Sutra Rahasyam

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sutra Rahasyam" by Chandrashekharvijay, focusing on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sutra Rahasyam Author: Yugapradhanacharya Samy.Pu. Chandrashekhar V.M.Sa. Publisher: Kamal Prakashan Commentator/Explicator: Mu. Gunhans V.M.Sa.

Core Purpose of the Book: The book aims to explain the profound meanings behind essential Jain practices and scriptures in a simple and accessible way. It addresses the question of why foundational Jain texts were written in Prakrit and how later scholars simplified complex ideas for broader understanding. The author emphasizes that while many know the importance of knowledge, the practical application of these principles in daily life, especially during rituals like pratikramana (confession and repentance), is often lost. The book seeks to overcome this "dryness" by providing clear explanations, making the teachings relatable and enabling practitioners to internalize Jain principles.

Key Sections and Concepts Covered:

The book primarily focuses on explaining the "ati-chara" (faults or transgressions) related to specific Jain practices, particularly those performed by monks and nuns. The explanations are structured around a foundational verse and then delve into the meticulous details of potential errors.

1. Gaatha Rahasyam (The Mystery of the Verse): 'Sayana-aasan-anna-paane...'

• Introduction: The book begins by explaining the need for simplifying complex scriptures for the benefit of all souls, drawing a parallel to "old wine in a new bottle." It highlights the importance of understanding the meaning behind actions, rather than just performing them mechanically.
• The Verse: The core verse lists twelve categories of items or actions related to a monk's or nun's life:
  1. Sayana (Bedding/Seat): This includes the mattress and bedding used for rest.
  2. Aasana (Seat): The seat used for sitting.
  3. Anna (Food): All types of edible items.
  4. Paana (Drink): All types of beverages.
  5. Chaitya (Temple/Idol): Places of worship and religious imagery.
  6. Yati (Monk/Nun): The community of renunciates.
  7. Shayya (Dwelling/Lodging): The place of residence or shelter.
  8. Kaayika (Urine/Excrement receptacle): The vessel used for bodily waste.
  9. Ucchara (Excrement/Waste): The bodily waste itself.
  10. Samiti (Carefulness/Vigilance): The five categories of mindful conduct (Erya, Bhasha, Eshana, Adan-Bhanda-Nikshetra, Paristapanika).
  11. Bhavana (Meditation/Reflection): Contemplation of various principles.
  12. Gupti (Restraint): Control over mind, speech, and body.
• Ati-chara (Faults): The verse states that any improper action (vitathacharana) concerning these twelve categories constitutes an ati-chara. This means doing what should not be done, or not doing what should be done.
• Detailed Explanation of Ati-charas for each category: The book then meticulously details the specific faults that can occur within each of the twelve categories. For example, under "Sayana," it lists things like not properly inspecting the bedding for insects, using it incorrectly, or using bedding meant for others. Under "Anna," it details faults related to overeating, eating contaminated food, eating with attachment, or disrespecting food. Similar detailed explanations are provided for all twelve categories, covering a wide range of potential lapses in conduct.
• Understanding Ati-chara: The text clarifies that ati-chara arises from the onset of sanjvalana (subtle passions/kashayas) leading to contrary actions. It distinguishes between the true (subtle) ati-chara and the behavioral (gross) ati-chara.
• Apavada (Exception): The book also discusses apavada (exceptions), which occur when, due to specific justifiable reasons (like illness or weakness), a less-than-perfect action is taken, but with extreme caution. These are considered lesser faults or not faults at all if performed with the right intention and care.
• Importance of Repentance (Alochanan): Throughout the explanation of ati-charas, the underlying message is the importance of self-reflection and confessing these faults (alochanan) to a spiritual guide.

