Vyavahara Sutra - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Vyavahara Sutra, a significant text within the Chatur Chheda Sutras of Jainism, as presented by Sushri Meena Bohra.

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I. Introduction and Significance of Vyavahara Sutra:

Part of Chheda Sutras: The Vyavahara Sutra is one of the four Chheda Sutras. "Chheda" refers to actions that purify the soul and prevent hindrances to dharma. These texts are crucial for maintaining the purity of conduct for ascetics (Shramanas and Shramanis).
Purpose: The Chheda Sutras, including Vyavahara Sutra, detail the procedures for penance (Prayschitta) for offenses committed by Jain monks and nuns. They acknowledge human weaknesses and provide methods for purification.
Context within Jain Agamas: The Chheda Sutras fall under the Charana Karana Anu-yoga (the branch of knowledge related to conduct and practice) as categorized by Arya Rakshit. The Vyavahara Sutra is mentioned in texts like the Avashyak Niryukti.
Structure of Chheda Sutra Code of Conduct: The ethical code within Chheda Sutras is divided into four parts:
1. Utsarga: General rules.
2. Apavada: Special rules for specific circumstances.
3. Dosha: Violations of Utsarga and Apavada rules.
4. Prayschitta: Penance for committing offenses.
Author and Nature: Attributed to Bhadrabahu, a Chaturdasha Purvadhar, the Sutra is written in a concise style.
Unique Position: Vyavahara Sutra is considered the "essence of the Twelve Angas" (Dvadasanga Navaneeta). Its name has remained unchanged throughout history. It is larger than Nishitha Sutra and smaller than Brihatkalpa Sutra. Vyavahara and Brihatkalpa are seen as complementary.

II. Etymology and Meaning of "Vyavahara":

The word "Vyavahara" is derived from the prefixes "Vi" and "Ava" and the root "Hru" with the suffix "Ghan."
"Vi" indicates diversity, and "Ava" indicates doubt. "Hru" signifies "to carry away."
Therefore, Vyavahara means that which removes diverse doubts.

III. Key Themes and Interpretations of Vyavahara:

Three Main Subjects: As explained in Vyavahara Sutra by Muni Kanhaiyalal Kamal, the Sutra deals with three key subjects:
- Vyavahara (Behavior/Practice): The actions themselves.
- Vyavahari (Practitioner): Those who conduct the Vyavahara (e.g., learned monks, ascetics).
- Vyavahartavya (Object of Practice): Those who are to practice or are involved in the Vyavahara (e.g., monks and nuns).
Two Interpretations of Vyavahara:
- Laukika (Mundane):
  - Samanya (General): Interactions between individuals.
  - Vishesha (Specific): Justice and judgment, especially by state authorities for offenses.
- Lokottara (Transcendental):
  - Samanya (General): Interactions between different monastic communities (Ganas).
  - Vishesha (Specific): Practices like penance and purification from sins through austerities as prescribed by the omniscient (Sarvajna).
Division into Vidhi and Avidhi:
- Vidhi Vyavahara: Conduct that aids in achieving liberation (Moksha).
- Avidhi Vyavahara: Conduct that hinders liberation.
- The Sutra primarily focuses on Vidhi Vyavahara.

IV. Content of the Vyavahara Sutra (Udeshaka-wise Summary):

The Sutra has 10 Udeshakas (sections), containing a total of 373 Anushtubh verses.

