Sutrakritanga Sutram Part 03 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sutrakritanga Sutram Part 03," authored by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj and published by Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

The provided text is Volume 3 of the "Shri Sutrakritanga Sutram," featuring a Hindi-Gujarati translation and commentary by Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj, with the commentary itself, "Samayarth Bodhinya," originally authored by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. The publication is a result of efforts by the Shri Akhil Bharat S. S. Jain Shastroddhara Samiti and is dedicated to the memory of Shri Sudhirbhai Jayantilal Zaveri.

Key Content of Volume 3 (Sutrakritanga Sutram Part 03):

The provided table of contents (Page #4) outlines the chapters (Adhyayans) covered in this volume:

Ninth Chapter (Dharma Adhyayan): Deals with the nature of Dharma (Righteousness/Religion).
Tenth Chapter (Samadhi Adhyayan): Focuses on the nature of Samadhi (Concentration/Equanimity).
Eleventh Chapter (Moksha Adhyayan): Explains the nature of Moksha (Liberation/Salvation).
Twelfth Chapter (Samavasarana Adhyayan): Describes the nature of Samavasarana (The divine assembly hall of the Tirthankaras).
Thirteenth Chapter (Yatharthya Adhyayan): Discusses the nature of Truth/Reality.
Fourteenth Chapter (Granth Adhyayan): Deals with the nature of the Granth (Sacred Text/Scripture).
Fifteenth Chapter (Adaniya Swarup Adhyayan): Explains the nature of what is worthy of acceptance/adoption.
Sixteenth Chapter (Vidhi Nishedh Adhyayan): Covers injunctions and prohibitions.

Summary of Key Themes and Teachings (Based on the excerpted pages):

The provided pages offer a detailed look into the commentary and translation of the Sutrakritanga Sutra, specifically focusing on the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Chapters. The core message revolves around the path to liberation and the principles of Jain conduct, contrasting them with various misconceptions and wrong paths.

Ninth Chapter: Dharma Adhyayan (Nature of Dharma)

Defining True Dharma: The chapter begins with Jambu Swami asking Sudharma Swami about the nature of true Dharma as taught by Lord Mahavir, the "Mahan" (great being) who is "Maitrimaya" (imbued with wisdom/intelligence) and "Mahan" (great preceptor/guide).
Distinguishing True Dharma: The text emphasizes that true Dharma is "Riju" (straightforward, without deceit) and "Riyathathya" (as it is, in reality).
Critique of Worldly Actions (Aranbhnisia): The initial verses (verses 2 and 3) strongly condemn various professions and activities that involve harm to living beings and attachment to worldly possessions (Parigraha). This includes:
- Various Social Classes/Professions: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Chandals, Vokesas, Epikas (hunters, ascetics who wander in forests), Vaishikas (those who adopt other's attire for livelihood), Shudras, and those involved in activities like operating machinery, using fire, violence, etc.
- Attachment to Wealth and Possessions: The text criticizes the accumulation of wealth, cattle, grains, and other possessions, highlighting that such attachments lead to conflict (vairam) and do not liberate individuals from suffering.
- The Futility of Worldly Relations: It is stated that even family members like mother, father, wife, children, brothers, etc., cannot protect someone from the consequences of their own actions (karma).
The Importance of Non-violence (Ahimsa): The emphasis on avoiding "Aranbh" (commencement of harmful activities) and protecting all living beings is a recurring theme.
The Nature of True Spiritual Effort (Pandit Virya): Contrasted with "Bal Virya" (the effort for mundane activities), "Pandit Virya" is the effort directed towards Dharma and liberation.

Tenth Chapter: Samadhi Adhyayan (Nature of Samadhi)

The Goal of Samadhi: The chapter starts with the connection to the previous chapter on Dharma, stating that true Dharma can only be practiced with complete Samadhi (equanimity, mental peace). Therefore, this chapter elucidates the nature of Samadhi.
Practicing Samadhi: The text details various aspects of achieving and maintaining Samadhi:
- Discipline in Speech (Bhasha Samiti): Emphasizing careful and truthful speech, avoiding harshness, gossip, and deceit.
- Mindfulness and Control: The importance of controlling the mind and senses, avoiding attachment to worldly pleasures and sensory objects.
- Renunciation of Worldly Ties: The need to detach from wealth, family, and possessions.
- Endurance of Hardships (Parishaha): The text touches upon the need to patiently endure hardships like hunger, thirst, heat, cold, and insults.
- Avoiding Sinful Activities: Condemnation of activities leading to sin, such as falsehood, theft, violence, immorality, and greed.
- The Purity of Action and Intention: The emphasis is on the purity of actions and intentions, free from attachment and aversion.
- Living as a Muni: The text describes the conduct of a muni (ascetic) who is detached, non-violent, truthful, and practices self-control.
Critique of False Paths: The commentary likely contrasts the Jain path of Samadhi with other philosophies that may not emphasize these principles.

Eleventh Chapter: Moksha Adhyayan (Nature of Moksha)

The Ultimate Goal: This chapter focuses on Moksha (liberation), the ultimate aim of the spiritual path.
The Path to Moksha: The text reiterates the importance of the Jain path (Dharma) as taught by the Tirthankaras, emphasizing its simplicity, absence of deceit, and the protection of all beings. This path is presented as the best among all paths.
Key Principles: The chapter likely elaborates on the role of:
- Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra): These are presented as the direct means to achieve Moksha.
- Non-violence (Ahimsa): The paramount importance of non-violence in thought, word, and deed towards all living beings.
- Asceticism and Self-Control: The necessity of renunciation and strict adherence to vows and disciplines.
- Detachment: Freedom from attachment to worldly possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures.
- The Nature of the Soul: Understanding the true nature of the soul as distinct from the body and its transient possessions.
- The Cycle of Birth and Death: Highlighting the suffering inherent in the cycle of transmigration and the means to escape it.
The Role of Tirthankaras: The teachings of the Tirthankaras are presented as the pure and direct path to Moksha.

Overall Message of the Excerpted Chapters:

The provided excerpt underscores the Jain emphasis on liberation from suffering through rigorous self-discipline, ethical conduct, and profound wisdom. It highlights the critical need for:

Righteous Conduct (Dharma): Upholding principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession in all aspects of life.
Mental Equanimity (Samadhi): Cultivating a state of mental balance and peace, unperturbed by worldly fluctuations.
Understanding True Reality (Yatharthya): Perceiving the nature of the soul, karma, and the universe as it truly is, free from misconceptions.
The Path to Liberation (Moksha): Following the teachings of the Tirthankaras as the sole means to attain ultimate freedom.
Critique of False Philosophies: The text implicitly or explicitly contrasts the Jain path with other viewpoints that deviate from these core principles, often highlighting their inherent contradictions or leading to further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.
The Role of the Guru: The importance of adhering to the guidance of a qualified Guru is evident in the explanation of learning and practice.

The Commentary:

The commentary by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, drawing from Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj's original work, seems to be highly detailed, providing scriptural references, explanations of complex philosophical concepts, and practical guidance for spiritual practitioners. The translation into Hindi and Gujarati aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience.