Pavitra Kalpasutra - Book Summary

This document is a Gujarati translation and edition of the Jain text Pavitra Kalpasutra, authored by Sthavir Aryabhadrebahuswami. The translation and commentary are by Pandit Becharlal Jeevraj Doshi, and the publication is by Jashwantbhai N. Shah from Ahmedabad.

The provided pages cover the introductory sections and the initial part of the Kalpasutra itself, focusing on the birth and early life of Lord Mahavir Swami.

Here's a breakdown of the key content and themes:

1. Title and Publication Details:

The book is the "Pavitra Kalpasutra" (Sacred Kalpasutra).
The original author is identified as Sthavir Aryabhadrebahuswami, who was a master of the fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures).
The editor is Muniraj Shri Punyavijayji.
The Gujarati translator is Pandit Becharlal Jeevraj Doshi, a scholar of grammar.
The publisher is Jashwantbhai N. Shah, an advocate and scholar, from Ahmedabad.
The price is Rs. 45, and it's noted that any revenue will be deposited in Jain trusts, indicating a non-profit motive.
The catalog link points to a resource on jainqq.org.
A cautionary note is included: "Please take care not to cause disrespect to this holy book."

2. Introduction and Context (Nivedan):

The introduction highlights the challenge of understanding Jain Agams (scriptures) due to their Prakrit language, emphasizing that Lord Mahavir himself preached in the common people's language to make his teachings accessible.
It mentions that the Kalpasutra is not an independent text but an eighth chapter derived from the Dashashrutaskandh Sutra, which was separated by Shri Bhadrabahuswami from the ninth Purva.
The Kalpasutra was recited by monks from memory and was likely written down or first read approximately 980 years after Lord Mahavir's nirvana. It is now regularly read during the Paryushan festival.
The editor, Munishri Punyavijayji, is praised for his extensive research and compilation of the Kalpasutra from ancient palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, with the oldest identified dating back to Vikram Samvat 1247.
The text is considered significant for attaining moksha (liberation) through twenty-one recitations, hearings, contemplation, and reflection.
It draws a parallel between the importance of the Gita in Hinduism and the Kalpasutra and Tattvartha Sutra in Jainism, suggesting regular recitation for spiritual benefit.
The introduction mentions the lineage of ascetics following Lord Mahavir and the exclusion of certain parts of the original text (like "Samachari") due to their impracticality in the current era.
It also references commentaries like "Subodhika" by Upadhyay Shri Vinayvijayji.
The current edition is dedicated to Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuriji.

3. Research and Manuscript Details (Prastavik):

This section details the research methodology, mentioning the use of various ancient palm-leaf and paper manuscripts for the Kalpasutra, its Nirukti (commentary), Churna (another commentary), and the Tippanak by Prithvi Chandracharya.
Six specific manuscripts are listed and described, including their location (knowledge repositories in Khambhat, Ahmedabad), material (palm-leaf, paper), and age.
Manuscript 'TM': A palm-leaf manuscript from the knowledge repository of Shri Muktivijayji in Ahmedabad.
Manuscripts 'Swa-ga-2': Three palm-leaf manuscripts from the ancient repository in Khambhat, with specific catalog numbers. One of these is illustrated and contains a colophon detailing its scribe and date (Vikram Samvat 1247).
Manuscript 'Cha': Another manuscript from Khambhat.
Manuscript 'E': A personal collection manuscript, also on palm-leaf.
Manuscript 'Prati': A paper manuscript from the collection of Bhai Sarabhai Manilal Nawab.
The oldest manuscript, from Vikram Samvat 1247, although ancient, was found to be fragmented, disorganized, and impure, so it was not taken as the primary source.
The primary source manuscript was the one from Shri Moolchandji Maharaj's repository.
The editor emphasizes the difficulty in determining the original language and text of the Agams due to variations and inaccuracies in later manuscripts.
It discusses linguistic variations in Prakrit, such as the use of 'śruti' (indicated by 'u') versus its absence, the use of 'ru' sound, and the evolution of Prakrit grammar.
The text notes that later scholars sometimes altered the language for easier understanding, leading to deviations from the original.
The absence of script numbers (sutraank) in earlier manuscripts and the inconsistencies in later ones are highlighted.
The concept of "abbreviated and double texts" (sankshipt aur bevada path) in manuscripts is explained, along with the use of letter-codes for pagination and the resulting confusion when these codes are misunderstood.
The nature of the Kalpasutra as an eighth chapter of Dashashrutaskandh is reiterated, contrasting with the views of some sects who consider it a later addition.
The authenticity of certain descriptive passages, like the "fourteen dreams," is questioned due to their absence or variation in earlier manuscripts, though the need for such descriptions for context is acknowledged.
The presence of the "Staviravali" (genealogy of elders) and "Samachari" (rules of conduct) is discussed, with the latter being excluded due to current impracticability.
Various variations in readings and the inclusion of them in footnotes are mentioned.
The Kalpasutra Nirukti, Churna, and Tippanak are also published alongside, with detailed notes on manuscript usage and linguistic analysis.

