Mulsutra Ek Parishilan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mulsutra Ek Parishilan" by Acharya Shri Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mulsutra Ek Parishilan (A Study of Mulasutras) Author: Acharya Samrat Shri Devendramuni Publisher: Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, Udaipur Content: This book is a detailed and comprehensive review of four foundational Jain texts, referred to as "Mulasutras."

Overview:

"Mulsutra Ek Parishilan" is a scholarly work that delves into the core teachings and significance of four essential Jain scriptures: Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Dashavaikalika Sutra, Anuyogadvara Sutra, and Nandi Sutra. The author, Acharya Shri Devendramuni, aims to provide a comparative and detailed analysis of these foundational texts, offering insights into their content, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings within the Jain tradition.

The book is presented as a tribute to Acharya Shri Devendramuni on his first death anniversary, highlighting his prolific literary contributions to Jain literature, with over 350 published works. The compilation and editing were undertaken by Muni Shri Nemichand Ji M. and Sadhviratna Pushpavati Ji M. The publication was made possible through the generous support of Dr. Champalal Ji Desarda.

Key Themes and Analysis (as presented in the provided excerpts):

The book systematically examines each of the four Mulasutras, offering a critical review and comparative study. The excerpts primarily focus on the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and provide a deep dive into its:

Classification of Jain Agamas: The book discusses the traditional fourfold classification of Jain Agamas: Anga, Upanga, Mula, and Cheda. It notes that this specific classification is not mentioned in the Samavāyāṅga and Nandi Sutras themselves. The emergence of the term "Mula Sutra" is traced to the 13th century CE, with various scholarly opinions on its origin and meaning explored.
Meaning and Significance of "Mula Sutra": The author critically evaluates different theories regarding why these texts are called "Mula Sutras." He dismisses the idea that it's solely due to the existence of multiple commentaries. Instead, he posits that "Mula Sutras" primarily refer to texts that mainly expound the fundamental principles of monastic conduct, such as the mulagunas (fundamental virtues), mahavratas (great vows), samitis (carefulness), and guptis (restraints). These are considered essential for the Shramana (ascetic) path and are expected to be studied first.
Detailed Analysis of Uttaradhyayana Sutra: The majority of the provided text focuses on this sutra. It explores:
- Etymology and Meaning: The word "Uttaradhyayana" is broken down into "Uttar" and "Adhyayana," with discussions on the plural usage and interpretations of "Uttar" (meaning subsequent or later).
- Authorship and Compilation: The text discusses the debated authorship of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, presenting the view that it's a compilation of works by various Sthaviras (elders), incorporating teachings of Lord Mahavir, pratyekabuddhas, and dialogues (samvada). It highlights that the second and twenty-ninth chapters are attributed to Lord Mahavir, the sixteenth to Sthaviras, the eighth to Pratyekabuddhas, and the ninth and twenty-third to Samvada.
- Subject Matter and Classification: The chapters are analyzed based on their content, classifying them as narrative (dharmakathātmak), instructive (upadesātmak), ethical (ācharātmak), and philosophical (said'dhāntik).
- Comparisons with Other Traditions: The author draws parallels between the teachings in Uttaradhyayana and those found in Buddhist texts (Dhammapada, Theragatha, Sutta Nipata) and Vedic literature (Mahabharata, Manusmriti). This comparative analysis underscores the universal ethical principles present across different spiritual traditions.
- Key Themes within Chapters: Specific chapters are highlighted for their core teachings:
  - Chapter 1 (Vinaya): Focuses on the importance of humility and the absence of ego in spiritual discipline, comparing its verses with texts from Mahabharata and Dhammapada.
  - Chapter 2 (Parishaha): Discusses the conquest of hardships (parishaha-jaya) and their role in spiritual progress, referencing the count of twenty-two parishahas in various texts and their karmic origins.
  - Chapter 3 (Humanity, Dharma, Faith): Explores the value of human life, the importance of listening to Dharma, faith, and perseverance in spiritual practice.
  - Chapter 4 (Awareness): Emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and warns against procrastination in spiritual practice, drawing parallels with Buddhist texts.
  - Chapter 5 (Death): Contemplates the nature of death (akammarana vs. sakāmaraṇa), contrasting voluntary death (panditmaraṇa) with accidental or uncontrolled death (akammarana) and discussing its place in Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic traditions.
  - Chapter 6 (Nirgrantha): Analyzes the term 'Nirgrantha' (one free from fetters, referring to an ascetic) and the importance of renouncing both external and internal possessions and attachments.
  - Chapter 7 (Non-attachment): Stresses the importance of detachment and its role in overcoming suffering, using five illustrative examples.
  - Chapter 8 (Greed): Depicts the pervasive nature of greed and its detrimental effects, exemplified by the story of Kapila Kevali.
  - Chapter 9 (Nami Rajarshi): Presents a dialogue where King Nami rejects Indra's advice to focus on worldly power, prioritizing self-conquest and spiritual liberation. This chapter highlights the contrast between Brahmanical and Shramana traditions.
  - Chapter 10 (Awareness): Features Lord Mahavir's discourse to Gautama, emphasizing life's impermanence and the need for constant vigilance.
  - Chapter 11 (Multitudes of Learning): Discusses the importance and qualities of a bahushruta (one with vast scriptural knowledge), attained through vinaya (humility).
  - Chapter 12 (Harikeshval Muni): Narrates the story of Harikeshval, born into a low caste but achieving veneration through penance, emphasizing the principles of giving and the purity of inner spiritual bathing over external rituals.
