explains the text's significance and the circumstances of its creation. It highlights that many earlier scriptures have been lost or are difficult to comprehend due to the passage of time and declining intellectual capacity. However, the Dashavaikālikasūtra is believed to remain relevant and accessible until the end of the fifth era of the current time cycle.

The creation of this scripture is attributed to the revered Acharya Shri Shāyabhava Sūriji. He was prompted by a divine command to compile essential teachings from earlier scriptures for the benefit of future generations, who would have a more limited intellect. The text's name, "Dashavaikālik," signifies "tenfold temporal" or "belonging to the ten periods," possibly referencing its compilation during a specific time or its ten chapters. The author, Bhadrankarvijay, aimed to make the profound teachings of this ancient text understandable through a Gujarati translation and commentary.

Content Summary (Adhyayanas/Chapters):

The text is structured into ten chapters (Adhyayanas), each focusing on different aspects of spiritual discipline and ethical conduct:

Chapter 1: Dhruva (The Constant): This foundational chapter emphasizes the paramount importance of Dharma, which is defined as non-violence (Ahimsa), self-control (Sanyam), and penance (Tapas). It uses the analogy of a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them to illustrate the ideal conduct of a monk in seeking alms (Bhiksha). Monks are urged to live detached from worldly desires and to be mindful of every action to avoid harming even the smallest beings.
Chapter 2: Shramanyapūrvikā (The Foundation of Asceticism): This chapter delves into the principles of asceticism, highlighting the importance of patience, detachment, and renunciation. It uses the examples of great souls like King Shreyambha and Queen Rajimati to illustrate how one should overcome desires and attachments, even for pleasurable things, to achieve spiritual liberation. It stresses that true asceticism lies in renouncing what is not truly beneficial, even if it appears desirable.
Chapter 3: Kshullakāchāra (Minor Conduct): This chapter outlines specific rules and prohibitions for monks, detailing 52 "anāchār" (conducts that are to be avoided). These cover a wide range of actions, from accepting alms with attached substances or from prohibited sources to specific behaviors related to speech, personal hygiene, and interactions with the world. The focus is on meticulous adherence to conduct to maintain spiritual purity and avoid causing harm to living beings.
Chapter 4: Shatjivanikāya (Six Classes of Living Beings): This crucial chapter introduces the fundamental Jain concept of the six classes of living beings: Earth-bodied (Prithvi-kaya), Water-bodied (Ap-kaya), Fire-bodied (Teu-kaya), Air-bodied (Vayu-kaya), Plant-bodied (Vanaaspati-kaya), and Mobile (Trasa-kaya). It explains the inherent life in all these forms and emphasizes the absolute necessity of non-violence (Ahimsa) towards all of them. The chapter details the strict disciplines (Yatanas) required to avoid harming these life forms in daily activities.
Chapter 5: Pindĕshana (Alms-Seeking): This chapter focuses on the principles and practices of obtaining alms (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) for the ascetic. It meticulously details the rules and precautions to be taken during the alms-seeking process to ensure that the alms are pure and that no harm is caused to living beings or the principles of asceticism. It covers what to accept and what to reject, how to behave while seeking alms, and the importance of mindfulness in every action.
Chapter 6: Mahāchārakathā (Great Conduct Narratives): This chapter elaborates on the ideal conduct for ascetics, focusing on the essential virtues and practices that lead to spiritual progress. It uses stories and examples to illustrate the importance of self-discipline, control over senses, and adherence to the path of liberation. It highlights that these practices are difficult but essential for true spiritual attainment and are unique to the Jain tradition.
Chapter 7: Vākśuddhi (Purity of Speech): This chapter emphasizes the critical role of speech in spiritual life. It outlines the principles of right speech, covering what to say, what not to say, and how to speak appropriately in various situations. It stresses the power of words and the need for mindfulness to avoid causing harm through speech, as speech can either be a means to liberation or a cause of bondage.
Chapter 8: Āchārapranidhi (The Goal of Conduct): This chapter connects conduct with spiritual progress, explaining how right conduct leads to the manifestation of inner virtues. It highlights the importance of mindfulness, self-control, and detachment from worldly desires. It underscores that true spiritual success comes from the disciplined control of senses and mind, leading to inner peace and ultimate liberation.
Chapter 9: Vinaya Samādhi (Reverence and Equanimity): This chapter focuses on the profound importance of Vinaya (humility, reverence, and respectful conduct) as the foundation for all virtues and spiritual progress. It explains how humility towards the Guru and adherence to teachings leads to true equanimity (Samādhi). The text emphasizes that proper Vinaya cultivates inner strength, spiritual knowledge, and ultimately leads to liberation. It contrasts the merits of Vinaya with the detrimental consequences of arrogance and disrespect.
Chapter 10: Sadhubhikshu (The Ideal Ascetic): The final chapter culminates by defining the characteristics of an ideal ascetic. It summarizes the principles of pure conduct, detachment, mindfulness, and unwavering devotion to the path of liberation. It emphasizes that an ascetic who embodies these virtues, practices austerities, controls their senses, and lives detached from worldly affairs, attains the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.

Key Themes:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount principle of Jainism, emphasized throughout the text, especially in the Shatjivanikaya chapter, stressing non-violence towards all forms of life.
Sanyam (Self-Control): The control of senses, mind, and speech is crucial for spiritual progress and is a recurring theme.
Tapas (Penance/Austerities): The practice of austerities is highlighted as a means to purify the soul and burn away karmas.
Vinaya (Reverence and Humility): Presented as the foundation of all virtues and the key to spiritual attainment, particularly towards the Guru.
Detachment and Renunciation: Essential for overcoming worldly desires and achieving liberation.
Mindfulness: Constant awareness of one's actions, speech, and thoughts is repeatedly stressed to avoid causing harm and maintain purity.
Equanimity: Maintaining a balanced state of mind amidst worldly pleasures and pains is vital for spiritual progress.

Publisher and Translator:

The text was published by Shri Shashikant Popatlal Trust, Ahmedabad. The author and editor is Panyas Shri Bhadraṅkarvijayji Maharaj, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Siddhisūriśvarji. The publication also includes biographical details of the publisher, Shri Shshankant Popatlal, and his family, highlighting their dedication to Jainism.

Overall Significance:

The Dashavaikālikasūtra serves as a comprehensive manual for Jain monks and nuns, providing detailed guidance on their daily conduct, ethical principles, and spiritual practices. Its teachings are considered essential for anyone aspiring to follow the path of renunciation and achieve spiritual liberation. The accessible Gujarati translation and commentary make its wisdom available to a broad audience, reinforcing its importance in the Jain tradition.