First Udeshaka (Sutras 1-18):
- Deals with Prayschitta for transgressing places designated for Parihar Tapa (a type of penance). The penance ranges from one to six months.
- The duration of the penance is linked to the established maximum austerities during the reign of the Tirthankara, with six months being the maximum for Lord Mahavir's era.
- Distinguishes between penance for Mayarahita (without deceit) and Maya Sahita (with deceit) confession, with the latter receiving a longer penance.
- Emphasizes Saralta (simplicity) for purity of conduct.
- Outlines penance for repeated offenses and the need for repeated confession and penance.
- Discusses rules for those undergoing Pariharika (one undergoing penance), their interaction with other monks, and the role of the Kalpakika (one who administers penance).
- Sutras 19-22 are similar to Udeshaka 20 of Nishitha Sutra.
- Sutras 19-22: Rules for Vaiya-vrittya (service) during penance, including permitted travel and exemption from austerities for service. Emphasizes the importance of Vaiya-vrittya.
- Sutras 23-25: Penance for Ekaki Vihara (wandering alone).
- Sutras 27-30: Penance for five types of monks: Pasatatha (those who have left the Sangha), Yathachchhanda (acting as one pleases), Shila (breaking vows), Avasanna (despondent), and Sansakta (associated with wrong views). Readmission is permitted with penance if conduct is somewhat intact.
- Sutra 31: Penance for adopting the attire of other sects.
- Sutra 32: A monk adopting a layperson's attire must undergo re-initiation.
Second Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-4: Penance for fellow monks practicing together. Rules for one confessing a fault, the other providing service, and the exchange of roles if both are at fault.
- Sutra 5: Options for a sick Pariharika monk confessing an offense.
- Sutras 6-17: Describes twelve types of afflicted monks (e.g., afflicted by passion, delusion, fear, greed) and the directive to serve them until recovery, followed by minimal penance for readmission.
- Sutras 18-22: Rules for re-initiating Anavasthapya (those who have committed theft or violence) and Paranchika (those who have committed severe offenses). Re-initiation may involve adopting a layperson's guise, or the decision rests with the Sangha head.
- Sutras 23-24: Guidelines for resolving disputes and giving penance only upon proven fault or confession. Emphasizes hearing both sides.
- Sutra 25: Rules for appointing monks who received initiation and scriptural knowledge from a single Acharya to positions.
- Sutras 26-29: Rules regarding shared meals between Pariharika and Anapariharika monks, with specific waiting periods.
- Sutras 30-32: Rules for Pariharika monks regarding receiving alms and modifications (Vigaya) with the Acharya's permission. Alms bowls must be separate.
Third Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-2: Rules for appointing a Ganapramukha (head of a Sangha). Requires sufficient scriptural knowledge and the Acharya's permission; otherwise, it incurs penance.
- Sutras 3-4: Qualifications for an Upadhyaya (teacher).
- Sutras 5-6: Qualifications for an Acharya (preceptor) and Upadhyaya, including years of initiation and memorized scriptures.
- Sutras 7-8: Qualifications for a Ganavachchhaka (leader of a specific monastic group).
- Sutras 9-10: Exceptions for appointing monks like Niruddha Paryaya (forced to leave monastic life) or Niruddha Varsha Paryaya (young monks forced out) to Acharya or Upadhyaya positions in special circumstances.
- Sutras 11-12: Prohibition for monks and nuns under a certain age or initiation period to live without an Acharya, Upadhyaya, or Pravartini (female leader).
- Sutras 13-17: Penalties for monks who leave the Sangha, engage in sexual misconduct, and are readmitted. Offenses while holding a position lead to permanent disqualification from leadership.
- Sutras 18-22: Similar rules for offenses committed due to desire, including consequences for leaving the order and then returning.
- Sutras 23-29: Monks and Acharyas who repeatedly commit deceitful or sinful acts are permanently disqualified from all positions.
Fourth Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-10: Rules regarding the number of monks to accompany Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Ganavachchhaka during the rainy season (Varshavas) and other times. Specific rules for solitary wandering.
- Sutras 11-12: Duties of remaining monks when a senior monk (Acharya etc.) passes away. Appointment of a suitable successor or seeking guidance from other senior monks.
- Sutras 13-14: Rules for appointing a successor based on the orders of a sick or departing Acharya. Penalties for refusing to relinquish a position when instructed by a knowledgeable monk.
- Sutras 15-17: Timelines for granting higher initiation to a new novice (Kalpakika) and penalties for the Acharya/Upadhyaya if this is not done. Provisions for parents also taking initiation.
- Sutra 18: A monk going to another Sangha for knowledge should name the senior-most monk from their original Sangha when questioned.
- Sutra 19: Rules regarding communal alms-gathering (Abhinicharika) with the Acharya's permission. Penalties for unauthorized acts.
- Sutras 20-23: Vinaya (discipline) regarding monks who have been initiated or have participated in Abhinicharika. Rules for returning to the original order or seeking new permission.
- Sutras 24-25: Rules for mutual service between monks based on their initiation seniority. Service is mandatory for the sick.
- Sutras 26-32: Emphasis on respecting seniority and hierarchy among monks living together.
Fifth Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-10: Rules for Pravartini (female leaders), including the minimum number of nuns to travel with and stay during Varshavas.
- Sutras 11-12: Procedures for appointing a new leader if the current Pravartini passes away or selecting a new Sangha if no suitable candidate exists.
- Sutras 13-14: Rules for appointing qualified nuns to positions and consequences for appointing unqualified ones.
- Sutras 15-16: A monk or nun forgetting important scriptures (Acharanga, Nishitha) due to negligence is disqualified from positions for life, but can regain eligibility after relearning if due to illness.
- Sutras 17-18: Elderly monks who forget scriptures may still be eligible for positions and can receive instruction passively.
- Sutra 19: Monks and nuns should generally avoid confessing to each other unless there's a special circumstance.
- Sutra 20: Mutual service between monks and nuns is forbidden.
- Sutra 21: Rules for certain types of monks regarding treating snakebites.
Sixth Udeshaka:
- Sutra 1: Monks must obtain the Acharya's permission to visit relatives for alms. Junior monks should not go alone.
- Sutras 2-3: Mentions special privileges (Atishaya) of Acharyas and Upadhyayas (e.g., cleaning their feet, defecating within the premises, solitary stays). Ganavachchhaka has fewer privileges.
- Sutras 4-5: Rules for junior monks living together, requiring adherence to rules set by senior monks.
- Sutras 6-7: Rules for learned monks staying alone in a one-doored dwelling versus a multi-doored dwelling.
- Sutras 8-9: Penance for monks who extract semen by observing or participating in sexual activities.
- Sutras 10-11: Rules for integrating monks from other Sanghas who have lapsed in conduct, requiring purification first.
Seventh Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-2: A Pravartini cannot take in a troubled nun from another Sangha without the Acharya's permission. The Acharya can make decisions about such nuns even without consulting the Pravartini.
- Sutras 3-4: If a monk or nun repeatedly lapses in conduct, their association (Sambhogika Vyavahara) can be stopped. Nuns need Acharyas to convey messages, while monks can communicate directly. However, if the offenders repent, the association can be resumed.
- Sutras 5-8: Rules regarding granting initiation. Monks and nuns cannot initiate for themselves or for the opposite sex but can guide others to their respective teachers.
- Sutras 9-10: Different rules for monks and nuns accepting shelter/guidance from distant Acharyas. Nuns generally cannot travel to distant places, while monks can.
- Sutras 11-12: Rules for seeking forgiveness. Nuns can seek forgiveness indirectly, while monks must do so directly.
- Sutras 13-14: Rules for studying other scriptures during the designated study time of specific scriptures. Nuns can study under a Nirgrantha's guidance.
- Sutras 15-16: Monks and nuns should study only during designated study times.
- Sutra 17: Rules for studying when one is experiencing a bodily impurity affecting study, allowing mutual teaching.
- Sutras 18-19: Rules regarding the eligibility of nuns to accept monks of shorter initiation periods as teachers, and vice versa.
- Sutras 21-22: Rules concerning selling or renting a dwelling.
- Sutra 23: A widow living in a known family can stay in a monk's dwelling with permission from the deceased husband's father, brother, or son.
