Kalpsutra

This document provides a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kalpasutra," highlighting its significance, content, and historical context. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Significance and Purpose:

• Central to Paryushana: The "Kalpasutra" is traditionally recited or read during the Paryushana festival, the most important annual observance in Jainism. Its original name, "Paryushanakalpa," directly indicates its connection to this festival.
• Meaning of "Kalpa": "Kalpa" translates to conduct, policy, ritual, or conduct. In Jain scriptures, it refers to practices that enhance knowledge, discipline, and penance while restraining faults.
• Auspicious Recitation: Reading and listening to the "Kalpasutra" during Paryushana is considered highly sacred and believed to grant desired prosperity, well-being, and spiritual happiness, akin to the wish-fulfilling Kalpavriksha tree.
• Promoter of Jainism: The text emphasizes that listening to the "Kalpasutra" with concentration and devotion 21 times can help one swiftly cross the ocean of existence and also contributes to the propagation of the Jain faith.

2. Authorship and Origin:

• Author: The "Kalpasutra" is attributed to the last Krutakevali (one who possessed complete knowledge) Pujya Shri Bhadrabahuswami.
• Part of a Larger Work: It's not an independent text but a section (the eighth chapter) of Bhadrabahuswami's larger work, the "Dashashrutaskandha," which contains ten chapters.
• Elevated Importance: Due to its significant role during Paryushana, this particular chapter gained the importance of an independent scripture.

3. "Kalpasutra" as a Representative Jain Text:

• Comparison to Other Religions: The text draws a parallel to other major religions where a single book serves as a representative and authoritative scripture (e.g., Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism, Bible in Christianity, Quran in Islam).
• Debate on a Single Representative Text: While Jainism has 45 Agamas (canonical scriptures), the question of a single representative text is complex. The "Tattvartha Sutra" by Umaswati is mentioned as a widely accepted text containing the essence of Jain philosophy, but it is in Sanskrit and a later composition.
• "Kalpasutra" as a Representative for Legal Purposes: Historically, when British courts were established in India, a sacred religious text was required for oath-taking. The Jain community designated the "Kalpasutra" for this purpose, similar to how "Dhammapada" became representative for Buddhists.
• Not a Summary of All Agamas: The text clarifies that "Kalpasutra" does not contain the essence of all 45 Agamas. A separate compilation called "Samayik Sutta" has been created for that purpose, though its compilation is a matter of discussion for some.
• Reason for Popularity: Its popularity as a sacred text stems from its authorship by Bhadrabahuswami and its continuous recitation by monks during Paryushana for over 1500 years.

4. Language and Style:

• Language: The "Kalpasutra" is written in Ardhamagadhi, a language reminiscent of the Lord's speech, characterized by its delicate and beautiful vocabulary.
• Style: The language is described as sweet, touching, and meticulously crafted, with a dense style where every word feels carefully chosen and essential.
• Repetition of Lord Mahavir's Name: The text frequently mentions Lord Mahavir, using phrases like "Shrâmana Bhagavan Mahavir" or "That which Lord Mahavir did." This repetition is not seen as a fault but as a way to enhance vividness and reinforce the message.

5. Structure and Content:

The "Kalpasutra" is divided into three main sections:

• a) Biographies of Tirthankaras:

  • Starts with the biography of Lord Mahavir Swami.
  • Then moves backward in chronological order to describe the lives of the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath, the 22nd Neminath, and finally the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva.
  • Lord Mahavir's biography is the most extensive, giving the impression that the book was primarily written for him.
  • The biographies of Parshvanath, Neminath, and Rishabhadeva are also detailed.
  • For the remaining Tirthankaras, only their names and the time elapsed between them are mentioned in a single paragraph each.

