Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Mool Sthanakvasi

The provided text is the Upāsakadashānga Sūtra, the seventh Anga Agama, attributed to Śrī Sudharmaswāmī, the fifth Gaṇadhara of Bhagwan Mahāvīra, and compiled by Devarddhigani Kṣamāśramaṇa. The Global Jain Aagam Mission has published this work with the goal of making Jain scriptures accessible in various languages and forms.

The Upāsakadashānga Sūtra details the exemplary lives and conduct of ten householders (Upāsakas) who were devout followers of Lord Mahāvīra. The text outlines their adherence to the Jain principles and practices, highlighting their spiritual progress and eventual liberation.

The sutra is divided into ten chapters (adhyayana), each focusing on a specific householder. The provided text details the first two chapters:

1. Ānanda: This chapter describes Ānanda, a wealthy householder from Vāṇiyagrāma. It recounts his encounter with Lord Mahāvīra, his deep devotion, and his meticulous observance of the lay follower's vows. It details the temptations he faced and overcame, his spiritual practice, and his eventual rebirth as a celestial being, destined for liberation.

2. Kāmadeva: This chapter focuses on Kāmadeva, another prominent householder. It mirrors the narrative of Ānanda in many respects, detailing his adherence to Jain principles, his encounters with spiritual challenges, and his steadfastness in his faith. The chapter highlights the divine tests he endured and his ultimate spiritual elevation.

The subsequent chapters, as indicated by the table of contents, would likely continue to detail the lives of other distinguished lay followers like Chullapitu, Suradeva, Chullashataka, Kundakolika, Sharddāliputra, Mahashataka, Nandini-pitu, and Shāliputri. Each of these chapters would illustrate how these individuals, through their righteous conduct, devotion, and adherence to Jain teachings, achieved significant spiritual merit and progression.

The overarching theme of the Upāsakadashānga Sūtra is to provide practical examples of how householders can live a spiritual life while engaging in worldly activities, demonstrating the path to spiritual advancement and liberation through dedicated practice and unwavering faith. The mission's aim is to translate and disseminate these teachings globally to promote a compassionate and nonviolent lifestyle.