Dashashrut Skandh Sutram - Book Summary

The "Dashashrut Skandh Sutram" (also referred to as "Dashashrut Skandh Sutram") is a significant Jain text authored by Ghasilal Maharaj, published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The provided catalog link and the content of the pages offer a comprehensive look into this work, specifically its commentary "Munishrini" by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj, and its Hindi-Gujarati translation and commentary by Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj.

Here's a summary of the key aspects and content of the "Dashashrut Skandh Sutram" as presented in the provided pages:

Core Nature and Purpose:

"Dashashrut Skandh Sutram": The title itself suggests a collection of "ten chapters" or "ten sections" of the sacred "Shru" (scripture). The text is considered the "trunk" of the great tree of scriptures, hence its name "Dashashrut Skandh".
Commentary "Munishrini": The work includes a detailed commentary named "Munishrini" by Ghasilal Maharaj, making the profound teachings accessible.
Objective: The primary purpose of this scripture and its commentary is to enable all beings to understand the sublime teachings of the Tirthankaras and progress towards moksha (liberation). It aims to help individuals detach from passions like attachment and aversion and move towards spiritual contemplation.

Structure and Content (Based on the Table of Contents and chapter summaries):

The text is structured into ten chapters (adhyan), each with a specific focus, often detailing spiritual concepts, ethical conduct, and the characteristics of enlightened beings and their followers. The content covers a wide range of Jain philosophy and practice:

Chapter 1: Ganpathan (Meaning: "The Foundation of the Assembly/Group" or "The Path to the Ganadhara"): Focuses on "Asamadhistan" (states of non-equanimity/agitation) and its twenty types. It emphasizes that until the mind achieves equanimity, efforts towards moksha are futile.
Chapter 2: Ravati (Meaning: "The Delightful" or "The Slayer of Defects"): Discusses "Shabal-dosh" (blemishes or faults in conduct), which are twenty-one in number. These are charitra-related faults that mar a monk's spiritual life.
Chapter 3: Ashatana (Meaning: "The Disrespectful" or "The Destroyer of Qualities"): Details "Ashatana" (disrespectful acts or omissions that harm virtues), which are thirty-three in number. These actions lead to the destruction of knowledge and other spiritual qualities.
Chapter 4: Ganisampada (Meaning: "The Wealth of the Learned/Acharyas"): Describes the "Ganisampada," which refers to the endowments and powers of the learned Acharyas, characterized by knowledge and other virtues. There are eight such endowments.
Chapter 5: Chittasamadhi (Meaning: "The Equanimity of the Mind"): Focuses on "Chittasamadhi," the state of mental equanimity achieved by those possessing Ganisampada. It has ten types. This state is crucial for progress on the path to moksha.
Chapter 6: Upasakpratima (Meaning: "The Vows/Stages of the Lay Follower"): Describes the twelve "Upasakpratima" (vows or stages of a lay follower), detailing the stages of spiritual progress for householders.
Chapter 7: Bhikshupati/Bhikshupatima (Meaning: "The Vows/Stages of the Ascetic/Mendicant"): Details the twelve "Bhikshupati" or "Bhikshupatima" (stages or conduct of an ascetic mendicant), outlining the rigorous path for monks.
Chapter 8: Parjushana/Mahavir Charitra (Meaning: "The Year of Asceticism" or "The Character of Mahavir"): Describes the character and life events of Bhagavan Mahavir Swami, particularly in relation to the Paryushan festival.
Chapter 9: Mahamahaniya Sthan (Meaning: "The Abodes of Great Delusion/Attachment"): Explains thirty types of "Mahamahaniya Karma" (karma leading to great delusion or attachment), which are obstacles to spiritual progress and must be renounced.
Chapter 10: Nidan Sthan (Meaning: "The Abodes of Vows/Resolutions"): Details nine types of "Nidan" (selfish or desire-driven vows made during penance for future worldly gains). The text strongly advises against making such vows, as they lead to further cycles of birth and death. The chapter also contrasts Nidan (nihilism) with Nidan (self-serving vows) and discusses the consequences of adopting such negative views.

Key Themes and Concepts Discussed:

Mindfulness and Equanimity: The importance of mental stability (Samadhi) and avoiding states of agitation (Asamadhistan) is a recurring theme, especially in the early chapters.
Ethical Conduct and Discipline: The text meticulously outlines various offenses and disrespects (Ashatana) and blemishes (Shabal-dosh) that can occur in the monastic and lay life, emphasizing the need for purity in conduct.
The Path to Liberation: The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, Moksha, is presented as achievable through the adherence to vows, disciplines, and the attainment of right knowledge, faith, and conduct.
The Role of the Acharya/Ganadhara: The importance of learned Acharyas (Ganis) and their virtues (Ganisampada) is highlighted as essential for guiding the spiritual community.
Lay Follower's Progress: The Upasakpratima (stages for lay followers) shows a progressive path of spiritual discipline for householders.
Monastic Life: The Bhikshupatima (stages for monks) elaborates on the severe austerities and conduct expected of mendicants.
The Teachings of Mahavir Swami: The eighth chapter specifically delves into the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami.
Consequences of Actions (Karma): The text implicitly and explicitly discusses the karmic repercussions of actions, particularly the negative consequences of indulging in Mohaniya Karma and making Nidan.
Importance of Right Faith and Conduct: The contrast between correct spiritual paths and the pitfalls of wrong views (Asamadhistan, Nidan) and actions is a central message.

Commentary and Translation:

The presence of the "Munishrini" commentary and the Hindi-Gujarati translation by Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj signifies a dedicated effort to make this ancient text accessible to a wider audience. This suggests a focus on scholarly interpretation and dissemination of Jain Agamas.

Publisher and Context:

The publisher, Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, indicates that this work is part of a larger project to revive and preserve Jain scriptures. The publication details (second edition, Veer Samvat 2486 / Vikram Samvat 2016 / 1960 AD) show its historical significance and the continued effort in its dissemination.

In essence, the "Dashashrut Skandh Sutram," with its comprehensive commentary and translations, serves as a profound guide for spiritual aspirants, detailing the principles of Jain conduct, the pitfalls to avoid, and the virtuous path towards ultimate liberation, emphasizing the critical role of mental equanimity and ethical discipline.