Sadhwachar Ke Sutra - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Sadhwachar ke Sutra" (सूत्रों का साध्वाचार), compiled and edited by Muni Rajnish Kumarmuni. Published by Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, it provides a comprehensive guide to the conduct and practices of Jain monks (Sadhus).

The book is structured as a question-and-answer guide, covering a wide range of topics essential for understanding Jain monastic life. Here's a summary of the key areas covered:

Core Principles and Practices:

Mahavratas (Great Vows): The fundamental principles of Jain asceticism, emphasizing the absolute renunciation of violence, falsehood, stealing, non-celibacy, and possession. The text delves into the specifics of each vow, including their subtle nuances and the number of Mahavratas observed by monks in different regions and during the time of various Tirthankaras (five in Bharat and Airavat regions during the first and last Tirthankaras' times, and four in Mahavideh and during the other 22 Tirthankaras' times).
Pravachan-Mata (Eight Principles of Monastic Conduct): These are considered the guiding "mothers" for monks, aiding in the practice of the Mahavratas. They consist of the Five Samitis (Careful Conduct) and Three Guptis (Restraints).
- Five Samitis:
  - Irya Samiti: Careful movement, observing the path ahead.
  - Bhasha Samiti: Careful speech, speaking truthfully, beneficially, concisely, and clearly.
  - Eshana Samiti: Careful alms-seeking, ensuring pure food and belongings.
  - Adan Nakshep Samiti: Careful handling of objects.
  - Ucchar Prasravan Samiti: Careful excretion and disposal.
- Three Guptis:
  - Manogupti: Control of the mind, preventing unwholesome thoughts.
  - Vachangupti: Control of speech, restraining from unwholesome talk.
  - Kayagupti: Control of the body, restraining from unwholesome actions.
Sadhu (Monk) Classification: The text categorizes monks based on their adherence to vows and practices, detailing various types like Pulaka, Bakush, Kushil, Nirgranth, and Snathak, along with their specific characteristics, knowledge, conduct, and spiritual attainments.
Loch (Plucking of Hair): The practice of plucking out hair with hands, considered a form of asceticism and a practice of detachment from the body. The text explains its timing, method, and purpose.
Diksha (Initiation): The process of becoming a monk, including the qualifications and disqualifications for initiation, the different types of renunciation (Vairagya), and the reasons for taking initiation.
Pratikraman (Confession and Repentance): The daily or periodic ritual of reviewing one's conduct, confessing faults to the spiritual preceptor, and performing penance to purify oneself.
Pratyakhyan (Renunciation): The act of taking vows for specific periods or items, such as fasting or abstaining from certain foods.
Alochana (Confession): The process of confessing one's sins and transgressions to a Guru. The text details the method, benefits, and the qualified persons for confession.
Chaturmas (Monsoon Retreat): The practice of monks staying in one place for four months during the monsoon season to avoid harming the increased life forms that emerge during this period. The text outlines exceptions and special circumstances for moving during this time.
Pravas (Residence): Rules and regulations regarding monks' residence, including distinctions between monks and nuns, permissible places of stay, and reasons for extended stays in a particular location.
Vihar (Wandering): The principles governing a monk's movement and travel, emphasizing carefulness in choosing paths, avoiding harm to living beings, and the rules regarding traveling alone or in groups.
Ashatana (Disrespect/Offence): The various ways a monk can commit disrespect or offence towards the Tirthankaras, Gurus, fellow monks, or the Jain principles. The text lists 33 types of Ashatana.
Gan (Monastic Order/Community): The organizational structure within the Jain monastic community, detailing the roles and responsibilities of various positions like Acharya (spiritual leader), Upadhyaya (teacher), Pravartak, Sthavir, Gani, Ganadhar, and Ganavachchhedak. It also outlines the qualities and conduct expected of these leaders.
Kalpa (Rules of Conduct): The specific rules and regulations governing the conduct of Jain monks, categorizing them into different types of Kalpas (e.g., Achalaka, Audeshika, Shyyatar, Rajpind, Kritkarma, Vratakalpa, Jyeshtha Kalpa, Pratikraman Kalpa, Mas Kalpa, Paryushana Kalpa). It also discusses Sthavirakalpa and Jinkalpa, and the rigorous practices of Jinakalpi monks.
Gochari (Alms-seeking): The detailed rules and regulations for monks seeking alms, including the methods of collecting food (e.g., Petan, Ardha Petan, Gomutrika, Patangaveethika, Shambookavarta, Gatapratyagata), the purity of alms, the times for seeking alms, and the interactions with householders.
Sachitta-Achitta (Living and Non-living Substances): The crucial distinction between living (Sachitta) and non-living (Achitta) substances in Jainism, which guides monks in their daily conduct, especially regarding food and water. The text provides numerous examples and explanations of what constitutes Sachitta and Achitta.
Sujhta-Asujhta (Pure and Impure Alms): This concept is closely related to Sachitta-Achitta and refers to alms that are considered ritually pure (Sujhta) for monks to accept, versus those that are impure (Asujhta) due to various defects or unwholesome practices in their preparation or offering.
Shayyata (Place of Residence): Rules regarding where monks can reside, including restrictions on staying in certain types of places or the houses of "Shayyata" (those who provide lodging).
Labdhi (Supernatural Powers) and Pratima (Stages of Austerity): The text describes various spiritual powers (Labdhis) that monks can attain through intense austerities and the different stages of spiritual discipline (Pratimas) that monks progress through.
Vyavahar (Conduct and Social Interaction): This section covers the practical aspects of how monks interact with lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas), the services lay followers can offer, and the etiquette involved.
Chikitsa (Medical Treatment): The rules regarding monks receiving medical treatment, including permissible remedies and the circumstances under which treatment can be sought.
Vastra and Pratilekhan (Clothing and Inspection): The regulations concerning the type, quantity, and inspection of clothing for monks, emphasizing detachment and adherence to prescribed rules.
Patra Adi Bhand Upkaran (Utensils and Equipment): The rules regarding the types and usage of utensils and other essential equipment for monks, including restrictions on materials and quantities.
Pratihārika (Belongings): The specific rules for items that monks can take temporarily or on a conditional basis (Pratihārika), and the regulations for their return.

The book aims to provide a thorough and accessible understanding of the rigorous and disciplined lifestyle of Jain monks, highlighting the importance of each practice in the path towards spiritual liberation. It draws upon ancient Jain scriptures and traditions to explain the philosophical underpinnings of these rules.