Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashak Dashang Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati

The provided text is the Gujarati translation of the Jain text "Upasak Dashang Sutra," compiled and explained by Ghasilal Maharaj. This scripture elaborates on the duties and conduct of lay followers (Upasakas and Upasikas) in Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the translated text:

1. Introduction and General Principles:

• The text begins with the Jain Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra), a fundamental prayer of salutation to the five supreme beings in Jainism.
• It emphasizes the importance of Vinaya (humility and respect) as the root of religion, especially when dealing with difficult situations or following the guidance of elders and gurus.
• The text outlines specific guidelines for the Swadhyay (recitation and study) of the original text, including prescribed times and situations to avoid (Asvadhyaya).

2. Categories of Asvadhyaya (Times/Situations for Avoiding Study): The text details 32 specific circumstances under which the original scripture's recitation should be avoided:

• 10 related to the Sky (Akash): Meteor showers, directional fires, loud thunder, divine roars, lightning, specific twilight conditions (Yūpaka), light from celestial beings (Yakshādīpta), smoggy conditions (Dhūmikā Krishṇa), white mist (Mahikā Shvet), and dust storms (Rajōudghāt).
• 10 related to the Physical Body (Audārika Sharīra): Exposure to burnt bones, flesh, or blood; broken eggs; visible excrement or urine with foul odor; proximity to cremation grounds (100 cubits radius); lunar and solar eclipses (for specific durations); royal unrest; death of a prominent person (until cremation and succession); presence of a dead body (within 100 cubits of the Upashraya or public spaces); and specific festival days and their immediate preceding days (four Mahotsavas and four Pratipadas).
• Specific Time Restrictions: Avoiding study during dawn, twilight, midday, and midnight by two Ghadis (48 minutes). This includes 24 minutes before sunrise and 24 minutes after sunrise.
• Women in Menstruation: Women in their monthly cycle are not to recite or be present during recitation.

3. Structure and Content of the Upasak Dashang Sutra: The text provides a detailed index of the Sutra, outlining its chapters and topics:

• Categorization of Jain Scriptures: It explains that the Jain Agam (scriptures) are divided into 11 Angas, 12 Upangas, 4 Mūla Sūtras, 4 Cheda Sūtras, and 1 Avaśyak Sūtra, totaling 32 scriptures. These are further classified into four Anuyogas:
  • Charan-Karaṇānuyog: Focuses on conduct, vows, and disciplines for spiritual progress.
  • Dharma-Kathānuyog: Narrates stories and teachings to inspire adherence to Dharma.
  • Gaṇitānuyog: Deals with mathematics and cosmology.
  • Dravyanuyog: Discusses the nature of substances and reality.
• Detailed Breakdown of the 11 Angas and 12 Upangas: The text provides a brief overview of the subject matter of each Anga (e.g., Āchārāṅga Sutra on the conduct of monks, Sūtra-kṛtāṅga Sutra on refuting false doctrines, Upāsaka-daśāṅga on the lives of ten lay disciples). It also briefly describes the Upangas.
• Focus on Upāsaka-daśāṅga: The seventh Anga, Upāsaka-daśāṅga, is highlighted as focusing on the lives of ten lay devotees (Śrāvakas and Śrāvīkās) to explain Dharma.
• Content of Each of the Ten Chapters (Adhyayanas): The index lists the ten chapters, each focusing on a specific lay follower:
  1. Ānanda Gāthāpati
  2. Kāmadeva Gāthāpati
  3. Chulani-pitā Gāthāpati
  4. Sura-deva Gāthāpati
  5. Kshudra-shataka Gāthāpati
  6. Kuṇḍakolika Gāthāpati
  7. Saddāla-putra Gāthāpati
  8. Mahāśataka Gāthāpati
  9. Nandinī-pitā Gāthāpati
  10. Śāleyaka-pitā Gāthāpati
• Detailed Descriptions of Key Concepts: The text delves into the meanings of various terms and concepts crucial to Jain philosophy, such as Anuyoga, Kala (time), Naya (perspectives), Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold predication), Samayik Vrat, and the nature of Devatas (deities) and Gurus.
• Explanation of Vows (Vratas): It elaborates on the five minor vows (Aṇuvratas) and the seven disciplinary vows (Guṇavratas and Śikṣāvratas) undertaken by lay followers. Each vow is described, along with its associated Atychāras (infringements or faults).
  • Aṇuvratas: Non-violence (Prāṇātipāta Viramaṇa), truthfulness (Mṛṣāvāda Viramaṇa), non-stealing (Adattādāna Viramaṇa), chastity/fidelity (Svadorasantōṣa), and limited possession (Parigraha Parimāṇa).
  • Guṇavratas: Abstenence from pointless harm (Anartha-daṇḍa Viramaṇa), directional limitations (Dig-vrata), and limitations on the use of consumable items (Upabhoga-pari-bhoga Parimāṇa).
  • Śikṣāvratas: Equanimity practice (Sāmāyika), limited practice of vows (Deśāvakāśika), observance of fasts (Pōṣadha-upavāsa), and offering alms to the deserving (Athithi-saṁvibhāga).
• Narratives of Lay Disciples: The majority of the text focuses on the stories of these ten lay followers, detailing their lives, their adherence to Jain principles, the challenges they faced (often in the form of divine interference or obstacles, referred to as Upsarga), and how they overcame them through their faith and practices. These narratives serve as examples and moral lessons.
  • The stories often highlight the importance of unwavering faith, perseverance in vows, and the power of spiritual practice even in the face of severe adversity.
  • The interactions between the lay disciples, Lord Mahavir, and the disciples like Ārya Sudharma Swami and Gautama Swami are central to the text.
• Concept of Karma and Rebirth: The underlying principles of karma, rebirth, and liberation (Moksha) are woven into the narratives. The stories illustrate how actions (karma) lead to consequences, influencing one's current life and future births.
• Debates on Determinism vs. Free Will: The text includes dialogues, particularly between the lay followers and mischievous deities or even characters like Gōśāla Mankhaliputra, that explore the philosophical concepts of destiny (Niyati) versus self-effort (Purushārtha). The Jain perspective, as presented, emphasizes the importance of Purushārtha (effort) in conjunction with understanding the role of destiny.
• The Meaning of "Chaitra": There is a significant discussion and debate regarding the meaning of "Chaitya," with the text clarifying that in the context of Jain scriptures, it refers to the Arhant (Jain Tirthankaras or enlightened beings), or their spiritual successors (monks), not physical idols or temples, drawing on scriptural and linguistic evidence.
• Concluding Remarks and Publisher Information: The text concludes with a list of donors who supported the publication and the author's inscription.

Overall Purpose: The Upasak Dashang Sutra, as presented in this translation, aims to guide lay Jains on the path of spiritual progress through the exemplary lives of devoted lay followers. It provides practical guidance on ethical conduct, the observance of vows, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Jain way of life, encouraging devotees to cultivate virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, contentment, and detachment.