Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Shwetambar Agam Guna Manjusha

This document is a textual representation of the Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra (also known as Uvāsagadasāo), the seventh Anga of the Shvetambar Jain Agamas. The title "Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Shwetambar Agam Guna Manjusha" indicates its place within a larger collection of Jain scriptures. The preface mentions the inspiration and editorship of Achalgacchādhipati P.P. Ā. Bh. Sv. Shri Guṇasāgar Sūriśvarjī Mahārāj.

The provided text offers a brief introduction to the 45 Agamas and then delves specifically into the Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

I. Overview of the 45 Agamas (Pages 2-4):

The document begins by providing brief summaries of the 11 Anga Sūtras and some of the Upanga Sūtras, and other categories of scriptures. These descriptions highlight:

• Anga Sūtras: Each Anga is characterized by its main subject matter, number of Shrutaskandhas (parts of learning), lessons (Adhyayanas), and approximate number of verses (Shlokas). For example:
  • Ācārāṅga Sūtra: Deals with the conduct of monks and householders.
  • Sūtra-kṛtānga Sūtra: Discusses various philosophical views.
  • Sthānāṅga Sūtra: Focuses on calculation and classification.
  • Samavāyāṅga Sūtra: A compendium listing objects from one to crores.
  • Vyākhyā-prajñapti Sūtra (Bhagavatī Sūtra): The largest, containing questions and answers of Lord Mahāvīra and Gautama Gaṇadhara.
  • Jñātādharmakathāṅga Sūtra: Deals with religious narratives.
  • Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra: Describes the 12 vows and the life stories of 10 great lay followers (householders). It also incorporates Charana-karaṇānuyoga.
  • Antakṛddaśānga Sūtra: Narrates short life stories of souls attaining liberation.
  • Anuttaraupapātika Daśānga Sūtra: Stories of great lay followers who become celestial beings and then attain liberation.
  • Praśna-vyākaraṇa Sūtra: Answers to questions posed by various beings.
  • Vipāka Sūtra: Illustrates the results of good and bad deeds.
• Upanga Sūtras: These are considered subservient to the Angas, further elaborating on their themes. Examples include Oupapātika Sūtra, Rāyapaseṇīya Sūtra, Jīvabhigama Sūtra, Paṇṇavaṇā Sūtra, Sūrya Prajñapti Sūtra, Candra Prajñapti Sūtra, Jambudvīpa Prajñapti Sūtra, and the Nirayāvali Pañcaka.
• Other Categories: The text also mentions Prakīrṇaka Sūtras (miscellaneous, often related to specific practices like final vows), Cūlikā Sūtras (appendices), and Cheda Sūtras (rules and discipline for monks).

II. Focus on the Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra (Pages 8-29):

The core of the document is dedicated to the Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra. It provides a detailed narrative of the lives of ten prominent lay followers (householders) who embraced Jainism and its vows under Lord Mahāvīra.

• Structure: The Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra is divided into 10 Adhyayanas (lessons), each focusing on one great lay follower.
• Key Theme: The central theme is the detailed description of the lives of these ten householders, their adherence to the 12 vows (Dvādaśa Vratas), their spiritual practices, the challenges they faced (often from demonic or divine beings testing their faith), their eventual attainment of celestial life, and their ultimate liberation.
• The Ten Lay Followers: The document explicitly lists the ten householders whose stories are narrated:
  1. Ānanda: The first detailed narrative begins with Ānanda. His story involves listening to Lord Mahāvīra's discourse, taking the vows, facing tests, and eventually attaining celestial life and future liberation. The text details his adherence to various practices like Samayika, Pratikramana, and the vows, along with the limitations he sets for his wealth. It also highlights the interaction between Ānanda and his wife Śivānandā.
  2. Kāmadeva: This chapter details Kāmadeva's vows and the tests he endured from a demon. The demon transforms into various forms (ghost, elephant, serpent) to shake Kāmadeva's resolve, but he remains steadfast.
  3. Cullinīpitā: The story of Cullinīpitā, who also faces trials and tribulations, including his eldest son being killed by a deity.
  4. Surādeva: Similar to the previous narratives, Surādeva also undergoes trials.
  5. Cullashataka: This chapter describes Cullashataka facing tests, including the potential destruction of his wealth.
  6. Kuṇḍakolika: Kuṇḍakolika's story involves a test of determinism versus self-effort, with a deity promoting the former and Lord Mahāvīra the latter.
  7. Saddālaputra: Saddālaputra, a potter, initially followed the teachings of Gośāla Mankhaliputra. He is challenged by a deity to choose between Mahāvīra's teachings and Gośāla's. He also engages in a debate with a deity who promotes Gośāla's philosophy.
  8. Mahāśataka: Mahāśataka's story includes his thirteen wives, with Revatī being prominent. Revatī's indulgence in meat and alcohol, and her misbehavior, are described, leading to Mahāśataka's spiritual journey and Revatī's eventual downfall and rebirth in hell.
  9. Nandinīpitā: The story of Nandinīpitā.
  10. Śālihipitā: The story of Śālihipitā.
• Common Narrative Elements:
  • Lord Mahāvīra's Discourse: All these lay followers embrace the Jain path after hearing Lord Mahāvīra's sermons.
  • Tests and Trials: They are often tested by deities or demons who try to shake their faith and adherence to the vows. These tests can involve illusions, threats, or the manipulation of their loved ones or possessions.
  • Steadfastness: The lay followers demonstrate unwavering faith and resolve, leading to their spiritual progress.
  • Attainment of Celestial Life: After their earthly lives, they are reborn in heavenly realms (Deva Loka).
  • Future Liberation: From these celestial realms, they are destined to be reborn in Mahāvideha and eventually attain liberation (Nirvāṇa).
  • Detailed Vow Adherence: The text often enumerates the specific vows taken and the meticulous way in which they are observed, including setting limits on wealth, activities, and indulgences.
  • Spiritual Progress: The narratives trace their journey from householders to advanced lay followers, adhering to various Upāsaka Pratimas (stages of lay practice).
• Textual Details: The document includes portions of the original Prakrit text, showcasing the dialogues, the descriptions of the tests, and the adherence to the vows. It also provides Gujarati summaries and explanations of each chapter.
• The Nature of the Text: The Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra is primarily a Dharma-kathānu-yoga text, focusing on stories and narratives to illustrate the principles of Jain conduct. It also incorporates elements of Charana-karaṇānu-yoga by detailing the vows and practices.

In essence, the document presents the Upāsakadashaanga Sūtra as a foundational text that illustrates the path of a devout Jain householder, emphasizing the importance of faith, ethical conduct, perseverance through challenges, and the ultimate journey towards liberation, as exemplified by the lives of ten exemplary disciples.