Dashvaikalik Sutra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Dashavaikalika Sutra based on the provided pages, which appear to be from a Gujarati translation and commentary. The text itself is a foundational Jain scripture, primarily focused on the conduct and lifestyle of ascetics (monks and nuns).

Book Title: Dashvaikalika Sutra (also referred to as Dashavaikalik Sutra) Author/Translator: Pujya Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsurishwarji Maharaj (as translator and editor), preceded by Pujya Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Bhuvanthilaksurishwarji Maharaj. The original author is credited as Pujya Chaturdhar Acharya Shrimad Shälibhadrasurishwarji Maharaj. Publisher: Bhuvan Bhadrankar Sahitya Prachar Kendra, Madras Key Themes and Content:

The Dashavaikalika Sutra is described as the "alphabet" or "nursery rhymes" for a monk's life, guiding the newly initiated (Shaiksha) towards proper conduct. It emphasizes the importance of samjama (restraint and self-control) and provides detailed instructions on various aspects of ascetic life.

The summary is structured around the chapters (Adhyayanas) and key teachings:

1. The Importance of the Sutra:

• It is considered essential for new ascetics and is a guide for their entire monastic journey.
• It inspires and encourages ascetics to progress on the path of samjama.
• It acts as a "red signal" to prevent them from deviating from the righteous path due to negligence.

2. The Author and the Text:

• The text is attributed to Acharya Shrimad Shälibhadrasurishwarji Maharaj, a fourteenth-purvdhari acharya, whose life exemplifies ideal guru-shishya relationships and dedication to Jain principles.
• The translation and commentary are by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsurishwarji Maharaj.
• The "Dashavaikalika" itself signifies the "tenfold" or "ten branches" of essential ascetic duties or teachings, often related to the ten virtues or ten specific types of conduct.

