Agam 42 Mool 03 Dashvaikalik Sutra Chayanika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 42 Mool 03 Dashvaikalik Sutra Chayanika," authored by Kamalchand Sogani and published by Prakrit Bharti Academy:

This book, "Dashavaikalik Sutra Chayanika" (Selection of the Dashavaikalik Sutra), is a significant publication by Prakrit Bharti Academy, presented as its 37th offering. It is a curated selection from the ancient Jain Agama text, the Dashavaikalik Sutra. The book is dedicated to esteemed scholars in Jain studies: Pt. Dal Sukh Bhai Malvania, Pt. Bechaldas Jivraj Doshi, and Dr. Nemichand Shastri.

Key Aspects and Content of the Book:

• Purpose of the Dashavaikalik Sutra: The Dashavaikalik Sutra (meaning "Ten Lectures" or "Daily Conduct") was originally composed by Acharya Shyyambhav, a prominent figure in the Jain tradition (estimated to be around 375-300 BCE). It was intended as a concise guide for young, newly initiated monks (Kshullakas and Muni) to quickly grasp the essence of monastic conduct and self-realization within a limited timeframe. The sutra's importance is underscored by the tradition of requiring new monks to study it before receiving full (Vrihad) initiation.

• Content and Theme: The Dashavaikalik Sutra primarily focuses on the achara (conduct) of Jain monks. Its central theme is samyama (restraint or self-control). It guides monks on how to live a disciplined life, avoid harming living beings, and practice the vows and associated rules.

  • Mahavratas: The sutra details the five great vows (Mahavratas) and the sixth vow of abstaining from nighttime food consumption.
  • Bhiksha (Alms): It provides guidance on the proper method of receiving alms, ensuring minimal inconvenience to the giver and obtaining suitable sustenance for the monk.
  • Equanimity (Samabhava): A crucial aspect emphasized is the cultivation of equanimity, ensuring that monks do not become attached to desired alms or distressed by undesired ones.
  • Speech and Conduct: The sutra elaborates on appropriate speech to avoid causing negativity or ill will in others. This is linked to inner purity, freedom from passions (kashayas), and compassionate behavior.
  • Vineya (Humility/Respect): The importance of respecting one's spiritual preceptors (Gurudev) is highlighted as a primary cause of ethical purity.
  • Chulikas (Appendices): The sutra includes two Chulikas, which further exhort monks to remain steadfast in their ascetic life, emphasizing the superiority of the renunciate path over the householder's life.

• Significance of this "Chayanika" (Selection):

  • Accessibility: The Prakrit Bharti Academy's mission is to make the vast Jain Agama literature accessible to the general public. This selection aims to achieve that by presenting the core teachings of the Dashavaikalik Sutra in an understandable format.
  • Curated Selection: Dr. Kamalchand Sogani has carefully selected 100 significant verses (Gathas) from the expansive Dashavaikalik Sutra. These verses are considered "jewels" for their unique insights.
  • Verse-by-Verse Translation and Analysis: Each selected verse is accompanied by a literal translation from Prakrit to Hindi and a grammatical analysis. This analysis provides the root form, meaning, and grammatical case of each word, making the study accessible even to those less familiar with advanced Prakrit grammar.
  • Focus on Values: The selection is designed to strengthen the reader's understanding and practice of core Jain values such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (restraint), Tapa (austerity), Swadhyaya (self-study), meditation, detachment, awareness, and humility. The aim is to foster moral and spiritual consciousness.

• Introduction by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani: Dr. Sogani's introduction elaborates on the human consciousness's progression from experiencing the material world to understanding the spiritual realm and its inherent values. He emphasizes the Dashavaikalik's call for universal compassion, the cessation of violence (killing and causing to be killed), and the interconnectedness of all beings. He links these principles to the concepts of Karma (Ajeeva) and the Soul (Jeeva) and how understanding this distinction leads to restraint and spiritual development. The importance of discipline, detachment from possessions, and the practice of virtues like compassion, equanimity, and self-control as the path to liberation are highlighted.

• Content Breakdown (from the selected verses): The book systematically discusses various themes through the selected verses:

  • Jeeva-Ajeeva Viveka (Discernment between Soul and Non-Soul/Karma): Understanding the nature of the soul (conscious) and karma (unconscious) is presented as fundamental to liberation.
  • Sadhanana Prayama (Dimensions of Spiritual Practice): The path of spiritual practice involves overcoming attachment, violence, and passions. It stresses the importance of timely initiation into spiritual discipline, diligence in study, and unwavering resolve.
  • Role of the Guru: The indispensable role of a spiritual teacher is emphasized, along with the necessity of respecting and obeying them. Disrespecting a guru is likened to playing with fire or venom, leading to dire consequences.
  • Vineya (Humility/Respect): Humility is presented as the root of Dharma and the key to spiritual growth, success, and social acceptance.
  • Speech and Conduct: The sutra provides detailed guidance on speaking thoughtfully, avoiding harsh words, and maintaining a pure, transparent, and detached demeanor.
  • Path to Liberation: The selection illustrates how adherence to righteous conduct, self-control, austerity, and spiritual knowledge leads to the destruction of karma, the attainment of omniscience, and ultimately, liberation (Moksha).

Overall Significance:

"Dashavaikalik Sutra Chayanika" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the practical ethical and spiritual guidelines prescribed for Jain ascetics. By presenting a carefully chosen selection of verses with detailed explanations, it makes this profound ancient scripture accessible and relevant to contemporary readers, fostering a deeper appreciation for Jain philosophy and practice. The book is a testament to the academy's commitment to promoting Jain studies and the dissemination of its sacred texts.