Kalpniryukti - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kalpniryukti" based on the provided information:

Book Title: Kalpniryukti (कल्पनियुक्तिः)

Author(s): Acharya Shri Bhadrabahusuri (Primary author of the Niryukti), Acharya Shri ManikyaShekhar Suri (Author of the Avachurni)

Publisher: Shrutbhuvan Sansodhan Kendra (श्रुतभवन संशोधन केन्द्र)

Key Information from the Introduction and Publisher's Notes:

Nature of the Text: "Kalpniryukti" is a Niryukti (a type of commentary on Jain Agamas) specifically on the "Kalpa" chapter of the "Dashashrutaskandha" (one of the Angas of Jain scriptures). The Dashashrutaskandha is also known as "Achara Dashā". The eighth chapter of Dashashrutaskandha is called "Kalpa," which is synonymous with "Paryushana." The Kalpa Sutra itself is considered part of this eighth chapter.
Original Author: The Niryukti itself is attributed to Acharya Shri Bhadrabahusuri (first one, predating the 8th century AD).
Commentaries: The published work includes:
- The original Kalpniryukti Gathas (verses).
- An ancient commentary (Prachin Churni).
- A new commentary (Avachurni) by Acharya Shri ManikyaShekhar Suri. This Avachurni is being published for the first time.
Objective of Publication: The Shrutbhuvan Sansodhan Kendra aims to preserve and promote the study of Shrut (Jain scriptures). This publication includes a glossary and a root-word glossary, preserved digitally due to printing limitations. Manuscript photographs of Acharya Shri ManikyaShekhar Suri's Avachurni are also included on the CD for scholars.
Target Audience & Restrictions: "Kalpniryukti" is a Ched Sūtra. The text mentions that only authorized Mahatmas (ascetics) who follow tradition are eligible to study it. Readers are requested to respect this limitation.
Editorial Approach: The editing involved compiling the Kalpniryukti, ancient Churni, and the new Avachurni. The ancient Churni is cited from the book "Pavitra Kalpasutra." The Avachurni is based on a manuscript from the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. The editors have included only those verses discussed in both Churnis, noting some differences in text and interpretation between the ancient and new commentaries.
Authorship of Churnis:
- Prachin Churni: The author is unknown, but it's distinct from Jinadasagani Mahattara, the author of the Nishithasūtra Churni, due to stylistic differences.
- Avachurni: Attributed to Acharya Shri ManikyaShekhar Suri (also known as ManikyaSundar Suri). His exact period and biography are unknown. He was a disciple of Acharya Shri Merutunga Suri of the Anchalgacch tradition. Several of his works are known, including commentaries on various Niryuktis. His estimated period is likely the 15th century Vikram Samvat.
Content Focus: The text primarily details the establishment of Kalpa (Paryushana) in terms of:
- Dravya Sthapana: Establishment related to material substance.
- Kshetra Sthapana: Establishment related to place.
- Kala Sthapana: Establishment related to time.
- Bhava Sthapana: Establishment related to inner state or disposition.
- The text elaborates on these through various 'doors' (e.g., dietary rules, prohibited items, bedding, vessels, hair-pulling, living matter, non-living matter).
- It discusses the rules and practices during the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat).
- It details the reasons for adherence to specific practices during this period, including the importance of equanimity, renunciation of kashayas (passions), and spiritual practices.

Summary of Key Sections and Concepts:

Introduction to Kalpniryukti (Page 14-17):
- Defines the Jain Agamas classification, identifying Dashashrutaskandha as the fourth Ched Sūtra.
- Explains the eightfold meaning of "Kalpa" as "Paryushana."
- Highlights Acharya Bhadrabahusuri (first) as the author of the Niryukti.
- Describes Niryuktis as concise prefaces to Sūtras, explaining essential elements. They are typically in verse form and in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit.
- Explains Avachurni as a commentary, usually in Sanskrit, often summarizing Tika or elaborating on Tippan.
The Meaning of Paryushana (Page 15-17):
- Lists ten synonyms for Paryushana, explaining the etymology and significance of each:
  - Pariyayavavasthapana: Related to calculating the year of initiation based on Paryushana.
  - Pajjyusana/Paryushana: The primary term itself.
  - Prāgatikā: Accessible to householders as well.
  - Parivasana: Residing in one place during Chaturmas.
  - Pajjyusavanam: Worship or homage.
  - Varshāvāsa: Rainy season residence.
  - Prathama Samavasarana: The first gathering or commencement of teachings.
  - Sthapana: Establishing rules for the Chaturmas period.
  - Jyeshthāvagraha: The extended period of residence compared to the usual monthly limit during other seasons.
- Discusses the commencement of Chaturmas, starting from Ashadhi Purnima, with provisions for extending the search for a suitable place up to Shravan Vad Amavasya.
- Explains the concept of Sthapana (establishment) in terms of Naya (name), Dravya (substance), Kshetra (place), Kala (time), Bhava (disposition), and Dravya Sthapana itself having six types (Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, Bhava).
- Details the specifics of Dravya Sthapana through various examples related to acceptance/rejection of items, and Kshetra Sthapana regarding permissible distances for movement.
Kala Sthapana (Time Establishment) (Page 17-19):
- Explains the rules regarding the timing of Chaturmas, contrasting it with the regular seasonal travel (Rutubaddha period).
- Describes the characteristics of a suitable place for Chaturmas (13 qualities).
- Differentiates between "Anabhighrita" (unconfirmed) and "Abhighrita" (confirmed) Chaturmas establishment, based on whether the layman knows the ascetic's intention beforehand.
- Discusses the duration of Chaturmas, ranging from 70 days (minimum) to 120 days or even 130 days in specific circumstances.
- Mentions the historical context of shifting the date of Samvatsarik Paryushana by Acharya Kalaksuri.
Dravya Sthapana (Substance Establishment) (Page 19-23):
- Focuses on rules concerning:
  - Āhāra (Food): Renunciation of seasonal food items, emphasizing the increase in austerity and spiritual practice.
  - Vigai (Forbidden Foods/Items): Lists the ten types of Vigai and discusses the rules for their acceptance, especially the exceptions for the elderly, sick, or weak. It also clarifies that Jain monks do not consume meat or alcohol, except in extreme life-threatening situations as an external remedy, supported by scriptural references.
  - Samstaraka (Bedding): Rules for accepting new bedding, especially when old ones deteriorate.
  - Matraka (Vessels for Excreta): Rules for accepting and maintaining vessels for urine, feces, and phlegm.
  - Loch (Hair Removal): The practice of plucking hair by hand, especially before the Samvatsarik Paryushana for Viravadi monks. Exceptions are made for the weak or sick.
  - Sachitta (Living Matter): Prohibition of giving initiation (Diksha) during Chaturmas, with exceptions for well-known, pious, and committed householders.
  - Achitta (Non-living Matter): The text mentions that the Niryukti is silent on this door, but the ancient Churni suggests discarding old utensils and accepting new ones like ash-based cleansing agents.
Bhava Sthapana (Disposition Establishment) (Page 23-24):
- Emphasizes the importance of:
  - Adhering to the five Samitis (proper conduct).
  - Maintaining Gupti (restraint of mind, speech, and body).
  - Confessing wrongdoings (Ālochanā).
  - Renouncing disputes (Adhikaraṇa) and passions (Kashāyas).
- Provides illustrative examples (dṛṣṭāntas) for overcoming Adhikaraṇa and Kashāyas, referencing characters like Durūtaka, Pradyota, and Dramaka for disputes, and various figures for controlling anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
- Highlights the necessity of immediate atonement for any Kashāyas incurred during Chaturmas.
- Stresses the importance of self-discipline, study (Swādhyāya), and austerity (Tapa) during this period.
Further Elaboration on Specific Rules (Page 24-37):
- Discusses special instructions regarding rainfall and food intake.
- Explains the necessity of "Uttarakaraṇa" (special preparations) in adverse conditions like heavy rain or lack of essential items.
- Covers the eligibility and rules for accepting food in rain.
- Details various scenarios where the usual rules of Chaturmas might be relaxed due to specific reasons.
- Illustrates the concept of "Pūrvādhītaṁ naśyati" (what was previously learned is lost) due to hunger and lack of capacity.

Overall Significance:

"Kalpniryukti" provides a detailed exposition of the regulations and observances associated with the sacred Paryushana festival in Jainism. It delves into the nuances of time, place, substance, and inner disposition as they apply to the Chaturmas period. The text, with its commentaries and detailed explanations, serves as an essential guide for ascetics and scholars seeking to understand the profound spiritual discipline and adherence to Jain principles during this significant period. The inclusion of both ancient and modern commentaries, along with the efforts of the publisher, highlights the commitment to preserving and disseminating this valuable Jain literature.