Bruhatkalp Sutram Pithika Part 01

The provided text is the first part of the Bruhatkalpa Sutra Pithika, edited by Vijayashilandrasuri and Rupendrakumar Pagariya, and published by the Prakrit Granth Parishad in Ahmedabad in 2008. The Bruhatkalpa Sutra is an important che dasutra (a category of Jain scriptures dealing with disciplinary rules) that outlines the conduct, restrictions, and atonements for Jain monks and nuns. This volume focuses on the introductory sections (pithika) of this text.

The preface highlights the significance of the Bruhatkalpa Sutra within Jain monasticism and Indian culture. It positions Jainism as a shraman (ascetic) culture that emphasizes the ascetic way of life as superior to the domestic life valued in Brahmanic culture. The text is described as achar pradhan (ethics-oriented) and its exponents are considered Vitaraga purush (those free from passions).

The Agamas (Jain scriptures) are categorized into eleven angas, twelve upangas, ten prakirnakas, six mula sutras, and six che dasutras. The che dasutras, including the Bruhatkalpa Sutra, are considered crucial for analyzing Jain monastic conduct and prescribing rules for various situations, including exceptions (apavada) to general rules (utsarga). The che dasutras are described as having profound spiritual insights and are restricted to qualified disciples due to their complexity and potential for misinterpretation. Knowledge of these texts is essential for those who administer discipline, known as shrutavyavaharis.

The Bruhatkalpa Sutra itself is detailed as containing six chapters (uddeshakas) with 81 sections (adhikaras) and 206 sutras. The first chapter, for instance, discusses rules regarding the acceptance of certain food items like tal-pralamb (palm fruit), prohibitions on consuming unripe or unprocessed palm fruit and roots, and the acceptance of processed palm fruit. It also describes various types of settlements like villages, towns, and capitals, with specific rules for monks and nuns regarding their accommodation and conduct in relation to the environment and inhabitants.

The text also introduces the commentaries on the Bruhatkalpa Sutra:

• Niryukti: Composed by Shrutakevali Shribhadravahuswami, these are verses that explain the core meanings of the sutras.
• Bhashya: The Bruhatkalpa Laghubhashya is attributed to Acharya Sanghdasgani Kshamasramana. Despite being a "short commentary," it is extensive, containing 6490 verses and incorporating many niryukti verses.
• Churni: The Bruhatkalpa Churni is described as a concise explanation of the original sutra and its laghubhashya. Its author is unknown. The preface mentions that the churni begins with a section similar to the Dashashrutaskandha Churni, suggesting a possible common author. It also notes that the churni is rich in cultural data and discusses Jain monasticism.
• Visheshachurni: This commentary follows the churni and further clarifies points that are ambiguous in the original. Its author is also unknown, and this particular edition is incomplete.

The preface acknowledges the editors, Acharya Vijayashilandrasuri and Pt. Rupendrakumar Pagariya, for their diligent work in editing the curni-type commentary, which was previously unpublished. The Prakrit Text Society expresses gratitude for their contribution to Prakrit studies.

The volume includes a detailed list of contents and acknowledgments. The editors and publishers express their gratitude to individuals and organizations who supported the publication financially. The text also mentions the meticulous process of editing, which involved comparing several ancient manuscript copies (tadpatriya prati), highlighting the dedication to accuracy and textual integrity. The preface concludes with the hope that this publication will be valuable for scholars of Prakrit and Jainism.