Ched Suttani Aayar Dasa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ched Suttani Aayar Dasa" authored by Munishri Kanahaiyalalji Maharaj, published by Aagam Anyoug Prakashan, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Ched Suttani Aayar Dasa (छेद सुत्ताणि आयारदसा) Author: Munishri Kanahaiyalalji 'Kamal' (मुनि श्री कन्हैया लाल जी 'कमल') Publisher: Aagam Anyoug Prakashan (आगम अनुयोग प्रकाशन)

Overview and Significance:

The book presents the "Aayar Dasa," which is identified as the first of the four Cheda Sutras and is also known as "Dashashrutaskandha." The Cheda Sutras hold immense importance within Jain tradition as they are considered the key to Jain conduct and a treasure of Jain thought, upholding the dignity of Jain culture and the glory of Jain literature.

The primary purpose of the Cheda Sutras is to elucidate the principles of Charitranayacha (conduct) necessary for the realization of Shraman Dharma (the ascetic path), which is the essence of Jain culture. These texts delve into the subtle and intricate details of conduct, providing guidance for monks and nuns in navigating various situations, especially during challenging or adverse times. In essence, they serve as a guide for making correct decisions in complex circumstances.

Content and Structure of Aayar Dasa:

The Aayar Dasa, or Dashashrutaskandha, is structured into ten "Adhyayanas" (chapters or studies). These Adhyayanas cover a wide spectrum of ascetic life and its associated principles:

