Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra - Book Summary

The provided text is the Upasak Dashang Sutra (also spelled Uvasagasadasa), which is the seventh Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas. This summary is based on the provided Hindi transcription and its accompanying introductory and explanatory notes.

Book Title: Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Author(s): Bechardas Doshi (Editor) Publisher: Prakrit Vidya Mandal Ahmedabad Year: 1968

Overview of the Upasak Dashang Sutra:

The Upasak Dashang Sutra is a significant text within the Jain tradition, specifically belonging to the Agamas. It details the lives and practices of ten principal lay disciples (upasakas) of Lord Mahavir. The text is believed to have originally contained a vast number of verses (padas), estimated at over eleven lakh (1.1 million), but due to historical events like famines and the subsequent loss of memory among monks, much of it was lost. The current surviving portion is estimated to be around eight hundred verses. In the Digambar Jain tradition, it is known as the Upasak Adhyayan and is said to have originally comprised eleven lakh seventy thousand verses.

The core purpose of this scripture is to illuminate the path of lay discipleship, outlining the principles and practices that followers of Jainism should adhere to in their worldly lives. It emphasizes the ethical conduct, vows, and spiritual aspirations of householders who are devoted to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

Structure and Content (Based on the provided text):

The text is divided into ten chapters (adhyayana), each dedicated to a prominent lay disciple. The provided text details the beginning of the first ten chapters:

Chapter 1: Anand (आनन्द): This chapter introduces Anand, a wealthy householder from Vanijgram. It describes his considerable wealth and influence, his devotion to Lord Mahavir, and his acceptance of the five vows (anuvrata) and seven supplementary vows (shikshavrata) of a lay disciple. The chapter also details the specific limitations Anand sets for himself concerning wealth, possessions, and consumption, demonstrating his commitment to a life of restraint and detachment. It also highlights the eventual celestial rebirth of Anand after his earthly life.
Chapter 2: Kamdev (कामदेव): This chapter focuses on Kamdev, another wealthy householder from Champa. Similar to Anand, it describes his piety and acceptance of Jain principles. A significant part of this chapter appears to describe the trials faced by Kamdev from a divine being (deva) who attempts to test his faith through supernatural manifestations and threats, but Kamdev remains steadfast in his vows.
Chapter 3: Chulnipiya (चुलणीपिया): This chapter narrates the story of Chulnipiya, a householder from Varanasi. It follows a similar pattern, showcasing his devotion and adherence to the lay disciple vows. This chapter also features a divine being testing Chulnipiya's resolve, employing tactics involving his sons and eventually his mother to dissuade him from his spiritual path. Chulnipiya's steadfastness in the face of these severe tests is emphasized.
Chapter 4: Suradev (सुरादेव): This chapter presents the story of Suradev, a householder, and the challenges he faced from a divine being. The divine entity attempts to break Suradev's vows by threatening him with diseases and afflictions, but Suradev remains firm in his faith and practices.
Chapter 5: Chullashatak (चुल्लसतक): This chapter details the story of Chullashatak, a householder from Alabhia, and his adherence to Jain principles. Similar to the previous chapters, it depicts a divine being testing his commitment through various trials.
Chapter 6: Kundakoliya (कुण्डकोलिए): This chapter focuses on Kundakoliya, a householder from Kampilpur. It highlights his devotion and his interaction with a divine being who tries to influence him by presenting differing philosophical viewpoints (related to Gosala Mankhaliputra's doctrine versus Mahavir's). Kundakoliya's intellectual discernment and adherence to Mahavir's teachings are emphasized.
Chapter 7: Sharddhaliputra (सद्वालपुत्त): This chapter introduces Sharddhaliputra, a potter (Kumbhakar) from Polaspur. His story highlights a shift in his spiritual allegiance from the Ajivika sect leader Gosala Mankhaliputra to Lord Mahavir. The chapter details his understanding of the true nature of spiritual effort and his eventual acceptance of Jainism. It also features a divine being attempting to tempt him by speaking ill of Mahavir.
Chapter 8: Mahashatak (महासयए): This chapter narrates the story of Mahashatak, a wealthy householder from Rajgriha. It describes his adherence to Jain lay vows and the trials he faces, particularly from his wife, Revati, who is deeply attached to worldly pleasures. Mahashatak's devotion and the eventual tragic fate of Revati due to her worldly attachments are depicted. The chapter also touches upon the concept of omniscience (ovadhi-knowledge) and its development.
Chapter 9: Nandiniapriya (नन्दिणीपिया): This chapter features Nandiniapriya, a householder from Shravasti. It follows the established pattern of depicting a householder's virtuous life and adherence to Jain principles, with a brief mention of his practices and eventual celestial rebirth.
Chapter 10: Shalihapriya (सालहीपिया): This chapter presents the story of Shalihapriya, another householder from Shravasti. It aligns with the themes of the preceding chapters, detailing his commitment to Jainism and his adherence to the vows, leading to a favorable rebirth.

Key Themes and Significance:

Lay Discipleship: The primary focus is on the exemplary lives of ten householders who were devoted followers of Lord Mahavir.
Vows and Restraint (Anuvrata and Shikshavrata): The text elaborates on the practical application of Jain ethical vows in daily life, including limitations on violence, falsehood, theft, sexual misconduct, and material possessions.
Testing of Faith: Several chapters describe supernatural tests orchestrated by divine beings (devas) to challenge the faith and resolve of the lay disciples. Their unwavering adherence to their vows in the face of adversity is a recurring theme.
Karma and Rebirth: The stories implicitly and explicitly illustrate the Jain concepts of karma and rebirth, showing how righteous conduct leads to favorable outcomes, including celestial rebirths.
Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: The text emphasizes the importance of non-attachment to wealth, possessions, and sensual pleasures, even while living in the world.
Importance of Righteous Conduct: It serves as a guide for householders, showing them how to live a spiritual life while fulfilling their worldly responsibilities.
The Power of Steadfastness: The unwavering commitment of the lay disciples to their chosen path, even when confronted with extreme challenges, is a central message.

Editorial Notes and Style:

The introductory and concluding notes provide valuable insights into the textual history and the style of the sutra:

'Vannao' (वण्णओ): This word indicates that a detailed description of a place or person is available in another sutra (likely the Aupapatic Sutra), and the author is referencing that rather than repeating the long description.
'Jaav' (जाव): This word is used to signify a range of terms or a continuation of a description, similar to "and so on" or "up to." It points to specific phrases or lists of qualities that are detailed elsewhere.
Numerical References (e.g., २, ३, ४...): These numbers in the text refer to the repetition of certain words or phrases, which are explained in the "Tippaniyan" (टिप्पणियाँ) section. For example, "२ ता" often implies the repetition of the verb with an "-itva" suffix (e.g., "karitva" - having done).
Philosophical Nuances: The notes also touch upon subtle points, like the correct interpretation of phrases such as "jin suhatthi" (जिणेसु हत्थी), suggesting it means "like an elephant among the Jinas" rather than a literal interpretation of "having good fortune."
Historical Context: The notes mention the historical context of the text's preservation, highlighting the role of Acharya Skandil, Acharya Nagarjun, and especially Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashraman in compiling and preserving the Agamas during times of crisis.

In essence, the Upasak Dashang Sutra is a foundational text for understanding the Jain lay path, offering inspiring narratives of devotion, ethical conduct, and spiritual perseverance.