Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Stahanakvasi

This is a comprehensive summary of the Upasakadasa Anga Sutra, the seventh Anga of the Jain Agamas, compiled by the fifth Ganadhara, Bhagavan Sudharma Swami. The provided text is the Gujarati translation and commentary of this important Jain scripture.

Here's a breakdown of the summary, covering the key aspects presented in the text:

1. Introduction and Publisher Information:

• Book Title: Upasakadasa Sutra (उपासकदशांग सूत्र)
• Author(s)/Contributors: Madhukarmuni, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj, Trilokmuni, Devendramuni, Ratanmuni (This likely refers to those involved in the specific edition, with Sudharma Swami as the original composer).
• Publisher: Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar (Rajasthan).
• Significance: It is the seventh Anga of the Jain Agamas, originally propounded by Bhagavan Sudharma Swami. The publication is dedicated to the memory of Shri Joravarmalji Maharaj.
• Content: The book includes the original text (in Prakrit/Ardhamagadhi), Hindi translation, commentary (Vicharan), annotations, and appendices.
• Editions: The text indicates it's the Fourth Edition, published in July 2006.

2. Core Purpose and Jain Philosophy:

• Foundation of Jainism: The text emphasizes that the entire Jain dharma, philosophy, and culture are based on the teachings of the Vitaraga (those free from passion) and Sarvajna (all-knowing). True knowledge of the universe comes from complete self-realization.
• The Agamas: Agamas are the compilation of principles taught by the omniscient ones. The teachings of Tirthankaras, initially like scattered flowers, are organized into structured Agamas by their chief disciples, the Ganadharas.
• Language of the Agamas: The original language is Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, which was chosen for its accessibility to all sections of society, including women, children, the uneducated, and even animals, ensuring the universal reach of Lord Mahavir's message.
• Preservation of Knowledge: The text highlights the historical efforts to preserve the Agamic knowledge through oral tradition (memory) and later through meticulous compilation and scripting after periods of duress like famine and dispersion. It notes the efforts of Devardhigani Kshamasramana in transcribing the Agamas.
• Two Main Traditions: The available Agamas are recognized by the Shvetambara tradition. The Digambara tradition has a different understanding of the preservation and authenticity of the Angas, recognizing the Shatkhandagama as their primary scripture.
• Number of Agamas: Shvetambaras follow different counts of Agamas (84, 45, 32), with the Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi traditions adhering to 32 Agamas (11 Angas and 21 Upangas).

3. The Four Anuogamas (Categories of Religious Discourse):

• Charan Karyananuyoga: Deals with spiritual development, ethical conduct, vows, right knowledge, faith, conduct, self-control, service, celibacy, austerity, controlling passions, and subsidiary disciplines.
• Dharmakathanuyoga: Focuses on the principles of dharma like compassion, charity, forgiveness, honesty, humility, forbearance, control of senses, etc., often illustrated through narratives.
• Ganitanuyoga: Concerns mathematical or astrological descriptions.
• Dravyanuyoga: Delves into the detailed analysis of the six substances or nine tattvas (soul, matter, etc.).

4. Focus of the Upasakadasa Sutra:

• Dharmakathanuyoga: The Upasakadasa Sutra falls under the Dharmakathanuyoga category.
• Lay Devotees (Upasak/Shravak): Its primary subject is the lives and conduct of Upasak (lay devotees) or Shravak (listeners who follow the teachings).
• Shraman vs. Upasak: It differentiates between Shraman (monks/ascetics) who observe Mahavratas (great vows) without exceptions, and Upasaks who observe Anuvratas (minor vows) with certain limitations, making the path of devotion accessible to householders.
• Ten Great Lay Devotees: The sutra details the lives and spiritual journeys of ten prominent lay devotees who were contemporaries of Lord Mahavir:
  1. Ananda
  2. Kamadeva
  3. Chullapitputra
  4. Suradeva
  5. Chullashataka
  6. Kundakolika
  7. Sakalaputra
  8. Mahashataka
  9. Nandini-putra
  10. Shalhi-putra

