Agam Suttani Satikam Part 23 Dashashrutskandh Aadi 3agams - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Suttani Satikam Part 23 Dashashrutskandh Aadi 3agams," based on the provided information:

Book Title: Āgam Suttāṇi (Saṭīkaṁ) Bhāg - 23: Daśāśrutaskandh - Chetsūtraṁ, Jītakalp - Chetsūtraṁ, Mahāniśīth - Chetsūtraṁ Author(s): Muni Dīpratnasāgar (also listed as Deepratnasagar) Publisher: Āgam Śrut Prakāśan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003327/1

Overall Summary:

This book, "Āgam Suttāṇi Satikam Part 23," is a Gujarati commentary (Saṭīkaṁ) on three significant Jain Āgams: the Daśāśrutaskandh, the Jītakalp, and the Mahāniśīth. These are considered "Chetsūtras," which deal with rules and regulations concerning monks, particularly focusing on conduct, transgressions, and expiations. The commentary is compiled and edited by Muni Dīpratnasāgar. The book aims to provide a detailed understanding of these foundational texts for Jain scholars and practitioners.

Key Āgams Covered and Their Content:

The book is structured around three primary Chedasūtras:

Daśāśrutaskandh (दशाश्रुतस्कन्ध-छेदसूत्रम्):
- This section of the Āgams details various states, stages, and practices relevant to ascetics.
- The provided table of contents highlights key topics like:
  - Asamādhi Sthānaṁ (असमाधि स्थानं): States of non-equanimity or mental disturbance, likely describing situations and internal states that lead to agitation.
  - Śabaladaśā (शबलदशा): Mixed or impure states, possibly referring to mixed emotions or situations that are not entirely pure or impure.
  - Upāsak Pratima (उपाशक प्रतिमा): Vows and stages of conduct for lay followers (Upāsaks).
  - Bhikṣu Pratima (भिक्षु प्रतिमा): Vows and stages of conduct for monks (Bhikṣus).
  - Paryūṣaṇā (पर्युषणा): The significance and practices during the Paryūṣaṇā period.
  - Mohanīya Sthānaṁ (मोहनिय स्थानं): States related to delusion or ignorance, and how to overcome them.
  - Nidāna (निदान): Vows or aspirations made with ulterior motives, often leading to future consequences.
  - Āśātanā (आशातना): Instances of disrespect or offense towards the right faith, the enlightened ones, the scriptures, or fellow ascetics.
  - Gaṇisampadā (गणिसम्पदा): Qualities and responsibilities of a Gaṇi (a learned monk who leads a congregation).
- The commentary likely elaborates on these concepts, providing rules, exceptions, and the philosophical underpinnings of each practice.
Jītakalp - Chetsūtraṁ (जीतकल्प - छेदसूत्रम्):
- This Chedasūtra focuses on rules related to monastic life, possibly detailing disciplinary measures, expiations, and the conduct of monks.
- The table of contents indicates:
  - Śalya Uddharaṇaṁ (शल्य उद्धरणं): Removal of inner impurities or mental afflictions that hinder spiritual progress.
  - Karma Vivākaṁ (कर्मविपाक): The fruition or consequences of actions (karma).
  - Kula Lakṣaṇaṁ (कुल लक्षणं): Characteristics of lineages or spiritual successions.
  - Kuśīl Saṁsarga (कुशील संसर्ग): Association with or the influence of those who have fallen from righteous conduct or are spiritually deficient.
  - Tapa Prayaścitaṁ (तप प्रायश्चित्तं): Atonement through austerities.
  - Pratisēvanā (प्रति सेवना): Rules regarding serving or attending to others, possibly with specific conditions.
  - Ched - Prayaścitaṁ (छेद - प्रायश्चित्तं): Expiations related to specific serious transgressions that might lead to expulsion from the order.
  - Mūla - Prayaścitaṁ (मूल - प्रायश्चित्तं): Fundamental expiations for various offenses.
  - Pārāścita Prayaścitaṁ (पाराश्चित प्रायश्चित्त): Expiations for the most severe transgressions that can lead to the downfall of one's spiritual practice.
- The commentary likely explains these disciplinary codes in detail, offering guidance on how monks should navigate the complexities of monastic rules and atonement.
Mahāniśīth - Chetsūtraṁ (महानिशीथ - छेदसूत्रम्):
- The Mahāniśīth is known as a highly detailed and profound text within the Chedasūtras, often considered particularly significant for its intricate discussions on expiations and the subtle aspects of monastic discipline.
- The table of contents suggests:
  - Navanata Sāraṁ (नवनत-सारं): The essence of nine types of practices or states.
  - Gītārtha Vibhāraṁ (गीतार्थविहारं): Conduct or lifestyle of those who understand the meaning of the scriptures.
  - Ekānta Nirjarā (एकांत निर्जरा): Solitary or exclusive practices for the shedding of karma.
  - Suṣaḍha Aṅgārakathā (सुषढ अनगारकथा): Stories or teachings related to ascetics, possibly highlighting exemplary conduct or wisdom.
- This section likely delves into very specific situations faced by monks, providing detailed expiations and ethical guidance for maintaining purity of conduct.

Commentary (Saṭīkaṁ):

The "Saṭīkaṁ" in the title indicates that the book provides a commentary on the original Āgama texts. Muni Dīpratnasāgar, the author and editor, has likely provided explanations, interpretations, and possibly additional context to make the ancient and profound teachings of these Chedasūtras accessible to contemporary readers. The commentary is based on the "Niyukti" (glossary or commentary) by Bhadrabāhu Swāmi and "Chūrṇi" (a detailed explanation) by Jīndās Mahattar, as indicated on page 6.

Structure and Content:

Pages 1-2: Title pages, dedications, and introductory information, including the author and publisher.
Page 3: A detailed table of contents (viṣayānukram) for each of the three Āgams, listing the topics and their corresponding page numbers. This clearly outlines the scope of the volume.
Page 4 onwards: The book then proceeds with the actual text, starting with the Daśāśrutaskandh, followed by Jītakalp, and then Mahāniśīth, each with Muni Dīpratnasāgar's commentary. The provided excerpts (Pages 6-27) give a glimpse into the detailed analysis, including explanations of terms, concepts, and the reasoning behind the monastic rules.

Key Themes and Significance:

Monastic Discipline (Chedaṣūtra): The primary focus is on the strict rules and ethical guidelines for Jain monks and nuns.
Purity of Conduct: The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed to progress spiritually.
Expiations (Prāyaścitta): A significant portion of the Chedasūtras deals with the specific atonements and penances required for various transgressions or lapses in conduct.
Understanding the Āgamas: The commentary aims to make these ancient and sometimes complex texts understandable to modern readers, bridging the gap between historical doctrine and contemporary practice.
Spiritual Progress: Ultimately, the goal of adhering to these rules and practices is to purify the soul and progress towards liberation (mokṣa).

Commentator:

Muni Dīpratnasāgar is presented as the reviser and editor, indicating a scholarly effort to present these texts accurately and with helpful commentary. The dedications on page 4 show the book is supported by various individuals and organizations, reflecting the importance of these scriptures in the Jain tradition.

In essence, this book serves as a vital resource for understanding the foundational disciplinary and ethical texts of Jain monasticism, elucidated through the insightful commentary of Muni Dīpratnasāgar.