Vargchulika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vargchulika" based on the provided pages:

Title: Vargchulika (वर्गचूलिका)

Author: Acharya Vijay Kalyanbodhisuri (आचार्य विजयकल्याणबोधिसूरीश्वराः), a disciple of Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji.

Publisher: Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust (श्री जिनशासन आराधना ट्रस्ट).

Core Subject Matter: The Vargchulika is an Āgama Sūtra that recounts the consequences of disrespecting Śrutakevalīs (those who possess all twelve limbs of Jain scripture), the Śramaṇa tradition, and Jinapratimās (images of Tirthankaras). It vividly illustrates these consequences through narratives of immense suffering across multiple lifetimes, aiming to foster detachment (vairāgya) and reverence for Jinapratimās and the teachings.

Key Content and Narratives:

• The Central Narrative: The text focuses on a devastating chain of events stemming from the disrespect shown to Jain teachings and ascetics. The story begins approximately 98 years after Lord Mahavir's nirvana.
• The Fall from Grace: It details the horrific rebirths and suffering experienced by individuals who commit acts of disrespect and disrespect. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to describing the downfall of individuals who were once associated with the Jain faith or were deeply influenced by the teachings.
• The Role of Desire and Attachment: The narrative strongly emphasizes how attachment, particularly to sensual pleasures and forms of worldly life, leads to severe karmic consequences. The story of Kamalatā, a courtesan, is central to illustrating this. Her attachments and the subsequent actions of those around her, influenced by their own desires and disrespect, lead to a cycle of suffering.
• Consequences of Disrespect: The text meticulously outlines the karmic retribution for specific transgressions:
  • Disrespect to Śrutakevalīs and the Śramaṇa tradition: This leads to immense suffering and rebirths in lower realms.
  • Disrespect to Jinapratimās (Idols of Tirthankaras): The text acts as a "red signal" for those who do not consider Jinapratimās as worthy of veneration, clearly indicating that such disrespect leads to hellish states.
• The Cycle of Births and Deaths: The Vargchulika spans 63 lifetimes, detailing the severe punishments and rebirths encountered by the individuals involved. These include rebirths as:
  • Insects (krimis)
  • Frogs (mandūkas)
  • Mice (mūṣikā)
  • Pigs (gardaśūkarā)
  • Outcastes (śvapāka/caṇḍāla)
  • Merchants (vaṇij)
  • Performers/Mountebanks (bhaṇḍaka)
  • Followers of false paths (parivrājaka)
  • Devas (heavenly beings) in lower heavens (Vānantara Devā)
  • And various other forms of life, illustrating the extensive cycle of suffering caused by their actions.
• Prophecies: The text also includes prophecies made by Śrutakevalī Shri Yashobhadra Suri regarding King Samprati, the effects of the Ketu planet, and the revival of the Sangha and Śruta.

Uniqueness and Significance:

• First Publication with New Commentary: This publication is noted as the first time this Āgama Sūtra is being published with a newly composed Sanskrit commentary, "Vargopaniṣad" (वर्गोपनिषद्).
• No Prior Commentaries: It is stated that no other commentary for this Sūtra was previously available.
• Research and Scholarly Effort: The original text was researched and restored from 17 manuscripts. The new Sanskrit commentary and editing were done by Acharya Vijay Kalyanbodhisuri.
• Eligibility for Reading: The text specifies that only ordained monks (Śramaṇa Bhagavant) authorized by their learned preceptors (Gītārtha Guru) are qualified to study and recite this scripture.
• Purpose: The Vargchulika is considered essential for increasing detachment (vairāgya) and understanding the importance of Jinapratimās and other sacred objects.

Structure and Commentary:

• The text is presented in its original Prakrit (Ardhamāgadhī) language, with a Sanskrit commentary ("Vargopaniṣad") for clarity.
• The commentary is concise, as is typical for commentaries on narrative Sūtras, aiming for clarity rather than exhaustive detail on every word.
• A Sanskrit "shadow" translation is provided, making the text accessible to those not fully proficient in Prakrit.

Historical Context and Support:

• The publication is dedicated to the birth centenary of Shri Bhuvan Bhanusuri.
• The publication acknowledges the support of various Jain institutions and individuals who provided manuscripts and support, including libraries in Patan, Navsari, Ahmedabad, Radhanpur, Sirohi, Koba, Vadodara, Surat, and others.

Overall Theme:

The Vargchulika serves as a profound cautionary tale, emphasizing the dire consequences of transgressing Jain principles, particularly regarding respect for the teachings, ascetics, and sacred imagery. It underscores the relentless nature of karmic retribution and the cyclical suffering that results from attachment and disrespect, ultimately guiding the reader towards detachment and right conduct.