Dashvaikalaik Nandi Uvavai - Book Summary

The Jain text, "Dashvaikalaik Nandi Uvavai" by Hiralal Hansraj, is a compilation of several important Jain scriptures. Based on the provided pages, it primarily contains the following texts:

Dashavaikalika Sutra (श्रीदशवैकालिकसूत्रम्): This is the most prominent text featured. It is a fundamental scripture in Jainism, focusing on the conduct and teachings of an ascetic (monk or nun). The excerpt includes the first four chapters (adhyayana) of the Dashavaikalika Sutra:
- Drumapushpika (दुमपुफ्फिया): This chapter emphasizes the importance of Dharma, non-violence (ahimsa), self-control (sanjam), and penance (tapas). It uses the analogy of a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them to illustrate the righteous way of living for ascetics.
- Samanya Purvika (सामण्णपुव्वयं): This chapter discusses the nature of sainthood (samanya) and the detachment required from worldly pleasures, including sensory enjoyments, aesthetics, and relationships. It guides ascetics on how to overcome desires and attachments to achieve spiritual purity.
- Khudra Achara Katha (खुड्डयायारकहा): This chapter outlines the strict rules of conduct (achara) for ascetics. It details various prohibitions and guidelines related to food, belongings, interactions, and daily activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and non-violence in every action.
- Shad Jivanikaya (छज्जीवणिया): This chapter extensively explains the six categories of living beings (jivas) according to Jain philosophy: earth-bodied (prithvi-kaya), water-bodied (apo-kaya), fire-bodied (teju-kaya), air-bodied (vayu-kaya), plant-bodied (vanaspati-kaya), and mobile beings (trasa-kaya). It underscores the principle of non-violence towards all these life forms and details the vows (mahavratas) related to abstaining from causing harm to them through mind, speech, and body.
Nandi Sutra (नदि सूत्रम्): This scripture is also mentioned and included, although the excerpt seems to focus primarily on the Dashavaikalika Sutra. The Nandi Sutra is known for its detailed explanation of the different types of knowledge (jnana) in Jainism, particularly focusing on sensory knowledge (mati-jnana), scriptural knowledge (shruta-jnana), clairvoyance (avadhi-jnana), telepathy (manahparyaya-jnana), and omniscience (kevala-jnana). The provided text includes verses from the Nandi Sutra that praise the Tirthankaras and the lineage of teachers (ganadharas).
Upavada Sutra (उदाह सूत्रम्): This is also mentioned, suggesting its inclusion in the compilation. The Upavada Sutra is known for its descriptions of the celestial realms and the path to liberation.

Overall Summary of the Provided Excerpts:

The text provides a foundational understanding of Jain asceticism and philosophy. The Dashavaikalika Sutra, in particular, emphasizes:

The Principles of Jainism: It highlights the core tenets of Dharma, Ahimsa (non-violence), Sanjam (self-control), and Tapas (penance).
Ascetic Conduct: It details the rigorous rules of conduct for monks and nuns, covering everything from their daily routines, dietary restrictions, and interactions with the world to their mental discipline and spiritual practices.
Understanding of Life Forms: The Shad Jivanikaya chapter is crucial for understanding Jainism's profound respect for all living beings and the extensive measures taken to avoid harming them.
Knowledge and its Types: The Nandi Sutra portion introduces the Jain classification of knowledge, its origins, and its different forms, essential for spiritual progress.
Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: The scriptures stress the necessity of renouncing worldly desires and attachments to achieve liberation.
The Path to Liberation: Through adherence to strict discipline, knowledge, and right conduct, ascetics strive to purify themselves and attain the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).

The text is presented in Prakrit, with Sanskrit titles and some introductory elements. The publisher, Hiralal Hansraj, seems to have made this compilation available in 1938 (Sambat 1994). The value is listed as "0-10-0," indicating a very affordable price for this sacred text.