Dashvaikalik Sutram Part 03 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Dashvaikalik Sutram Part 03," based on the given excerpts.

Book Title: Dashvaikalik Sutram Part 03 Author(s): Gunhansvijay, Bhavyasundarvijay Publisher: Kamal Prakashan Trust Language: Gujarati with Sanskrit text

Overview:

The "Dashvaikalik Sutram" is considered a significant Jain Agam (scripture), believed to endure until the end of the fifth era. It is particularly esteemed for its ability to convey the essence of a monastic life and ensure spiritual welfare within a short period, originally compiled by Shruta Kevali Shyyambhav Suri for his son's benefit. This particular volume, Part 3, focuses on Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the Dashvaikalik Sutram.

The publication is presented with Gujarati translation and commentary, making it accessible to a wider audience. The text highlights the importance of studying these chapters, as they contain essential guidelines for monks and nuns to lead a life of discipline and ethical conduct.

Key Contributors and their Roles:

Shruta Kevali Shyyambhav Suri: The original author of the Dashvaikalik Sutram.
Shruta Kevali Shry Bhadrabahuswami: Author of the Niryukti (commentary on the original text).
Shrushri Haribhadra Suri: Author of the Vritti (detailed commentary on the Niryukti). He is recognized for composing 1444 texts and is known for his extensive and beautiful explanations within his commentary.
P.P.P. Guru Devshri Chandrashekharvijayji M.S.: The inspirer of this publication.
Muni Shri Gunhansvijayji: The translator of the text into simple Gujarati.
Muni Shri Bhavyasundarvijayji: The researcher and verifier of the translated text.

Content Summary of Chapters 5, 6, and A (based on the provided excerpts):

Chapter 5: Pindaireshana Adhyayan (The Study of Alms-Seeking/Food-Seeking)

This chapter is crucial for understanding the proper conduct of a monk during their alms-seeking rounds. It covers a wide range of detailed rules and ethical considerations:

Etiquette of Alms-Seeking: Detailed instructions are given on when to go for alms, how to walk, which houses to approach, what to observe upon entering a house, which places to avoid, and what to look for in a donor.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Food: The text specifies types of food and items that are permissible and those that are not. This includes discussions on food that might have been prepared with specific intentions, food that is mixed, or food that has been handled improperly.
Consequences of Wrongful Conduct: The text emphasizes the importance of adhering to these rules to avoid violating ascetic principles and accumulating negative karma.
Specific Examples and Guidelines: The excerpts provide numerous specific examples of what to accept and what to reject, often detailing the underlying reasons related to the protection of living beings (himsa) and maintaining purity of conduct. This includes guidelines on various types of food items, their preparation, and their presentation.
Dealing with Different Situations: The text addresses scenarios like receiving food from different types of people, the conduct to be observed when food is offered improperly, and how to respectfully decline it.
Importance of Proper Intent: The text repeatedly stresses the importance of the monk's intentions and mindfulness throughout the entire process of seeking and consuming alms.

Chapter 6: Mahachar Katha Adhyayan (The Great Conduct Story/Discourse)

This chapter focuses on the conduct and discipline (Achar) expected of a monk, particularly in response to inquiries about their practices.

The Nature of Jain Conduct: The chapter explains that Jain conduct is multifaceted, involving adherence to vows, practices, and ethical principles. It contrasts Jain practices with those of other sects, highlighting the unique and profound nature of the Jain path.
The Role of Knowledge and Teachers: It emphasizes that proper conduct is learned through knowledge and the guidance of qualified teachers (Gurus).
The Eighteen Faulty Practices (Sthanas): A significant portion of the chapter seems dedicated to outlining and condemning eighteen specific actions or states that a monk should avoid to maintain purity of conduct. These are presented as obstacles to spiritual progress and adherence to the monastic code.
Protection of Living Beings: The text reiterates the foundational Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and how it extends to protecting all forms of life, from the smallest to the largest, and even to the inanimate (like earth-bodied beings). This is crucial in all aspects of conduct, including alms-seeking and movement.
Avoiding Worldly Attachments: The chapter also touches upon avoiding worldly attachments, such as excessive focus on worldly possessions, relationships, or even bodily comforts, which can hinder spiritual advancement.

Chapter 7: Vakya Shuddhi Adhyayan (The Purity of Speech)

This chapter is dedicated to the importance of pure and ethical speech (Vakya Shuddhi) for a monk.

The Power of Speech: The text highlights that speech is a powerful tool that can either lead to spiritual progress or downfall. It classifies speech into different categories, emphasizing the need for careful and mindful communication.
Types of Speech: The chapter likely distinguishes between:
- Satya (Truthful) Speech: Speech that is truthful, beneficial, and spoken at the right time and place.
- Mridha (False) Speech: Untruthful speech.
- Satyāmrudha (Mixed/Partially True) Speech: Speech that is partially true and partially false, often misleading.
- Asatyāmrudha (False/Unpleasant) Speech: Speech that is fundamentally false or unpleasant, even if it may seem true in some superficial aspect.
Ethical Guidelines for Speaking: The excerpts reveal specific instructions on what to say and what not to say, including:
- Avoiding harsh, unpleasant, or insulting language.
- Being mindful of the context and audience.
- Not speaking about topics that could lead to attachment, hatred, or harm.
- The importance of speaking at the appropriate time and place.
- Avoiding speech that incites others or causes conflict.
The Role of Intent and Knowledge: The text emphasizes that both the speaker's intent and their knowledge of the subject matter are crucial in determining the purity and appropriateness of speech.
Consequences of Wrong Speech: The chapter likely outlines the negative consequences of impure speech, such as karmic bondage, spiritual downfall, and social disgrace.

Overall Significance:

The Dashvaikalik Sutram, particularly this volume covering Pindaireshana, Mahachar Katha, and Vakya Shuddhi, serves as a practical guide for Jain ascetics. It provides detailed instructions on ethical conduct, alms-seeking, and communication, all aimed at fostering spiritual purity, preventing harm to living beings, and ultimately leading to liberation. The translation and commentary by Muni Shri Gunhansvijayji and Muni Shri Bhavyasundarvijayji aim to make these profound teachings accessible and understandable for a broader audience seeking spiritual knowledge.