Savruttik Aagam Sootraani 1 Part 34 Dashvaikalik Mool Evam Vrutti - Book Summary

This is a detailed summary of the Jain text "Savruttik Aagam Sootraani 1 Part 34 Dashvaikalik Mool evam Vrutti," based on the provided pages. The text is a commentary (Vrutti) on the Dashavaikalik Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism, edited and compiled by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj and Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji.

Overall Context:

Title: Savruttik Aagam Sootraani 1 Part 34 Dashvaikalik Mool evam Vrutti (Commented Jain Agam Sutras, Part 34: Dashavaikalik Sutra, Original Text and Commentary).
Authors/Editors: Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj (Original Researcher/Editor), Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji (Innovative Compiler).
Publisher: Vardhaman Jain Agam Mandir Samstha Palitana.
Inspiration: Acharya Shri Harshasagar Suriji Maharaj.
Purpose: To present the Dashavaikalik Sutra with its original text (Mool), commentary (Niyukti, Bhashya, Vrutti), making Jain Agamic literature accessible.
Significance: This publication is part of a larger project to print Agam Vrutti, dedicated to the Vachana Shatabdi Varsh (Centenary Year of Vachana) by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj (also known as Sagarji):
- Revered as an "Agamoddharak" (Reviver of Agams).
- Known for his profound dedication to Jain Agams, studying Sanskrit, Prakrit, ancient scripts, grammar, logic, and literature.
- He meticulously prepared pure texts from various manuscripts, especially for the Agams.
- He revised and edited 45 Agam Shastras, including two Agams and Niyuktis.
- He established the Agam Mandir in Palitana, inscribed Agam literature on stone and copper plates, and published them as "Agam Manjusha."
- His work extended to commentaries (Vrutti), Churnis, Niyuktis, etc.
- He composed one lakh verses in Sanskrit and Prakrit on useful topics and wrote prefaces for many texts.
- He played a role in establishing institutions like Agamoday Samiti and Devchand Lalbhai for printing Agams.
- Beyond scriptural pursuits, he was involved in protecting Jain pilgrimage sites and spreading Jain teachings.
- He had a large spiritual family, dedicating 870 monks and nuns to the Jain faith.
Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji:
- A highly accomplished scholar (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D., Shrutmaharshi).
- He is credited as the "Abhinav Sankalanakarta" (Innovative Compiler) of this series.
- His role involved scanning, formatting, and ensuring the accuracy and readability of the compiled texts.
- He explains the purpose of the edition: to make the teachings accessible, to respect the tradition of Agam research, and to highlight the contributions of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji.
- He details the unique format of the publication, with the original text in the center and explanatory elements around it.
Acharya Shri Harshasagar Suriji Maharaj:
- Revered as a "Shasanprabhavak" (One who spreads the influence of the Jain faith).
- He is the inspiration and the primary financial supporter for the entire "Savruttik Aagam Sootraani" series (Parts 1-40).
- His teachings emphasize community unity, the welfare of monks and nuns, and the restoration and development of pilgrimage sites.
- He encourages scriptural study and donation for its dissemination.
- He guided the "Darshan Shuddhi" project, involving 18 Abhishek ceremonies in old Jain temples across India.
Acharya Shri Devendrasagar Surishwarji Maharaj:
- The third Gachhadhipati (leader of a monastic lineage) in the tradition of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji.
- He was a virtuous soul, becoming a guru to disciples shortly after his initiation.
- He was instrumental in promoting "Upadhān Tap" (a specific penance) and inspired many to embrace the path of restraint.
- He was learned and spent his time studying and teaching scriptures.
- He exemplified "Aradhana Prem" (love for devotion), never missing his daily rituals or worship, even in ill health.
- He attained Samadhi Maran (peaceful death) chanting the fourfold saranam (refuge).

