By
Pravin K. Shah
Jain Study Center of
North Carolina
Appendix - Summary of
Swetambar Jain Agams
Chhed Sutra Aagams:
The subject matter described in the Chhed‑sutras
is for ascetics and not for lay people. It provides the rule of conduct,
punishment, and repentance for ascetics. It also explains how they can
repent for their sins and mistakes.
1. Nisheetha Sutra (Nisiha):
This agam explains the procedure of repentance (Prayashchitta) in the form
of punishment for the monks and nuns who have violated the rules of
ascetics.
2. Vrahat Kalpa Sutra
This agam explains which of the ten kinds of repentance (Prayashchittas)
is appropriate for a particular wrongdoing done by monks and nuns. It also
defines the acceptable conduct of monks and nuns.
3. Vyavahara Sutra: *
This agam describes the system of confession for monks and nuns who fall
from proper conduct. It explains the qualifications of the listening monk
or nun and with what sort of feeling the confession should be made. It
also explains what sort of repentance (Prayashchitta) the monk should
perform. There are several other indications of the limits of ascetic
life.
4. Dasha Shruta Skandha
Sutra (Achardasha):
There are ten chapters in this Sutra. It contains the following
information:
Chapter Subject
1 20 places of Asamadhi
2 21 major faults bringing weakness in conduct
3 33 Ashatanas of Guru
4 8 Sampadas of Acharyas and their kinds
5 10 places of Chitta Samadhi
6 11 Pratimas of layperson
7 Pratimas of ascetics (monks and nuns)
8 KALPASUTRA ‑ (recited during the Paryushanas)
9 30 places of bondage of Mohniya karma
10 9 Nida nas (Niyane)
5. Panch Kalpa Sutra: *
This sutra explains the daily rituals the monks and nuns have to perform.
Only scattered chapters of this agam are now available. However, the
commentaries (Bhashya and Churni) written about this agam by some elder
monks are available.
6. Mahanisheetha Sutra:
This agam explains the process of confession and repentance (Prayashchitta)
for monks and nuns. It explains the magnitude of pain one has to suffer if
he or she breaks the fourth vow (chastity). It also describes and explains
the conduct of good and bad monks.
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