Agam 29 Mool 02 Dasvaikalik Sutra Sthanakvasi

This Jain text, Agam 29 Mool 02 Dasvaikalik Sutra, is a foundational scripture in Jainism, particularly for the Sthanakvasi tradition, focusing on the conduct of ascetics (Shramans). It serves as a practical guide to living a virtuous and disciplined life according to Jain principles.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its key aspects based on the provided text:

Title and Significance:

• The book title translates to "Illustrated Dashavaikalik Sutra: The Basic Compendium of Shraman Conduct."
• It is considered a basic compendium of Shraman (ascetic) conduct, providing the foundation for ethical and spiritual living within Jainism.
• The text is presented with the original Sanskrit/Prakrit text, Hindi and English translations, elaborations, and illustrations, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• It is published on the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the initiation ceremony of Acharya Samrat Shri Atmaram ji M., highlighting its importance and the lineage of its transmission.

Core Philosophy and Content:

The Dashavaikalik Sutra emphasizes the practical application of Jain philosophy in daily ascetic life. Its ten chapters (Adhyayans) cover a wide range of ethical and spiritual guidance, including:

1. The Nature of Dharma (First Chapter - Drum Pushpika): Defines Dharma as the best auspiciousness, comprising Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyam (discipline), and Tap (austerity). It illustrates the ascetic life using the metaphor of a bumblebee collecting nectar without harming flowers, emphasizing minimal impact and detachment.
2. The Foundation of Asceticism (Second Chapter - Shramanyapoorvika): Focuses on the importance of Dhriti (patience and steadfastness) as the bedrock of asceticism. It recounts the story of Rajimati and Rathnemi to illustrate how to overcome lust and attachment through patience and wisdom.
3. Condensed Codes of Conduct (Third Chapter - Kshullakachar Katha): Details various prohibited acts and things (anachar) for ascetics, categorized into different types of faults. It highlights that some prohibitions are absolute, while others might have exceptions in specific circumstances (like illness).
4. Six Life Forms (Fourth Chapter - Shadjeevanika): This chapter is crucial for understanding the Jain concept of Ahimsa (non-violence). It meticulously describes the six categories of living beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile-bodied) and emphasizes the necessity of utmost caution (yatana) to avoid harming them in any way. It outlines the path from knowledge to liberation.
5. Food Selection (Fifth Chapter - Pindaishana): This chapter delves into the intricacies of Bhiksha (alms-seeking) and food selection. It outlines the correct time, method, and criteria for accepting food, emphasizing purity (shuddhi) and avoiding faults (doshas) in its origin, collection, and consumption. It details 47 types of faults to be avoided.
6. Elaborate Codes of Conduct (Sixth Chapter - Mahachar Katha): Expands on the prohibited activities mentioned in the third chapter, detailing eighteen specific points (Ashtadas Sthan) that ascetics must avoid. These cover various aspects of conduct, from violence and falsehood to hoarding and improper behavior. It also touches upon the importance of absolute detachment from possessions.
7. Purity of Speech (Seventh Chapter - Suvakashuddhi): This chapter meticulously details the principles of disciplined and pure speech (bhasha samiti). It categorizes language, prohibits harmful or ambiguous speech, and stresses the importance of speaking truthfully, kindly, and in a manner beneficial to all beings. It also provides guidance on appropriate address and avoiding provocative language.
8. Cultivating Conduct (Eighth Chapter - Achar Pranidhi): Focuses on cultivating virtuous conduct by controlling the senses, subduing passions (anger, conceit, deceit, greed), and maintaining equanimity in all situations. It emphasizes the importance of self-review, mindfulness, and constant vigilance.
9. The Bliss of Humbleness (Ninth Chapter - Vinaya Samadhi): This chapter highlights the paramount importance of Vinaya (humbleness, respect, and obedience), particularly towards the Guru and elders. It illustrates the benefits of vinaya and the dire consequences of its absence, using examples from nature and human life. It emphasizes that true wisdom and liberation stem from humility.
10. He is Bhikshu (Tenth Chapter - Sabhikkhu): This concluding chapter defines the ideal bhikshu (ascetic) through their virtues. It emphasizes qualities like detachment, control over senses and passions, contentment, non-violence in all actions, pure intention, unwavering faith in Jain teachings, and the ultimate goal of liberation. It serves as a summary of the essential qualities of an ideal ascetic.

Key Principles and Practices Highlighted:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount principle, extending to all six life-forms and all aspects of ascetic conduct.
• Samyam (Discipline): Strict control over senses, mind, speech, and body is essential for ascetic life.
• Tap (Austerity): Various forms of self-discipline and hardship are undertaken for spiritual purification and shedding of karmas.
• Vinaya (Humility and Respect): Absolute respect and obedience towards the Guru are emphasized as crucial for spiritual progress.
• Purity of Alms (Bhiksha Shuddhi): Meticulous attention to the correct method of collecting alms, avoiding all 47 potential faults.
• Mindfulness and Caution (Yatana): Constant awareness and care in every action to avoid harming any living being.
• Detachment (Amorcha): Freedom from attachment to body, possessions, and worldly pleasures.
• Contentment: Being satisfied with whatever is received without complaint.
• Purity of Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and mindfully.

Illustrations:

The text is enriched with illustrations that visually depict key concepts, stories, and practices, such as:

• The Dharma-tree with its branches of Ahimsa, Samyam, and Tap.
• The Bumblebee attitude of the ascetic.
• The true renouncer.
• The contrast between the wise and the ignorant.
• The process of liberation.
• Various life forms (one-sensed and multi-sensed beings).
• Methods for pacifying passions.
• The importance of serving the Guru.

Overall Purpose:

The Dashavaikalik Sutra aims to guide ascetics towards a life of utmost purity, discipline, and non-violence, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation (Moksha). It serves as a comprehensive manual for maintaining the highest ethical standards in every aspect of an ascetic's life, from simple actions like eating to profound spiritual practices.