Kalpasutra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Kalpasutra text, based on the provided information and the detailed introduction by Hermann Jacobi:

Title: Kalpasūtra of Bhadrabāhu Author: Bhadrabāhu (as attributed) Edited by: Hermann Jacobi Publisher: Leipzig Year of Publication: 1879 (Volume VII, No. 1 of "Abhandlungen für die Kunde des Morgenlandes")

Overall Purpose and Nature of the Edition: This publication represents the first critical edition of a complete Jaina work, aiming to provide a scholarly and accessible text for both European and Indian readers. Jacobi expresses hope that allowance will be made for the difficulties of his task in achieving a complete Jaina work. The text is presented with an introduction, notes, and a Prakrit-Samskrit glossary. The introduction is written in English to facilitate access for Indian scholars.

Introduction by Hermann Jacobi:

The extensive introduction by Hermann Jacobi delves into several crucial aspects of Jainism and its literature, including:

Jainism vs. Buddhism: Jacobi addresses the scholarly debate about the relationship between Jainism and Buddhism. He refutes the theories suggesting Mahavira was a contemporary and teacher of Gautama Buddha, or that Jainism was a division of Buddhism. He argues for the distinct and independent origins of both religions, while acknowledging their contemporaneity and shared cultural milieu in ancient India. He highlights significant doctrinal and biographical differences between Mahavira and Buddha.
Chronology of Mahavira: Jacobi meticulously analyzes Jaina traditional chronology, particularly concerning the date of Mahavira's Nirvana. He critically examines the traditional dates provided by the Svetambaras and Digambaras, as well as the chronological verses and accounts from texts like Hemacandra's Pariçishtaparvan. He attempts to reconcile Jaina chronology with external historical evidence, such as Buddhist chronology and inscriptions, suggesting that Mahavira's Nirvana likely occurred between 490 and 460 BCE, aligning well with Buddha's Nirvana around 477 BCE.
Bhadrabahu and the Kalpasutra: Jacobi discusses the reputed author of the Kalpasutra, Bhadrabahu. He notes that historical facts about Bhadrabahu are intertwined with legends. According to Theravalis, Bhadrabahu was the sixth Thera after Mahavira. His works are described as extracting the "ten kalpas" and Vyavahara from the ninth Purva. Jacobi explores various attributions to Bhadrabahu, including Niryuktis for various Angas and the Uvasaggahara stotra. He also addresses the Digambara tradition, which views the Kalpasutra as a forgery.
Jaina Literature and Language: Jacobi provides an overview of Jaina literature, highlighting the 45 Agamas as its most sacred part. He discusses the gradual development of the Jaina language, noting the presence of both older prose works and later commentaries in Maharashtri Prakrit. He analyzes the phonetic and grammatical differences between "Jaina Prakrit" and "Jaina Maharashtri," concluding that the former is an older or archaic form of Maharashtri, retaining more archaic features. He discusses the challenges in reconstructing the original text due to alterations and the influence of later linguistic developments.
The Kalpasutra Text Structure and Composition: Jacobi explains that the Kalpasutra, according to tradition, is attributed to Bhadrabahu and is considered the eighth chapter of the Dashashrutaskandha. However, he argues that only the Samacari (rules for ascetics) part can be identified with the Paryushanakalpa and potentially the work of Bhadrabahu. The Jinacaritra (life of Mahavira) and Sthaviravali (list of elders) are considered separate treatises, likely not authored by Bhadrabahu, as they extend beyond his time. He notes the Kalpasutra's division into "centuries" of 100 granthas each, a feature likely introduced by its editor, Devarddhiganin, around 454 or 514 AD.
Commentaries and Manuscripts: Jacobi details the various commentaries on the Kalpasutra, from the lost Curni written in Prakrit to later works in Sanskrit by authors like Jinaprabhamuni, Dharmasagara, and Samayasundara. He also provides a critical assessment of the published translation by Rev. Dr. Stevenson, deeming it inaccurate and untrustworthy due to lack of philological training and a theological bias. He lists and describes the manuscripts he used for his edition, highlighting the excellence of manuscript 'A'.

Content of the Kalpasutra (as described in the introduction):

The Kalpasutra is presented in three main parts:

Jinacaritra (Life of the Jinas): This section recounts the lives of the Tirthankaras, particularly focusing on Mahavira. It includes details about Mahavira's conception, birth dreams, his father Siddhartha and mother Trishala, his renunciation, and his attainment of omniscience. It also provides genealogies of Jaina lineage and the lives of earlier Tirthankaras like Rishabha and Parshva.
Sthaviravali (List of Elders): This part details the succession of spiritual leaders (Theras) after Mahavira, tracing the lineage through various ganas (groups) and câkhâs (sub-groups). It highlights key figures like Sudharman, Jambusvamin, and later prominent acharyas, establishing a historical and spiritual lineage. Bhadrabahu is placed as the sixth Thera in this lineage.
Samacari (Rules of Conduct / Paryushanakalpa): This section contains the rules and regulations concerning the Paryushana festival, the most important annual observance for Jainas. It outlines the practices and observances related to this period, including rules for monks and nuns regarding their conduct, food, and daily routines during the rainy season retreat (vâsâvâsa). It specifies prohibitions and allowances for ascetics during this time, such as rules about accepting food, avoiding certain places, and the specific types of food that can be accepted.

Key Features of the Edition:

Critical Editing: Jacobi's effort was to provide a critically edited text, a novel undertaking for a Jaina work at that time.
Prakrit-Samskrit Glossary: A valuable resource for understanding the Jaina Prakrit language, which is the primary language of the Kalpasutra.
Introduction: A scholarly introduction that contextualizes the work within Jainism, discusses its history, and analyzes its linguistic features.
Notes: Extensive notes that often include extracts from commentaries, providing further elucidation and historical context.
Manuscript Basis: The edition is based on the critical examination of various manuscripts, with 'A' being highlighted as an excellent source.

This edition by Hermann Jacobi was a landmark achievement in Jaina studies, making a key Jaina scripture accessible to a wider academic audience and providing a foundation for future research.