Jaina Sutras 01 Acharang Sutra And Kalpa Sutra

This document is the English translation of the Jaina Sutras, specifically the Acharanga Sutra and the Kalpa Sutra, translated by Hermann Jacobi and originally published as part of the "Sacred Books of the East" series edited by F. Max Müller. The provided text includes the translated sutras along with extensive prefatory and introductory material.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects:

I. The Jaina Sutras (Acharanga Sutra and Kalpa Sutra):

• Acharanga Sutra: This is presented as the first of the eleven Angas of the Jaina canon. It is divided into two books, with the first book considered the oldest part.

  • Book I:
    • Structure: Consists of eight lectures, with the first book of the Acharanga Sutra containing eight lectures, and the second book comprising four parts (Kulas) or appendices. The first book is considered the oldest, containing the core teachings.
    • Content: The lectures focus heavily on Ahimsa (non-violence) in its most stringent form. It details the meticulous avoidance of harming any living being, extending to the subtlest forms of life, including those believed to inhabit earth, water, fire, wind, plants, and animals. The text enumerates the six classes of lives that are to be protected.
    • Ethical Precepts: It lays out the principles of asceticism and right conduct for monks (Yatis). This includes strict rules on begging for food, clothing, and shelter, emphasizing minimal possession, self-control, and renunciation of worldly desires. The concept of "causes of sin" related to harming the six classes of lives is a central theme.
    • Philosophical Concepts: It touches upon the Jaina belief in the soul (Jiva), the cycle of rebirth (Samsara), karma, and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha). It contrasts the Jaina path with other prevalent doctrines of the time.
    • Style: The language is often aphoristic and repetitive, sometimes described as bewildering and fragmented, with frequent interpolations of verses, suggesting it might be a compilation of earlier teachings.
    • Key Themes: The importance of knowledge (jnana) and conduct (achara), the nature of suffering, the path to liberation, and the ethical responsibilities of ascetics are paramount.
  • Book II: This part consists of several lectures (up to the fifteenth is visible in the provided text). It continues the detailed exposition of rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns, focusing on practical aspects of their ascetic life.
    • Lectures Cover:
      • Begging of Food (Pindaishana): Extremely detailed rules on what food is pure and acceptable, and what is impure. This includes strictures on food preparation, sourcing, and sharing, with a strong emphasis on avoiding harm to living beings in any step of the process.
      • Begging for a Couch (Sayya): Rules for accepting and using lodging, emphasizing inspection for any living beings and avoiding places with too much human or animal activity, or those deemed impure.
      • Walking (Iriya): Guidelines for monks' movement, especially during the rainy season (Paryushana), emphasizing carefulness to avoid harming tiny life forms on the ground. It includes rules for crossing water, navigating difficult terrain, and interacting with travelers and potentially hostile people.
      • Modes of Speech (Bhashagaya): Strict regulations on speech, focusing on truthfulness, moderation, and avoidance of harsh, deceptive, or sinful language. It highlights the importance of precise and considerate communication.
      • Begging of Clothes (Vastrasana): Rules on accepting, wearing, and caring for monastic robes, emphasizing simplicity and avoiding attachment to fine or elaborate garments.
      • Begging for a Bowl (Patra): Detailed regulations for accepting alms bowls, focusing on purity, material, and avoiding expensive or decorated items.
      • Regulation of Possession (Oggahapadima): Rules about what constitutes possession for an ascetic, emphasizing minimal ownership and the need for permission even for temporary use of objects.
      • Rules for Yatis (Samachari): Specific regulations for monks during the Paggusan (rainy season retreat), covering aspects like acceptable food and drink, lodging, travel, personal conduct, and interaction with others.
    • The Clauses (Bhavana): The fifteenth lecture details the five great vows (Mahavratas) of Jainism and their twenty-five clauses. This section is crucial for understanding the core ethical framework of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession.

• Kalpa Sutra: This text focuses on the lives of the Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Mahavira, Parsva, Arishtanemi, and Rishabha, along with the history of the Jain church and its early leaders (Sthaviras).

