Agam 42 Mool 03 Dashvaikalik Sutra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 42 Mool 03 Dashvaikalik Sutra" by Santbal, published by Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir:

This extensive document is the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, a foundational text within the Jain Agamas. The publication is attributed to Santbal and published by Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir in Ahmedabad. The document includes a preface, introductions, detailed explanations of each chapter (adhyayana), and appendices, aiming to make the teachings accessible to the Jain public.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Publisher's Mission (Page 2): Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir's objective is to propagate literature that integrates religious, national, and social perspectives. They highlight the dire societal conditions at the time of Lord Mahavir – widespread atrocities, casteism, discrimination, and the corruption of Vedic rituals. Their aim is to disseminate Lord Mahavir's original teachings to both Jain and non-Jain audiences through affordable and high-quality literature.

2. Editorial and Financial Support (Page 3): The publication highlights its editorial board, led by Kavi Varya Pt. Shri Nanchandji Maharaj, with Muni Shri Saubhaghyachandji Maharaj as the translator. It also acknowledges financial contributors and patrons, indicating a community-supported initiative.

3. Publishing and Distribution Model (Page 4): The publisher outlines its policies for subscribers and booksellers, emphasizing reasonable costs, timely delivery, and discounts, while also stating the office's responsibility is limited to handing over books to the railway or postal services.

4. Cost Breakdown (Page 5): A detailed cost breakdown for printing 5,000 copies of the Dashavaikalika Sutra is provided, covering paper, printing, binding, operational expenses, publicity, and miscellaneous costs.

5. The Translator's Dedication (Page 8): Muni Shri Saubhagya Chandraji dedicates the translation to his revered Guru.

6. Preface and Publication Goals (Page 9): This is the second publication from Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir. They explain the delay in publishing the Dashavaikalika Sutra due to the author's travels. They printed 5,000 copies to meet anticipated demand, following the success of their first publication, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra. They prioritize using indigenous materials and aim to publish the Acharanga Sutra next.

7. Significance of Dashavaikalika Sutra (Page 10-11): The preface discusses the unique nature of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, noting that unlike the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, it lacks extensive narratives or dialogues. Instead, it focuses on the essence of Jain principles and the strict regulations of ascetic (Shraman) life. It acknowledges that while it might not have the same narrative appeal as Uttaradhyayana, it possesses an inherent attractiveness for the inquisitive reader. The text connects socio-economic issues with character deficiencies, suggesting that the Dashavaikalika offers guidance for a disciplined life.

8. Methodology and Translator's Role (Page 11-12): The translation aims to maintain the style and points of view of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, with additional editorial notes to clarify the original verses. The translator emphasizes that their role extends beyond mere linguistic translation to explaining the intent and context of the teachings, particularly in poetic translations.

9. The Principle of Anekantavada (Page 12-13): The text delves into the Jain principle of Anekantavada (non-absolutism), explaining that Jain doctrines are often relative and depend on the perspective. It discusses how rules and sub-rules are established considering the context and the state of the practitioners, allowing for exceptions (apavada) to the general rule (utsarga) for the sake of spiritual progress.

10. Structure of Jainism's Development (Page 13-14): Jain philosophy is presented as a developmental path, encompassing both householder life (grihastha) and ascetic life (tyaga-ashrami). While the ultimate goal is the same, the pace of development and the intensity of practice differ. This leads to the distinction between minor vows (anuvrata) for householders and major vows (mahavrata) for ascetics. The Dashavaikalika Sutra is specifically directed towards the Shraman (ascetic) way of life.

11. Application of Principles in Ascetic Life (Page 14-16): The text illustrates how principles like non-violence (ahimsa) and restraint (sanyam) are applied in practical ascetic life, even concerning essential activities like walking or consuming food and water. It explains that where unavoidable harm occurs in essential actions, exceptions are made with due diligence and repentance. It also stresses the strict prohibition of contact with wealth and women for ascetics, as these are direct hindrances to spiritual progress.

12. Role of Assistants and Influences (Page 16): The translator acknowledges the assistance of translations and introductions by scholars like Dr. Bing, Prof. Eteinker, Dr. Jivarajbhai, Pujya Shri Amulakh Rushi Ji, and Upadhyay Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj.

