Dashvaikalik Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayan

This document is a comprehensive scholarly study titled "Dashvaikalik: Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayan" (The Daśavaikālika Sūtra: A Critical Study). Authored by Acharya Tulsi and Muni Nathmal, and published by the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, this book is the first in their "Agam-Anushilan Granth-Mala" (Canon Study Book Series).

The study undertakes an in-depth examination of the Daśavaikālika Sūtra, a significant text within Jain Jainism. It meticulously analyzes the sutra from various perspectives, aiming to provide a critical understanding for both scholars and the general public.

Key aspects covered in the study include:

• Introduction and Dedication: The book begins with a dedication and expressions of gratitude.

• Publishers' and Editors' Notes: These sections provide context for the publication and the authors' intentions.

• Structure of the Book: The book is structured into six main sections, with an appendix. The main sections are:

  1. Bahirang Parichay (External Introduction): This section provides an overview of the Jain Agamas and specifically the Daśavaikālika Sūtra. It covers:
     • Definition of Agamas and the position of Daśavaikālika within the classification.
     • The naming and utility of the sutra.
     • The author and period of composition.
     • The style of composition.
     • Grammatical aspects, including sandhi, case, number, compound words, suffixes, gender, verbs, adverbs, and specific usages.
     • Linguistic analysis.
     • Discussion of the sutra's structure.
     • Metrical analysis.
     • Use of similes and metaphors.
     • Definitions of terms.
     • Chulikas (supplementary sections) associated with the sutra.
     • Comparison with Ācārāṅga Chūlikā.
     • Influence of Daśavaikālika on later literature.
     • Comparative analysis with Buddhist and Vedic traditions.
  2. Antarang Parichay (Internal Introduction): This section delves into the core philosophical and practical teachings of the Daśavaikālika Sūtra, focusing on:
     • The overall spiritual perspective of the sutra.
     • The components of spiritual practice, including Ahimsā (non-violence), the perspective on maintaining a disciplined life, the reverence for teachings, and endurance of hardships.
     • The importance of Vinaya (discipline/respect).
     • The path to spiritual excellence.
  3. Mahavrata (Great Vows): This detailed chapter explores the five great vows central to Jain practice:
     • Classification of living beings.
     • Concise explanations of Ahimsā, Satya (truthfulness), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
     • Specific guidance on Ahimsā in relation to different types of living beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings).
  4. Charya-Path (Code of Conduct): This section outlines the practical guidelines for ascetics as described in the sutra, covering:
     • Movement and wandering (Charya and Vihara).
     • Control of natural urges (Vego-nirodha).
     • Ethical conduct in walking, sitting, and standing (Iryapatha).
     • Purity of speech (Vak-Shuddhi).
     • Principles of alms-seeking (Eshana), including its purpose, method of collection, and consumption.
     • Control of senses and mind (Indriya and Mano-nigraha).
     • Achieving steadiness in practice (Sthirikaran).
     • The purpose behind these practices (Kis liye?).
     • The importance of Vinaya (discipline).
     • Criteria for identifying the worthy (Pujya).
     • The definition of a mendicant (Bhikshu).
     • Qualities of a mendicant (Muni ke visheshan).
     • The gradual path to liberation (Moksha ka kram).
  5. Vyakhyā-Granthon ke Sandarbh mein (In the Context of Commentaries): This extensive section analyzes the various commentary traditions and their contributions to understanding the Daśavaikālika Sūtra. It includes:
     • An introduction to the commentary literature.
     • Discussion of ancient commentary traditions.
     • Detailed analysis of the process of alms-seeking (Āhāra-charyā).
     • The ideal conduct and characteristics of a mendicant (Muni kaisa ho?).
     • The methodology of "Nakshep" (categories of analysis).
     • The philosophical concepts of Dharma (duty/righteousness).
     • Understanding Apaya (relinquishment) and Upaya (means) through Nakshep.
     • The significance of Niruḳta (etymology) in understanding the text.
     • Exploration of Ekārthaka (synonyms) words.
     • Analysis of the sutra's impact on later literature and its comparison with other traditions.
     • A detailed comparative study with Buddhist and Vedic texts.
  6. Niruḳta (Etymology): This chapter focuses on the etymological explanations of key terms within the sutra, aiding in a deeper semantic understanding.
  7. Eka-artha (Synonyms): This section lists and explains synonymous terms used in the sutra and its commentaries, highlighting the richness of the language.
  8. Sabhyata aur Sanskriti (Civilization and Culture): This section draws insights into the socio-cultural context of ancient India as reflected in the sutra and its commentaries, covering aspects like:
     • Description of various types of dwellings (Griha).
     • The use of implements (Upakaran).
     • The concept of duty and tradition (Kartavya aur Parampara).
     • Trade and travel (Vyapar Yatra).
     • The nature of books (Pustak).
     • Metal usage (Dhatu).
     • The position of humans (Manushya ka sthan).
     • The system of justice and punishment (Dand Vidhi).
     • Education (Shiksha).
     • Addressing people (Sambodhan) with various customary terms of address.
     • Royal administration and provincial governance (Rajya Vyavastha, Janpad).
     • Weapons (Shastra).
     • The practice of begging and charity (Yachana aur Dan).
     • The concept of sustenance (Bhoj).
     • Belief systems (Vishwas).
     • Health and medicine (Rog aur Chikitsa).
     • Worship (Upasana).
     • The significance of sacrifices (Yajna).
     • The classification of languages (Bhasha).
     • The structure of the sutra (Sharir-paramarsh).
     • The metrical patterns used (Chhand-vimarsh).
     • The use of analogies and examples (Upama aur Drishtant).
     • The nature of Chulikas (supplementary sections).
     • The relationship and comparison with the Chulikas of the Ācārāṅga Sūtra.
     • The influence on subsequent literature.
     • A comparative analysis with Buddhist and Vedic literature.

• Appendix:

  • Churni ki Paribhashayein (Definitions from Churnis): This appendix provides definitions of various terms as found in the Churnis (commentaries).
  • Prayukta Granth-Soochi (List of Used Texts): A comprehensive bibliography of the texts consulted during the preparation of this study.

The book aims to provide a scholarly and critical analysis of the Daśavaikalika Sūtra, making its rich teachings accessible to a wider audience while also engaging with the complex layers of Jain scriptural tradition and commentary.