Trini Ched Sutrani - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trini Ched Sutrani" based on the provided information:

Book Title: Trini Ched Sutrani (Three Ched Sutras) Author(s): Nemichand Banthiya, Parasmal Chandaliya Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004177/1

Overview:

The book "Trini Ched Sutrani" is a significant Jain text published by the Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh. It presents three key "Ched Sutras" of Jain Agam literature: Dashashrut Skandha Sutra, Brihatkalpa Sutra, and Vyavahar Sutra. The publication aims to provide the original Sanskrit/Prakrit text along with detailed explanations, including difficult word meanings, translations, and commentary. The preface highlights the importance of Jain Agam literature from various perspectives—ethical, philosophical, scientific, and moral—attributing its authority to the teachings of omniscient Tirthankaras and the knowledge of Shrutakevalis. It categorizes the Agam literature, emphasizing the significance of Ched Sutras in their role of rectifying faults and purifying conduct through penance.

Key Themes and Content:

The core purpose of the Ched Sutras, as explained in the introduction, is to provide guidance for monks and nuns on purification of conduct through penance (Prayshchitta) when they commit faults. These faults can range from minor transgressions to severe transgressions, leading to purification and restoration of their spiritual purity. The text outlines ten types of penance, detailing their nature and application.

The book delves into the specifics of each of the three Ched Sutras:

1. Dashashrut Skandha Sutra (दशाश्रुत स्कन्ध सूत्र): This text is divided into ten "Dashas" (sections). The provided content focuses on the first ten sections, detailing:

Twenty Asamadhistanas (बीस असमाधिस्थान - Twenty situations causing lack of mental peace): These are negative actions or states that disturb a monk's mental peace and hinder spiritual progress. Examples include hastiness, lack of proper cleaning, speaking unnecessarily, anger, backbiting, and improper eating habits.
Twenty-one Sabala Doshas (इक्कीस शबल दोष - Twenty-one serious character flaws): These are severe transgressions that tarnish a monk's character and spiritual purity. Examples include sexual misconduct, nighttime eating, accepting improperly prepared food, accepting food from royal kitchens, deliberate violence, theft, lying, and improper sleeping arrangements.
Thirty-three Ashatanas (तैंतीस आशातनाएँ - Thirty-three acts of disrespect or offense): These describe acts of disrespect towards gurus, religious principles, knowledge, conduct, etc. Examples include walking ahead of the guru, sitting before the guru, speaking harshly to the guru, disrespecting their teachings, and acting contrary to their instructions.
Eight Ganísampada (अष्टविध गणिसंपदा - Eightfold qualities of a monastic leader/community head): This section describes the essential virtues of a monastic leader (Gani or Acharya), including integrity in conduct, mastery of scriptures, physical fitness, eloquent speech, teaching ability, intellectual prowess, practical application of knowledge, and organizational skills.
Ten Chittasamadhi Sthanas (चित्त समाधि के दश स्थान - Ten states of mental concentration): These describe stages or states of deep mental concentration achieved through spiritual practice, including contemplation of dharma, divine visions, and ultimately Kevalgyan (omniscience). It also touches upon the "Mahāmohaniya" karma (attachment-related karma).
Eleven Upasaka Pratimas (ग्यारह उपासक प्रतिमाएँ - Eleven stages of lay discipleship): This details the progressive vows and practices undertaken by lay followers striving for spiritual advancement.
Twelve Bhikshu Pratimas (बारह भिक्षु प्रतिमाएँ - Twelve stages of monastic practice): This outlines rigorous practices undertaken by monks, including specific fasting periods and severe ascetic practices.
Paryushana Kalpa (पर्युषणा कल्प): This section briefly mentions the cycle of Lord Mahavir's life events, linking them to specific constellations.
Mahāmohaniya Karma Bandha (महामोहनीय कर्म बन्ध - Thirty places of Mahāmohaniya karma bondage): This describes actions that lead to severe attachment karma, often involving intense negative emotions and cruel actions.
Āyati Sthana (आयति स्थान - Places of Āyati): This discusses various types of 'Nidānas' (vows made with ulterior motives for worldly gain), which ultimately increase worldly cycles rather than leading to liberation.

2. Brihatkalpa Sutra (बृहत्कल्प सूत्र): This text provides a more detailed account of monastic conduct ("Samāchāri") compared to other Kalpa Sutras, hence the name "Brihatkalpa" (Great Kalpa). It was likely composed during a famine. The text covers:

Rules regarding fruits: Specific guidelines on accepting and consuming fruits.
Rules for staying in villages and towns: Temporal limits and regulations for monks and nuns staying in populated areas.
Rules for residences (Upāśraya): Guidelines on suitable and unsuitable living places for monks and nuns, including restrictions on certain types of rooms or environments.
Rules regarding clothing and utensils: Regulations on acceptable clothing and utensils.
Penance for specific transgressions: Discusses penance for actions like illicit sexual relations and nighttime eating.
Prohibitions: Details various prohibitions for monks and nuns.

3. Vyavahar Sutra (व्यवहार सूत्र): This is also a Ched Sutra that complements the Brihatkalpa Sutra, focusing on the practical aspects of monastic conduct. It discusses:

Prayshchitta (Penance): Detailed regulations on penance for various offenses, including the nuances of sincere ("Rijuyukta") versus insincere ("Vakratā Yukta") confession.
Conduct in difficult situations: Rules for dealing with illness, disputes, and maintaining impartiality.
Leadership and Succession: Criteria for appointing Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Ganādharas, and rules regarding their conduct and transitions.
Group Conduct: Guidelines for groups of monks and nuns, including their leadership and interaction.
Rules for specific situations: Covers a wide range of practical issues related to monastic life, such as the behavior of disciples towards their gurus, the handling of dropped or lost items, dealing with adverse environmental conditions, and specific observances.
Types of Ascetic Practices: Mentions various types of penances and austerities.
Conduct towards others: Discusses rules for interacting with the general populace and other spiritual practitioners.

Key Concepts Highlighted:

Ched Sutras: Texts that focus on rectifying faults and purifying conduct through penance.
Prayshchitta (Penance): The central theme, outlining various forms of penance for different offenses to regain spiritual purity.
Ashṭāvakaras (Eightfold Conduct): The five Samitis (careful conduct in walking, speaking, eating, taking, and disposing) and three Guptis (control of mind, speech, and body) are crucial for maintaining pure conduct.
Fourteen Purvas: Ancient Jain scriptures, knowledge of which was held by Shrutakevalis.
Anga and Bahya-anga Literature: Classifications of Jain scriptures.
Dravyanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, Dharmakathanuyoga, Charitranuyoga: Four classifications of Jain literature based on subject matter.
Kevalgyan: Omniscience, the ultimate state of knowledge in Jainism.
Nirvana: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Yama and Niyama: Ethical restraints and observances.
Brahmacharya: Celibacy and its importance in spiritual practice.
Ahimsa: Non-violence, a foundational principle of Jainism, emphasized in all actions.
Apparigraha: Non-possession.

Significance of the Publication:

The publication by the Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh, especially with its emphasis on providing pure original texts, detailed meanings, and scholarly commentary, serves to preserve and disseminate vital Jain teachings for the benefit of scholars and practitioners. The book aims to make these profound and complex scriptures accessible for personal and private use, contributing to the preservation of Jain culture and philosophy. The mention of financial support from individuals like Seth Jasvantlal Bhai Shah highlights the community's dedication to promoting Jain literature.

In essence, "Trini Ched Sutrani" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing the rules of conduct and penance within the Jain monastic tradition, offering deep insights into the ethical and disciplinary framework of Jainism.