Subodhika Kalpasutra Tika Gujarati Bhashantar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Subodhika Kalpasutra Tika Gujarati Bhashantar" by Vinayvijay, in English:

This book is a Gujarati translation of the "Subodhika" commentary on the Kalpa Sutra, originally authored by Acharya Vinayvijay. The publisher is Shravak Bhimsinh Manek. The work is intended for private and personal use only.

Introduction (Prastavana - Page 3): The introduction describes the human condition as being trapped in a cycle of birth and death, constantly changing forms (wearing new costumes) due to passions like carelessness, idle talk, and harmful contemplation. While some actions may appear pious, internal flaws prevent true liberation. It highlights how individuals can even shift from praising to condemning the divine, teachers, and dharma, often becoming atheists due to their own karma or distraction by others' deeds. The key message is that every being dances to the tune of their karma, and one must strive to use auspicious opportunities to overcome the king of karma and establish the victory of dharma. It emphasizes the importance of special days (festivals) within religions for focused spiritual practice, particularly mentioning the significant and auspicious days of Paryushana in the Jain tradition. Even celestial beings, the text notes, temporarily abandon divine pleasures to worship the Jina on islands like Nandishwar for eight days during Paryushana.

The Kalpa Sutra (Page 4): The text then delves into the significance and origin of the Kalpa Sutra.

The 45 Agamas: It states that the Jain Agamas, considered sacred scriptures, consist of 45 texts. The Kalpa Sutra is identified as part of the fourth section, the Dashashrutaskandha.
Author and Title: It attributes the Kalpa Sutra to Acharya Nabhahu Swami, who extracted its core principles from the ninth Purva, known as the "Pratyakhyan Pravad," which is part of the Dashashrutaskandha. He named it "Kalpa Sutra," incorporating elements of Sthiravali and Samachari.
Structure and Name: The original Kalpa Sutra has 1201 verses, hence it is also known as "Varsha."
Historical Context of Recitation: Originally, the Kalpa Sutra was recited orally to the assembled monks (Sadhu Parishad) during the first night of Paryushana, with the Guru reciting it while in Kayotsarga meditation. However, it began to be recited publicly for the first time in Anandpur (Vamanagar) to console the grief of King Dhruvasen's son. This practice of public recitation continues to this day.
Commentaries: Since the original Sutra is in Magadhi (Prakrit), many scholars have written commentaries in Sanskrit. Among these, Acharya Vinayvijay's "Subodhika" commentary is highly praised for its simplicity and elegant language. The commentary was completed in Samvat 1656 (1656 AD).
Gujarati Translation: DueThis translation into Gujarati is the fourth edition of the Subodhika commentary. The text notes that the previous edition omitted some sections and contained errors, which this edition aims to rectify. It also mentions the inclusion of 57 illustrations to enhance the book's beauty.
Content of Subodhika: The Subodhika commentary is divided into nine chapters (Vyakhyans). The first seven chapters detail the lives of Mahavir Swami, Parshwanath, Neminath, and Rishabhanatha. The eighth chapter discusses Sthiravali, and the ninth covers Samachari. A concluding inscription (Prashasti) is also included.

The Ten Kalpas (Page 11 onwards): The text then explains the "Kalpa," which refers to the conduct of monks according to the Jain tradition. There are ten types of Kalpas mentioned:

