Agam Deep 41A Ohanijjutti Gujarati Anuvaad

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary (known as "Gurjar Chhaya") of the Agam Sutra "Ohanijjutti" (also known as "Ohanijjutti Niryukti" or "Ohanijjutti Sutra"), which is the second Mul Sutra. This is part of a larger series titled "Agam Deep," specifically volume 41A. The translation and commentary are authored by Muni Dippratnasagar and published by Agam Shrut Prakashan.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, covering the key aspects discussed in the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The core of this text is a detailed explanation and practical guidance on the conduct, ethical principles, and daily practices of Jain monks and nuns, as derived from the Agam Sutra "Ohanijjutti." The "Gurjar Chhaya" aims to make these ancient teachings accessible and understandable to a Gujarati-speaking audience. It covers a vast range of topics related to monastic life, emphasizing the utmost care and mindfulness required in every action to avoid harming living beings and to progress spiritually.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:

• Mangal (Auspiciousness) and Invocation: The text begins with auspicious invocations and greetings, paying homage to the Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and respected gurus.
• Ohanijjutti Niryukti Explained: The text introduces the Ohanijjutti Niryukti as a crucial text from the Angas of the Jain Agamas, explaining its importance and its role in guiding monastic conduct.
• Importance of Charana Karan Anuyog: It highlights the significance of Charana Karan Anuyog (the branch of Jain literature dealing with conduct and practices) as the most potent among the four Anuyogas, emphasizing its role in protecting Charitra (conduct).
• Vihāra (Wandering) and Travel: A significant portion is dedicated to the rules and precautions to be observed during monastic travel (Vihāra). This includes:
  • Reasons for Monks Traveling Alone (Ekaki): The text details various reasons why a monk might need to travel alone, such as scarcity, fear of kings, illness, or specific instructions from the Acharya. It also provides guidelines on how to manage such situations.
  • Safety and Protection During Travel: Detailed instructions are given on how to navigate paths, cross rivers, protect oneself from fire, wind, and wild animals, and the precautions to take regarding various types of living beings in the environment (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, vegetation, and mobile beings).
  • Selection of Paths: Emphasis is placed on choosing paths that cause minimal harm, considering factors like wetness, dryness, sand, thorns, and the presence of dangerous animals or individuals.
  • Washing and Cleaning: Instructions are provided on how to clean one's feet and belongings to avoid harming microscopic organisms.
  • Traveling in Different Seasons: Specific guidelines are given for summer, winter, and monsoon seasons, including the types of materials to use for protection.
• Village Entry and Sojourn (Vasti): The text elaborates on the rules for entering villages, seeking lodging (Vasti), and interacting with householders. This includes:
  • Seeking Lodging: Proper etiquette for seeking lodging in a village, the types of houses to choose from, and the necessary precautions to take before entering.
  • Interactions with Householders: Guidelines on how to ask for directions, the appropriate people to ask, and the potential pitfalls of improper interactions.
  • Serving the Sick (Glan): Detailed procedures for monks who need to stay back to care for sick monks or nuns, including administering medicine and ensuring proper hygiene.
  • Interactions with Nuns: The rules for monks interacting with nuns are also discussed, emphasizing respectful conduct and the need for proper intermediaries.
  • Paryushana and Vihara: The text touches upon the transition between seasons and the planning of travel accordingly.
• Bhāva Gaveshanā and Dravya Gaveshanā (Investigation of Qualities and Substances): The importance of seeking food and water that is free from impurities and hidden living beings is stressed. The text explains various types of food and water and how to examine them for faults (doshas).
• Pind and Esana (Food and Alms Collection): A significant portion is dedicated to the meticulous process of collecting and consuming alms (Bhiksha). This includes:
  • Types of Food: Classification of food based on its purity and potential for causing harm.
  • Proper Ways of Asking for Alms: Etiquette and rules for approaching householders for alms, including the proper time and manner of asking.
  • Examining Food: Detailed instructions on how to inspect food for hidden defects or living beings before consumption.
  • Consumption of Food: Rules on how to eat food with mindfulness, avoiding waste, and preventing contamination.
  • Use of Utensils: Guidelines on the proper use, cleaning, and care of utensils (Patra) and other monastic equipment.
  • Monastic Community (Mandali): The practice of eating together in a group (Mandali) and the rules associated with it are discussed.
• Upadhi (Monastic Belongings): The text outlines the types of permissible belongings (Upadhi) for monks and nuns, categorizing them into Ogha Upadhi (essential items) and Upagrah Upadhi (items used for specific purposes like protection or during Vihāra). It details the quantity and quality of these items according to different levels of monastic practice (Jinkalpi, Sthavir Kalpi, Sadhvi).
• Padtlehana (Inspection): This is a central theme, with extensive explanations on the meticulous inspection of oneself, one's belongings, and one's surroundings to avoid harming any living beings. This includes:
  • Inspection of Belongings: Detailed procedures for inspecting clothes, utensils, brooms, mouth cloths (Muhapatti), and other essential items.
  • Inspection of the Body and Surroundings: Guidelines for inspecting one's own body, sitting places (Sthadila), and the path ahead.
  • Types of Defects: The text categorizes various defects to be avoided during inspection.
• Alochana and Prāyashchitta (Confession and Expiation): The importance of confessing any transgressions or mistakes to the Acharya or a qualified senior monk/nun and performing expiations (Prāyashchitta) is emphasized for purification.
• Purity of Conduct and Intention: The text consistently stresses that true adherence to Jain principles lies not just in external actions but in the purity of one's intentions, thoughts, and mental disposition (Bhava).
• Guidance for Different Types of Monastics: The teachings often differentiate between the practices of more advanced monks (like those following Jinkalpa), elder monks (Sthavir), and newly initiated monks, as well as nuns.
• The Role of the Acharya: The Acharya's guidance and authority are consistently highlighted as paramount in all aspects of monastic life.
• Illustrative Examples and Analogies: Throughout the text, analogies and stories are used to clarify complex concepts and ethical principles.

Key Principles Reinforced:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The overarching principle of Ahimsa is woven into every aspect of monastic life, from the way monks walk and eat to how they inspect their belongings.
• Mindfulness and Vigilance: Constant awareness and mindfulness are crucial for monks to avoid harming living beings and to uphold their vows.
• Respect for the Agamas: The text is presented as an exposition of the Agamas, emphasizing their divine origin and authority.
• Discipline and Restraint: The monastic life described is one of rigorous discipline, self-control, and adherence to rules.
• Spiritual Progress: All practices are ultimately aimed at purifying the soul, shedding karma, and achieving liberation (Moksha).

In essence, "Agam Deep 41A Ohanijjutti Gujarati Anuvaad" is a profound and comprehensive manual for Jain ascetics, providing meticulous guidance on every facet of their spiritual journey, rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Agamas and made accessible through insightful commentary.