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ŚRĪ BRUHATKALPA SŪTRA
3RD CHEDA SŪTRA
LIMITATIONS IN A MONK'S (ASCETIC's) LIFE
The Bruhatkalpa Sūtra is one amongst Lord Mahāvīra's Cheda Sūtras . Kalp meaning limits; Bruhat meaning special. The scripture which describes the major limitations in a monk's life is called Sri Bruhatkalpa Sūtra.
With his omniscient knowledge, Lord Mahāvīra knew that due to the strong influence of manifestation of sins bound due to behavioural obsession, and due to lack of rational vision, many questions can arise in the faith and conduct of the people of this era. Hence, how to solve those questions, bring piousness in their
conduct and serenity in their life, has been explained in Sri Bruhatkalpa Sūtra.
In this, Sūtra Lord Mahāvīra has given explanations and various rules are laid down to alleviate the state of a monk in present times.
Literally, speaking this Sūtra talks only about lifestyle and management of a
monk's life, hence, it's not advisable for a common man to read this Sūtra. But for spiritual seekers who have achieved a high level of holiness this Sūtra throws light
on how by contemplation and meditation one can successfully tackle many types of psychological situations. Lord Mahāvīra can be described as a very intelligent psychologist who very well understood human psyche and has explained various
remedies to keep a balanced state of mind in this Agama.
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