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Avashyak Sutram

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Avashyak Sutram

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Avashyak Sutram," based on the pages you've shared:

Book Title: Avashyak Sutram Author(s): Kanhaiyalal Maharaj (as the organizer/editor), P.P. Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj (author of the commentary) Publisher: A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Avashyak Sutram" is a fundamental Jain text that outlines essential daily religious duties and practices. The text, as presented in this volume, is presented with a commentary by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj titled "Muni Toshani," and includes translations and explanations in Hindi and Gujarati. The primary goal is to guide Jains, particularly lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas), in understanding and performing their essential religious obligations, which are considered "Avashyak" (necessary).

Key Themes and Structure:

  1. Invocation (Page 1):

    • The text begins with the universal Jain invocation: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhnam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sahunam." This is followed by the statement that this Panch Namaskara mantra is destructive of all sins and is the foremost among all auspicious things.

  2. Editorial and Commendatory Section (Pages 2-28):

    • Publication Project (Page 2): Mentions the "Jinaagam Prakashan Yojana" and credits Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj for the commentary. Shri Chandra P. Doshi, PhD, is credited as the planner.
    • Publisher Information (Page 5): Details the publisher as "Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti," with Shri Shantilal Mangaldasbhai Mahoday as the head. It also notes this is the second edition.
    • Appeal to Society (Page 6): An appeal is made to the community for support in this significant work of reviving scriptures, emphasizing that this is a collective effort transcending regional or sectarian differences.
    • Testimonials and Endorsements (Pages 7-28): A significant portion of the initial pages consists of numerous testimonials and endorsements from prominent Jain scholars, Acharyas, Mahasatjis, professors, and lay leaders from various Jain sects and regions. These commend the work of Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj and the Shastroddhar Samiti for their efforts in compiling, commenting on, and publishing these scriptures. They highlight the clarity, depth, and scholarly value of the commentary and translations, emphasizing their importance for the spiritual upliftment of the Jain community and the preservation of sacred knowledge. Many of these endorsements specifically praise the efforts to make complex scriptures accessible to the common person.

  3. "Avashyak Sutram" Content Breakdown (Pages 28 onwards):

    • Subject Index (Page 28): Lists the main subjects covered in the Avashyak Sutram:

      1. Prastavana (Introduction)
      2. Namaskaramantravyakhya (Explanation of the Namaskara Mantra)
      3. Samayikam (Samayika)
      4. Chaturvinshtitstavah (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras)
      5. Vandana (Salutation/Respect to Gurus)
      6. Pratikramanam (Pratikramana)
      7. Kayotsargah (Kayotsarga)
      8. Pratyakhyanam (Pratyakhyana)
      9. Gujarati Parishisht (Gujarati Appendix)

    • Detailed Exposition of the Avashyak Duties (Pages 29-92):

      • Introduction (Prastavana) (Pages 29-41): Explains the nature of suffering in the world and the path to liberation through right knowledge and right conduct (Dravya and Bhava). It emphasizes the importance of understanding and performing the six essential duties (Avashyakas) for spiritual progress. It stresses that these duties are not merely ritualistic but require proper understanding and heartfelt intention to yield their full benefits.
      • Explanation of the Six Essential Duties:
        1. Samayika (Pages 47-53): Discusses the practice of equanimity, non-violence in thought, word, and deed, and the renunciation of all sinful activities. It highlights Samayika as the foundation for spiritual progress, leading to liberation.
        2. Chaturvinshtitstavah (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras) (Pages 58-65): Details the praise of the 24 Tirthankaras, outlining their names, virtues, and the philosophical significance of their lives and teachings. It emphasizes the devotional aspect and the role of remembering their exemplary lives for spiritual purification and upliftment.
        3. Vandana (Salutation to Gurus) (Pages 66-70): Explains the importance of respecting and saluting one's spiritual preceptors (Gurus) as a fundamental step in acquiring knowledge and progressing on the spiritual path. It describes the proper etiquette and procedures for bowing and showing respect.
        4. Pratikramana (Repentance and Purification) (Pages 68-78): This is a central and extensive part of the Avashyak. It explains the concept of Pratikramana as a process of undoing (pratikram) past mistakes and purifying oneself. It details the various types of Pratikramana (daily, nightly, fortnightly, monthly, yearly) and the specific transgressions (Aticharas) that need to be repented for, related to the five vows (Mahavratas), five Samitis (careful conduct), three Guptis (restraint), and various other rules of conduct. The text meticulously lists and explains numerous categories of potential offenses (Aticharas) related to various aspects of a monk's (and by extension, a layperson's) life, including physical actions, speech, thoughts, adherence to vows, and interaction with the world, explaining how to perform Pratikramana to seek forgiveness and purify oneself. The concept of "Mischaami Dukkrutam" is explained as the core of this repentance.
        5. Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body/Self-Reflection) (Pages 70-80): Describes Kayotsarga as a practice of physical stillness and self-reflection, often performed during Pratikramana. It emphasizes detachment from the body and concentration on the self and the principles of Jainism. It details various physical postures and the mental state required for effective Kayotsarga.
        6. Pratyakhyana (Renunciation/Abstinence) (Pages 80-85): Explains the practice of renouncing or limiting certain activities and possessions for a specific period or permanently. It outlines various types of vows and renunciations, including fasting (Upvas), limiting consumption, and abstaining from certain actions, all aimed at reducing attachment and karmic inflow.

    • Gujarati Appendix (Pages 105-111):

      • Vows and their Transgressions: This section provides the Gujarati text for the twelve vows of a Shravak (lay follower) and lists the five transgressions (Aticharas) associated with each vow. This is a practical guide for lay Jains to observe their vows properly.

Significance and Contribution:

  • Accessibility: The commentary by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj, along with the translations and explanations, makes the profound and often complex Avashyak Sutra accessible to a wider audience.
  • Spiritual Guidance: The text serves as a comprehensive guide for Jains to understand and practice their essential religious duties, which are considered vital for spiritual progress and liberation.
  • Scholarly Work: The book is a result of extensive research and compilation by scholars, ensuring accuracy and depth in presenting the Jain teachings.
  • Community Unification: The collective effort and widespread endorsements suggest that this publication is a unifying force within the Sthanakwasi Jain community, promoting scriptural study and adherence.

In essence, the "Avashyak Sutram" presented here is a vital religious manual for Jains, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, made comprehensible and actionable through scholarly commentary and translation, and supported by the entire community.