Achailakya Kalpa (Achailak Kalpa): Relates to being unclothed. It details the varying practices among the Tirthankaras regarding clothing, mentioning that the first and twenty-second Tirthankaras were naked, while others were clothed. It clarifies that even those with worn-out clothes are considered "Achailak" due to the insignificance of the garment.
Audeshik Kalpa (Audeshik Kalpa): Deals with offerings made specifically for monks (food, drink, clothes, utensils, etc.). It notes that in the first two Tirthankaras' traditions, such offerings were unacceptable to monks. In the traditions of the subsequent 22 Tirthankaras, only offerings made directly for oneself were acceptable, not those made for a community or a specific monastic dwelling.
Shaiyatar Kalpa (Shaiyatar Kalpa): Concerns the person who owns the monastic dwelling (Upashraya). It lists twelve types of items related to ownership (food, drink, clothes, bedding, cleaning tools, etc.) and states that these are not permissible for all monks in all traditions due to potential attachment and difficulties in finding dwellings. It explains who qualifies as a "Shaiyatar."
Rajaping Kalpa (Rajaping Kalpa): Refers to food and other provisions offered by rulers and important officials (senapati, purohit, nagarsheth, mantri, sarthavah). It was prohibited for monks in the first two Tirthankaras' traditions due to the potential for loss of focus and self-respect, but permissible for the monks of the other 22 Tirthankaras.
Kritikarma Kalpa (Kritikarma Kalpa): Concerns the act of respectful salutation (Vandana). It mentions two types: 'Anyuththana' and 'Dashashavarta'. It states that Vandana should be performed mutually based on seniority in all Tirthankara traditions.
Vrata Kalpa (Vrata Kalpa): Relates to the Great Vows. It notes that monks in the traditions of the 22 Tirthankaras took four vows, considering women as a form of possession to be renounced. Monks of the first two Tirthankaras took five Great Vows, as the concept of renouncing all possessions was not fully understood.
Jyeshth Kalpa (Jyeshth Kalpa): Deals with the conduct between elders and juniors. It explains how seniority is determined by initiation time for the first two Tirthankaras, and by the absence of transgressions for the others. It addresses the practicalities of seniority when someone is younger in age but initiated earlier, or vice versa, and the importance of respecting elders.
Pratikraman Kalpa (Pratikraman Kalpa): Discusses the process of Pratikraman (confession and atonement). It states that monks of Rishabhanatha and Mahavir Swami's traditions must perform Pratikraman twice daily, regardless of transgressions, while monks of other traditions only do so when transgressions occur.
Mas Kalpa (Mas Kalpa): Concerns the duration of stay in one place during the Chaturmas period. Monks of the first and last Tirthankaras had a strict one-month limit, with exceptions for reasons like illness. Monks of the middle 22 Tirthankaras, being wise and simple, had no such strict limit and could stay for extended periods unless specific transgressions occurred.
Paryushana Kalpa (Paryushana Kalpa): Defines Paryushana as residing completely. It notes that this annual festival falls on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Aushada (or sometimes the fourth day, as per the tradition of Kalaksuri). It further categorizes Paryushana into two types: 'Salamban' (with support) and 'Niralamban' (without support). Niralamban is further divided into Jhapsody (77 days, from Samvatsarik Pratikraman to Kartik Chaturmas Pratikraman) and Utkrishta (4 months). The text mentions that Niralamban Chaturmas is only appropriate for those following the Sthavir Kalpa, while others might adopt Salamban Chaturmas under specific circumstances. It also references the practice of informing householders about the five days of Paryushana, which is now obsolete due to societal changes and to avoid expanding the text unnecessarily. It concludes that the Paryushana Kalpa is fixed for the first and last Tirthankaras and variable for the others, who could stay in one place for extended periods if free from faults. It also highlights that the Kalpa Sutra is the supreme among scriptures, like a Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree), with Lord Mahavir's life as its seed, Parshwanatha's life as the sprout, Neminath's life as the trunk, Rishabhanatha's life as branches, Sthiravali as flowers, Samachari as fragrance, and liberation as its fruit. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra with devotion, contributing to its dissemination, and adhering to its principles bring fulfillment.

Detailed Content: The subsequent pages (6 to 414) provide the "Anukramanika" (Index) and then delve into the detailed explanations of each section of the Kalpa Sutra as per the Subodhika commentary. This includes:

Mahaatmya of Kalpa Sutra: The glory and importance of the Kalpa Sutra.
Mangalacharan and Author's Humility: The auspicious invocation and the author's self-effacing introduction.
Meaning of "Kalpa": Elaboration on the word "Kalpa" and its significance.
The Fourteen Purvas: Names and magnitudes of the fourteen ancient Jain texts.
Authority for Recitation: Who is eligible to recite and hear the Kalpa Sutra.
Origin of Public Recitation: When and why public recitation began.
Ten Kalpas: Detailed explanations of the ten types of conduct (Achailakya, Audeshik, Shaiyatar, Rajaping, Kritikarma, Vrata, Jyeshth, Pratikraman, Mas, and Paryushana Kalpas) as outlined above.
Examples and Stories: Numerous anecdotes and stories are used to illustrate the principles of the Kalpas, including the story of Nagketa and his austerity (Page 23 onwards), Kartik Sheth (Page 33 onwards), and many others related to Tirthankaras and their disciples.
Tirthankara Charitra: Detailed narratives of the lives of Rishabhanatha (Page 34 onwards), Parshwanatha (Page 47 onwards), Neminatha (Page 59 onwards), and Mahavir Swami (Page 66 onwards).
The Dream Sequence of Trishala: A significant portion describes the fourteen auspicious dreams of Lord Mahavir's mother, Trishala, and their interpretations by Siddharth. This section includes detailed descriptions of the dreams: elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, garland, moon, sun, flag, lotus lake, ocean of milk, heavenly palace, pile of jewels, flame, and a heap of grains.
Mahavir Swami's Life: Birth, infancy (including the Indra's intervention and the naming ceremony), education, marriage (briefly mentioned), departure from home, austerities, enlightenment, and preaching are elaborated upon. The text also covers the challenges and obstacles (upasargas) Lord Mahavir faced.
Goshala's Role: The complex relationship and conflicts between Lord Mahavir and Goshala Mankhaliputra are discussed.
Tirthankara Characteristics: The text touches upon the special characteristics and divine attributes of Tirthankaras.
The Staviravali: An account of the lineage of revered Jain monks and scholars.
Samachari: The rules and regulations of monastic conduct, particularly during the Chaturmas period and the Paryushana festival.

