Dashvaikalik Sutra Athva Shraman Sara Ane Pucchisunam Athva Veer Stuti

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Dashvaikalik Sutra athva Shraman Sara ane Pucchisunam athva Veer Stuti":

Overview:

This book is a Gujarati translation and commentary of key Jain scriptures, primarily the Dashvaikalik Sutra, but also includes the Shraman Sara (likely a related text or interpretation), and Pucchisunam (also known as Veer Stuti, a hymn in praise of Lord Mahavir). The title indicates it's a guide for ascetics (Shraman Sara) and includes devotional aspects. The text is dedicated to the memory of the author's parents.

Key Components and Themes:

The book is structured into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of Jain doctrine and practice, particularly for mendicants (monks and nuns). Based on the table of contents and the provided pages, the primary focus is on the Dashvaikalik Sutra, which is known for its practical guidance for monks.

Here's a breakdown of the major themes and chapters covered:

1. Introduction and Devotional Opening (Pages 1-2):

   • Begins with a traditional Jain invocation, saluting Lord Mahavir as an Arihant, Shraman, Buddha, Nighrantha, and Brahmana.
   • The title itself, "Dashvaikalik Sutra," suggests a text that needs to be understood or internalized within a ten-day period, or perhaps has ten sections/chapters.
   • The alternative titles "Shraman Sara" (Essence of Asceticism) and "Veer Stuti" (Praise of Mahavir) highlight the dual nature of the text: practical guidance and devotional praise.
   • A poetic verse emphasizes the aspiration to live a life of detachment, seeing all beings as oneself, and viewing wealth as insignificant.

2. Table of Contents (Page 3):

   • This is a crucial guide to the book's structure, listing the chapters (Adhyayanas) and their themes:
     1. Adhivachan (Primeval Word/Teachings): Likely an introductory chapter.
     2. Dumputpiya (The Bee and the Flower): An allegory illustrating the ascetic's detached consumption of food.
     3. Shramanyapoorvak (Ascetic Conduct): Guidance on the way of life for ascetics.
     4. Kshullakachar (Minor Ascetic Conduct): Rules for junior ascetics or minor observances.
     5. Jivanika (The Living Being/Life): Likely deals with the nature of life and its protection.
     6. Pindeshan [1] Pratham Uddesh (Begging/Alms-taking [1] First Chapter): Guidance on the proper way of collecting alms.
     7. Dharmartha Kamadhyayan (Study of Dharma for Wealth/Karma): Focus on righteous action and its results.
     8. Suvakya Shuddhi (Purity of Speech): The importance of right speech.
     9. Achara Pranidhi (Concentration on Conduct): Deep focus on practicing the right conduct.
     10. Vinaya Samadhi (Reverence and Tranquility): Chapters on the importance of humility, respect, and achieving peace through it.
     11. Bhikshu Naam (Names of Bhikshus): Likely a classification or description of mendicants.
     12. Ratilakshana – First Chulika (Characteristics of Desire – First Appendix): Explores the nature of worldly desires.
     13. Viviktcharya – Second Chulika (Solitary Conduct – Second Appendix): Focuses on the practice of living in isolation and detachment.
     14. Puchchisunam – Shri Veer Stuti (Veer Stuti/Praise of Lord Mahavir): A devotional section.

3. Author's Preface and Publisher's Note (Pages 4-5):

   • Historical Context: The preface provides a lineage of successors after Lord Mahavir, mentioning key disciples like Sudharma Swami, Jambu Swami, Prabhava Swami, and Shishyaprabh Swami. It highlights Shishyaprabh Swami's detachment and his creation of 600 "muktas" (gems of wisdom) from the Lord's teachings, serving as a guide for ascetic life.
   • Importance of Dashvaikalik Sutra: It emphasizes that the Dashvaikalik Sutra is crucial for monks and lay followers seeking a pure and elevated life, especially for those who cannot memorize the entire vast scriptures. It's presented as a beacon and a guide for a short life.
   • Editorial Notes: The author expresses gratitude to Muni Shantilaalji Maharaj for reviewing and correcting the text, particularly for adding the "Shri Pustisunam" section. Special thanks are given to Shri Vadilal Kakubhai Sanghvi for his meticulous proofreading. The author also acknowledges the financial contribution of his friend, Shri Shantilaal Kachrabhai.
   • Reading Restrictions: A specific instruction is given not to read or chant the sutras during specific times like daylight, dawn, dusk, noon, midnight, new moon, or full moon. This likely refers to specific ritualistic or meditative contexts.