3. Key Teachings and Chapters (as indicated by page content):

• Humphupika Adhyayana (Pages 12-16): This chapter seems to use the analogy of a bee collecting nectar from flowers. It teaches ascetics to accept alms or sustenance (like the bee) without causing harm or distress to the giver (like the flower). It emphasizes taking only what is necessary and without attachment, highlighting the disciplined and detached nature of a true monk.
• Shramanya-purvaka Adhyayana (Pages 16-24): This chapter focuses on the essence of monasticism (Shramanya). It clarifies what constitutes true renunciation. It explains that merely abstaining from certain things isn't enough; true renunciation comes from detachment and controlling one's desires and senses. The narrative of Prince Rathnemi and Rajamati is alluded to, where Rathnemi's renunciation of worldly pleasures, inspired by Rajamati's wisdom, is highlighted as an example of true spiritual strength.
• Kshullaka-Achara Adhyayana (Pages 25-31): This chapter details the conduct of junior monks (Kshullaka). It outlines numerous prohibitions against various worldly activities and attachments, such as:
  • Accepting food intended for specific individuals.
  • Buying things or accepting invitations without proper justification.
  • Consuming food at night (Ratri-bhojana).
  • Engaging in activities like gambling, massage, use of perfumes, garlands, bathing, and applying cosmetics.
  • Prohibitions against specific types of food (e.g., root vegetables, certain fruits, sour substances, improperly stored food).
  • Avoiding actions that could lead to spiritual downfall or attachment.
  • Emphasis on detachment and living a simple, restrained life.
• Shad-Jivanika Adhyayana (Pages 34-47): This chapter focuses on the Six Kinds of Living Beings (Six Jiva-kayas): Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Plant-bodied, and Mobile-bodied beings. It details the sensitivity and forms of life within each category, emphasizing the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) as paramount. It stresses the importance of avoiding harm to all forms of life, whether visible or invisible, and the need for constant vigilance in one's actions. The chapter likely discusses the five great vows (Mahavratas) in relation to these life forms.
• Pinda-eshana Adhyayana (Pages 89-118 for Chapter 1, Pages 128-154 for Chapter 2): This extensive section deals with Pinda-eshana, the proper way of seeking and accepting alms (food). It covers:
  • Proper Conduct While Seeking Alms: Walking carefully, observing the path, avoiding contact with living beings and contaminated substances.
  • Accepting Alms: Rules regarding the proper time, place, and manner of accepting alms, including prohibitions against accepting food offered with specific intentions, food collected by others for the monk, food that is contaminated, or food prepared improperly.
  • Detachment and Equanimity: The importance of accepting alms with equanimity, without attachment to taste or quantity, and without causing inconvenience to the householder.
  • Prohibitions: Detailed lists of forbidden foods and actions, such as consuming food at night, specific types of roots, fruits, processed items, and food that has been touched by prohibited substances or persons.
  • The Importance of Proper Conduct: It repeatedly states that improper conduct (vishuddhi) in alms-seeking leads to spiritual downfall and is a cause for not attaining liberation.
• Maha-Achara Katha Namaka Adhyayana (Pages 153-188): This chapter seems to focus on the Maha-Achara (Great Conduct) and elaborates on Achara (conduct) and Vinaya (discipline). It discusses:
  • The Eighteen Places of Error: Identifying situations or actions that can lead to downfall for ascetics.
  • Ahimsa: Reiteration of the principle of non-violence in relation to all life forms.
  • Prohibitions: Detailed rules against various activities that could lead to attachment or harm, such as the use of fire, wind, and unnecessary actions.
  • The Consequences of Misconduct: The text stresses that deviating from the prescribed conduct leads to rebirth in lower realms or prolonged suffering.
• Suvakya-shuddhi Namaka Adhyayana (Pages 190-217): This chapter deals with Suvakya-shuddhi (Purity of Speech). It provides guidelines on:
  • Types of Speech: Classifying speech into truthful, untruthful, mixed, and conventional.
  • Prohibitions: Avoiding harsh, insulting, misleading, boastful, gossiping, or deceitful speech.
  • Appropriate Speech: Encouraging truthful, beneficial, gentle, and well-considered speech.
  • Addressing Others: Rules on how to address different people respectfully, avoiding familiar or disrespectful terms.
  • The Impact of Speech: Highlighting how speech can lead to spiritual progress or downfall.
• Achara-pranidhi Namaka Adhyayana (Pages 226-258): This chapter focuses on Achara-pranidhi, the mindset and adherence to conduct. It emphasizes:
  • Mindfulness and Vigilance: The importance of constant mindfulness in all actions and thoughts.
  • Self-Control: Exercising control over senses and emotions.
  • Following the Guru's Teachings: The need to adhere strictly to the instructions of the acharya.
  • Detachment: Cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures, possessions, and even one's own body.
  • The Path to Liberation: Connecting disciplined conduct with the ultimate goal of liberation.
• Vinaya-samadhi Namaka Adhyayana (Pages 261-298): This chapter discusses Vinaya-samadhi (Discipline and Equanimity). Key points include:
  • The Importance of Humility and Respect: Showing proper respect to elders, gurus, and even juniors if they possess greater virtue.
  • The Guru-Shishya Relationship: The critical role of the guru and the necessity of obedience and service.
  • The Consequences of Disrespect: How disrespecting the guru leads to spiritual downfall and hinders liberation.
  • The Path of Virtue: Cultivating virtues like patience, forgiveness, truthfulness, and non-violence.
  • The Importance of Internal Equanimity: The text stresses that true discipline is internal and leads to peace and spiritual progress.
• Sabhikshu Adhyayana (Pages 315-347): This chapter seems to define the characteristics and conduct of a true monk (Sabhikshu). It outlines:
  • Ideal Monastic Qualities: Detachment, self-control, equanimity, wisdom, and devotion to spiritual practices.
  • Practices to Avoid: Prohibitions against worldly temptations, attachment, and actions that compromise ascetic vows.
  • The Goal of Monasticism: Achieving liberation through rigorous practice and self-discipline.
• Shri Dashavaikalika-ehi Pahli Chulika (Pages 347-358): This section appears to be a supplement or clarification to the main text, reinforcing key concepts. It might discuss:
  • The Path of Asceticism: The difficult but ultimately rewarding path of renunciation.
  • The Importance of Perseverance: The need for steadfastness in the face of challenges.
  • The Consequences of Renunciation: The spiritual benefits and ultimate liberation attained through disciplined practice.

Overall Purpose:

The Dashavaikalika Sutra, as presented in this summary, is a practical manual for Jain ascetics, providing comprehensive guidance on maintaining purity of conduct, thought, and speech. It emphasizes the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Samjama (restraint), Tapah (austerity), and Vinaya (discipline) as essential for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation. The text is rich with analogies and examples to illustrate these teachings, aiming to instill a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to the ascetic path.