Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashakdashang Sutra - Book Summary

This document is a Hindi translation of the Upasaka Dashang Sutra, which is the seventh Anga of the Jain Agamas, considered the seventh part of the twelve Angas. The book was translated by Ghisulal Pitaliya and published by Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 07 Ang 07 Upashakdashang Sutra Author: Ghisulal Pitaliya Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh

Overall Purpose: The Upasaka Dashang Sutra describes the lives of ten ideal householder devotees (Shramanopasakas) of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami. These individuals were wealthy and lived in comfort but were deeply devoted to Jain principles after encountering Lord Mahavir's teachings. Their lives serve as an example for modern-day followers, demonstrating how to balance worldly life with spiritual pursuits. The text emphasizes the importance of faith, adherence to vows, and unwavering devotion.

Key Themes and Content:

Ideal Householder Devotees: The sutra focuses on ten exemplary lay followers who achieved spiritual progress while living as householders. The text highlights their transformation from worldly attachment to spiritual dedication.
The Ten Devotees: While the provided text begins by introducing the first devotee, Anand, and then moves to Kamdev (second devotee), the introduction lists the ten devotees whose lives are described in the sutra:
- Anand
- Kamdev
- Chullani-pita
- Suradev
- Chullashatak
- Kundakolika
- Sakdal-putra
- Mahashatak
- Nandini-pita
- Salhi-pita
Anand (First Devotee):
- Background: Anand was a wealthy merchant from Vanijyagram. He was respected and sought for advice.
- Encounter with Mahavir: Upon hearing Lord Mahavir's sermon, Anand's perspective changed.
- Vows: He took five fundamental vows (Anuvarats) and seven supplementary vows (Shikshavrats), totaling twelve vows for lay followers. These include vows against violence, falsehood, stealing, misconduct, and excessive possession, along with restrictions on specific actions and items.
- Renunciation: He eventually handed over his worldly responsibilities to his son and retired to a "Paushadhshala" (a place for observing religious vows) to focus on spiritual practice.
- Stages of Devotion (Pratimas): The text details the eleven stages of lay devotee practice (Upasak Pratimas) that Anand progressed through, starting from simple faith (Darshan Pratima) to increasingly rigorous observances, culminating in a near-monastic life (Shraman-bhoot Pratima).
- Afterlife: Anand achieved great spiritual merit and was reborn in the Saudharmakalpa heaven.
- Special Incident: A significant part of Anand's story involves an incident where he reported his accurate vision of a divine being's future suffering to Lord Mahavir. This led to a discussion about the nature of truth and the possibility of error even for advanced souls, resulting in Lord Mahavir gently correcting Gautam Swami.
Kamdev (Second Devotee):
- Background: Kamdev was a wealthy householder from Champanagari.
- Devotional Journey: He also embraced the lay devotee path and observed the prescribed vows.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Kamdev's story is marked by severe tests from a deity. The deity, in various forms (demon, elephant, serpent), attempted to dissuade Kamdev from his devotion by inflicting immense pain and threatening his family and wealth.
- Steadfastness: Kamdev remained unwavering in his faith and devotion, enduring the torment with equanimity and continuing his meditation.
- Deity's Recognition: Impressed by Kamdev's fortitude, the deity appeared in its true divine form, praised Kamdev's devotion, and sought forgiveness. Lord Mahavir also praised Kamdev and advised monks to emulate his example.
- Afterlife: Kamdev also achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Chulani-pita (Third Devotee):
- Background: A wealthy householder from Varanasi.
- Devotional Life: Followed the path of a lay devotee.
- Obstacles: A deity threatened him by promising to kill his three sons one by one and use their flesh to adorn his body if he didn't abandon his faith.
- Endurance: Chulani-pita remained steadfast. The deity then threatened his mother, whom he considered highly venerable.
- Chulani-pita's Reaction: When the deity intended to harm his mother, Chulani-pita, mistaking the divine being for a human culprit, decided to capture him. This act of self-defense, though resulting in the deity's escape, showed his courage and commitment to protecting his revered mother.
- Afterlife: He also achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Suradev (Fourth Devotee):
- Background: A householder from Varanasi.
