Aagam 08 ANTKRUT DASHA Moolam Evam Vrutti

This document is the "Aagam 08 ANTKRUT DASHA Moolam evam Vrutti," a Jain text containing the Antakṛd Daśā Sūtra along with the commentary (vṛtti) by Abhayadeva Suri. It was compiled by Muni Diperatnasagar and published by Deepratnasagar, with the original editing and revision by Acharya Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji.

Here's a breakdown of the content and its significance based on the provided pages:

Core Content:

• The Antakṛd Daśā Sūtra (अन्तकृद्दशाङ्गसूत्रम्): This is the eighth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas. The title itself, Antakṛd Daśā, suggests it deals with the "lives of those who have reached their end" or "those whose cycle of existence has come to an end." These are essentially the biographies of individuals who have achieved liberation (moksha) or have reached significant spiritual milestones in their lives, often through intense penance and spiritual practice.
• Abhayadeva Suri's Commentary (Vṛtti): Abhayadeva Suri was a renowned commentator on Jain scriptures. His commentary provides detailed explanations of the Sūtra, clarifying the meaning, context, and underlying principles.
• Compilation by Muni Diperatnasagar: This specific publication is a re-collection and presentation of the text. The compiler highlights the history of its publication, noting that this version aims to be faithful to the original edited by Acharya Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji while incorporating improvements for clarity and accessibility.

Key Features and Structure (as indicated by the pages):

• Structure: The Antakṛd Daśā is organized into eight Vargas (classes or sections). Each Varga contains a specific number of Adhyayanas (chapters or studies). For instance:
  • Varga 1: 10 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 2: 8 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 3: 13 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 4: 10 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 5: 10 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 6: 16 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 7: 13 Adhyayanas
  • Varga 8: 10 Adhyayanas
• Content Focus: The text recounts the lives of individuals who have undergone significant spiritual journeys. These narratives often involve:
  • Past Lives: Tracing the karmic journey of individuals across different lifetimes.
  • Penance and Austerities (Tapas): Detailing rigorous spiritual practices, fasts, and vows undertaken by these individuals.
  • Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): Describing the path to and the attainment of liberation.
  • Key Figures: The narratives often revolve around prominent figures from Jain history and mythology, such as Gautamswami (disciple of Mahavir Swami), Krishna, Balarama, and various kings and queens.
  • Moral and Ethical Teachings: Each life story serves as a lesson, illustrating Jain principles of karma, non-violence (ahimsa), self-control (samyama), and spiritual discipline.
• Commentary's Role: Abhayadeva Suri's commentary provides:
  • Etymological Explanations: Breaking down the meaning of terms and names.
  • Contextual Information: Explaining the background and setting of the narratives.
  • Philosophical Insights: Elucidating the deeper spiritual and philosophical meanings behind the stories.
  • Cross-references: Connecting the narratives to other parts of the Jain Agamas or philosophical concepts.
• Editor's Contribution (Muni Diperatnasagar): The compiler emphasizes the effort to present a clean, scannable, and well-indexed version. This includes:
  • Preserving Originality: Keeping the original edited text intact.
  • Enhancing Readability: Adding titles, section numbers, and indices for easier navigation.
  • Digital Accessibility: Publishing it online via jain_e_library.org for wider reach.
  • Acknowledging Previous Editions: Respectfully acknowledging the work of previous editors and publishers.
• Specific Examples (pages 5-67 illustrate): The provided pages showcase excerpts from the text, detailing the lives and spiritual journeys of various individuals. For example, the stories of Gautam Kumar, Aniyase Kumar, Gaj Sukumar, Arjun Malagar, and various queens like Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishnara, Mahapishnara, Ramakrishnara, and Pitrusenkrishna are presented, often detailing their intense penances, renunciation, and eventual liberation. The commentary explains the significance of their actions and the karmic consequences.

Significance:

• Understanding Jain Ethics and Philosophy: The Antakṛd Daśā is a crucial text for understanding the Jain path to liberation, the role of karma across lifetimes, and the importance of austerities and detachment.
• Biographical Accounts: It offers rich biographical details of spiritually accomplished souls, providing inspiration and guidance to followers.
• Preservation of Jain Lore: This text, along with Abhayadeva Suri's commentary, is a significant contribution to the preservation and dissemination of Jain knowledge.
• Accessibility: The re-publication and online availability by Muni Diperatnasagar make this valuable scripture accessible to a wider audience, facilitating study and spiritual practice.

In essence, the Aagam 08 ANTKRUT DASHA Moolam evam Vrutti is a comprehensive presentation of a fundamental Jain scripture that chronicles the spiritual journeys of individuals towards liberation, enriched by the scholarly insights of Abhayadeva Suri and made accessible through modern compilation efforts.