Das Mahanisiha Sutta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Das Mahānisīha-Sutta" by Dr. Walther Schubring, based on the translated content:

Overall Scope and Significance:

This work by Dr. Walther Schubring presents a detailed analysis and summary of the Jain text "Das Mahānisīha-Sutta" (The Great Night Sutra). Schubring's study aims to introduce the text and its content to a broader audience, acknowledging the current unavailability of a complete critical edition. The book delves into the structure, themes, historical context, linguistic features, and doctrinal aspects of the Mahānisīha-Sutta, a significant work within the Jain canon.

Key Findings and Content:

1. Introduction and Historical Context:

   • Schubring begins by referencing earlier works on the Mahānisīha-Sutta, primarily those of Weber. He highlights the limitations of existing manuscript resources in Berlin and gratefully acknowledges the accessibility of manuscripts from the Deccan College Library in Poona, which provided a more thorough overview of the text.
   • He notes the existence of multiple recensions (vacana) of the text, differing in length, and traces information back to historical Jain catalogs.
   • The author emphasizes the Mahānisīha-Sutta's self-referential nature, citing passages within the text that describe its own composition, revisions, and the esteemed scholars who engaged with it.

2. Self-Referential Statements and Authorship Claims:

   • The text makes claims about its own origin, suggesting it was compiled or revised by prominent Jain scholars. Schubring critically examines these claims, noting how they progress from acknowledging the source text's potential flaws to attributing specific revisions to named individuals or assemblies.
   • He specifically discusses the involvement of Haribhadra and the potential inconsistencies in accounts of his engagement with the Mahānisīha. Schubring also questions the veracity of the lengthy list of revered scholars attributed to the work, suggesting it might be a later attempt to bolster the text's prestige.

3. Structure and Content of the Mahānisīha-Sutta:

   • The Mahānisīha-Sutta is divided into eight chapters (ajjhuyana), with their titles listed:
     1. Salluddharana (Extraction of the Thorn/Arrow)
     2. Kamma-vivāga-vāgarana (Explanation of the Results of Karma)
     3. Navanīyasāra (Essence of Newness)
     4. Unnamed
     5. Durālas'anga-suyanānasga Navanīya-sāra (The Navanīya-sāra of the Durālas'anga-suyanānasga)
     6. Giyatthavihāra (Living in the World/The Good Life)
     7. Cūliyā padhamā (First Minor Part)
     8. Bīyā cūliyā (Second Minor Part)
   • The chapters are further broken down into sections (uddessa) and involve specific fasting observances (āyambilo). The text details the number of days required for study, totaling 43 days plus additional days for summaries.
   • Detailed Chapter Summaries: Schubring provides a chapter-by-chapter summary of the Mahānisīha-Sutta's content:
     • Chapter 1 (Salluddharana): Focuses on the importance of unreserved confession (beichte) for spiritual progress, highlighting the negative consequences of concealing sins. It discusses various types of hidden sins and the purifying effect of confession.
     • Chapter 2 (Kamma-vivāga-vāgarana): Deals with the consequences of actions (karma), describing the suffering experienced by all beings, including gods. It illustrates the effects of deeds like killing, lying, stealing, and attachment to possessions, linking them to different rebirths.
     • Chapter 3 (Navanīyasāra): Introduces the concept of the "good monk" (kusila) and the negative influence of associating with such individuals. It discusses the characteristics of good and bad spiritual communities (gaccha) and teachers. It also includes a detailed exposition of the "respect fasting" (uvahana) and the five-part auspicious chant (pañca-mangala).
     • Chapter 4: Contains legends and warnings about negative associations.
     • Chapter 5 (Navanīya-sāra): Focuses on the concept of the Gaccha (spiritual community) and the qualities of good and bad teachers and communities. It also discusses the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of adhering to vows.
     • Chapter 6 (Giyatthavihāra): Explores various aspects of monastic life, including the dangers of suicide, the importance of adherence to rules, and the consequences of neglecting penance. It also touches upon the efficacy of penance and the proper procedures for confession.
     • Chapter 7 (Cūliyā padhamā): Details the pacchitta-sutta (penance sutra), emphasizing its significance and the consequences of its neglect. It outlines various transgressions and their prescribed punishments.
     • Chapter 8 (Bīyā cūliyā): Continues the discussion on penance and its varied applications. It includes narratives illustrating the importance of sincere confession and adherence to the teacher's guidance, along with discussions on karma and rebirth.

4. Inclusions and Insertions:

   • Schubring identifies several "insertions" within the text, meaning sections that appear to be from different sources or added later, based on linguistic and stylistic differences. These include discussions on sexual feelings, the "respect fasting," and descriptions of teachers and communities.
   • He notes the presence of Sanskrit and other influences within the text.

5. Linguistic Analysis:

   • A significant portion of the study is dedicated to a linguistic analysis of the Mahānisīha-Sutta. Schubring meticulously examines the language, identifying features of Ardhamagadhi (AMg.) and Jain Mahārāṣṭri (JM.) Prakrit, and determining that the text generally aligns with JM. but shows AMg. influences.
   • He details specific grammatical features, including noun declensions (particularly the nominative singular masculine ending in '-e' and '-o'), verb conjugations, and word formation.
   • He observes a tendency towards a neutral gender for masculine nouns and a general carelessness regarding grammatical gender.

6. Dogmatic and Disciplinary Aspects:

   • The Mahānisīha-Sutta addresses various dogmatic and disciplinary matters, including the classification of beings, the nature of suffering, the hierarchy of spiritual beings, and the rules of monastic conduct.
   • Schubring highlights the text's emphasis on confession, penance, and adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
   • He notes the text's unique approach to certain prohibitions, particularly concerning water, fire, and sexuality, suggesting a possible departure from earlier canonical interpretations.

7. Canonical Status and Historical Placement:

   • Schubring critically evaluates the Mahānisīha-Sutta's claim to canonical status, concluding that it likely does not hold true canonical authority.
   • He argues that its language, structure, and content suggest a later origin, placing it after the completion of the core Jain canon and the commentaries by prominent scholars like Haribhadra.
   • He points to the text's engagement with post-canonical literature and its perceived doctrinal peculiarities as evidence against its early canonical status.

Conclusion:

Dr. Walther Schubring's work provides an invaluable scholarly examination of the Mahānisīha-Sutta. It offers a detailed overview of its complex content, analyzes its linguistic and structural characteristics, and critically assesses its historical and canonical position within Jainism. The study highlights the text's emphasis on confession, karma, and monastic discipline, while also shedding light on its later compilation and potential deviations from earlier Jain traditions.