Kalpasutra - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Kalpasutra, a significant Jain text attributed to Shrut Kewali Bhadra Bahu. The provided text is an edition published by Sri Amar Jain Agam Shodh Sansthan in Shivana, with guidance from Pandit Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj and edited by Devendra Muni Ji.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Context:

Occasion of Publication: The book was published on the occasion of the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavira.
Attribution: The text is attributed to Shrut Kewali Bhadra Bahu.
Guidance and Editing: Pandit Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj provided guidance, while Devendra Muni Ji Shastri, Salatya Ratna, served as the editor and annotator.
Publisher: Sri Amar Jain Agam Shodh Sansthan, Shivana (Marwar).
Dedication: The book is dedicated to the late Pujyapad Shri Tarachand Ji Maharaj, described with luminous qualities.
Publisher's Note (Prakashakoy Prakash): This section highlights the Kalpasutra as a significant and unprecedented work in Hindi literature. It aims to clarify common misconceptions and present an authentic exposition based on Agam-approved, historically proven, and authentic texts. The editor, Devendra Muni Ji, is praised for his scholarship and previous works. Financial contributors are acknowledged for their support.
Date of First Publication: August 15, 1968.

2. Content of the Kalpasutra (as presented in the summary):

The Kalpasutra is structured into three main parts:

Jincharitra (Chapter on Jain Conduct/Lives of Tirthankaras):
- Lord Mahavira's Life: Details his life events, including conception, dreams of his mother, birth, renunciation, asceticism, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), preaching (Dharma Chakra Pravartan), and Nirvana.
- Previous Traditions: Discusses the lives of prominent Tirthankaras like Parshvanath and Arishtanemi.
- Historical Context of Kshatriyas: The text elaborates on the importance of the Kshatriya varna in ancient Indian culture, citing Vedic and Buddhist scriptures to demonstrate their role in spiritual knowledge and protection. It highlights that many spiritual proponents, including Buddha and Mahavira, were born into Kshatriya families, signifying the importance of non-violence and spiritual pursuit within this varna.
- Tirthankara Lineage: The text describes the lives and significance of various Tirthankaras, including their pre-life events, birth circumstances, and the socio-religious context of their times. It touches upon Lord Rishabhdev's role in establishing societal structures and the concept of kingship.
- Past Lives of Mahavira: The text details Lord Mahavira's 27 past lives, highlighting his journey towards liberation through various stages and circumstances, including human and divine births, and the development of his spiritual resolve. It emphasizes the Jain concept of "uttarvad" (evolution) rather than "avatarvad" (descent of the divine).
- Astonishing Events (Aascharya): The text details ten astonishing events that occurred during the lives of Tirthankaras, with a specific focus on those related to Lord Mahavira's life, such as the transfer of his embryo, the presence of celestial beings, and events related to his birth.
Sthiravali (Genealogy of Ascetic Leaders):
- Lineage of Acharyas: This section traces the lineage of prominent Jain Acharyas from Devarddhigani Kshamashraman down to later figures. It discusses the purity of the lineage and the introduction of different traditions (Gachhas).
- Key Ascetics: Highlights the lives and contributions of significant figures like Arya Jambu, Arya Bhadra Bahu, and Arya Sthulibhadra.
- Branches of the Sangha: Mentions the emergence of different branches and lineages within the Jain Sangha.
Samachari (Rules of Conduct for Ascetics):
- Vashavas (Monsoon Retreat): Details the rules and regulations for ascetics during the four-month monsoon retreat, emphasizing the need for staying in one place to avoid harming microscopic organisms.
- Bhikshachari Kalpa (Rules of Alms-Seeking): Outlines the proper conduct and limitations for ascetics when seeking alms, including rules about what can be accepted, from whom, and under what circumstances. It discusses the significance of purity in obtaining food and avoiding even the slightest harm to living beings.
- Kesh Lochan (Plucking of Hair): Explains the practice of hair-plucking as a form of asceticism and its rules, emphasizing its significance in renunciation and detachment.
- Kshama (Forgiveness): Stresses the importance of forgiveness, especially during and after the Paryushana period, highlighting the need for mutual reconciliation and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere within the Sangha.
- Overall Purpose: The Samachari section provides a detailed guide for the practical implementation of Jain monastic vows and ethical conduct.

3. Key Concepts and Terminology:

Kalpa: Defined as policy, conduct, discipline, and practice. It's anything that promotes knowledge, virtue, austerity, and checks faults.
Jinakalpa and Sthirakalpa: Two paths of asceticism. Jinakalpa is a stricter path, while Sthirakalpa is followed by most ascetics, with certain allowances for practical reasons.
Upasarga: Afflictions or hardships faced by ascetics, which they endure with equanimity.
Tirthankara: Those who create crossings over the ocean of existence, guiding souls towards liberation.
Keval Gyan: Omniscience.
Nirvana: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Vashavas: The monsoon retreat for ascetics.
Paryushana: The most important festival in Jainism, a period of fasting, penance, and spiritual reflection.
Dasha Kalpa: Ten types of rules or observances related to ascetic conduct.
Ahimsa: Non-violence, the foundational principle of Jainism.
Karma: The law of action and reaction, influencing the soul's rebirths.
Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, Bhava: Four aspects of consideration in Jain ethics (substance, place, time, and mood).

4. Historical and Philosophical Context:

Tirthankara Lineage: The text emphasizes the unbroken lineage of Tirthankaras, stretching back to Lord Rishabhdev.
Kshatriya Role: It highlights the historical and spiritual prominence of the Kshatriya varna in ancient India, citing their involvement in spiritual learning and their association with enlightened rulers.
Vedic and Jain Parallels: The text implicitly draws parallels between Jain principles and certain Vedic philosophies, particularly regarding the concept of the soul and spiritual pursuit, suggesting a shared cultural heritage.
Critique of Ritualism: By emphasizing ethical conduct, austerity, and inner purification, the text implicitly critiques purely ritualistic or external forms of worship prevalent in other traditions.
Importance of the Kalpasutra: The text underscores the Kalpasutra's importance in defining the code of conduct for Jain ascetics and its foundational role in understanding Jain philosophy and practice.

In essence, the provided text offers a deep dive into the Kalpasutra, covering its origins, structure, the lives of key spiritual figures, and the intricate rules of conduct for Jain ascetics. It also provides significant historical and philosophical context, connecting Jain teachings with broader Indian spiritual traditions.