Dasavaikalika Sutra

Dasaveyālia or Daśavaikālika Sutra, is one of the four mūla sutras of the Śvetām- bara Jainas, the other three being Uttara- dhyayana, Avaśyaka and Pindaniryukti. It was written by Aryya Sayyambhava, fifth in line from Śramana Bhagavān Mahāvīra, around 429 B.C. to help in the spiritual progress of his son who was destined to die within six months after his initiation.

Based on Atma-pravāda, Satya-pravāda an Karma- pravāda, and Pratyā-khyāna Purva, the book presents authoritative code of right conduct. The work proved so useful that soon after its compilation it replaced the Acaranga Sūtra in the curriculum of the study of the monks. It has been a Source of inspiration and guidance for them during the past 2300 years.

The book includes the Prakrit text, Sanskrit version and English translation of the text. The translator has pre- sented the most logical interpretation, keeping clear of the wilderness of the conflicting commentaries, though he has consulted them all. The English trans-lation is especially intended for the reader who is little conversant with Prakrit and Sanskrit.

The Text is divided into ten chapters which deal with several aspects of Jain Religion and Ethics. These can be summed up as follows:

(1) The Blossoms of the Tree; (2) Faith in and Practice of Restraint; (3) Behaviour and Misbehaviour; (4) On Restraint of Self and Others; (5) On Selection of Right Food; (6) On Great Conduct; (7) Purifying Speech; (8) Code of Conduct; (9) On Humility; (10) Four items of Spiritual Ecstasy.

This study complete with the necessary critical apparatus-Introduction, Index and the like, will surely help the aspirant in the realization of his spiritual goal.