Kalpasutra - Book Summary | JainGPT

The provided text is a Hindi translation and commentary of the Kalpasutra, a significant Jain scripture. The Kalpasutra primarily deals with the conduct and rules for Jain ascetics, particularly during the rainy season (Chaturmas) and the Paryushana festival. The text details the life and teachings of the Tirthankaras, with a significant focus on Lord Mahavir.

Here's a summary of the key themes and content covered in the provided excerpts:

I. Introduction and Publisher's Notes:

The text is a Hindi translation of the Shri Kalpasutra, accompanied by a commentary called "Subodhika Tika."
The publication is from Vikram Samvat 2058 (2002 CE) by Dipak Jyoti Jain Sangh, Mumbai.
The publisher expresses gratitude to all gurus, monks, and nuns who contributed to the writing and translation of these important Jain texts.

II. The Kalpasutra and its Ten "Kalpas" (Rules/Practices): The Kalpasutra is described as the foremost among all scriptures, holding deep reverence for Jains. It outlines ten "Kalpas" or aspects of ascetic conduct:

Achelakya (Non-possession of Clothes): Discusses the concept of being without clothes. It notes that while the first and last Tirthankaras (Rishabhdev and Mahavir) were generally believed to be archetypal achelakas (possessing only divine garments that fell away), the other 22 Tirthankaras were sachelakas (clothed). The text clarifies that even with worn-out or minimal clothing, an ascetic can be considered achelak in spirit.
Auddeshik Kalpa (Food meant for oneself): Explains rules regarding food prepared specifically for an ascetic, a group of ascetics, or a specific dwelling (upasraya). It differentiates rules between the first/last Tirthankaras' eras and the eras of the other 22 Tirthankaras.
Shayyata Kalpa (Owner of the Dwelling): Pertains to rules related to the owner of the upasraya (monastic lodging) and the acceptance of certain items (like food, clothing, utensils, etc.) from them. It highlights potential issues like undesirable items and the difficulty of finding suitable dwellings.
Rajpinda (Royal Alms): Discusses rules concerning alms received from royal circles or from individuals involved in state affairs. It explains that while such alms were generally prohibited for ascetics of the first and last Tirthankaras' eras due to potential issues like loss of study or negative interpretations, the ascetics of the other 22 Tirthankaras' eras were permitted to receive them due to their simpler and wiser nature.
Kritikarma (Observance of Vows/Rituals): Refers to the practice of salutations (vandana), which are of two types: abhyutthana (standing up) and dvadashavarta (circumambulation). It emphasizes that salutations should be exchanged between ascetics based on their initiation seniority, even a junior can bow to a senior sadhvi (nun) if she was initiated earlier.
Vrat Kalpa (Vows): Focuses on the mahavratas (great vows). It notes that ascetics of the 22 Tirthankaras' eras took four mahavratas, considering women as part of parigraha (possessions) and therefore abstaining from them due to renouncing all possessions. The first and last Tirthankaras' ascetics took five mahavratas.
Jyeshtha Kalpa (Seniority): Deals with the concept of seniority among ascetics, especially in cases where individuals with familial relationships (father-son, mother-daughter, king-minister) take diksha (initiation) together. It outlines how seniority is determined and how to manage interactions based on initiation date.
Pratikraman Kalpa (Confession/Atonement): States that ascetics of Rishabhdev and Mahavir must perform pratikraman (a ritual of self-reflection and confession) twice daily, regardless of committing any transgressions. Others only perform it if they have committed faults.
Masa Kalpa (Monthly Retreat): Refers to the practice of staying in one place for a month, which was mandatory for ascetics of the first and last Tirthankaras during times of famine or hardship. For other ascetics, it was not strictly mandatory.
Paryushana Kalpa (Annual Festival/Retreat): Defines Paryushana as residing in one place and also refers to the annual festival. It details the timing of the annual festival and different types of Paryushana (residence) as salambana (supported) and niravalambana (unsupported), with further divisions into jaghanya (minor) and utkrishta (major) durations.

III. Explanation for Differences in Ascetic Conduct: The text addresses why the conduct of ascetics differs among the Tirthankaras. The reason cited is the difference in the nature of the disciples or followers:

First Tirthankara's (Rishabhdev) disciples: Described as simple-minded (Riju-Jad) and slow to grasp teachings.
Mahavir's disciples: Described as cunning and dull-witted (Vakra-Jad).
Other 22 Tirthankaras' disciples: Described as simple-minded and intelligent (Riju-Pragya), making the teachings easy to understand and follow.

This section includes illustrative anecdotes:

Rishabhdev's disciples: Not understanding that if watching a male dancer is forbidden, watching a female dancer is also implicitly forbidden. Also, a former merchant showing attachment to his former livelihood and disciples.
Mahavir's disciples: Cunningly misinterpreting the Guru's instructions and trying to shift blame.
Other Tirthankaras' disciples: Correctly understanding the implied prohibition and acting with wisdom.

IV. Birth of Lord Mahavir: The text then delves into the birth of Lord Mahavir:

Celestial Conception: Lord Mahavir descended from the Pushpotara Vimana in heaven.
Mother's Dreams: Devananda, the mother of Mahavir (in his conception in her womb), experienced fourteen auspicious dreams, which were interpreted by her husband, Rishabhadatta. These dreams foreshadowed the greatness of the child.
Incarnation Details: Details the specific time and circumstances of Mahavir's birth, including the lunar constellation (Uttara Phalguni) and the unique event of his soul being transferred from Devananda's womb to Trishala's womb by the deity Harinegameshi, orchestrated by Indra. This transfer was due to an instance of lower-caste gotra karma accumulated by Mahavir in a past life.
Lord Mahavir's Names: Mentions his birth names: Vardhaman (due to the prosperity experienced by his parents from his conception), Shraman (due to his ascetic nature), and Mahavir (given by Indra due to his immense courage and strength).
Childhood Activities: Describes Lord Mahavir's extraordinary feats even as a child, such as demonstrating immense strength and fearlessness, earning him the name 'Veer'.
Education: Details Mahavir's upbringing and education, including learning the Vedas and various other arts and sciences.

V. Lord Mahavir's Asceticism and Enlightenment:

Renunciation: Lord Mahavir renounced his worldly life at the age of 30.
Ascetic Practices: Details his twelve years of severe penance, including fasting, enduring hardships, and facing numerous upasargas (afflictions) from deities and humans. The text recounts several specific instances of such challenges.
Goshala's Rivalry: Highlights the antagonistic relationship between Mahavir and Goshala, his former associate who became his rival, often attempting to cause him harm or discredit him.
Receiving Kevala Gyan (Omniscience): Describes the attainment of omniscience by Lord Mahavir under a Shal tree on the banks of the river Rjuvāluka near Jrimbhikā village on the tenth day of the bright half of Vaishakha month, at the age of 43.

VI. The Twelve Years of Asceticism and Fourteen Precepts of the Kalpa: The text elaborates on Mahavir's ascetic journey, the challenges he faced, and the principles he upheld. It also references the adherence to the rules of Paryushana and Chaturmas.

VII. Life and Teachings of Other Tirthankaras: The latter part of the text shifts focus to other Tirthankaras:

Lord Parshvanath: Details his life, the significance of the Vishakha Nakshatra for his kalyanakas (auspicious events), his marriage, renunciation, and attainment of Kevala Gyan. It also recounts the upasarga from Meghamali and the intervention of Dharanendra.
Lord Neminath: Describes his life, the significance of the Chitra Nakshatra for his kalyanakas, his immense strength, his encounter with Krishan and the cowherd girls, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Kevala Gyan. It also mentions his relationship with Rajimati.
Lord Rishabhdev: Details his kalyanakas, his birth in Ayodhya, the interpretation of his mother Marudevi's dreams, his reign as the first king, the establishment of the Ikshvaku dynasty, the invention of various arts and crafts, his marriage, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Kevala Gyan. It also describes the funeral rites and the dissemination of his teachings.

VIII. The Succession of Spiritual Leaders (Sthiravali): The text outlines the lineage of prominent Jain scholars and monks, starting from the direct disciples of Lord Mahavir (like Indrabhuti Gautam, Sudharma Swami, Jambu Swami, etc.) and tracing the lineage through various acharyas and their disciples, highlighting the transmission of knowledge and the establishment of different schools (gachhas and shakhas).

IX. Samachari (Ascetic Conduct Rules): This section, likely representing a further elaboration of the "Kalpas," details specific rules for ascetics and nuns during the Chaturmas (rainy season retreat) and Paryushana festival. These rules cover:

Timing of Paryushana: Discusses the precise timing of Paryushana, the debates around the calendar and the influence of intercalary months (adhik masa), and the established practice of observing it around Bhadrapad (August-September).
Rules for Residence: Outlines regulations for staying in upasrayas, including the number of times an ascetic can go out for alms or other necessities during Chaturmas and the rules for taking alms from specific houses.
Prohibited Actions: Details various actions that ascetics must avoid, such as taking certain types of food and water, interacting with specific individuals, and staying in certain locations.
Vigaya (Permitted Foods): Discusses the rules for consuming certain permitted foods like ghee, oil, jaggery, milk, curd, and pakvanna (sweet dishes), and the conditions under which they can be taken.
Rules for Tapa (Austerities): Mentions the practice of Tapa like ekasana (one meal a day), chath (fasting for two days), attham (fasting for three days), and masa kshapan (fasting for a month).
Conduct in Different Situations: Provides detailed guidelines for ascetics on how to behave in various situations, such as during rain, when encountering animals, interacting with householders, and managing their possessions (like vessels and robes).
The Eight Subtleties (Sukshmas): Highlights the importance of being aware of and avoiding subtle transgressions related to microscopic life forms, such as subtle beings, subtle fungi, subtle seeds, subtle green matter, subtle flowers, subtle eggs, subtle holes, and subtle liquids.
Rules for Loch (Plucking Hair): Explains the practice of hair-plucking, its frequency, and exceptions for those who are unwell or very young.
Importance of Kshama (Forgiveness): Emphasizes the significance of forgiveness, especially during Paryushana, and the consequences of not seeking or granting it. It includes parables illustrating the importance of genuine repentance.
Rules for Vaiyavercha (Service to fellow ascetics): Outlines the rules for serving sick monks and nuns, including how to obtain and offer them the necessary items.

Overall Purpose: The Kalpasutra, as presented in this translation, serves as a foundational text for understanding Jain asceticism, ethical conduct, and the rituals and observances that define the Jain way of life, particularly during the sacred period of Paryushana. It emphasizes adherence to strict rules for the purification of the soul and the path to liberation.