2. Ratrika-ati-chara Sutra Rahasyam (The Mystery of Transgressions during the Night):

• Purpose: This section focuses on the specific faults that can occur during nighttime practices and observances.
• The Sutra: The sutra lists various potential transgressions, often using a mix of Prakrit and Gujarati. These include actions related to:
  • Bedding (Samthara): Improper turning, spreading, or adjusting of bedding.
  • Body Movement: Moving the body without proper inspection, or using unclean items/places for bodily functions.
  • Sleep and Dreams: Experiencing impure dreams (kusvapna) or having dreams that involve transgression of vows (shila viradhana).
  • Mindful Reflection: Engaging in harmful mental states like arta dhyana (sorrowful contemplation) and raudra dhyana (fierce contemplation), and neglecting righteous contemplation.
  • Specific Rituals: Not performing prescribed nightly rituals like Samthara Porisi (a specific ritual before sleeping).
• Detailed Explanations: Similar to the previous section, this part elaborates on each point in the sutra, explaining the nuances of what constitutes a fault and why. For instance, it explains that moving the body without proper inspection at night is a fault because one might inadvertently harm subtle beings. It also discusses the proper procedure for handling bodily waste receptacles (matra), including cleaning, covering, and disposal.
• Gujarati Influence: The commentary notes the historical shift from Prakrit to Gujarati for these prayers, to make them more understandable to a wider audience.
• The Significance of "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ": The section emphasizes the importance of confessing these nightly faults through the phrase "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ" (May my faults be pardoned), signifying repentance, a commitment to not repeat them, and seeking forgiveness.

3. Daivasika-ati-chara Sutra Rahasyam (The Mystery of Transgressions during the Day):

• Purpose: This section details the faults that can occur during daytime activities and observances.
• The Sutra: The sutra lists daily transgressions such as:
  • Movement and Contact: Improper movement or contact with plants (harita kaya), seeds (bija kaya), mobile beings (trasa kaya), immobile beings (sthavaara kaya), or insects (chhappai kaya).
  • Interaction with Beings: Collisions, causing distress, or harm to humans, women, or animals.
  • Religious Duties: Not performing prescribed daily recitations (sajhay), temple worship (chaitya vandan), or inspection of items.
  • Mental States: Engaging in impure or fierce contemplation while neglecting pure contemplation.
  • Food and Daily Conduct: Failing to observe the forty-two faults related to food collection (gochari) or the five faults related to the dining circle (mandali).
  • Rituals: Not performing rituals correctly (e.g., using the correct entrance/exit phrases for temples/dwellings).
  • Respect for Authority: Committing offenses against the temple (jin bhavana) or the guru.
• Detailed Explanations: The commentary explains each fault, clarifying the context and its significance in daily life. For example, it details the meaning of the specific phrases like "Nisihi" (used upon entering sacred spaces) and "Avassahi" (used upon leaving), and the importance of their correct pronunciation and intent. It also discusses the proper ways to approach and engage in various activities like food collection and temple worship, highlighting the potential pitfalls.
• The Role of Gujarati: Similar to the night section, it notes the use of Gujarati to ensure the meanings are grasped.
• Repentance: The section concludes with the commitment to repent all daily faults through "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ."

Overall Themes and Significance:

• Mindfulness and Vigilance: The entire book emphasizes the need for constant mindfulness and vigilance in every aspect of a renunciate's life, from the smallest action to the most profound contemplation.
• Subtlety of Jain Law: It highlights the intricate and subtle nature of Jain ethical and religious conduct, where even seemingly minor lapses can be considered transgressions.
• Accessibility of Teachings: The work is dedicated to making the complex teachings of Jainism accessible to a broader audience, thereby fostering deeper understanding and practical application.
• Importance of Repentance: The recurring theme of pratikramana and michchhami dukkadaṁ underscores the Jain emphasis on acknowledging, confessing, and seeking to overcome one's faults.
• Adaptation to Time: The commentary acknowledges the historical evolution of Jain practices and prayers, including the integration of Gujarati to preserve the spirit of the teachings when Prakrit became less understood.

In essence, "Sutra Rahasyam" serves as a guide to living a life of rigorous adherence to Jain principles, providing detailed explanations of potential faults and the means to rectify them through repentance and continued practice.