Dash Vaikalika Sutra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, based on the provided text.

Dashavaikalika Sutra: A Summary

The Dashavaikalika Sutra, meaning "The Ten Teachings" or "The Ten Chapters," is a foundational text within Jainism, particularly valued for its practical guidance on the conduct of ascetics (monks and nuns). Attributed to Acharya Shyyambhavya, the sutra is designed to impart essential principles of ascetic life in a concise manner, making it accessible even to those with ordinary intellect. The provided text is a Hindi translation and commentary of the sutra, made available by the Samyaggyan Pracharak Mandal, under the guidance of Acharya Hastimalji.

Core Objective and Content:

The primary goal of the Dashavaikalika Sutra is to equip aspiring ascetics with the necessary knowledge of ascetic conduct (Shramanachara) in a short period, enabling them to progress on the path of liberation. Unlike the more extensive Anga and other scriptural studies, which require considerable time and sharp intellect, the Dashavaikalika Sutra distills the essence of ascetic practice into ten chapters.

Structure and Key Themes of the Ten Chapters:

The sutra is structured into ten main chapters (adhyayana), each focusing on a crucial aspect of ascetic life:

First Chapter (Drumapushpika): Introduces the fundamental nature of Dharma (righteousness) as the highest auspiciousness. It emphasizes that Dharma is characterized by Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (self-control), and Tapas (austerity). Even celestial beings honor those whose minds are devoted to Dharma. The chapter uses the analogy of a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them to illustrate the ideal conduct of an ascetic in seeking alms.
Second Chapter (Shramanyapoorvaka): Focuses on the mastery of desires (Kama) as essential for practicing the life of an ascetic. It highlights that one who cannot conquer their desires is prone to instability and suffering. True renunciation is not merely external abstinence but a conscious detachment from worldly enjoyments, even when they are readily available.
Third Chapter (Kshullakachara Katha / Minor Ascetic Conduct): This chapter details various proscribed or "unpracticed" (anacharana) actions for ascetics, totaling 52 or 53 according to commentaries. These cover a wide range of conduct, from forbidden foods and activities like bathing, using perfumes, or wearing garlands, to prohibited actions like gambling, using umbrellas unnecessarily, engaging in certain medical practices, wearing footwear, or starting fires. The emphasis is on meticulous adherence to rules to avoid even the slightest harm to living beings and to maintain detachment.
Fourth Chapter (Shad-Jeevanikaya / The Six Types of Living Beings): Also known as "Dharma-Pragnapti," this chapter is fundamental to Jain ethics. It elucidates the existence of life in all elements: Earth (Prithvi-kaya), Water (Ap-kaya), Fire (Tej-kaya), Air (Vayu-kaya), Plants (Vanaspati-kaya), and mobile beings (Trikaya). It stresses the importance of protecting all these forms of life with utmost care in every action, thought, and speech, as all beings possess a life force. The chapter explains the multifaceted nature of these life forms and the subtle violence involved in interacting with them.
Fifth Chapter (Pindeshana / Alms-Seeking): This chapter meticulously outlines the rules and etiquette for ascetic alms-seeking. It covers how to approach households, what to accept and what to reject (e.g., alms prepared with specific intentions, alms that are corrupted or unwholesome), the importance of maintaining equanimity, avoiding contamination, and respecting the donor's generosity. It emphasizes the ascetic's detachment from food, even while depending on it for sustenance.
Sixth Chapter (Mahachara Katha / Major Ascetic Conduct): Expanding on the principles of conduct, this chapter details 18 significant aspects of an ascetic's life. These include adherence to the six vows (Mahavratas) and the protection of the six life-forms, as well as avoiding specific prohibited actions related to food, dwelling, and personal conduct. The chapter underscores that a lapse in any of these 18 areas can compromise the ascetic's overall practice.
Seventh Chapter (Vakya Shuddhi / Purity of Speech): This chapter focuses on the crucial aspect of right speech. It outlines how an ascetic should speak – truthfully, kindly, minimally, and constructively, while avoiding harsh, deceitful, or Gossip-mongering speech. It emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of words on oneself and others and the need for careful thought before speaking.
Eighth Chapter (Achar Pranidhi / Vigilance in Conduct): This chapter delves into the constant vigilance required in ascetic conduct. It highlights the need for mindfulness in all activities, from walking and eating to speaking and sleeping. It stresses the importance of equanimity, self-control, and living with minimal possessions (Aparigraha) to avoid attachment and its resultant sufferings.
Ninth Chapter (Vinaya Samadhi / Equanimity Through Humility): This chapter underscores the paramount importance of Vinaya (humility, respect, and adherence to teachings) in the spiritual path. It explains that true equanimity arises from respecting elders, scriptures, and teachings. It contrasts the consequences of Vinaya (leading to knowledge, virtue, and liberation) with Avinaya (disrespect), which leads to downfall and suffering.
Tenth Chapter (Sa Bhikshu / The True Ascetic): This chapter defines the qualities of an ideal ascetic (Bhikshu). It contrasts the outward appearance with the inner state, emphasizing that true asceticism is defined by virtues like non-attachment, contentment, equanimity, self-control, knowledge, and the practice of austerities. It outlines the path to liberation achieved through such conduct.

Chulikas (Appendages):

Following the ten chapters are two Chulikas:

First Chulika (Ratitvakya / Words of Delight): This section is said to be derived from Lord Simandhar Swami. It aims to rekindle a lost interest or wavering faith in the ascetic path. It provides profound reflections on the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate bliss of renunciation and spiritual pursuit, encouraging the ascetic to remain steadfast in their vows.
Second Chulika (Vivikta Charya / Solitary Conduct): This Chulika elaborates on the solitary and pure conduct of an ascetic. It emphasizes living a life free from worldly entanglements, avoiding company that might lead to spiritual decline, and diligently pursuing practices like meditation and scriptural study. It reinforces the idea of being self-reliant and maintaining an inward focus.

Editorial Context:

The provided text is a Hindi edition of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, published by Samyaggyan Pracharak Mandal. It features the original text, a Hindi verse translation, Anvayartha (word-by-word meaning), and Bhavartha (deeper meaning/explanation). The publication is under the patronage of Acharya Hastimalji M.S. and Acharya Tatsavayalji M.S., with a Hindi translation by Pandit Shashikant Jha. The publisher highlights the sutra's role in guiding ascetics and its importance for householders to understand and support the ascetic way of life. The edition also notes its multiple print runs, indicating its popularity and relevance.

Overall Significance:

The Dashavaikalika Sutra serves as a practical manual for Jain ascetics, offering detailed guidelines for ethical and spiritual conduct. It emphasizes the Jain principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and detachment from worldly desires, providing a clear path towards spiritual progress and liberation. The sutra's teachings are not only for ascetics but also offer valuable insights for lay followers on how to live a virtuous life and support those on the spiritual path.