- Sutra 24: When stopping en route, permission must be obtained from those present.
- Sutras 25-26: Monks and nuns must obtain fresh permission to travel in a state if the government changes.
Eighth Udeshaka:
- Sutra 1: Monks must obtain permission from the senior guru before accepting bedding or seating.
- Sutras 2-4: Rules for bringing bedding, emphasizing lightness and the possibility of searching for it over 3-5 days.
- Sutra 5: A solitary senior monk can entrust belongings to someone else while seeking alms.
- Sutras 6-9: Rules for taking bedding elsewhere, requiring renewed permission.
- Sutras 10-11: Rules for seeking permission before taking bedding, or after if in a difficult situation. Managing disagreements with the owner.
- Sutras 12-15: Rules for picking up dropped or forgotten belongings. The finder should intend to return it and return it if claimed. If unclaimed, it should be given to a householder, not kept.
- Sutra 16: Rules for returning extra alms bowls.
- Sutra 17: Mentions the Unodari Tapa (fasting to reduce intake).
Ninth Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-8: Rules about taking food prepared for guests, servants, or family from a householder. It is forbidden if the householder intends to return the food.
- Sutras 9-16: If a relative of the householder, whose expenses are covered, cooks separately, that food cannot be accepted.
- Sutras 17-36: Rules about accepting goods from a business partner. Accepting shared items is forbidden, but unshared items or items after division are permissible.
- Sutras 37-40: Describes four types of observances (Pratimas): Saptasaptamika, Ashtashtamika, Navanavimika, and their durations.
- Sutras 41-42: Describes two types of Prasravana Pratima (urinating and drinking one's own urine) with specific fasting periods.
- Sutras 43-44: Defines "Datti" as a single continuous offering of food.
- Sutras 45: Categorizes food into three types: sweet/savory, roasted grains, and cooked items.
- Sutra 46: Describes three types of accepted food based on the stage of serving (received for serving, being taken for serving, being served).
Tenth Udeshaka:
- Sutras 1-2: Describes Yavamadhya Chandrapiratima and Vajramadhya Chandrapiratima, requiring specific physical build and a month of detachment from bodily care. Rules for accepting alms from solitary individuals and avoiding specific situations (e.g., pregnant women, children, people with feet inside/outside the threshold).
- Sutra 3: Outlines five types of Vyavahara: Agama (scriptural), Shruta (knowledge-based), Agnana (command-based), Dharana (retention-based), and Jita (conquered/controlled behavior). Adhering to the available behavior according to one's state is considered adherence to Jinagama. Monks are primarily focused on Agama Vyavahara. The commentary considers this the end of the main text, with subsequent sutras being Chulika (supplementary).
- Sutras 4-8: Discusses five categories of disciplined individuals based on their qualities and actions (excellent, mediocre, inferior).
- Sutras 9-11: Discusses principles of religious steadfastness.
- Sutras 12-15: Describes types of Acharyas and disciples.
- Sutra 16: Defines three types of elders: Vaya Sthavira (age-based), Shruta Sthavira (knowledge-based), and Paryaya Sthavira (initiation-based).
- Sutra 17: Defines periods for granting higher initiation (excellent, medium, low).
- Sutra 18: Prohibits granting higher initiation to boys under 8 years old.
- Sutras 20-21: Prohibits teaching the Achara Prakalpa to boys under 16.
- Sutras 22-36: Details the sequence of scriptural study based on years of initiation, covering various texts like Acharanga, Nishitha, Sthanaanga, Samavaayaanga, and more complex texts. A monk with 28 years of initiation is considered an expert in all scriptures.
- Sutra 37: Lists ten categories of individuals for whom serving leads to great purification and spiritual progress: Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sthavira, Tapasvi, Shaiksha, Glana (sick monks), Shramana, Kula (family), Gana (Sangha), and Sangh (community).

V. Commentary Literature:

The Vyavahara Sutra has been accompanied by extensive commentary literature, including Vyavahara Bhashya, Vyavahara Churni, and Vyavahara Vritti.

In essence, the Vyavahara Sutra is a foundational text in Jainism that provides a detailed code of conduct for ascetics, focusing on ethical behavior, the purification of faults through penance, and the organization of the monastic community. It addresses a wide range of practical and disciplinary matters essential for spiritual progress.