  • Lives of the Ginas (Tirthankaras):
    • Mahavira: Provides a detailed, mythological account of Mahavira's conception, birth, upbringing, renunciation, ascetic practices, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and final liberation (Nirvana). It includes divine interventions, auspicious dreams seen by his mother, the transfer of the embryo, and his rigorous asceticism. The text emphasizes his compassion, equanimity, and the perfection of his conduct.
    • Parsva: Details the life of the 23rd Tirthankara, highlighting his birth in Benares, his noble dreams, and his eventual renunciation and asceticism.
    • Arishtanemi: Describes the life of the 22nd Tirthankara, connecting him to Krishna and the city of Dvaraka. It also includes dream symbolism and ascetic practices.
    • Rishabha: Details the life of the 1st Tirthankara, described as the first king and the founder of civilization, teaching the seventy-two sciences and establishing social order.
  • Epochs of the Intermediate Tirthankaras: Briefly lists the lifetimes and epochs of other Tirthankaras.
  • List of the Sthaviras: Traces the lineage of important disciples and leaders after Mahavira, detailing the complex branching of the Jain monastic tradition into various Ganas, Kulas, and Sâkhâs. This section highlights the importance of lineage and the preservation of teachings.
  • Rules for Yatis (Samachari): This section, also found in the Acharanga Sutra's Book II, further elaborates on the regulations for monks and nuns, particularly during the Paggusan (monsoon retreat), covering aspects of daily life, interactions, and specialized conduct for ascetics.

II. Introductory and Supporting Material:

• Fair Use Declaration: The initial pages explain the purpose of The Free Indological Collection (TFIC) and their belief that the book is in the public domain, providing it for educational and research use under Fair Use guidelines. They emphasize their intent to make valuable texts accessible.
• Publisher's Notes and Prefatory Notes: These sections highlight the significance of the "Sacred Books of the East" series, the role of UNESCO in reprinting foundational works, and the profound nature of Eastern religious consciousness as expressed in these scriptures. They express gratitude to key figures and institutions.
• Introduction by Hermann Jacobi: This is a substantial essay that:
  • Addresses the Relationship with Buddhism: Jacobi tackles the scholarly debate about whether Jainism originated from or branched off from Buddhism. He argues for the independence of Jainism, refuting common theories about Buddhist influence by comparing key events in the lives of Mahavira and Buddha, their core tenets, and their social and historical contexts.
  • Establishes Historical Context: He delves into the likely historical background of Mahavira and his family, clarifying their social status and connections within the political landscape of ancient India, challenging the traditional depiction of Mahavira's father as a powerful king.
  • Discusses Asceticism and Monastic Orders: Jacobi compares the practices and vows of Jain monks with those of Buddhist monks and Brahmanic ascetics (Sannyasins), tracing shared origins in Brahmanical traditions and highlighting the distinct development of each.
  • Analyzes Jain Literature: He discusses the age and composition of the Jaina scriptures, arguing for their antiquity and trustworthiness as historical documents, despite later redactions. He examines linguistic and metrical evidence to establish chronological positions relative to Buddhist literature.
  • Defends Jain Independence: Ultimately, Jacobi aims to vindicate the authority and credit of the Jaina sacred books, arguing that Jainism developed independently from Buddhism and owes its foundational elements to Brahmanism rather than directly to Buddhism.
• Transliteration of Oriental Alphabets: A detailed guide is provided to help readers understand the phonetic representations of Sanskrit and other Indian scripts used in the text.

III. Overall Themes and Significance:

• Ahimsa: The paramount importance of non-violence in Jainism is a recurring and fundamental theme, elaborated in intricate detail, from not harming macroscopic beings to avoiding harm to microscopic life forms and even elements.
• Asceticism and Renunciation: The texts provide a comprehensive overview of the strict rules and practices governing the lives of Jain monks and nuns, emphasizing detachment, minimal possession, and rigorous self-discipline.
• Karma and Rebirth: The underlying belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma is evident throughout, shaping the ethical injunctions and the pursuit of liberation.
• Liberation (Moksha/Nirvana): The ultimate goal of escaping the cycle of suffering through right knowledge, right intuition, and right conduct is consistently highlighted.
• Historical and Textual Analysis: Jacobi's introduction offers a scholarly perspective on the historical origins of Jainism, its relationship with other Indian religions, and the textual history of its scriptures, providing valuable context for understanding these ancient texts.
• Cultural and Religious Foundation: These sutras offer a profound insight into the foundational principles of Jainism, shaping its ethical code, ascetic practices, and philosophical worldview.

In essence, this volume provides a critical translation and scholarly analysis of two of the most important Jaina scriptures, illuminating the core tenets of Jainism, its ascetic path, and its historical position within the religious landscape of ancient India.