Agam Sudha Sindhu Part 09

This document is the ninth volume of the Agam Sudha Sindhu, authored by Jinendravijay Gani and published by Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala. It is presented as a compilation and critical edition of various Jain Agam texts, specifically focusing on ethical and behavioral guidelines for Jain monks and nuns.

The book contains several key Agam texts, as indicated by the table of contents:

• Shri Nishith Sutram: This is the primary focus of this volume. The document contains extensive excerpts from this text, detailing numerous specific rules and prohibitions (known as sutras) that govern the conduct of Jain ascetics. These rules cover a wide range of situations and actions, providing strict guidelines on what is permissible and what is forbidden.
• Shri Panchakalp Bhashyam: This text appears to be a commentary or elaboration on some of the Agam rules.
• Shri Vyavahar Sutram: This section likely deals with the practical aspects and application of Jain monastic discipline.
• Shri Dashashrutkandh Sutram: This text probably focuses on the foundational principles and a broader understanding of the monastic path.
• Shri Jitkalp Sutram: This text might elaborate on the rules and prohibitions related to specific situations or conditions.
• Shri Bruhatkalp Sutram: This is another significant Jain Agam text, likely providing comprehensive rules for monastic life.

Key Themes and Content:

The provided pages (1-178, with some content from the later parts of the book, pages 244-292, also scanned) primarily focus on the Shri Nishith Sutram, detailing a vast array of specific injunctions and prohibitions for Jain monks. These cover detailed aspects of their daily lives, interactions, and practices. The rules are often very granular, addressing actions such as:

• Personal Hygiene and Care: Rules about cleaning oneself, using specific tools for ear cleaning, nail clipping, etc.
• Interactions and Behavior: Guidelines on speaking, interacting with laypeople, respecting elders, and maintaining proper conduct.
• Food and Drink: Strict regulations regarding what can be consumed, how it can be prepared, and who it can be accepted from.
• Possessions and Utensils: Rules about the use, ownership, and handling of various monastic articles.
• Movement and Travel: Guidelines on how and when monks can move, where they can stay, and their interactions during travel.
• Specific Prohibitions: Detailed prohibitions against actions like harming living beings (even unintentionally), touching certain things, using specific items in specific ways, or engaging in activities deemed impure or against ascetic principles.
• Penances and Expiations: The concluding part of the scanned text (Page 41-43, and later sections) seems to discuss expiations (prayahar) for breaking certain rules, indicating the meticulous nature of Jain disciplinary codes.

The text is written in a highly specific and technical language, using Prakrit or Sanskrit terms (evident from the script and terms like sutra, agam, * Muni*, Prakrit, etc.), and is presented with commentaries or glosses that are typical of scholastic religious texts. The inclusion of detailed verses (sutras) numbered sequentially and often accompanied by explanatory notes suggests a scholarly and pedagogical purpose.

The overarching aim of this volume, as part of the "Agam Sudha Sindhu" series, is to make these foundational Jain texts accessible and understandable, likely for Jain scholars, monks, and serious followers, to promote the understanding and practice of Jain principles. The publisher, Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, and the editors, including Pujyacharya Shri Vijayjinendrasurivar, indicate a lineage of respected Jain scholars dedicated to preserving and disseminating these sacred scriptures.

In essence, this volume of Agam Sudha Sindhu is a deep dive into the intricate and rigorous code of conduct prescribed by the Nishith Sutra for Jain ascetics, offering a comprehensive guide to their disciplined life.