KalpaSutra Mool Gujarati Anuwad - Book Summary

This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Kalpa Sutra, also known as "Barasa Sutra" (meaning "Twelve Sutras"). Here's a comprehensive summary in English based on the provided pages:

Book Title: KalpaSutra Mool Gujarati Anuwad (Original Gujarati Translation of Kalpa Sutra) Author(s): Muni Deepratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (This indicates the translator and likely the spiritual lineage or affiliation) Publisher: Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009084/1

Core Content and Purpose:

What is the Kalpa Sutra? The text clarifies that the Kalpa Sutra is not an independent scripture but is the eighth study within the Dachashrutaskandha, a Cheda Sutra. Despite this, it holds significant independent importance, especially its recitations during the annual Parva festival (Parva means festival, likely referring to Paryushan in this context).
Clarification of "Barasa Sutra": The name "Barasa Sutra" (meaning "Twelve Sutras") is explained. It's derived from the approximately 1215 verses. The text also addresses a common misconception that "Barasa Sutra" refers to the recitations during Samvatsari (the final day of Paryushan), while Kalpa Sutra refers to the lectures during the preceding four days. The publisher clarifies that this is a misconception and both terms refer to the same scripture, intending to correct this by printing both terms together.
Commentary and Translation: The publication provides a commentary (Sateek) and a simple translation of the original sutras. It is presented in 42 volumes, with this particular volume (Part 42) focusing on the Kalpa Sutra.
Historical Context and Importance: The text highlights the importance of the Kalpa Sutra, noting that revered Acharyas like Anand Sagarsurishwarji also included it in their compilations. It also discusses the prevalence of the Subodhikā commentary by Shri Vinay Vijayji and its translation, acknowledging its widespread acceptance while also pointing out that other important commentaries like Niyukti, Churni, Tippani, Vruttis, and Avachuri exist for the Kalpa Sutra. The publisher's intention is to draw attention to these other important works and present the original sutras themselves.

Key Aspects of the Content (Focusing on the Kalpa Sutra as presented):

The provided pages contain the detailed exposition of the Kalpa Sutra, covering the lives and teachings of various Tirthankaras, but with a significant focus on Lord Mahavir Swami. The content is structured as "Vyakhyans" (lectures or commentaries), with the provided text detailing Vyakhyan 1 through 9.

Vyakhyan 1-9 Content Highlights:

Mangal Sutra: The text begins with the traditional Jain invocation, "Namo Arihantanam" etc.
Lord Mahavir's Birth and Life:
- Conception and Birth: The text details the divine conception of Lord Mahavir in the womb of Devananda, a Brahmin woman, under the Uttara Phalguni (Hasta) constellation. It then describes the divine intervention of the deity Harinagameshi, who transfers the embryo to Trishala, the wife of Siddhartha, a Kshatriya king from Kundagrama.
- Dreams: The text extensively describes the fourteen auspicious dreams seen by Devananda and later by Trishala. These dreams are meticulously explained, symbolizing the spiritual greatness of the being who will be born. The interpretations of these dreams by Rishabhadatta (Devananda's husband) and Siddhartha (Trishala's husband) are also presented, foretelling the future of the Tirthankara as a Chakravarti (universal emperor) or a Tirthankara (spiritual leader).
- Childhood and Family: The text mentions Lord Mahavir's parents, Siddhartha and Trishala, and his brother Nandivardhan, sister Sudarshana, wife Yashoda, and daughter Priyadarshana.
- The Name "Vardhaman": The name "Vardhaman" (meaning "growing" or "flourishing") is explained as being given due to the prosperity that the kingdom experienced from the time of his conception.
- Renunciation (Diksha): The text describes Lord Mahavir's renunciation after living a householder's life for thirty years, obtaining his parents' permission, and witnessing the arrival of Lokantika devas who exhort him to undertake the path of liberation. It details his solitary wandering, abstaining from clothing after one year, and enduring various hardships (upasargas) with equanimity.
- Keval Gnan (Omniscience): The attainment of Keval Gnan (omniscience) by Lord Mahavir under the Shaka tree in Jrimbhikagrama is described.
- Disciples and Spiritual Lineage: The text outlines the vast spiritual assembly of Lord Mahavir, including his eleven Ganadharas (chief disciples), numerous monks, nuns, male and female lay followers, and their respective spiritual lineages (Sthaviravali), tracing the succession of spiritual teachers.
- Nirvana (Liberation): The text describes Lord Mahavir's final days and his liberation (Nirvana) at Pavapuri, under the Shal tree, on the Amavasya of Kartik month, during the Swati constellation. It mentions the time elapsed since his Nirvana.
Lives of Other Tirthankaras: While the focus is on Lord Mahavir, the text also includes detailed accounts of the lives and key events of other Tirthankaras like Parshvanatha and Arishtanemi, outlining their conception, birth, dreams, renunciation, attainment of Keval Gnan, and Nirvana, often mentioning the constellations associated with their Kalyanakas (auspicious events). It also briefly mentions Tirthankaras like Rishabha, Dharmanatha, Shitalanatha, Shreyansanatha, Vasupujya, Vimalanatha, Anantanatha, Kunthunatha, Naminatha, and Adinatha.
Monastic Rules and Conduct (Vyakhyan 9): Vyakhyan 9 focuses on specific rules and regulations for monks and nuns during the monsoon season (Varsha Ritu), particularly concerning their conduct within and outside the Upashraya (monastery), interactions with householders, dietary practices, and the importance of maintaining strict adherence to vows and the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) in relation to microscopic beings. It details rules about accepting food, water, and other necessities, the concept of "avagraha" (restriction of movement), and the proper ways to request and accept items from householders, emphasizing mindfulness and avoiding any potential for harm or transgression.

Publisher's Information and Acknowledgements:

The document lists various individuals and trusts that provided financial support for the publication of this extensive series of Agama Sutras.
It expresses gratitude to various Acharyas and Gurus who inspired and supported the work.

Overall Significance:

This publication of the Kalpa Sutra with a Gujarati translation and commentary serves as a vital resource for Jain scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the detailed accounts of the lives of Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir Swami, and the ethical and disciplinary guidelines within Jain monasticism. The emphasis on the original sutras alongside commentary aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of these sacred texts.