Dashashrutskandh Sutra - Book Summary

This document is an in-depth analysis of the Dashashrutskandh Sutra, a significant Jain scripture. Here's a comprehensive summary of its key aspects:

1. Importance and Classification:

The Dashashrutskandh Sutra (also known as Aachar Dashaa) is one of the four primary Chedasutras (scriptures dealing with disciplinary rules and expiations) recognized by the Sthanakvasi and Terapanth sects of Jainism. The Shvetambara Murtipujaka sect recognizes six Chedasutras, including the Mahānishitha and Jitakalpa in addition to these four.
Chedasutras hold a special place in Jain scriptures because they delineate the fundamental and exceptional rules of conduct for ascetics (shramanas) and, secondarily, for lay followers (shramanopasakas).

2. Etymology and Meaning of "Cheda":

The word "Cheda" is derived from the Sanskrit root "chid" (to cut, pierce). Its literal meanings include cutting, falling, breaking, tearing apart, removing, destroying, clearing, and cessation.
In Jain tradition, "Cheda" primarily refers to a type of prayaschitta (expiation or penance) prescribed by Jain Acharyas.
Acharya Kundakunda explains "Cheda" as the destruction or lapse of pure conduct due to unintentional or careless actions in daily activities like walking, sitting, etc.
Pujyapada, in his Sarvarthasiddhi, defines "Cheda" as the reduction of a monk's initiation period based on their offense. This is one of the nine types of prayaschitta.
The Tatvarthabhashya and Siddhasena's commentary define "Cheda" as "apavartana" (deduction) and "apahara" (taking away), referring to the reduction of the period of religious life from the day of accepting vows.

3. Excellence of Chedasutras:

Chedasutras are considered the highest form of scriptural knowledge (uttamashruta).
The Nishithabhashya highlights their excellence, with commentators explaining that this is due to the detailed exposition of expiatory methods, which lead to the purification of conduct.

4. Naming of Chedasutras:

Scholars have proposed several reasons for the "Cheda" designation:
- Connection to Prayaschitta: They are linked to the two forms of penance in Jainism: "Cheda" and "Mula."
- Reduction of Seniority: They contain rules that reduce the seniority (initiation period) of ascetics when they transgress rules.
- Gradual Transmission: The Panchakalpabhashya suggests that Chedasutras are taught only to mature disciples who can grasp their meaning, not to immature or over-mature ones.
- Connection to Chedopasthapaniya Charitra: Acharya Devendramuni suggests that since three out of the five types of conduct (charitra) – Pariharavishuddhi, Sukshmasampraya, and Yathakhyat – are now extinct, and Samayika charitra is temporary, the Chedopasthapaniya charitra (which lasts a lifetime and is related to expiation) might be the basis for calling these prayaschitta texts Chedasutras.
- Independent Sections: The term "padavibhaga" (section-wise division) and "samachari" are used for Chedasutras. The independent nature of their sutras and their interpretation from a divisional perspective might have led to the name.
- Quoted from the Ninth Purva: Some Chedasutras like Dashashrutskandh, Brihatkalpa, and Vyavahara are quoted from the ninth Pratyakhyana Purva, making them "cut" or separate sections.

5. Number of Chedasutras:

Traditionally, there are six Chedasutras: Kalpa, Vyavahara, Nishitha, Pindaviruddhi, Oghaniruddhi, and Mahānishitha.
The Dashashrutskandh is listed among the Kaalikasutras along with Kalpa, Vyavahara, Nishitha, and Mahānishitha, suggesting an initial count of five.
After the disappearance of the Panchakalpa, the Jitakalpa was incorporated as the sixth Chedasutra.

6. General Subject Matter of Chedasutras:

The primary aim is to understand the faults that arise in an ascetic's life of practice, to avoid them, and to rectify them when they occur.
The subject matter is classified into four categories:
1. Utsarga Marga (General Path): Strict rules of conduct that must be followed without any alteration or exception. This emphasizes faultless conduct.
2. Apavada Marga (Exceptional Path): Special rules that are followed for specific reasons. These can be:
  - Nirdosha Apavada: Faultless special rules.
  - Sadōsha Apavada: Special rules followed out of compulsion due to overpowering circumstances, which are then purified through penance.
3. Dosha Sevana (Commission of Faults): Violation of both the Utsarga and Apavada paths.
4. Prayaschitta Vidhana (Method of Expiation): The process of purification for committing faults.

7. Introduction to Dashashrutskandh Sutra:

Classification: It is categorized as a Kaalika text, meant to be studied at auspicious times, excluding specific periods.
Authorship: It is generally attributed to Acharya Bhadrabahu, who is believed to have compiled the Kalpa, Vyavahara, and Dashashrutskandh sutras.
Time of Composition: Tradition places its composition around 357 BCE, aligning with Bhadrabahu's era. German scholars like Jacobi and Schubring suggest the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BCE.
Disappearance (Vichched): The Tithogali Prakirnak mentions its "vichched" (disappearance or disconnection) in the Vir Nirvana Samvat 1500 (973 CE). However, "vichched" is interpreted not as complete loss but as the disconnection of certain parts. Other sources do not mention its disappearance, suggesting it has not been lost.
Source: According to the Dashashrutskandh Churni, the Dashashrut, Vyavahara, and Brihatkalpa sutras are quoted from the ninth Pratyakhyana Purva, making it its source.