  - Chapter 13 (Chitta and Sambhūta): Explores the karmic consequences of attachment through the story of Chitta and Sambhūta, with parallels in Buddhist Jataka tales.
  - Chapter 14 (Ishukara): Critiques the emphasis on progeny for salvation prevalent in some traditions, asserting that liberation comes from one's own actions, not through offspring. It also features a narrative with parallels in Buddhist and Vedic literature.
  - Chapter 15 (Bhikshu): Defines the ideal characteristics of a bhikshu (ascetic), differentiating them from mere mendicants and highlighting the importance of virtues like samyak, nirveda, viveka, shila, etc. It also touches upon practices like dhūmanetra (incense inhalation) and vaman (emesis) in ancient medical systems.
  - Chapter 16 (Brahmacharya): Delves into the principles of celibacy (brahmacharya), emphasizing control over mind and body, the importance of pure diet, and the concept of urdhvareta (channeling vital energy upwards).
  - Chapter 17 (Shramana and Papashramana): Distinguishes between the ideal shramana (ascetic) who follows the path of conduct and the degenerate papashramana who deviates from it.
  - Chapter 18 (Sanjaya): Narrates the story of King Sanjaya who, after encountering a sage, renounces the world and achieves spiritual liberation.
  - Chapters 19-20 (Mṛgāpuṭra, Mahanirgranthiya): Discusses the journey to spiritual liberation and the nature of the Nirgrantha (ascetic), respectively.
  - Chapter 21 (Samudrapālīya): Describes the arduous nature of sea voyages in ancient times and the strict rules governing ascetics, drawing parallels with Buddhist and Vedic traditions regarding self-denial.
  - Chapter 22 (Arishtanemi and Rājmatī): Recounts the story of the ascetic Arishtanemi and his eventual spiritual realization, again with comparative points to other traditions.
  - Chapter 23 (Keshi and Gautama): Details a significant dialogue between Keshi, an exponent of Pārśvanātha's tradition, and Gautama, Lord Mahavir's chief Ganadhara, discussing the evolution of monastic rules.
  - Chapter 24 (Samiti): Focuses on the five samitis (carefulness) and three guptis (restraints) that act as guiding principles for ascetics.
  - Chapter 25 (Brahman): Critically examines the concept of "Brahman" from a Jain perspective, redefining it based on conduct and virtues rather than birth, a theme also found in Buddhist and Vedic texts.
  - Chapter 26 (Samachari): Explains the concept of samachari, the code of conduct and discipline within the monastic community.
  - Chapter 27 (Discipline): Analyzes the absence of discipline (avinaya) using the example of unruly disciples.
  - Chapter 28 (Mokshamarga): Outlines the path to liberation (moksha) through samyak darshana (right faith), samyak gnana (right knowledge), and samyak charitra (right conduct).
  - Chapter 29 (Samyaktva): Discusses the paramount importance of samyaktva (right faith) as the foundation for right knowledge and conduct.
  - Chapter 30 (Tapa): Explores the significance of penance (tapa) in both Jain and other Indian traditions.
  - Chapter 31 (Charana Vidhi): Details the conduct expected of ascetics (charana).
  - Chapter 32 (Pramada): Analyzes pramada (carelessness) as an obstacle to spiritual progress and emphasizes the need for vigilance.
  - Chapter 33 (Karma): Discusses the principles of karma and its various processes, highlighting the detailed Jain understanding of karmic influx and cessation.
  - Chapter 34 (Leshya): Explains the concept of leshya, the psychic states that influence karmic bondage and manifestation.
  - Chapter 35 (Anagar Dharma): Focuses on the path of the unattached ascetic (anagar), emphasizing detachment from worldly concerns.
  - Chapter 36 (Jiva-Ajava): Explores the fundamental Jain categories of soul (jiva) and non-soul (ajiva), detailing their properties and classifications.
Analysis of Other Mulasutras: The book also includes comprehensive analytical studies of:
- Dashavaikalika Sutra: Its place among Mulasutras, its importance in the study sequence, its author Acharya Shyambhav, its authorship as a nihṛta (compiled) work from various Pūrvastras, and its name's etymology are discussed. Parallels with other Jain and Buddhist texts are drawn.
- Anuyogadvara Sutra: This section likely focuses on the text's role in categorizing and explaining Jain philosophical concepts through Anuyogas (doctrinal divisions), the theory of knowledge (pramana), and Nayas (standpoints). The author likely analyzes its structure and contribution to Jain epistemology and logic.
- Nandi Sutra: The book explores the name "Nandi" and its connection to knowledge and spiritual prosperity. It details the five types of knowledge (pratyaksha and paroksha) and emphasizes the paramount importance of shruta gnana (scriptural knowledge) obtained through the Agamas. The book highlights Nandi Sutra's role in understanding the Agamas and the path to liberation. The meticulous analysis of nayas (standpoints) is also a key feature.

Contribution of the Book:

"Mulsutra Ek Parishilan" serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the foundational texts of Jainism. Acharya Shri Devendramuni's scholarly approach, combined with his ability to draw comparative insights from various traditions, makes this work a significant contribution to Jain studies. The book aims to clarify complex philosophical and ethical concepts for a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Mulasutras.

Overall:

The provided excerpts indicate that "Mulsutra Ek Parishilan" is a deeply analytical and comparative study of essential Jain scriptures. Acharya Devendramuni's work meticulously dissects the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and likely extends this detailed analysis to the other three Mulasutras (Dashavaikalika, Anuyogadvara, and Nandi Sutra), providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their philosophical depth, historical context, and ethical guidance. The book is praised for its clarity, scholarly rigor, and ability to illuminate the profound teachings of Jainism.