Gacchachar Prakirnakam

This document is the Gujarati translation of the Jain text "Gacchachar Prakirnakam" by Tattvaprabhvijay, published by Jinprabhsuri Granthmala. It is a commentary on the Gacchachar Prakirnakam, a Jain scripture dealing with the conduct and rules of Jain monastic orders (Gachhas).

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and content based on the provided text:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Shri Gacchachar Prakirnakam (with commentary by Shri Vijay Vimalgani)
• Author of Commentary: Muni Shri Tattvaprabhvijay (disciple of Acharya Shri Himad Vimalprabh Surishwarji)
• Editor: P.P. Acharya Shri Jinprabh Suri Jain Granthmala (Publisher)

2. Content Overview (from the Prastavana/Foreword and Verse Explanations):

The "Gacchachar Prakirnakam" is a significant text that, despite not being counted among the 45 main Agamas, holds immense value for its detailed exposition of monastic conduct. It is divided into three main sections:

• First Section (Adhikar):

  • Explains the meaning of "Prakirnakam" (miscellaneous scriptures).
  • Details the number of Prakirnakas created by different Tirthankaras.
  • Discusses the benefits of living in a Gachha with high ethical standards.
  • Provides guidance on the examination of an Acharya (monastic leader).
  • Describes the nature of an Acharya, their rights regarding possessions (like clothing), and the criteria for accepting or rejecting disciples for initiation.
  • Explains the five types of conduct (Achar) and the principles of movement and living (Vihar) as per month-long retreats (Masakalpa).
  • Elevates the status of Acharyas by comparing them to Tirthankaras.
  • Presents the aspects of worship and non-worship of the Twelve Angas (limbs of Jain knowledge).
  • Outlines the duties of disciples towards their Guru and the duties of Gurus towards their disciples.

• Second Section (Adhikar):

  • Introduces the concept of "Geetarth" (one who has understood the meaning of scriptures) and "Ageetarth" (one who has not).
  • Compares their teachings to nectar and poison respectively, using various examples.
  • Details the characteristics of auspicious and inauspicious Gachhas, the rules for essential duties (Avashyak), and the nature of faults in food (Aharadi).
  • Explains the consequences of accepting or refusing food, and the resulting emotional states (Bhava).
  • Discusses the different categories of knowledge (Jnana) and the nature of Gachhas that should be abandoned.

• Third Section (Adhikar):

  • Focuses specifically on the conduct of female ascetics (Sadhvi).
  • Emphasizes the need for extreme caution, considering the inherent tendencies towards disputes and variations in female nature.
  • Warns that even rigorous penances like fasting for months can be rendered futile if a Sadhvi engages in disputes with laypeople, providing a profound lesson in careful conduct.

3. Commentary and Compilation:

• The commentary on the Gacchachar Prakirnakam was written by Shri Vijay Vimal Gani, a disciple of Shri Anand Vimal Surishwarji.
• The compilation and editing of this specific edition were done by Muniraj Shri Tattvaprabhvijay, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Jinprabh Surishwarji.
• The publication was done under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandrasuri and Acharya Shri Vijay Muktiprabh Surishwarji.
• The text appears to be rooted in the principles derived from the Mahanishith Sutra and Vyavahar Sutra.

4. Key Themes and Principles:

The text emphasizes the importance of:

• Right Conduct (Achara): Especially for monks and nuns.
• Discipline and Rules: Adherence to monastic rules and traditions.
• Guru-Disciple Relationship: The duties and respect involved.
• Spiritual Purity: Avoiding worldly attachments and negative emotions (like disputes, anger, greed).
• Discernment: Differentiating between righteous and unrighteous paths and associations.
• Penance and Austerity: As means of spiritual purification.
• Caution: Particularly for Sadhvis, given their inherent nature.

5. Structural Elements:

• The book includes invocations and salutations to Gurus and deities (Shri Vijay Vimlagani, Shri Jinprabh Suri).
• It has a detailed "Prastavana" (foreword) explaining the significance and content of the work.
• The text is presented in Sanskrit with Gujarati translation and commentary.
• The catalog link indicates that the text is available through Jain education resources.

In essence, "Gacchachar Prakirnakam" with this commentary is a guide for Jain monks and nuns, providing detailed instructions on their ethical, spiritual, and daily conduct to ensure a righteous path towards liberation. The commentary by Muni Shri Tattvaprabhvijay aims to make these ancient teachings accessible and understandable.