5. Key Themes and Teachings Illustrated through the Lives of Lay Devotees:

• Economic Prosperity: The lives of these lay devotees depict immense wealth, as measured in gold coins, cattle, land, and business acumen, highlighting the economic vibrancy of ancient India.
• Social Standing: They held respected positions in society, advising kings and influential individuals.
• Devotion and Renunciation: Despite their worldly riches and comforts, they were deeply devoted to Lord Mahavir. Upon hearing his teachings, they embraced the lay path, limiting their desires and possessions, and eventually dedicating themselves more fully to spiritual practice.
• Overcoming Obstacles (Upasarga): A significant portion of the narrative focuses on the challenges and temptations these devotees faced, often orchestrated by celestial beings (Devas) or internal weaknesses. These include:
  • Ananda: Faced the challenge of spiritual knowledge and its limits, leading to a discussion with Lord Mahavir's chief disciple, Gautam.
  • Kamadeva: Endured extreme physical tortures from a demon in the guise of a divine being but remained steadfast in his devotion and vows.
  • Chullapitputra: Witnessed the simulated murders of his sons and faced threats against his mother, but remained largely firm until a moment of anger caused a breach in his practice, leading to atonement.
  • Suradeva: Faced threats of extreme physical suffering from diseases after his sons' simulated deaths. He wavered due to the fear of suffering, breaking his vows, and later repented.
  • Chullashataka: Was threatened with the destruction of his wealth, which caused him to falter momentarily, but he later repented.
  • Kundakolika: Was challenged by a disciple of Goshala (a rival spiritual leader) regarding the importance of effort versus destiny. His intellectual prowess and firm faith in Mahavir's teachings led him to refute the opposing view.
  • Sakalaputra: A potter who initially followed Goshala but was converted by Lord Mahavir's logic. He faced a divine test where his potteries were destroyed, but his faith held.
  • Mahashataka: Faced temptations from his sensuous wife, Revati, which he resisted. However, his prediction of her downfall due to her sinful actions was considered a lapse from the ideal conduct for a devotee undertaking severe austerities.
  • Nandini-putra: His path was relatively smooth, without major divine obstacles.
  • Shalhi-putra: Also experienced a relatively undisturbed spiritual journey.
• The Vows (Anuvratas and Shikshavratas): The text meticulously details the vows taken by lay devotees, including:
  • Five Anuvratas: Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy (limited to one's spouse), and non-possession (limited).
  • Three Gunavratas: Restraint from wrongdoings, directional limits, and limits on consumption and usage.
  • Four Shikshavratas: Samayika (meditation/equanimity), Deshavakashika (temporary vows), Paushadhopavasa (fasting and religious observance), and Yathasamvibhaga (charity/sharing).
• The Eleven Stages of Devotion (Upasak Pratimas): The lives illustrate the progressive stages of spiritual practice for lay followers, moving from basic faith to a near-ascetic lifestyle, culminating in the "Shraman-bhut" stage.
• The Ideal of Renunciation within Household Life: The stories highlight that true devotion doesn't necessarily mean abandoning worldly life but transforming it with ethical principles, self-control, and detachment.
• The Power of Faith and Steadfastness: The primary message conveyed through these ten lives is the importance of unwavering faith, ethical conduct, and resilience in the face of adversity and temptation.
• Life in Ancient India: The text provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and religious life of ancient India, including details about trade, wealth, family structures, religious debates, and the role of deities.
• The End of Life: All ten lay devotees achieved a peaceful death (samadhi-maran) after following their vows and practices, eventually attaining heavenly states and ultimately Moksha in Mahavideha Kshetra.

In Essence:

The Upasakadasa Anga Sutra, as presented in this edition, serves as a foundational text for understanding the conduct and spiritual path of lay followers in Jainism. Through the exemplary lives of ten devout individuals, it illustrates the practical application of Jain principles in daily life, the challenges faced by practitioners, and the rewards of steadfast devotion and ethical living. The detailed explanations of vows, their transgressions (aticharas), and the progressive stages of spiritual development (pratimas) offer a practical guide for householder adherents. The text also provides a rich historical and cultural tapestry of ancient India.