Dasha Shrutskandh Sutram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dasha Shrutskandh Sutram" by Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Dasha Shrutskandh Sutram (दशा श्रुतस्कन्धसूत्रम्) Author: Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj (आचार्य श्री आत्माराम जी म. सा.) Publisher: Aatmaram Jain Dharmarth Samiti, Delhi / Padam Prakashan, Narela, Delhi

Overview:

The Dasha Shrutskandh Sutram is a significant Jain scripture that, as the title suggests, is structured into ten "Dashas" (sections or chapters). Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, a prominent Jain monk and scholar, provided a detailed Hindi commentary and translation for this text. The book aims to elaborate on the principles of Jain conduct, ethics, knowledge, and spiritual practices, often drawing upon the teachings of the venerable elders (Sthaviras) and Lord Mahavir.

Key Themes and Content:

The text is a comprehensive guide to spiritual progress within the Jain tradition, emphasizing the importance of proper conduct and overcoming obstacles to achieve spiritual liberation. The ten Dashas cover a wide range of topics:

Prathama Dasha (First Section):
- Focus: Begins with the invocation "Sutam me" ("I have heard"), highlighting the importance of learned knowledge (Shruta Jnana) and the pauruseya (human-authored) nature of scriptures as transmitted by enlightened beings, not divinely dictated.
- Key Concepts: Discusses the concept of "Asamādhi Sthāna" (States of Disquietude) – twenty such states are described. It also introduces the concept of "Shabala Dosha" (Faults of Intermingling/Defects), which hinder spiritual progress.
- Ethical Principles: Emphasizes the importance of proper conduct in movement, speech, and thought to avoid causing harm and to maintain inner peace.
Dwitiya Dasha (Second Section):
- Focus: Expands on the concept of "Shabala Dosha" – twenty-one specific faults that disrupt spiritual equanimity.
- Ethical Conduct: Details various conduct-related virtues like "Achar Sampat" (Wealth of Conduct) and "Shruta Sampat" (Wealth of Learned Knowledge). It emphasizes "Vinaya" (Respectful Conduct) towards elders and teachers, outlining different types of vinaya like dosha-nirghatana vinaya (removing faults through guidance).
- Obstacles to Peace: Discusses what leads to "Asamādhi" (Lack of Peace) and "Shabala Dosha" in detail.
Tritiya Dasha (Third Section):
- Focus: Deals with "Aashatana" (Offenses/Insults) against Jain principles, elders, or scriptures – thirty-three such offenses are described.
- Importance of Vinaya: Highlights the four types of "Vinaya-Shiksha" (Lessons in Respectful Conduct) that an Acharya imparts to a disciple and the four types of "Vinaya-Pratipatti" (Reception of Respectful Conduct) expected from a disciple.
- Practical Guidance: Offers guidance on "Upakarana Utpadana" (Production of Utensils/Supplies) and "Sahayata-Vinaya" (Helpful Conduct).
Chaturtha Dasha (Fourth Section):
- Focus: Describes "Gani Sampat" (Qualities of a Leader/Scholar) – eight essential virtues for a spiritual leader.
- Spiritual Practices: Discusses "Dharma Chintana" (Contemplation on Dharma) and other forms of spiritual concentration.
- Ethical Framework: Outlines eight types of "Sampada" (Qualities/Assets) of a Gani, including conduct, learned knowledge, physical well-being, speech, teaching, intellect, practice, and collection/understanding.
Panchama Dasha (Fifth Section):
- Focus: Centers on "Chitta Samadhi" (Mental Equanimity/Concentration) – ten states of mental concentration are described.
- Spiritual States: Discusses various levels of spiritual insight, including "Jati-smarana Jnana" (Recollection of Past Lives), "Satya-Swapna" (True Dreams), "Deva-Darshana" (Vision of Deities), "Avadhi-Darshana" (Clairvoyant Vision), "Mano-Paryav-Jnana" (Telepathic Knowledge), and "Kevala-Jnana" (Omniscience).
- Conduct: Details the conduct of a Jain monk and the proper way to beg for alms.
Shashthi Dasha (Sixth Section):
- Focus: Describes the eleven "Upaasaka Pratimas" (Vows/Stages of a Layperson).
- Ethical Framework for Laypeople: Provides a detailed explanation of the eleven vows that lay Jains can gradually undertake to progress spiritually.
- Rejection of Atheism: Critiques "Akriyavadi" (Atheistic/Action-Denying views) and presents the "Kriyavadi" (Theistic/Action-affirming views).
Saptami Dasha (Seventh Section):
- Focus: Details the twelve "Bhikshu Pratimas" (Stages/Vows of a Monk).
- Monastic Discipline: Outlines the specific disciplines and conduct expected of Jain monks at different stages of their spiritual journey, including rules for begging, dwelling, and interacting with others.
- Specific Conduct: Details rules for monks regarding moving, speaking, eating, and their dwelling places, including how to handle situations like illness or the presence of others in their abode.
Ashtami Dasha (Eighth Section):
- Focus: Known as "Paryushana Kalpa" (The Period of Intensive Spiritual Practice), it describes the period of retreat and increased spiritual discipline, particularly during the monsoon season.
- Lord Mahavir's Life: Details the five auspicious events (Kalyanaka) of Lord Mahavir's life and the constellations associated with them.
- Spiritual Significance: Emphasizes the importance of this period for spiritual purification and progress.
Navami Dasha (Ninth Section):
- Focus: Explores the "Moha Sthana" (States of Delusion/Attachment) – thirty such states are described.
- Overcoming Delusion: Highlights how to overcome these states, which hinder spiritual progress, and emphasizes the importance of celibacy, detachment, and controlling the senses.
- Ethical Conduct: Details specific actions and attitudes that lead to these deluded states, providing guidance on how to avoid them.
Dashama Dasha (Tenth Section):
- Focus: Discusses "Nidana Karma" (Actions with a specific desire for future benefit) and its consequences.
- Consequences of Nidana: Explains how performing religious acts with the desire for worldly or heavenly pleasures leads to rebirth and continued suffering.
- Spiritual Aspiration: Emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment to results and with the sole aim of spiritual liberation. It also touches upon the different types of knowledge and their attainment.

Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj's Contribution:

The text is presented with Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj's valuable Hindi commentary, which includes:

Sanskrit Shadow (Sanskrit Chhaya): Providing the original Sanskrit text.
Word-by-word meaning (Padarthanvaya): Explaining the literal meaning of each word.
Core Meaning (Mulārtha): Presenting the fundamental essence of the verses.
Hindi Language Commentary (Hindi Bhasha Teeka): Offering a detailed explanation and interpretation of the sutras.

His life details are also provided, highlighting his birth in 1536 Vikram Samvat (1636), his spiritual gurus, his attainment of Acharya pada in 2003 Vikram Samvat (2003), and his lifespan of 76 years. He is described with titles such as "Jain Dharmadivakar" (Sun of Jain Dharma) and "Jaināgamratnākar" (Ocean of Jain Agamas).

Key Message:

The Dasha Shrutskandh Sutram, through its ten-fold structure, provides a systematic and practical approach to living a virtuous Jain life. It emphasizes the journey of the soul through various stages of conduct and spiritual development, offering guidance on overcoming obstacles and cultivating inner peace, ultimately leading to liberation. The commentary by Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj makes these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience.