Mulachar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mulachar" by Manoharlal Shastri, based on the provided catalog link and page previews:

Title: Mulachar (मूलाचार) Author: Bhattaker Swami (श्रीवट्टकेर खामी) Commentary/Translation: Pt. Manoharlal Shastri (पं० मनोहरलाल शास्त्री) Publisher: Anantkirti Digambar Jain Granthmala (अनंतकीर्ति दिगंबर जैन ग्रंथमाला), Bombay Year of Publication: 1919 (Vikram Samvat 1976 / Veer Nirvana Samvat 2446)

Overall Summary:

"Mulachar" is a foundational text in Jainism, specifically within the Digambara tradition, authored by Bhattaker Swami. This particular edition, edited and translated into Hindi with a Sanskrit commentary by Pt. Manoharlal Shastri and published by the Anantkirti Digambar Jain Granthmala, aims to make this essential guide to monastic conduct accessible to a wider audience. The text is highly regarded for its detailed exposition of the principles and practices that govern the life of an ascetic (muni) in Jainism, focusing on achieving liberation (moksha) through rigorous adherence to the path of righteousness.

Key Content and Structure:

The "Mulachar" is a comprehensive treatise on the conduct and vows of Jain monks. It is structured into twelve main chapters (Adhikaras), each dedicated to a specific aspect of monastic discipline and spiritual development. The title itself, "Mulachar," suggests it deals with the fundamental (mula) principles and conduct (achar) of ascetics.

The twelve chapters cover the following topics:

1. Mulaguna Adhikara (मूलगुणाधिकार - Fundamental Virtues): This chapter details the foundational vows and practices of Jain monks. It begins with an invocation and describes the twenty-eight fundamental virtues (mula-gunas) which are essential for spiritual progress. These include:

   • Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
   • Five Restraints (Pancha Samitis): Proper conduct in movement (Irrya), speech (Bhasha), alms-seeking (Eshana), handling objects (Adan-Nikshepan), and disposal of bodily waste (Pratishthapana).
   • Five Indriya-Nirodhas (Five Sense-Control): Restraint of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
   • Six Essential Duties (Shat-Avashyakas): Samayika (equanimity), Stuti (praise of Tirthankaras), Vandana (obeisance), Pratikramana (atonement), Pratyakhyana (renunciation), and Kayotsarga (body-abandonment).
   • Other Virtues: Achēḷakya (nudity), Asnāna (bathing), Kshiti-shayana (sleeping on the ground), Adanta-gharshana (not cleaning teeth with a brush), Sthiti-bhojana (eating while standing), and Ekabhakta (eating once a day).

2. Brihat Pratyakhyana Samstarastva Adhikara (बृहत्प्रत्याख्यानसंस्तरस्तवाधिकार - Grand Renunciation and the Bed of Illness): This chapter focuses on the practices related to severe renunciation, often undertaken during illness or at the time of impending death. It discusses the importance of renouncing worldly attachments and preparing for death with spiritual equanimity. It likely details the process of samstara (a monk's final practice or deathbed ritual) and the mental fortitude required during such times.

3. Sankshipta Pratyakhyana Adhikara (संक्षेपप्रत्याख्यानाधिकार - Concise Renunciation): This chapter likely deals with less severe forms of renunciation or vows taken for shorter periods, possibly as preparatory practices or for specific occasions. It might cover practices that are less extreme than those in the Brihat Pratyakhyana.

4. Samachara Adhikara (समाचाराधिकार - Conduct and Protocol): This chapter likely outlines the rules of conduct, social interactions, and protocols that monks must follow within the monastic community and when interacting with the laity. It could cover aspects like seeking guidance from elders, maintaining decorum, and proper communication.

5. Pancha Achara Adhikara (पंचाचाराधिकार - Five Conducts): This is a crucial chapter detailing the fivefold conduct (Pancha Achara) that forms the core of Jain spiritual practice:

   • Darshanachara (दर्शनाचार - Conduct of Right Faith): Adherence to the principles of right faith.
   • Jananachara (ज्ञानाचार - Conduct of Right Knowledge): Proper study and practice of Jain scriptures and knowledge.
   • Charitrachara (चरित्राचार - Conduct of Right Conduct): Strict observance of the vows and conduct.
   • Tapachara (तपाचार - Conduct of Austerities): Practice of various forms of austerities.
   • Viryachara (वीर्याचार - Conduct of Energy/Vigor): Proper application of spiritual energy and effort.

6. Pinda Shuddhi Adhikara (पिंडशुद्धि अधिकार - Purity of Alms): This chapter is dedicated to the meticulous process of purifying alms (food) that a monk receives. It details various defects (doshas) to avoid in the food, including impurities related to:

   • Udgama Doshas (उद्गम दोष): Defects in the origin of food.
   • Utpadana Doshas (उत्पादन दोष): Defects in the preparation of food.
   • Aushadha Doshas (औषध दोष): Defects related to food ingredients or medicinal preparation.
   • Samojana Doshas (संयोजन दोष): Defects in mixing ingredients.
   • Pramana Doshas (प्रमाण दोष): Defects related to quantity.
   • Angara/Dhumra Doshas (अंगार/धूम्र दोष): Defects related to embers or smoke.
   • Malas (मल): Bodily impurities and other defilements.

7. Shat-Avashyaka Adhikara (षडावश्यकाधिकार - Six Essential Duties): This chapter elaborates on the six daily essential duties (Avashyakas) that a Jain monk must perform without fail for spiritual purification and progress. These are: Samayika, Stuti, Vandana, Pratikramana, Pratyakhyana, and Kayotsarga.

8. Dwadash Anupreksha Adhikara (द्वादशानुप्रेक्षाधिकार - Twelve Reflections): This chapter focuses on the twelve profound contemplations (Anuprekshas) that ascetics engage in to cultivate detachment, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude. These reflections are crucial for understanding the nature of reality and overcoming worldly attachments. They typically include contemplation on: impermanence (Anitya), suffering (Anāshraya), the self (Ekatva), otherness (Anyatva), the cycle of existence (Samsara), impurity (Suchi), influx of karma (Āsrava), cessation of karma (Samvara), elimination of karma (Nirjara), the nature of dharma (Dharma), the rarity of spiritual insight (Bodhi-durlabha), and the preciousness of the human birth (Punya-pāpa).

9. Anagar Bhavana Adhikara (अनगारभावनाधिकार - Contemplations of the Homeless): This chapter likely delves into the mental states and contemplations (Bhavanas) of a true ascetic (Anagar) who has renounced all worldly possessions and relationships. It might discuss detachment, contentment, purity of conduct, and the cultivation of divine qualities.

10. Samaya Sara Adhikara (समयसाराधिकार - Essence of Time/Self): This chapter is likely dedicated to the core essence of Jain philosophy, possibly focusing on the nature of the soul (Jiva), its true essence (Samaya), and the path to liberation. It might discuss the principles of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct as the means to realize the soul's true nature.

11. Shila Guna Adhikara (शीलगुणाधिकार - Virtues and Qualities): This chapter elaborates on the virtues and good qualities that a monk should cultivate. It might detail the gradual development of ethical conduct, mental discipline, and the refinement of character through sustained practice.

12. Paryapti Adhikara (पर्याप्ति अधिकार - Attainments/Fulfillments): This chapter likely discusses the concept of paryaptis (stages of development or fulfillment) in Jain biology and cosmology. It might explain how beings attain the necessary physical and spiritual faculties to progress on the path, covering aspects like bodily formation, senses, and intellectual capacity.

Significance:

The "Mulachar" is considered a vital scripture for Jain monks as it provides a practical and detailed manual for their spiritual journey. It emphasizes the rigorous discipline, self-control, and detached living necessary for shedding karma and attaining liberation. The commentary and translation by Pt. Manoharlal Shastri in this edition are valuable for making these profound teachings accessible to a wider readership interested in Jain monasticism and philosophy. The text underscores the paramount importance of the ascetic path in Jainism for the ultimate goal of moksha.