4. Content of Specific Chapters (Pages 6 onwards):

   • Chapter 1: Dumputpiya (The Bee and the Flower) (Pages 6-8):

     • This chapter uses the allegory of a bee collecting nectar from flowers without harming them to illustrate the ideal conduct of a monk.
     • Monks should take alms, water, and other necessities in moderation, without causing distress to householders.
     • The emphasis is on detachment, control of senses, and contentment with what is obtained.

   • Chapter 2: Shramananyapoorvak (Ascetic Conduct) (Pages 8-11):

     • This chapter focuses on the internal struggles of an ascetic, particularly the battle against desires (kama).
     • It defines true renunciation not just by giving up external possessions but by conquering internal attachment and desire, even when favorable opportunities arise.
     • It emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind's wandering tendencies and overcoming the influence of external factors.
     • The chapter stresses the need to shed complacency and embrace penance for spiritual advancement.

   • Chapter 3: Kshullakachar (Minor Ascetic Conduct) (Pages 11-16):

     • This extensive chapter details numerous prohibitions and guidelines for monks, covering various aspects of their daily conduct.
     • It lists 52 specific actions that are considered improper or sinful for ascetics. These include prohibitions related to:
       • Food and drink (e.g., not accepting food prepared with specific intentions, not taking certain types of food).
       • Possessions (e.g., not accumulating things, not using certain materials).
       • Personal hygiene and adornment (e.g., bathing, using scents, decorating the body).
       • Interactions with householders (e.g., not taking service from householders, not identifying oneself by lineage for alms).
       • Activities (e.g., playing dice, using umbrellas, seeking medical treatment, using footwear, starting fires).
       • Contact with living beings (e.g., root vegetables, ginger, sugarcane).
       • Handling various substances (e.g., salt, spices, perfumes).
     • The chapter underscores the principle of utmost care and non-violence (ahimsa) in all actions, emphasizing the protection of even the smallest life forms.

   • Chapter 4: Jivanika (The Living Being) (Pages 16-38):

     • This chapter focuses on the classification of living beings (Jiva Kayas).
     • It systematically explains the six categories of life:
       1. Prithvi Kay (Earth element beings): Beings residing in earth.
       2. Ap Kay (Water element beings): Beings in water.
       3. Tej Kay (Fire element beings): Beings in fire.
       4. Vayu Kay (Air element beings): Beings in air.
       5. Vanaspati Kay (Plant element beings): Beings in plants.
       6. Trasa Kay (Movable beings): Beings with two or more senses (two-sensed, three-sensed, four-sensed, and five-sensed beings).
     • It details the various types within each category (e.g., egg-born, womb-born, germ-born for Trasa Kay).
     • A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to elaborating on the vows of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession), and the vow of Ratri Bhojan Viraman (abstinence from night eating).
     • It emphasizes the importance of Yatana (careful application of conduct) to avoid harming living beings while performing essential actions. It details the repercussions of negligence in these actions.
     • The chapter concludes by tracing the path from right conduct to liberation (moksha), emphasizing the progressive stages of spiritual development.

   • Chapter 5: Pindeshan – Bhiksha Samachar (Alms-taking Conduct) (Pages 38-53):

     • This is a highly detailed chapter on the etiquette and rules of begging for alms, a fundamental practice for Jain monks.
     • It provides extensive guidance on:
       • Conduct during alms rounds: Walking with care (Irya Samiti), avoiding certain places (e.g., crowded areas, places with many insects), not looking too high or too low, maintaining equanimity.
       • Accepting alms: The conditions under which food is acceptable or unacceptable (Kalpya and Akalpya). This includes detailed rules about the food itself (e.g., not too hot, not too cold, not mixed with forbidden items), the utensils used, the manner of offering, and the intentions of the giver.
       • Prohibited items/actions: Many specific prohibitions are listed, such as not accepting food that has been mixed with animate substances, not accepting food that has been specially prepared with sinful intentions, not accepting food that has been touched by certain persons or situations, and avoiding any form of attachment or desire related to food.
       • Returning alms: What to do if alms are found unacceptable.
       • Proper consumption: Eating with mindfulness and detachment.
       • Rules regarding specific situations: Alms in rain, situations involving pregnant women, children, or animals.

   • Chapter 6: Mahachar Katha (Great Conduct/Practices) (Pages 65-82):

     • This chapter delves into the "great conduct" or the higher principles and practices of asceticism.
     • It discusses the importance of knowledge, vision, and conduct (Nayan, Darshan, Charitra) as the path to liberation.
     • It elaborates on the five great vows (Mahavratas) and the rigorous adherence required by monks.
     • The text emphasizes detachment from worldly pleasures, control over senses, and the importance of penance (tapas) for purifying the soul.
     • It details the avoidance of harm to the six types of living beings (Prithvi Kay, Ap Kay, etc.) and the meticulous care (Yatana) required in every action.
     • It touches upon the concept of karma and its consequences.

   • Chapter 8: Achara Pranidhi (Concentration on Conduct) (Pages 93-109):

     • This chapter focuses on the deep concentration and mindfulness required in practicing ascetic conduct.
     • It reiterates the importance of non-violence towards all forms of life, even the most subtle ones (e.g., beings in earth, water, fire, air, plants, and moving beings).
     • It provides specific instructions on avoiding actions that may lead to harm, such as digging, cutting, burning, or moving living beings.
     • It highlights the need for constant vigilance and self-awareness in all activities, emphasizing the concept of Samiti (careful conduct) and Gupti (restraint).
     • The chapter stresses the internal battle against desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and the importance of developing qualities like patience, forgiveness, humility, and contentment.

   • Chapter 9: Vinaya Samadhi (Reverence and Tranquility) (Pages 107-128):

     • This section is dedicated to the paramount importance of Vinaya (humility, respect, reverence) in Jainism, particularly for monks towards their gurus and elders.
     • It explains that Vinaya is the root of all virtues and the path to spiritual progress and liberation.
     • It details the consequences of lacking Vinaya (pride, arrogance, disrespect) and the rewards of cultivating it (spiritual growth, attainment of higher states).
     • The text emphasizes listening attentively to the guru, acting upon their guidance, and maintaining a humble attitude.
     • It contrasts the behavior of virtuous and non-virtuous disciples.
     • The chapter highlights how Vinaya leads to mental tranquility (Samadhi) and ultimately to spiritual realization.

   • Chapter 10: Sambhikshu (The True Ascetic) (Pages 129-138):

     • This chapter defines the characteristics of an ideal ascetic.
     • It emphasizes detachment from worldly life, control of senses, and freedom from desires and attachments.
     • It lists qualities like equanimity, patience, endurance of hardships, contentment, and the practice of meditation and self-reflection.
     • The chapter stresses the importance of living a life of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
     • It highlights the need to avoid harmful activities and speech, and to maintain a pure mind, speech, and body.

   • Chulikas (Appendices/Supplements):

     • Prathama Ratir vakya Chulika (First Appendix on Desire): Discusses the nature of desires, the impermanence of worldly pleasures, and the suffering that arises from attachment. It contrasts the transient nature of sensual pleasures with the eternal bliss of liberation.
     • Viviktcharya – Second Chulika (Second Appendix on Solitary Conduct): Focuses on the practice of living in solitude, detachment, and maintaining composure in challenging situations. It emphasizes careful conduct, mindful living, and the importance of a disciplined life away from worldly distractions.

   • Puchchisunam / Veer Stuti (Hymn to Lord Mahavir) (Pages 149-164):

     • This section is a devotional hymn praising the glory, virtues, and teachings of Lord Mahavir.
     • It highlights his compassion, knowledge, detachment, ascetic practices, and the profound dharma he preached for the welfare of all beings.
     • The hymn uses allegories and comparisons to elevate Lord Mahavir's status as the ultimate spiritual guide.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The "Dashvaikalik Sutra" as presented in this book serves as a comprehensive manual for Jain ascetics. It outlines not only the external rules of conduct but also the internal spiritual discipline required for liberation. The inclusion of devotional hymns emphasizes the importance of both intellectual understanding and heartfelt devotion in the Jain path. The text aims to guide aspiring monks and nuns toward a life of renunciation, non-violence, self-control, and spiritual purification, ultimately leading to the attainment of moksha (liberation).