Adhyayana 1: Asamadhishthana Dasa (First Twenty Asamadhisthanas): This chapter details twenty "Asamadhisthanas," which are states or actions that lead to a disturbed or agitated state of mind, hindering spiritual progress. The text lists them, starting with acting hastily, being unmindful of proper conduct (apramarjita-chari), improper conduct (duṣpramarjita-chari), possessing excessive bedding and seating, speaking disrespectfully to seniors, harming living beings or the elements, harboring anger and envy, backbiting, speaking with certainty, creating discord, eating throughout the day, initiating conflicts, engaging in improper study at the wrong time, carrying defiled items, making noise, causing dissension, and engaging in improper begging. The core principle is to cultivate a peaceful and tranquil mind (Samadhi) by avoiding these Asamadhisthanas.
Adhyayana 2: Sabala Dasa (Twenty-one Sabala Doshas): This section outlines twenty-one "Sabala Doshas" or "blemishes" in conduct. These are actions that compromise the purity of the ascetic vows, like engaging in manual labor, practicing sexual misconduct, eating forbidden foods (like food prepared at night or specifically for a monk, or food obtained by theft or unfair means), repeatedly breaking and renewing vows, moving from one monastic community to another within specified timeframes, touching water or earth with impure intentions, engaging in improper conduct with living beings or prohibited substances, and consuming forbidden foods like roots, bulbs, stems, bark, fruits, seeds, and green vegetables. These doshas highlight the meticulousness required in ascetic life.
Adhyayana 3: Ashatana Dasa (Thirty-three Ashatana's): This chapter describes thirty-three "Ashatana's," which refer to acts of disrespect or improper behavior towards seniors (Ratnadhikarins – those who possess the gems of knowledge, perception, and conduct) or towards the principles of Jainism. This includes walking ahead of, beside, or too close to a senior monk, sitting or standing improperly in their presence, initiating conversation before them, showing them what one has received without their permission, offering them food without their invitation, taking food without their permission, and speaking disrespectfully or falsely to them. The emphasis is on upholding the honor and respect due to the venerable ones.
Adhyayana 4: Ganisampada Dasa (Eightfold Prosperity of a Ganadhara): This chapter defines the eight qualities that constitute the "prosperity" or excellence of a Ganadhara (the chief disciple who leads a monastic community). These are: Acharasampada (excellence in conduct), Shrutasampada (excellence in scriptural knowledge), Sharirasampada (excellence in physical well-being and form), Vachanasampada (excellence in speech), Vachanasampada (excellence in teaching/recitation), Matisampada (excellence in intellectual understanding), Prayogasampada (excellence in application/practical use), and Sangraha-Parignanasampada (excellence in comprehensive understanding and collection). Each of these qualities is further elaborated upon, highlighting the multifaceted excellence required of a leader of the monastic order.
Adhyayana 5: Chittasamadhisthana Dasa (Ten Places of Mental Equanimity): This study focuses on ten states or practices that lead to mental equanimity and concentration, essential for spiritual progress. These include developing faith in Dharma, gaining recollection of past lives (Jatismaran), experiencing auspicious dreams, having divine visions, developing clairvoyance (Avadhijnana), clairvoyant perception (Avadhidarsana), telepathic knowledge (Manahparyayanana), omniscience (Kevalajnana), omni-perception (Kevaladarsana), and achieving liberation (Moksha) through the cessation of suffering. The text explains how cultivating these states leads to the ultimate goal of liberation.
Adhyayana 6: Upasaka Pratima Dasa (Eleven Stages of a Lay Follower): This chapter outlines the eleven progressive stages of spiritual development for a lay follower (Upasaka). These stages begin with Darshan-pratima (faith in the Tirthankaras and their teachings), followed by stages of increasing adherence to vows like Vrat-pratima (observing vows), Samayika-pratima (observing equanimity), Paushadha-pratima (observing fasts), and gradually progressing towards stricter disciplines like Brahma-charya-pratima (celibacy), Chittasamadhi (mental equanimity), and culminating in Shraman-bhuta-pratima (becoming almost like an ascetic). These stages provide a structured path for householders to progress spiritually.
Adhyayana 7: Bhikshu Pratima Dasa (Twelve Stages of a Monk): This section details the twelve progressive stages of spiritual discipline for a monk (Bhikshu). These stages are primarily based on the duration of specific vows and practices, ranging from monthly observances (Masika Bhikshu Pratima) to longer periods like six-monthly (Ṣanmasika Bhikshu Pratima) and up to annual commitments. It also includes stages related to specific observances like Sapta-ratri-diva (seven days and nights) and Aho-ratriki (day and night) practices. The text elaborates on the specific rules and conduct associated with each stage, emphasizing the progressive refinement of the ascetic's discipline.
Adhyayana 8: Paryushana Kalpa Dasa: This study focuses on the Paryushana Kalpa, a significant period in the Jain year observed for spiritual purification. It details the commencement of the Varsaavas (monsoon retreat) after a specific period of the monsoon has passed, emphasizing the practices of monks and nuns during this retreat. It outlines regulations for staying within a defined area, rules for begging, dietary restrictions (especially regarding the consumption of certain milk-based products), regulations for tending to the sick, rules for seeking permission for various activities, guidelines for protecting oneself and others from subtle beings, and the importance of seeking permission from seniors before undertaking any action.
Adhyayana 9: Mohaniya Dasa (Thirty Mohaniya States): This chapter enumerates thirty "Mohaniya" states or actions that generate deluding karma, which further obscures right perception and knowledge. These are described as harmful actions that lead to intense attachment and aversion, causing great delusion. The text lists numerous examples, ranging from harming living beings in various ways (drowning, suffocating, burning, striking, deceiving, backbiting, false accusations) to actions that disrespect elders, scriptures, and the path of liberation. It emphasizes the severe karmic consequences of these actions.
Adhyayana 10: Ayati-Sthana Dasa (Ten Ayati or Nidana States): This final chapter discusses ten "Ayati" or "Nidana" states, which are desires or intentions related to future worldly enjoyments or attainments, often rooted in past karmic tendencies. These include aspirations for higher birth, wealth, power, or sensory pleasures. The text warns against harboring such desires, as they can tie the soul to the cycle of rebirth and suffering. It highlights the importance of focusing on spiritual liberation rather than worldly gains.

Editor's and Publisher's Contributions:

The book is presented as the 11th publication of Aagam Anyoug Prakashan. Munishri Kanahaiyalalji 'Kamal' is lauded for his meticulous editing and his insightful translation, making the complex Aayar Dasa accessible. His work includes detailed explanations and solutions to intricate questions of monastic conduct, drawing from ancient texts like Bhashya and Churni. The Foreword by Vijay Muni Shastri praises Munishri Kanahaiyalalji's dedication to Jain Agam literature and considers his commentary on the four Cheda Sutras to be a lasting and glorious contribution.

Overall Purpose:

The "Ched Suttani Aayar Dasa" serves as an indispensable guide for understanding the minutiae of Jain monastic life. It provides practical guidance and ethical frameworks for monks and nuns, emphasizing the importance of meticulous conduct, mental discipline, and unwavering devotion to the path of liberation. The book, through its detailed explanations, aims to equip aspiring ascetics with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of their spiritual journey and ultimately achieve the ultimate goal of Moksha.