Gaina Sûtras, Part I: The Âkârâṅga Sûtra, The Kalpa Sûtra

Introduction: Discusses the historical independence of Jainism, the life of Mahāvīra, the relation between Jainism and Buddhism, Jain monastic discipline, comparison with Brahmanical asceticism, Jain doctrines of soul and karma, the antiquity of Jain scriptures, and the textual history of the Âkârâṅga Sûtra and Kalpa Sûtra. Âkârâṅga Sûtra — First Book: Lecture 1 — Knowledge of the Weapon: Explains non-injury toward the six classes of living beings: earth, water, fire, plants, animals, and wind. Lecture 2 — Conquest of the World: Teaches renunciation of worldly attachments, family bonds, wealth, and sensual desire. Lecture 3 — Hot and Cold: Discusses endurance, austerity, vigilance, and equanimity amid bodily hardship. Lecture 4 — Righteousness: Presents the eternal law of non-violence toward all breathing, living, sentient beings. Lecture 5 — Essence of the World: Examines worldly bondage, sensual desire, delusion, and the need for disciplined ascetic conduct. Lecture 6 — Cleaning: Treats carefulness, purity, and restraint in conduct. Lecture 7 — Liberation: Explains the path of release through renunciation, self-control, and cessation of harmful action. Lecture 8 — The Pillow of Righteousness: Presents the ascetic ideal through the hardships and discipline of Mahāvīra. Âkârâṅga Sûtra — Second Book: First Part — Begging of Food; Begging for a Couch; Walking; Modes of Speech; Begging of Clothes; Begging for a Bowl; Regulation of Possession: Gives detailed rules for mendicant life, including alms, lodging, movement, speech, clothing, bowls, and non-possession. Second Part — Lectures 8–14: Contains additional disciplinary rules for Jain monks. Third Part — Lecture 15, The Clauses: Presents clauses concerning ascetic discipline and vows. Fourth Part — Lecture 16, The Liberation: Treats liberation and the culmination of ascetic practice. Kalpa Sûtra: Lives of the Ginas: Presents the sacred biographies of the Jinas. Life of Mahâvîra: Narrates Mahāvīra’s birth, renunciation, austerities, omniscience, teaching career, and final liberation. Life of Pârśva: Presents the life of the twenty-third Tīrthakara. Life of Arishtanemi: Gives the account of Ariṣṭanemi within Jain sacred history. Epochs of the Intermediate Tîrthakaras: Summarizes the periods and sequence of the intervening Tīrthakaras. Life of Rishabha: Presents the life of Ṛṣabha, the first Tīrthakara. List of the Sthaviras: Gives the lineage of Jain elders and transmission of authority. Rules for Yatis: Provides regulations for Jain ascetics.