Kalpasutra

Based on the provided pages from the Kalpasutra, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Kalpasutra Author(s): Rajkirtisagar (as editor) Publisher: Subodh Shreni Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020432/1

Overall Purpose of the Kalpasutra:

The Kalpasutra is a fundamental Jain text, considered a "Shiromani" (crown jewel) among all scriptures. It deals with the conduct, rules, and lives of Jain monks and nuns, particularly during the rainy season retreat (Chaturmas). It is read during the Paryushana festival. The text outlines the "Kalpas" which are the rules or ways of life for ascetics, covering ten specific types of conduct.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Editorial and Publishing Information:

   • The provided text is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Kalpasutra, compiled and edited by P.P. Nyaas Pravar Shri Rajkirtisagar M. Sa.
   • The publication is by Subodh Shreni Prakashan.
   • It acknowledges the blessings and support of Acharya Shri Subodhsagarsurishwarji M. Sa. and Acharya Shri Manohar Keertisagar Surishwarji M. Sa.
   • The text was released in 2003, coinciding with Veer Samvat 2529 and Vikram Samvat 2059.
   • The aim of the publication was to make the Kalpasutra accessible in clear Gujarati script with large fonts, particularly for elderly monks and nuns.
   • The publisher expresses gratitude to various Jain sanghs and individuals for their support.

