Kalpsutram

The provided text is an extensive excerpt from the Kalpasutra, a foundational scripture in Jainism, specifically a commentary on it called the Kalpadruma Kalika by Lakshmivallabh Upadhyay, published by Nirnaysagar Press. This summary focuses on the content provided in the excerpt.

Overview of the Excerpt:

The excerpt is primarily composed of the Uddoshana (proclamation/announcement) section of the Kalpasutra, followed by the initial part of the commentary (Kalpadruma Kalika) and the commencement of the main text. The initial pages (1-5) contain preliminary material like invocations, publisher details, and an introductory proclamation addressing the arrival of the Paryushana festival.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Invocations and Preliminary Matter (Pages 1-5):

   • The text begins with devotional salutations to Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami, Sudharma Swami, and the Acharyas Kailassagar Suri and Buddhisagar Suri.
   • It credits Acharya Bhadrabahuswami for compiling the Kalpasutra and Lakshmivallabh Upadhyay for the commentary Kalpadruma Kalika.
   • The publisher is Nirnaysagar Press, and the publication details (year, Vikram Samvat) are provided.
   • An Uddoshana (proclamation) for the Paryushana festival is presented. It emphasizes the importance of renouncing negative emotions (anger, pride, jealousy, etc.), cultivating positive ones (friendship, joy), practicing Samvara (restraint) and Nirjara (eradication of karma). It also discusses the practice of reciting the lives of Tirthankaras, including Lord Mahavir, and addresses a controversy regarding the number of auspicious events (Kalyanaka) in a Tirthankara's life, asserting that six Kalyanakas are established in ancient texts and refuting claims to the contrary. The text also clarifies the counting of days in an intercalary month (Adhik Maas) according to Jain scriptures and secular texts, asserting its necessity in calculations. It also touches upon the permissibility of certain practices based on tradition and the consensus of learned monks (Gitaarth).

2. The Kalpadruma Kalika Commentary (Pages 6 onwards):

   • The commentary begins with an explanation of its purpose and the author's humility, attributing the ability to explain the profound meaning of the Kalpasutra to the grace of the guru.
   • It introduces the Kalpasutra as a text explaining the conduct (Achar) for monks and nuns, divided into three main sections:
     • First Section: Tirthankara Charitra (Life of Tirthankaras): This section begins by discussing the specific conduct of monks during the time of the first and last Tirthankaras (Rishabhdev and Mahavir) and how it differs from that of the intervening 22 Tirthankaras. Key differences highlighted include the acceptance of clothes (Sachalak vs. Achelak), the rules for food received for a specific monk versus the community (Auddeshik), the concept of Rajpind (food received from kings), Vratha (vows - five for Mahavir's followers, four for others due to the presence of women as disciples), Jyeshtha (seniority based on initiation), Pratikraman (confession/repentance - daily for Mahavir's followers, conditional for others), Masakalpa (residence for a month), and Paryushana Kalpa (rules for the festival). The commentary emphasizes that the conduct of monks during the time of Rishabhdev and Mahavir was unique due to the challenging nature of those eras.
     • Second Section: Sthiravali (Lineage of Elders): This section discusses the lineage of venerable monks.
     • Third Section: Sadhu Samachari (Monastic Conduct): This section delves into the practical rules and regulations for Jain ascetics.
   • The text uses a Gatha (verse) to summarize the three main sections and then elaborates on the first section concerning the conduct of monks associated with Rishabhdev and Mahavir.
   • It details specific practices like Achelakya (nakedness), Auddeshika (food prepared for a specific monk), Shayyata (rules for those who provide shelter/food), Rajpind (rules for food from royalty), Kruthkarm (actions of monks), Vratha (vows), Jyeshtha (seniority), Pratikramanam (repentance), Masakalpa (staying for a month), and Paryushana Kalpa (rules for the festival). It contrasts these with the practices of the intervening 22 Tirthankaras, noting differences in adherence to vows, acceptance of clothes, and rules regarding seniority.
   • The text also includes detailed explanations and examples to illustrate the concepts, such as the story of monks being distracted by dancers to explain the importance of unwavering focus. It further discusses the qualities of a suitable place for Chaturmas (monastic retreat during the monsoon) by listing thirteen auspicious qualities.
   • A significant portion is dedicated to describing the superiority of the Paryushana festival, comparing it to the most cherished elements in various domains (e.g., cow's milk in milk, Ganges water in water).
   • The text discusses the efficacy of listening to the Kalpasutra for spiritual liberation.
   • It elaborates on the duties of monks and lay followers during Paryushana, including Samvatsari Pratikraman (annual confession), Luchan (hair-plucking), fasting (Ashtam Tap), worship of Tirthankaras, and mutual forgiveness.
   • There are extensive sections detailing the Shat Kalyanakas (six auspicious events) of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing their occurrence in the Uttara Phalguni constellation. It also discusses the subtle differences in the lives of various Tirthankaras concerning the timing and nature of these events.
   • The commentary includes detailed discussions on the merits and practices associated with the Paryushana festival and the significance of the Panch Parmeshthi Mantra (salutation to the five supreme beings).
   • The text then embarks on a detailed narrative of Lord Mahavir's life, including his previous births (described as 27 bhavas), the celestial procession for his descent, the auspicious dreams of his mother Trishala, and his birth ceremony.
   • The commentary also includes discussions on various philosophical points, the nature of karma, the path to liberation, and the rules governing monastic life.
   • The narrative of Lord Mahavir's life includes the significant event of his conception transfer from Devananda to Trishala, facilitated by the deity Harinegameshi.
   • The text also extensively details the dreams seen by Trishala during her pregnancy and their interpretations.
   • Furthermore, it delves into the lives of other Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshvanath and Lord Neminath, outlining their Kalyanakas and significant life events.
   • A notable portion discusses the Sthiravali (lineage of spiritual preceptors), tracing the lineage of spiritual leaders from Lord Mahavir through prominent Acharyas like Indrabhuti Gautam, Suvarnabahu, Shubhata, and the author's own guru lineage. It highlights the transmission of Jain doctrine and the establishment of different monastic lineages (Gachhas and Shakhas).
   • The text also touches upon the practice of Upadhan Tapa (specific types of austerities) and the adherence to vows, emphasizing the importance of purity and discipline in monastic life.
   • The commentary also clarifies the procedure for monastic retreats during the rainy season (Varsha-avas, Chaturmas) and the associated rules, including limitations on movement and the acceptable distance for alms-seeking. It also details the specific regulations concerning accepting food and water and how ascetics should conduct themselves during the Paryushana period.
   • The text discusses the nuances of monastic rules related to Darshan (vision/right faith) and Charitra (conduct), including the practice of Kalyanakas (auspicious events) and the proper way to observe them.
   • It delves into the concept of Sukshma Jiva (subtle beings) and the precautions monks must take to avoid harming them.
   • The text also includes the detailed explanation of the meaning and significance of the Panch Parmeshthi Mantra.
   • The commentary includes numerous illustrative stories and examples to explain complex concepts and rules of conduct, highlighting the lives and actions of various historical and mythical figures in Jainism.
   • The latter part of the excerpt focuses on the observance of monastic vows, particularly during the rainy season, detailing rules about diet, conduct, and interactions. It also discusses the concept of Sandhyavandana (evening prayer/meditation) and the proper way to perform it.
   • The text also includes explanations of the rules related to Lochana (hair-plucking), the ascetic practice of Atapana (standing in the sun), and the importance of Samiti (careful conduct) and Gupti (restraint).

3. The Inter-Tirthankara Periods:

   • The excerpt concludes with a detailed table or list outlining the time intervals (Antar) between the nirvana of various Tirthankaras and Lord Mahavir. This section provides specific numbers of years, indicating the historical/mythological timeline of Jainism according to this tradition.

Overall Significance:

This excerpt provides a rich insight into the Kalpasutra, its commentary, and the detailed regulations and philosophical underpinnings of Jain monasticism, particularly concerning the observance of the Paryushana festival and the conduct of ascetics throughout the year. It highlights the meticulousness with which Jain ascetics are expected to live their lives, emphasizing non-violence, self-discipline, and spiritual pursuit. The text also reveals the importance of understanding the historical context and lineage of spiritual teachers within Jainism.