Kalpasutra Kalpalati Tika - Book Summary

This detailed document is the Kalpasutra by Shrī Bhadrabāhusvāmi, accompanied by the commentary Kalpalatā by Vāchak Samayasundar Gaṇi. It was published in Vikram Samvat 1996 (1939 CE) with the financial assistance of various individuals and institutions.

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Overall Purpose and Content:

The document presents the Kalpasutra, a foundational text in Jainism, particularly important for the Paryusana festival. The Kalpasutra is divided into three main parts:

Jinacarita: Accounts of the lives of the Tirthankaras, focusing on the five auspicious events (Pancha Kalyāṇakāni) of their lives.
Sthaviravali: A genealogical account of the ancient Āchāryas (elders) who were instrumental in the propagation and preservation of the Jain faith. This section lists many prominent Āchāryas, highlighting their contributions and lineage.
Samācāri: Rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns, especially concerning their conduct during the rainy season when they observe a period of stationary residence (Paryusana). This part details various rules and practices.

The commentary, Kalpalatā, aims to explain the Kalpasutra in a lucid and accessible manner, making it understandable for a wider audience, including lay followers. It provides detailed explanations, historical context, and illustrative stories.

Key Aspects and Sections:

Introduction/Nivedanam (Pages 6-27):
- Highlights the importance and antiquity of the Kalpasutra.
- Explains the three parts of the text (Jinacarita, Sthaviravali, Samācāri).
- Discusses the purpose of each section, emphasizing their liturgical and devotional significance.
- Traces the lineage of the commentators and Āchāryas, starting from Bhadrabahu Swami, and detailing the influential figures of the Kharatara Gaccha, including Jinacandra Suri, who was honored by Emperor Akbar.
- Lists the various works of Samayasundar Gaṇi, highlighting his prolific writing career and expertise in Jain scriptures.
- Explains the difference between the five and six Kalyāṇakas (auspicious events) and the differing views on whether to count Garbhāpahāra (descent into the womb) as a Kalyāṇaka.
- Discusses the historical context of the Kalpasutra's compilation and reading, including the role of Devardhigani.
- Explains the meaning of "Paryusana" as a period of fixed residence during the rainy season.
- Mentions the Kalika Āchārya Kathā and its significance, particularly the event of shifting the Paryusana Parvan date.
- Details the author Samayasundara Gaṇi's dedication to explaining the text and making it easy for students.
Detailed Explanations of Kalpasutra Parts (Pages 41-64, etc.):
- Mangalam (Introduction to the text itself): Commences with invocations to Mahavir Swami, Gautam Swami, Sudharma Swami, and the Āchāryas, particularly Kailāsasāgarsūri.
- Ten Kalyāṇakas (Pages 60-75): A significant portion details the ten auspicious events of Bhagwan Mahavir's life, including His celestial descent (Chyavana), conception, birth, renunciation, divine knowledge, divine speech, divine disciples, and eventual liberation. Each event is explained with immense detail, including the dreams of the mother (Trishala) and their interpretations. The text describes the divine atmosphere, the involvement of celestial beings, and the auspicious signs surrounding these events.
- Twelve Kalpas (Pages 42-46): Explains the ten types of conduct (Āchāra) or rules followed by Jain monks, including: Achēlatva (nudity), Audēśika (alms collected for specific monks), Śayyātar (rules for staying in a house), Rājpinda (rules concerning food from royalty), Kṛtakarma (rules related to rituals), Vrata (vows), Jyeṣṭha (rules regarding seniority), Pratikramaṇa (repentance ceremonies), Māsa (monthly observances), and Paryuṣaṇa (rainy season retreat). It differentiates the rules applicable to the followers of Adinath and Mahavir compared to the other 22 Tirthankaras.
- Recounting of Previous Lives and Karmic Influences: The commentary delves into the past lives of Tirthankaras, particularly Bhagwan Mahavir and Parshvanath, explaining how past karmas influence their present lives and events. The story of Kalaka Āchārya is also integrated, explaining the shift in the Paryusana festival date.
- Sthaviravali (Pages 15-18, 41-42, 472-513): This section, particularly in the later parts of the text, traces the lineage of prominent Āchāryas and their disciples, establishing the unbroken chain of spiritual authority within Jainism. It highlights key figures like Bhadrabahu Swami, the authors of the 14 Purvas, and many prominent figures from the Kharatara and Tapa Gacchas.
- Samācāri (Rules of Conduct) (Pages 16-17, 42-58, 242-276, 320-340, 344-358, 452-478, 523-602): A substantial portion is dedicated to detailing the rules of conduct for monks and nuns, especially during the Paryusana period. This includes:
  - Rules regarding dwelling places (Upaśraya).
  - Rules about receiving alms (Bhakṣaṇa) and drinks (Pānaka).
  - Prohibitions and permissions regarding various types of food, drink, and their preparation.
  - Specific guidelines for fasting and austerity (e.g., Ashtama Tapas).
  - Rules for vigilance against subtle beings (Sukshma), such as microscopic organisms in water, plants, and earth.
  - The importance of mindfulness and careful conduct (Samiti and Gupti).
  - Prohibitions against anger, pride, deceit, greed, etc.
  - The detailed account of the 28 Samacharis is presented, covering various aspects of monastic life.
- Lives of other Tirthankaras (Pages 64-69, 153-168, 361-415): The commentary also briefly touches upon the lives and Kalyāṇakas of other Tirthankaras like Parshvanath and Neminath, illustrating the universality of Jain principles and the karmic journey of souls.
- Vanshāvali (Genealogy): The text traces the lineage of important figures, highlighting the guru-shishya parampara.
- Debates and Philosophical Points: The commentary sometimes touches upon or clarifies specific points of Jain philosophy, such as the nature of souls, karma, and the importance of knowledge and conduct.
- The role of the commentator (Samayasundar Gaṇi): The "Nivedanam" and "Prashasti" sections emphasize Samayasundar Gaṇi's efforts to make this complex text accessible, detailing his guru lineage and his prolific contributions to Jain literature.
- Praise for Patrons: The text acknowledges the financial supporters of this edition, highlighting their devotion to the Jain faith.
- Publisher's Information: Details about the publisher, printer, and the year of publication are provided.
- The Kalpa Sutra itself: The text is presented in Sanskrit verses, followed by Samayasundar Gaṇi's Gujarati commentary.

Key Themes and Principles:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence is implicitly and explicitly conveyed through the detailed rules of conduct, especially concerning the protection of all forms of life.
Tapas (Austerity): The text emphasizes the significance of austerity and self-control as pathways to spiritual liberation.
Ahimsa-Parama-Dharma: The core principle of Jainism is evident throughout the commentary.
Knowledge and Conduct: The Kalpasutra and its commentary stress the equal importance of right knowledge (Jnana) and right conduct (Charitra) for spiritual progress.
Detachment: The emphasis on detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and pleasures is a recurring theme.
Guru-Shishya Parampara: The importance of the guru-shishya lineage and the transmission of knowledge through this sacred tradition is highlighted.
Devotion and Faith: The text inspires devotion towards the Tirthankaras and the propagation of the Jain Shasan.

In essence, this work is a treasure trove of Jain teachings, combining the original scripture with a detailed and insightful commentary, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Kalpasutra's significance, its historical context, and its practical application in spiritual life.