2. Core Jain Concepts and Teachings:

   • The Ten Kalpas (Ways of Conduct): The text outlines ten specific Kalpas governing monastic life: Achclak (unclothed), Udeshik (received alms), Shayyatar (lodging owner's provision), Rajpind (king's collection), Krutikarm (rituals), Vrat (vows), Jyeshth (seniority), Pratrikraman (confession), Maas (month stay), and Paryushana (monsoon retreat).
   • Vastral (Clothing): The Kalpasutra distinguishes between different Tirthankaras' ascetics regarding clothing. While Rishabhdev and Mahavir's ascetics were unclothed (Achclak), the twenty-two Tirthankaras in between had varying practices. The text clarifies that even those who wore clothes were considered "Achclak" if their clothes were old and worn out, signifying detachment.
   • Hierarchy and Conduct: The text discusses the rules of seniority based on initiation, respect between monks and nuns, and the importance of discipline.
   • Mahavratas (Great Vows): It is mentioned that the first and last Tirthankaras' ascetics observed five Mahavratas, while the twenty-two in between observed four, with the vow of abstaining from sexual intercourse being subsumed within the vow of non-possession, as women are considered a form of possession for the righteous and wise.
   • Paryushana Festival: This major festival involves seven days of observance, with specific readings of the Kalpasutra for auspiciousness.
   • Significance of Kalpasutra: It is described as a "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree), containing the essence of Jain teachings, including the lives of Tirthankaras, the history of eminent monks (Sthaviravali), and monastic conduct (Samachari). Reading or listening to the Kalpasutra is believed to lead to liberation within eight lifetimes.
   • The Panch Parmesthi: The text begins with invocations to Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus, recognizing the supreme importance of the Panch Parmesthi.
   • Mahavir Swami's Life: The text details the major life events of Lord Mahavir, including his descent from heaven, his placement in Mahavideh, his birth in the clan of Ikshvaku, his mother Trishala's dreams (elephants, bulls, lions, goddesses, etc.), his initiation, attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscience), and Nirvana. It highlights the significance of the Uttara Phalguni constellation in relation to these events.
   • The Five Kalyanaks (auspicious events): The text elaborates on these, connecting them to specific constellations and divine actions.
   • Lord Parshvanath and Other Tirthankaras: The text also includes brief narratives about other Tirthankaras, such as Parshvanath, Neminath, and Rishabhdev, detailing their lives, virtues, and key events, including their parentage and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their birth and lives.
   • The Concept of "Accchera" (Unusual Events): The Kalpasutra lists ten unusual or extraordinary events that occurred in the lives of Tirthankaras or in the Jain tradition, such as miracles, unprecedented occurrences, or unique circumstances, underscoring the divine nature of these events. Examples include Lord Mahavir's endurance of immense hardship (upasarg), the conception of Mallinath as a female Tirthankara, and the transfer of Mahavir's embryo.
   • The Four Vedas and Six Limbs of Vedanga: The text mentions these aspects of Brahmanical knowledge, indicating the broad philosophical and scriptural context within which Jainism operates, while also asserting the superiority of Jain teachings.
   • Palmistry and Character Reading: A significant portion of the text delves into the interpretation of physical characteristics, particularly palmistry, as indicators of a person's destiny, character, and future. This includes descriptions of auspicious and inauspicious marks, the significance of facial features, hand lines, and bodily proportions.
   • The Twelve Great Vows (for ascetics): These are elaborated upon.
   • The Ten Kalpas and their Variations: The text details the ten Kalpas and discusses the differences in their observance among the ascetics of different Tirthankaras, attributing these variations to the differences in the spiritual capacity and intellectual disposition of the beings of different eras.
   • The Importance of Dharma and Tapa: The narrative of Nagketu highlights the power of penance (especially Ashtam Tap) in overcoming adversity and achieving spiritual merit.
   • The Five Great Vows (Maha-vratas): The text implicitly or explicitly touches upon these foundational vows of Jainism.
   • The Twelve Reflections (of the soul): The text mentions the importance of reflecting on the twelve aspects of the soul.
   • The Meaning of "Vardhamaana": The name "Vardhamaana" (meaning 'one who grows') is explained in relation to the prosperity brought by the Tirthankara's birth.
   • The Meaning of "Veera": The name "Veera" (meaning 'hero' or 'brave') is attributed to Lord Mahavir's immense courage and strength in enduring hardships and overcoming adversias.
   • The Life of Lord Rishabhdev: The text details the life of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, including his descent, his establishing of societal structures like royalty and lineage (Varnashrama), his reign, his renunciation, and his eventual liberation. It mentions his 108 sons and his establishment of the fourfold Jain community (Sangh).
   • The Life of Lord Parshvanath: The text narrates the story of Lord Parshvanath, including the hardships (upasarg) he endured, particularly from Kamat in his previous life and the serpent Dharanendra. It also touches upon his divine birth and the miracles surrounding his life.
   • The Life of Lord Neminath: The text describes Lord Neminath's life, his vegetarianism, his marriage (or lack thereof), his renunciation, and his eventual Kevalgyan and Nirvana. The narrative of his marriage and the story of the sacrificed animals are particularly highlighted.
   • The Life of Lord Mahavir: The text extensively details Lord Mahavir's life, including his birth, his parents, his renunciation, his ascetic practices, his Kevalgyan (omniscience), his teachings, his disciples (Gana-dharas), and his Nirvana. It emphasizes his immense strength, courage (Veera), and his role as the 24th Tirthankara.
   • The Gana-dharas: The text introduces the concept of Gana-dharas, the chief disciples of the Tirthankaras, and lists the eleven Gana-dharas of Lord Mahavir, detailing their lineage and the number of their disciples. It highlights how they attained Kevalgyan and their role in preserving and propagating Jain teachings.
   • The Importance of Rules and Regulations: The Kalpasutra emphasizes adherence to the rules and regulations laid down for ascetics to maintain purity of conduct and progress on the spiritual path.

Key Themes:

• Conduct and Discipline: The text is a detailed manual for the conduct of Jain ascetics, emphasizing discipline, purity, and detachment.
• Spiritual Progress: It provides a roadmap for spiritual progress, culminating in liberation (Moksha).
• The Lives of Tirthankaras: It narrates the exemplary lives of the Tirthankaras as guides for followers.
• Karma and Rebirth: The underlying philosophy of karma and rebirth influences the understanding of actions and their consequences.
• Detachment and Renunciation: The text repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of detachment from worldly possessions and desires as essential for spiritual advancement.

In essence, the Kalpasutra, as presented in these pages, is a comprehensive guide to Jain monasticism, outlining the stringent rules, the exemplary lives of the Tirthankaras, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Jain path to liberation. The Gujarati translation makes these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience.