Aagam Manjusha 25 Painnagsuttam Mool 02 Aaurpachakhan

This document is an excerpt from the "Aagam Manjusha 25 Painnagsuttam Mool 02 Aaurpachakhan," edited by Anandsagarsuri and Sagaranandsuri, and published by Deepratnasagar. It is part of an online initiative to make Jain Agamas accessible via the internet.

The introductory section provides context for the "Online-Aagam Manjusha," highlighting that the original "Aagam Manjusha" was compiled 70 years prior by Acharya Shri Anand Sagar Suri. The online version aims to present the same content with some useful modifications, acknowledging minor differences in the original compilation's structure. It mentions that previous compilations included not just the root sutras but also their explanations (Niryukti, Bhashya) and that certain alternate Agamas were also included.

The core of the text is the "Aaurpachakhan" (Page 3-4), which translates to "Ayurvedic Vow" or, more broadly in a Jain context, a vow related to health or the body, often in the context of facing death or illness. It appears to be a discourse on different types of death, particularly focusing on the Balpandit Maran (childish-wise death) and Pandit Pandit Maran (wise-wise death).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts discussed in the "Aaurpachakhan" excerpt:

• Types of Death:

  • Balpandit Maran (Childish-wise Death): This type of death is described as occurring without proper preparation, foresight, or understanding of Jain principles. It is associated with being unaware of the true nature of the soul and the consequences of one's actions. This can include dying due to illness, accident, or despair without having undertaken significant spiritual practices or made amends. The text implies that such deaths lead to unfavorable rebirths and prolonged suffering in the cycle of transmigration.
  • Pandit Pandit Maran (Wise-wise Death): This is presented as the ideal form of death in Jainism. It is characterized by:
    • Knowledge (Jnana): Understanding of the self (soul) and the universe.
    • Perception (Darshana): Right perception of reality.
    • Conduct (Charitra): Adherence to Jain ethical principles and vows.
    • Renunciation (Viragya): Detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and desires.
    • Preparation (Sallekhana): Conscious and gradual process of withdrawing from life, purifying the mind and body through vows and meditation, and accepting death with equanimity. This involves introspection, confession (pratikraman), and contemplation of the soul.
    • Non-attachment: Letting go of worldly bonds and attachments.

• Vows and Practices:

  • The text enumerates the five great vows (Mahavratas) and the lesser vows (Anuvratas) as foundational for spiritual progress.
  • It mentions Shiksha Vratas (vows of training) such as Sāmayika (equanimity), Atithi Samvibhāga (sharing with ascetics), and Posadha (fasting/observance).
  • The importance of Pratikraman (confession and atonement for past wrongdoings) is emphasized, covering offenses related to false belief, lack of restraint, passions, and misuses of the mind, speech, and body.
  • The text includes a Pratikraman Sutra (verse for confession), listing various negative qualities and actions to be renounced.

• Spiritual Journey and Liberation:

  • The ultimate goal is liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
  • The text stresses the importance of recognizing the soul as eternal and distinct from the body and worldly possessions.
  • Attachment (Sanyog) is identified as the root cause of suffering.
  • The path to liberation involves overcoming desires, passions, karma, and attachments.

• Consequences of Different Deaths:

  • Deaths undertaken with attachment, anger, greed, or in a state of mental distress are considered Balpandit Maran and lead to rebirths in lower realms or further cycles of suffering.
  • Deaths achieved through disciplined spiritual practice and detachment are considered Pandit Pandit Maran and lead to favorable rebirths or, ultimately, liberation.
  • The text warns against deaths caused by external factors like poison, fire, or suicide, labeling them as contributing to further suffering and a prolonged cycle of Samsara.

• Philosophical Underpinnings:

  • The text draws upon core Jain philosophical tenets, including the nature of the soul (Atma), karma, the cycle of rebirth (Samsara), and the path to liberation.
  • It highlights the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of conscious awareness and preparation for death.

In essence, "Aaurpachakhan" serves as a guide to understanding and preparing for death from a Jain perspective. It differentiates between a death marked by ignorance and attachment and a death characterized by wisdom and detachment, emphasizing that the latter is crucial for spiritual progress and eventual liberation. The excerpt underscores the significance of consistent spiritual practice, ethical conduct, and mental purification throughout life as preparation for a peaceful and spiritually beneficial death.