Content of the Dashavaikalik Sutra (as presented in this volume):

The provided pages focus on the introductory and preliminary sections of the commentary on the Dashavaikalik Sutra, specifically the first chapter (Adhyayan), "Drum Pushpika." The commentary begins with:

Invocation: "Namo Nirmal Darshansya" (Salutations to the Pure Vision), followed by salutations to the gurus.
Title and Attribution: Clearly stating the Sutra, the authors, publisher, and inspirational figures.
Description of the Publication: Explaining the project's aim to print Agam Vrutti, honoring Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji's legacy.
Biographical Information: Extensive details about Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji and Acharya Devendrasagar Surishwarji, highlighting their spiritual achievements, scholarly work, and dedication to Jainism.
Introduction to the Dashavaikalik Sutra: Mentioning that this specific volume is Part 34, containing the original text (Mool), Niyukti, Bhashya, and Haribhadra Suri's Vrutti.
Structure of the Dashavaikalik Sutra: Page 10 shows a "Vishayanukram" (Subject Index) for the Dashavaikalik Sutra, listing chapters (Adhyayan), their numbers, and page numbers. The Sutra consists of ten chapters:
1. Drum Pushpika (द्रमपुष्पिका)
2. Sharman Purva (श्रामण्यपूर्वक)
3. Kshullakaachar Katha (क्षुल्लकाचारकथा)
4. Sajivanikaya (षडजीवनिकाय)
5. Pindaiṣaṇā (पिण्डैषणा)
6. Mahāchār Kathā (महाचारकथा)
7. Vāk Shuddhi (वाक्यशुद्धि)
8. Āchār Praṇidhi (आचारप्रणिधी)
9. Vinay Samādhi (विनयसमाधि)
10. Sa-bhikshu (सभिक्षुः)
- Followed by supplementary chapters like Ratīvākyaṁ (रतिवाक्यं), Vivikta Charyā (विविक्तचर्या), and possibly others like Upasaṁhāra-Niyukti (उपसंहार-नियुक्तिः).
Commentary's Approach: The commentary by Haribhadra Suri is presented, explaining the meaning of verses, providing etymologies, and contextualizing the teachings. The text extensively delves into the nuances of Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices as described in the Dashavaikalik Sutra.

Specific Content Covered in the Excerpted Pages:

The initial pages of the text introduce the work, paying homage to the lineage of gurus, and detailing the profound contributions of Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji. It sets the stage for a scholarly and reverent presentation of the Dashavaikalik Sutra. The text also includes details about the Agam Mandir in Palitana and its architectural features.

The bulk of the provided text consists of the commentary on the first chapter of the Dashavaikalik Sutra, named "Drum Pushpika" (द्रुमपुष्पिका). The commentary, attributed to Haribhadra Suri, is highly detailed and analytical, breaking down the verses (Gathas) and explaining their philosophical and practical implications. It covers:

Mangala (Auspicious Beginning): The text begins with auspicious invocations and explanations of their significance.
Niyukti and Vrutti: It follows the structure of Niyukti (a metrical commentary) and then elaborates on it with Haribhadra Suri's Vrutti.
Explanation of Key Concepts: The commentary meticulously explains Jain philosophical concepts, ethical conduct, and practices. For example, it discusses the various types of "Nishepa" (classification) related to the Sutra, the meaning of "Dharma" and "Mangala," and the importance of the qualities of a virtuous monk.
Detailed Analysis of Verses: Each verse is analyzed, with etymological explanations, contextualization within Jain teachings, and often illustrative stories or examples (though the specific stories are only hinted at in the beginning pages).
Structure of the Agam: The text refers to other Agams and their commentaries, showing the interconnectedness of Jain scriptural knowledge.
Role of Gurus: The importance of gurus and the lineage of teachers is consistently highlighted, underscoring the tradition of knowledge transmission.
Thematic Focus (based on Drum Pushpika): The initial analysis seems to set the stage for understanding the essence of the Dashavaikalik Sutra, possibly focusing on foundational Jain principles and the conduct of ascetics. The early parts of the commentary (as per the provided pages) discuss the significance of the Sutra, the life and work of the revered Acharyas, and the philosophical underpinnings of Jain practice.

In Essence:

This volume is a scholarly and devotional presentation of a crucial Jain Agam, the Dashavaikalik Sutra. It honors the legacy of prominent Jain Acharyas and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the text through original research, compilation, and detailed commentary. The focus is on making the profound teachings of the Dashavaikalik Sutra accessible to scholars and practitioners of Jainism.