Vinay Sutra

This is a summary of the "Vinaya Sutra" by Bhadanta Gunaprabha, critically edited by Rahul Sankrityayana and published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1981 as part of the Singhi Jain Series. The book details the monastic rules and discipline for Buddhist monks.

Key aspects of the Vinaya Sutra and its publication:

• Authorship and Editorship:

  • The original text is attributed to Bhadanta Gunaprabha.
  • It was critically edited by Tripitakacharya, Mahapandita Rahul Sankrityayana.
  • The General Introduction was written by Mahamahopadhyaya Prof. Jayantkrishna Harikrishna Dave, who was also the Hon. Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and General Editor of the Singhi Jain Series.

• Publisher and Series:

  • Published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.
  • It's volume 74 in the Singhi Jain Granthamala (Singhi Jain Series), a series that began with financial assistance from Shri Bahadursimhaji Singhi and continued under the care of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

• Content of the Vinaya Sutra:

  • The text is a Vinaya Sutra from the Mula Sarvāstivāda school of Buddhism.
  • Rahul Sankrityayana apparently obtained the manuscript, possibly from China or Tibet.
  • The Vinaya Sutra is extensive, containing 17 chapters, each divided into several sub-sections. It is followed by some Karikas (verses).
  • The book covers a wide range of monastic regulations and procedures, including:
    • Pravrajya Vastu (Chapter 1: Ordination): Detailing the process of novice and full ordination, including requirements for eligibility, the roles of the preceptor and teacher, and various prohibitions.
    • Poshadha Vastu (Chapter 2: Observance of the Poshadha day): This is the largest section, outlining numerous rules and offenses classified under various categories, including:
      • Parajikāni (Defeating Offenses): These are the most serious offenses leading to expulsion from the monastic order. The text details various categories like sexual misconduct, theft, killing, and false spiritual claims.
      • Sanghavasheshani (Community-Dependent Offenses): Offenses requiring community confession and resolution.
      • Naishargikani (Naturally Wrongful Acts): Acts that are wrong by their inherent nature.
      • Prayashchittikani (Atonement Offenses): Offenses requiring expiation.
      • Pratideshaniyani (Confessable Offenses): Offenses that need to be confessed to a specific person or group.
      • Kshudraka Shikshapada (Minor Rules): Smaller, everyday rules of conduct.
    • Vashika Vastu (Chapter 3: Rainy Retreat): Rules related to the Rains Retreat (Vashika).
    • Pravarana Vastu (Chapter 4: Invitation Ceremony): Rules concerning the ceremony where monks declare their vows and seek forgiveness.
    • Kathina Vastu (Chapter 5: The Kathina Ceremony): Regulations related to the Kathina robe offering.
    • Chivara Vastu (Chapter 6: Robes): Rules concerning the use, making, and care of monastic robes.
    • Charma Vastu (Chapter 7: Leather): Regulations related to the use of leather.
    • Bhaishajya Vastu (Chapter 8: Medicine): Rules concerning medicine and healthcare for monks.
    • Karma Vastu (Chapter 9: Acts): General rules about performing monastic duties and procedures.
    • Pratikriya Vastu (Chapter 10: Retaliation/Restoration): Rules concerning responses to offenses and restorative actions.
    • Bhumiantarashthacharana Vastu (Chapter 11: Conduct within boundaries): Rules related to staying within designated monastic areas.
    • Calakala-Sampata Vastu (Chapter 12: Time/Place Concordance): Rules concerning appropriate timing and places for actions.
    • Parikarma Vastu (Chapter 13: Preparation): Rules related to preparations for ceremonies or tasks.
    • Karma-bheda Vastu (Chapter 14: Types of Actions): Further detailing different types of actions and their consequences.
    • Chakra-bheda Vastu (Chapter 15: Division of the Wheel): Likely related to cyclical or karmic aspects.
    • Adhikarana Vastu (Chapter 16: Jurisdiction/Disputes): Rules for resolving disputes and administering justice within the monastic community.
    • Shayana-asana Vastu (Chapter 17: Dwelling and Seating): Regulations regarding monastic residences, furniture, and personal space.
    • Vihara Vastu (Chapter 18: Monastery): Rules pertaining to the monastery itself and its upkeep.
    • Prashraya Vastu (Chapter 19: Resort/Refuge): Rules related to seeking refuge or support.
    • Kshudraka Shikshapada (Chapter 20 onwards, but listed as part of Chapter 2's sections): Various minor rules of conduct, covering many aspects of daily life and interactions.

• Significance:

  • The publication makes an important Buddhist text, specifically from the Mula Sarvāstivāda school, accessible to scholars.
  • Rahul Sankrityayana's critical editing involved meticulous research and likely involved comparison of various manuscripts and translations (likely Chinese and Tibetan, given the school's spread).
  • The introduction by Prof. Dave highlights the significance of the Singhi Jain Series and the contributions of both Muni Jinavijayaji (the founder editor) and Rahul Sankrityayana.
  • The text provides detailed guidelines for monastic life, emphasizing discipline, ethical conduct, and the proper functioning of the monastic community. It covers a vast array of situations, from personal hygiene and conduct to community procedures and dispute resolution.

In essence, the "Vinaya Sutra" is a comprehensive manual of Buddhist monastic discipline from a specific historical school, brought to light and made available through dedicated scholarly effort.