• b) Sthaviravali (Genealogy of Senior Monks):

  • This section traces the lineage of prominent senior monks (Sthaviras) starting from Gautama Swami, Lord Mahavir's chief disciple.
  • It includes figures like Sudharma, Jambu, Prabhav, Shyambhav, Bhadrabahu, Sthulibhadra, Suhasthi, Vajraswami, Kalak, Rati, and continues the succession up to Devarddhigani.
  • Scholarly Debate on Additions: Since Bhadrabahuswami authored the book, scholars debate whether the portion describing the lineage up to Devarddhigani was added later. However, the language and style of these additions are consistent with the original text.

• c) Samachari (Monastic Conduct):

  • This section discusses the monastic practices, particularly the chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat) and the conduct of monks.
  • Many paragraphs begin with the word "Vavas," referring to these practices.
  • Rules for Monastic Life: It outlines the rules for Jain monks and nuns, who are adherents of the five great vows (Pancha Mahavratas). These rules cover aspects like residence, alms-round (gochari), travel (vihar), self-study (swadhyay), penance (tap), obeying the guru, and expiation (prayashchit).
  • Emphasis on Forgiveness: The text strongly emphasizes seeking forgiveness for one's own faults and forgiving others for their transgressions. Jain monks and nuns are expected to be embodiments of forgiveness. Bhadrabahuswami stated that one who does not become calm by seeking and granting forgiveness is not a true practitioner.

6. "Kalpasutra" and Paryushana:

• Mandatory Recitation: The tradition of monks and nuns reading or listening to the "Kalpasutra" during Paryushana is ancient.
• Commentaries: The "Kalpasutra" is often explained with commentaries, usually based on the Khimshahi manuscript.
• "Barasasuutra": The "Kalpasutra" comprises 291 paragraphs, estimated to be over 1200 gathas or verses. Because of this length, it is also known as "Barasasuutra" (meaning twelve-chapter or twelve-verse scripture, though the exact interpretation of "Barasa" in this context might refer to its extensive nature).
• Full Recitation on Samvatsari: On the final day of Paryushana, Samvatsari, the monks recite the entire "Barasasuutra" consecutively, highlighting its importance.

7. Special Observances:

• Mahavir Jayanti: The day the text detailing the fourteen great dreams of Trishala Mata (Mahavir's mother) and the birth of Lord Mahavir Swami is read is celebrated as "Mahavir Jayanti" (Mahavir Birth Kalyanaka Reading Day). The tradition of visualizing the dreams and celebrating the birth as a joyous event dates back to ancient times.

8. Commentaries and Translations:

• Extensive Commentaries: The "Kalpasutra" has inspired numerous detailed commentaries and explanations by past scholars, with many running into thousands of verses, underscoring its value. Several important commentaries are listed, including:
  • Kalpa Panjika by Jinaprabh Suri
  • Kalpa Kiranaavali by Upadhyaya Dharmasagar
  • Kalpa Deepika by Nyas Jayvijay
  • Kalpa Pradeepika by Nyas Sanghvijay
  • Kalpa Subodhika by Upadhyaya Vinayvijayji
  • Kalpa Kaumudi by Upadhyaya Shantissagar
  • Kalpa Lata by Upadhyaya Samaysundar
• Translations: The "Kalpasutra" has been translated into many world languages. The English translation by Dr. Hermann Jacobi, with its scholarly introduction, brought significant recognition to the text among Western scholars.

9. Manuscripts and Legacy:

• Sacred Act: Preparing and donating manuscripts of the "Kalpasutra" to libraries is considered a highly meritorious act, leading to the existence of numerous manuscripts.
• Valuable Manuscripts: Some illustrated manuscripts are written in gold ink. Wealthy individuals often acquire these gold-ink versions for their homes.
• Costliest Manuscripts: Manuscripts of the "Kalpasutra" are counted among the most expensive in the world.
• Oldest Manuscript: The oldest known manuscript dates back to Samvat 1247 (1190 CE) and is written on palm leaves.
• Invaluable Heritage: The "Kalpasutra" is described as an invaluable heritage, reflecting the profound influence of the teachings of Shruta Kevi Pujya Bhadrabahuswami on human life.