Prakarana (Chapters/Sections) Covered:

The index (Anukramanika, Pages 6-10) reveals the detailed breakdown of the nine chapters:

First Vyakhyan: Mahatmya of Kalpasutra, its authorship, meaning of "Kalpa," fourteen Purvas, authority for recitation, origin of public recitation, Achailakya Kalpa, Audeshik Kalpa.
Second Vyakhyan: Shaiyatar Kalpa, Rajaping Kalpa, Kritikarma Kalpa, Vrata Kalpa, Jyeshth Kalpa, Pratikraman Kalpa, Mas Kalpa, Paryushana Kalpa, and the differences in Kalpas across Tirthankaras. It also includes stories illustrating these differences.
Third Vyakhyan: Starts with the dream sequence of Trishala Devi, describing the dreams of the elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, garland, moon, sun, flag, lotus lake, ocean of milk, heavenly palace, pile of jewels, flame, and grains. It details the interpretations of these dreams.
Fourth Vyakhyan: Continues with Lord Mahavir's arrival at school, the Brahmin's deceptive advice, the concept of wealth, Lord Mahavir's consideration of his mother's suffering, and his eventual renunciation and initiation.
Fifth Vyakhyan: Details Lord Mahavir's birth, the divine celebrations, the welcoming by digkumaris, the naming ceremony, his childhood sports, and his interactions with Goashala.
Sixth Vyakhyan: Focuses on the hardships and insults Lord Mahavir endured, including the story of Goshala's treachery and the subsequent divine intervention. It also describes his austerities and adherence to principles.
Seventh Vyakhyan: Covers the life of Lord Parshwanath, including his birth, austerities, and the challenges faced. It then transitions to Lord Neminath's life, his marriage prospects, and his eventual renunciation.
Eighth Vyakhyan: Details the Sthaviravali, the lineage of the Jain saints and acharyas, tracing back from contemporary monks to ancient figures like Jambu Swami and Varahamihira, and their respective contributions and philosophies. It includes details about the establishment of Viniyog and the conduct of Jain monks.
Ninth Vyakhyan: Focuses on Samachari, the rules of conduct, particularly related to the Paryushana period, and the proper way of observing these rules, including details about fasting, dietary restrictions, and monastic etiquette.

Prakarana (Prakarana) - Conduct and Rules: The text meticulously details various aspects of Jain monastic conduct, including:

Dietary Rules: Specifications on food and drink, permissible and forbidden items, and conditions for consumption.
Monastic Etiquette: Rules regarding dress, shelter, movement, and interaction with the laity.
Austerities: Various forms of penance and their observance.
Paryushana Observance: Detailed rules for the Paryushana festival.
Samachari: Daily and periodic routines and practices for monks and nuns.

Key Themes:

Karma: The pervasive influence of karma on an individual's destiny.
Austerity (Tapas): The importance of self-discipline and penance for spiritual progress.
Renunciation: The path of detachment from worldly possessions and pleasures.
Right Conduct (Samachari): Adherence to prescribed rules for spiritual purity.
The Tirthankaras' Lives: The examples and teachings of the Tirthankaras as guides for spiritual practice.
Devotion and Faith: The role of faith and devotion in overcoming obstacles and achieving liberation.

The book concludes with a "Shuddhipatra" (errata) noting corrections and improvements made in this edition. The overall tone is didactic and informative, aiming to provide a clear and accessible understanding of the Kalpa Sutra and its commentary for Gujarati-speaking Jains.