8. Subject Matter of Dashashrutskandh Sutra:

The text is divided into ten Dashas (sections), whose titles generally align with those mentioned in the Sthananga Sutra:

Asamadi Sthan (Places of Non-Equanimity): Discusses 20 common faults or transgressions that compromise the purity of ascetic conduct.
Shabala Dosha (Serious Faults): Details 21 significant faults that are graver than ordinary ones and cause considerable disruption to asceticism. These include actions like intentional violence, lying, theft, eating forbidden food, and improper association.
Ashatana (Disrespect/Offense): Defines Ashatana as disrespect towards elders or spiritual guides, disobedience to their commands, denigration of principles, or ill-treatment of any being. This section focuses on offenses against the Acharya.
Ganisampada (Qualities of an Acharya): Outlines the eight essential qualities of an Acharya (leader) and their four duties towards disciples, as well as the four duties of disciples towards the Acharya and the community.
Chitta Samadhi (Equanimity of Mind): Describes 10 aspects that lead to the equanimity of the mind, comparable to the joy derived from worldly possessions. These include attaining auspicious spiritual states, clairvoyance, and ultimate liberation.
Upaasaka Pratima (Vows of a Lay Follower): Details 11 stages or vows that a lay follower undertakes for specific spiritual practice, progressing from less stringent to more rigorous observances.
Bhikshu Pratima (Vows of an Ascetic): Enlists 12 stages of rigorous practice for an ascetic, including solitary wandering, specific austerity, and prolonged meditation, aimed at karma eradication.
Paryushanakalpa (Rules for the Rainy Season Retreat): This section is considered to be the origin of the Kalpa Sutra, dealing with the observances and conduct during the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat) and Paryushana festival.
Mohaniya Sthan (Places of Infatuation/Attachment): Lists 30 causes for the binding of the powerful Mahāmohanīya karma, which leads to delusion and attachment. These include acts of cruelty, deception, hypocrisy, and disrespect.
Ayati Sthan (Place of Future Existence/Destiny): Focuses on nidana (resolutions made with worldly desires), which bind one to future births and cycles of suffering. It describes various types of nidana and their detrimental consequences, emphasizing the importance of pursuing asceticism without such desires.

9. Significance of the Subject Matter:

The sections on Asamadi Sthana, Chitta Samadhi, Mohaniya Sthan, and Ayati Sthan are relevant to yogic practices for concentrating the mind.
The Upaasaka Pratima and Bhikshu Pratima delineate the highest principles of rigorous practice for lay followers and ascetics, respectively.
The Shabala Dosha and Ashatana sections detail the daily rules for ascetics and their importance.
The Ganisampada section provides valuable insights into the personality and influence of an Acharya.
From the perspective of what to know (gyeyachara), what to adopt (upadeyachara), and what to discard (heyachara), the text guides practitioners.

10. Sequential Order and Interrelation of the Dasas:

The text begins with Asamadi Sthana (non-equanimity) because understanding these faults is a prerequisite for achieving equanimity. The absence of "a" in "asamadi" signifies the potential for these to become "samadi" (equanimity) places.
The faults described in the first Dasha naturally lead to the more serious Shabala Dosha in the second.
Disrespect towards the Acharya (Ashatana) in the third Dasha further contributes to the breakdown of conduct, linking it to the previous two.
Purifying oneself from these faults makes an ascetic eligible for leadership, hence the Ganisampada in the fourth Dasha.
Achieving mental equanimity (Chitta Samadhi) is crucial for effective leadership, explaining its placement in the fifth Dasha.
Since not everyone can become an ascetic, lay followers can also achieve equanimity through the Upaasaka Pratima (sixth Dasha).
For those aspiring to universal renunciation, the Bhikshu Pratima (seventh Dasha) is presented.
The eighth Dasha (Paryushanakalpa) deals with rules for the rainy season retreat, a period of intensified practice.
Failure to observe these rules leads to the accumulation of Mohaniya karma, hence the ninth Dasha detailing its causes.
The tenth Dasha, Ayati Sthan, deals with nidana, a consequence of succumbing to desires even during austerity, which binds one to future births. This naturally follows the discussion on infatuation.

11. Exegetical Literature:

The Dashashrutskandh Sutra has a rich tradition of commentary, including the Niyukti by Bhadrabahu, a Churni by an unknown author, the Jinhita Vrutti by Brahmarsi Brahmamuni, and various other commentaries and glosses.
The eighth Dasha, Paryushanakalpa, is itself the basis for the widely studied Kalpa Sutra, which has an extensive body of commentary literature.

In essence, the Dashashrutskandh Sutra is a foundational text in Jain ascetic discipline, providing a comprehensive guide to ethical conduct, expiation, the qualities of spiritual leaders, and the path to spiritual progress for both ascetics and lay followers, while also warning against the pitfalls of attachment and desire.