Sangh Swarup Kulakam Sarth

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text "Sangh Swarup Kulakam Sarth" by Punyavijay, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Sangh Swarup Kulakam Sarth" (The True Nature of the Sangha), by Punyavijay, is a commentary or explanation of a work that defines and clarifies what constitutes a true Jain Sangha (community or order). The work emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings and commands of the Tirthankaras and the Jain scriptures (Agamas).

The core message conveyed through the verses is a strong distinction between a genuine Sangha and mere assemblies of people who claim to be part of it.

Here's a breakdown of the key points from the provided pages:

• Defining the Sangha:

  • Verse 1: It is stated that those who are ignorant of the true nature of the Sangha often label any group of people, especially those who are steadfast in wrong paths or propagate them, as a Sangha.
  • Verse 2: However, such groups, characterized by their pursuit of pleasure, uncontrolled behavior, enmity towards the path of liberation (moksha), and deviation from the commands of the Jineshwara (Tirthankaras), are not to be called a Sangha.
  • Verse 3: A true Sangha is likened to parents, providing support and nourishment. It is described as the pillar of the house of liberation (moksha). Conversely, a group that is external to the commands of Jineshwara is as dangerous as a serpent in this world.
  • Verse 11: A Sangha is fundamentally a collection of monks (Shravakas) who are adorned with the virtues of knowledge, perception, and conduct. It is considered a "Sangha of virtues."
  • Verse 14: A Sangha is one that is primarily endowed with pure knowledge, purified by right perception, possesses the virtues of righteous conduct, and is even worthy of being worshipped by the Tirthankaras.
  • Verse 15: The true Sangha is one that propagates what is stated in the Agamas, believes in it, and practices it to the best of its ability. Such a Sangha is worthy of reverence by all three worlds, even in this age of decline (Dushamkal).

• Consequences of Misrepresenting the Sangha:

  • Verse 4: Those who, out of attachment (raag) or aversion (dosh), call an assembly that is not a Sangha as a Sangha, incur severe penances like 'chhed' or 'mool' (forms of expiation). This is referred to as the seventh and ninth types of penance.
  • Verse 5: Those who use the term "Sangha" but engage in activities contrary to the Sangha's principles, or conduct impure practices, are likened to the useless, hollow eggs of a broken bird's nest – they are devoid of essence.

• Characteristics of a False or Corrupt Sangha:

  • Verse 6: Monks who, within the assembly of the Sangha, engage in activities driven by pride and other causes of ego (like attachment to worldly possessions or status), and thus bring the Sangha under their control, form a mere "Sanghat" (a group or collection) but not a true Sangha.
  • Verse 7: Monks who support those who are violating the commands of the Jineshwara, by their own mind, speech, or body, are equally culpable of the sin of breaking the commandments.
  • Verse 8: Those who remain silent and do not intervene when they witness the violation of commandments, thereby indirectly approving of the unrighteousness, also taint their vows.
  • Verse 9: Monks who perform actions for the Sangha based on their own whims and personal preferences (for mental comfort or convenience), rather than according to the scriptures and the Sangha's rules, have their monastichood (shramanpan) corrupted and their vows broken.

• Duties of a True Sangha:

  • Verse 10: The Sangha, which is devoted to the worship of the Tirthankaras and has devotion to the Shrutasangha (the Sangha of scriptures), should always educate and guide those who have strayed from the commandments.

• The Essence of the Sangha:

  • Verse 12: Even a single individual who is knowledgeable, upholds pure conduct and practices, and does not transgress the commands of the Jineshwara, constitutes a "Bhavasangha" (a Sangha in spirit or essence).
  • Verse 13: A Sangha is constituted by even one monk, one nun, one male devotee (Shravak), and one female devotee (Shravika), provided they are aligned with the commands of the Jineshwara. Without this adherence to Jina's commands, such a group is merely a heap of dry bones.

In essence, the text strongly emphasizes that the legitimacy of a Sangha is not based on numbers or outward appearance, but on its unwavering adherence to Jain principles, the teachings of the Tirthankaras, and the pure conduct of its members. Deviation from these core tenets, even by individuals within an assembly, renders it a false Sangha with serious spiritual consequences. The true Sangha is a guiding force, upholding righteousness and offering spiritual support, characterized by knowledge, virtuous conduct, and devotion to the path of liberation.