13. Introduction to the Dashavaikalika Sutra (Page 17-29): This section provides a scholarly overview:

    • Classification within Agamas: It explains the four divisions of Jain Agamas (Anga, Upanga, Moola, Chheda) and places Dashavaikalika within the Moola (original) category.
    • The Meaning of "Moola" (Original): It discusses various scholarly interpretations of why these texts are termed "Moola," including the idea that they contain Lord Mahavir's direct words, or that they serve as foundational guides for new monks and nuns. The interpretation favored is that these texts condense the essence of sacred lore.
    • Authorship: It discusses the traditional attribution to Acharya Shyyambhava, who composed it for his disciple Manka, and notes that the compilation draws from various other Agamas.
    • Dating: It places Acharya Shyyambhava in the period between Vira Samvat 75 and 98.
    • Linguistic Analysis: It highlights the ancient Gujarati language used in the text, showing similarities to other early Agamas.
    • Etymology of "Dashavaikalika": It explains the name possibly comes from the ten chapters (Dashavaikalika) taught in the evening (vikal).
    • Contents of Each Chapter: A detailed synopsis of each of the ten chapters is provided, outlining their core themes.
    • Specialty of Dashavaikalika: It reiterates that Dashavaikalika directly points to the path of liberation, defining Dharma as the natural state of the soul and emphasizing the path of virtue, discipline, and character development.
    • Historical Editions: It mentions previous editions of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, including ancient commentaries and modern translations by Western scholars and Indian scholars.

14. Chapter Summaries (Page 30-93): The document then provides detailed summaries and explanations for each chapter:

    • Chapter 1: Drum Pushpika (Pertaining to Flowers): Discusses the true definition of Dharma from social, national, and spiritual perspectives, comparing the monk's life to a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them.
    • Chapter 2: Shraman Purva (Indicative of Monasticism): Focuses on the nature of desires and the possibility of achieving monasticism through them. It highlights the importance of true renunciation and the challenges of controlling a restless mind, often illustrated with the story of Rathnemi and Rajimati.
    • Chapter 3: Kshullaka Char (Minor Conduct): Details fifty-two negative injunctions (nishiddha niyama) designed to protect the ascetic's disciplined life, covering aspects like diet, non-possession (aparigraha), and avoiding excessive attachment to the body or worldly comforts.
    • Chapter 4: Jivanika (The Six Life Forms): This chapter elaborates on the six categories of life (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings) and the principles of non-violence towards each. It then outlines the five great vows (Pancha Mahavratas) and the sixth vow against night-eating (Ratri Bhojan).
    • Chapter 5: Pindeshana (The Quest for Alms): This chapter meticulously describes the proper conduct for monks during their alms-round, emphasizing awareness, non-violence, avoiding temptations, and the principles of pure and acceptable alms.
    • Chapter 6: Dharmarthakamadhyayana (Study for Dharma, Artha, and Kama): This chapter delves into the core principles of Jainism that lead to liberation (moksha), emphasizing the importance of renunciation (tyaga) as the foundation of ascetic life. It discusses non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession, and the eighteen principal virtues (mulgunas) and sub-virtues (uttara gunas) for ascetics.
    • Chapter 7: Suvakyashuddhi (Purity of Speech): This chapter focuses on the importance of right speech (samyak vachana), distinguishing between truthful, untruthful, mixed, and conventional speech, and emphasizing the need for speech that is beneficial, harmless, and does not cause emotional distress.
    • Chapter 8: Acharanidhi (Repository of Conduct): This chapter provides an extensive guide to the conduct and discipline of monks, detailing strict rules regarding diet, daily activities, interactions, and the avoidance of fifty-two specific forbidden actions (anacharna). It emphasizes the importance of awareness, detachment, and the observance of vows for spiritual progress.
    • Chapter 9: Vinayasamadhi (Tranquility through Humility): This chapter highlights the paramount importance of humility (vinaya) in spiritual practice. It explains how humility towards elders, knowledge, and the teachings leads to spiritual growth and eventual liberation, contrasting the consequences of arrogance with the rewards of reverence.
    • Chapter 10: Bhikshu Nama (The Nature of a Monk): This chapter defines the ideal monk, emphasizing detachment, contentment, self-control, equanimity, and the rigorous adherence to vows and austerities. It describes the characteristics of a monk who genuinely strives for liberation.
    • Chapter 11: Ratrivakya (First Clicks): This chapter addresses the challenges faced by monks who might experience waning enthusiasm or temptation, offering eighteen specific phrases or contemplations to help them regain their resolve and re-commit to their spiritual path. It details the psychological struggle and the ways to overcome it.
    • Chapter 12: Viviktacharya (Secluded Conduct): This chapter discusses the practice of living in seclusion (ekanta) and its proper application. It contrasts common worldly existence with the dedicated spiritual pursuit of a monk, emphasizing the need for vigilance, self-control, and adherence to strict rules to protect oneself from temptations and spiritual downfall.

In essence, the Dashavaikalika Sutra, as presented in this Gujarati translation, is a comprehensive guide for Jain ascetics, offering detailed instructions on virtuous conduct, ethical principles, and the path to spiritual liberation. It stresses diligence, self-awareness, and unwavering commitment to the teachings of Lord Mahavir.