4. Life of Lord Mahavir Swami (Chapters 1-119): The following pages detail significant events in the life of Lord Mahavir:

Page 28-31 (Section 1-5): This section begins with prayers to the omniscient beings and then provides biographical details about Lord Mahavir. It covers:
- Celestial events: Lord Mahavir's conception and birth occurred under the Uttara Phalguni (Hastottara) constellation. His renunciation and attainment of omniscience also happened under this star. His Nirvana occurred under the Swati constellation.
- Conception: Lord Mahavir descended from the Mahaviman (celestial abode) named Pushpotara in the fourth month of summer, on the sixth day of the bright half of Ashadha. He was transferred from the womb of Devananda (wife of Rishabhdatta, a Brahmin) to the womb of Trishala (wife of Siddhartha, a Kshatriya) in Kundagrama.
- Time Period: This happened at the end of the Trisapta-Koti sagaropama period and at the end of the Susama-Susama, Susama, and Susama-Dusama eras.
- Previous Tirthankaras: Twenty-three Tirthankaras had already appeared before Mahavir.
- His Birth: Lord Mahavir was born at midnight under the Uttara Phalguni constellation, while in Devananda's womb.
- The Fourteen Dreams: Devananda experienced fourteen auspicious dreams after Mahavir's conception: an elephant, a bull, a lion, Lakshmi's consecration, a garland, the moon, the sun, a flag, a pitcher, a lotus pond, an ocean, a celestial palace, a pile of jewels, and a smokeless fire.
- Interpretation of Dreams: Rishabhdatta, her husband, interpreted these dreams as heralding the birth of a great soul who would bring wealth, possessions, sons, happiness, and would become a learned scholar, and eventually a spiritual leader.
- Indra's Intervention: Indra, the king of the gods, observed these auspicious signs. He realized that due to the impact of name-and-gotra karma, a Tirthankara could be born in an ordinary family. To ensure Mahavir's birth in a noble Kshatriya lineage, Indra (through his subordinate Hariyagamasi) transferred the embryo from Devananda to Trishala and then transferred Trishala's embryo to Devananda. This entire process was done without causing any pain or discomfort to the mothers.
- Trishala's Dreams: After the transfer, Trishala also experienced the fourteen dreams.
- Siddhartha's Reaction: King Siddhartha, upon hearing the dreams from Trishala, joyfully interpreted them as signs of their son becoming a great king or a Tirthankara. He ordered the city to be decorated and celebrated the birth.
- Lord Mahavir's Qualities: The text describes Mahavir's divine qualities and attributes.
- Lord Mahavir's Names: His parents named him Vardhaman (meaning 'increasing' or 'growing') due to the prosperity that followed his conception. He was also known as Shraman (due to his disciplined asceticism) and Mahavir (due to his valor and fearlessness).
- His Family: His father was Siddhartha (Kashyap Gotra), his mother was Trishala (Vashishtha Gotra), his elder brother was Nandivardhan, his sister was Sundarshana, and his wife was Yashoda (Kaudinya Gotra). His daughter was Anoja/Priyadarshana.
- His Life Events: The text traces Mahavir's life from his birth, his thirty years as a householder, his twelve years of asceticism, his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and his Nirvana. It details his various spiritual powers and his adherence to vows.
- Detailed Account of Birth: The text provides a highly detailed narrative of Lord Mahavir's birth, including the celestial intervention, the dreams, their interpretation, the naming ceremony, and the subsequent prosperity of the Kinyat clan.
Page 67 onwards: This section shifts to discussing other Tirthankaras, specifically Parshva Nath, Arishtanemi, Rishabhdeva, and others, outlining their birth circumstances, lifespan, constellations associated with their life events, the number of their disciples (monks, nuns, householders), and the time elapsed since their Nirvana. This part seems to be a comparative or encyclopedic listing of Tirthankara biographies.

Overall Summary:

The "Pavitra Kalpasutra" edition by Jashwantbhai N. Shah, translated by Pandit Becharlal Jeevraj Doshi, presents the sacred Jain text that deals with the conduct and history of Jain ascetics and the lives of the Tirthankaras. This excerpt focuses heavily on the birth narrative of Lord Mahavir, detailing the celestial events, the divine intervention of Indra, the auspicious dreams experienced by his mother, their interpretations foretelling his greatness, and the subsequent prosperity and celebrations. It also includes a comparative overview of the lives and timelines of other significant Tirthankaras, providing a rich tapestry of Jain history and tradition. The introductory sections highlight the meticulous research and scholarly effort involved in compiling this edition, emphasizing its value for Jain education and spiritual practice.