- Obstacles: A deity threatened him by promising to inflict sixteen incurable diseases upon him if he did not renounce his faith.
- Steadfastness: Suradev remained unperturbed.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Chullashatak (Fifth Devotee):
- Background: A wealthy householder from Alabhika.
- Obstacles: A deity threatened him by promising to kill his three sons, cut them into seven pieces, fry them in oil, and spread their flesh and blood on his body if he didn't abandon his faith.
- Steadfastness: Chullashatak remained firm. The deity then threatened his entire wealth.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Kundakolika (Sixth Devotee):
- Background: A householder from Kampilpur.
- Philosophical Debate: A deity appeared and praised the doctrine of destiny (Niyativada) propagated by Goshala Maskariputra (a rival religious leader) and criticized Lord Mahavir's emphasis on effort and karma.
- Debate and Victory: Kundakolika skillfully debated with the deity, using the deity's own experience of achieving divine powers through effort as proof against the principle of absolute destiny. The deity was silenced and defeated.
- Key Takeaway: This story highlights the importance of understanding different philosophical viewpoints and using logic and reason to uphold the truth. Kundakolika's victory demonstrates that true spiritual understanding is not based on blind faith but on reasoned conviction.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Sakdal-putra (Seventh Devotee):
- Background: A potter and follower of the Ajeevika sect from Polasur.
- Encounter with a Deity: A deity initially approached him, praising Goshala's teachings and subtly promoting Niyativada. However, upon being challenged by Sakdal-putra, the deity was forced to acknowledge the truth in Lord Mahavir's teachings and the necessity of personal effort.
- Conversion: Subsequently, Sakdal-putra encountered Lord Mahavir, was convinced of the truth of Jainism, and embraced it, taking the twelve vows. His wife, Agnimitra, also became a devotee.
- Tests and Faith: He faced trials involving threats to his sons and wife by a deity, who tried to make him renounce his faith. Sakdal-putra remained steadfast.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Mahashatak (Eighth Devotee):
- Background: A wealthy householder from Rajgir.
- Vows and Practice: He took the twelve vows and practiced them diligently, even undertaking severe austerities.
- Reati's Greed and Cruelty: His wife, Revati, driven by greed for wealth and desire for uninterrupted sensual pleasures, murdered his twelve other wives and seized their assets.
- Reati's Downfall: Reati became addicted to meat and liquor. Due to her actions and addiction, she was cursed by a deity (or due to her own karma) to be reborn in the Naraka (hell).
- Mahashatak's Wisdom: Mahashatak, through his divine knowledge (Avadhi), foresaw Reati's future suffering and advised her, but she remained unmoved.
- Mahashatak's Penance: Mahashatak, despite his great wealth, practiced detachment and severe austerities, eventually reaching a state of great emaciation. He foresaw Reati's hellish fate.
- Gautam Swami's Correction: Lord Mahavir sent Gautam Swami to counsel Mahashatak, advising him against harsh words to Reati, even though she was destined for hell due to her actions. This highlights the principle of non-violence and compassion, even towards wrongdoers.
- Afterlife: Mahashatak achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Nandini-pita (Ninth Devotee):
- Background: A householder from Shravasti.
- Devotional Practice: Practiced the lay devotee path and austerities.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Salhi-pita (Tenth Devotee):
- Background: A householder from Shravasti.
- Devotional Practice: Practiced the lay devotee path and austerities, following the example of Anand.
- Afterlife: Achieved a heavenly rebirth.
Emphasis on Ethics and Vows: The sutra details the specific vows taken by these devotees, emphasizing the purity of conduct required for lay followers. It explains the "Aticharas" (infringements or lapses) associated with each vow, stressing the importance of vigilance and sincere adherence.
The Role of Aushadhas (Remedies/Cures): The text mentions the "Aushadha" aspect related to the vows, which refers to adhering to the limitations and abstinences prescribed for each vow.
The Concept of Pratimas: The eleven stages of lay devotee practice (Pratimas) are described, illustrating a progressive path towards spiritual refinement for householders.
The Importance of Logic and Reason: The story of Kundakolika is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on using intellect and reason to understand and defend the spiritual path, demonstrating that faith is enhanced by understanding.
Endurance and Equanimity: The stories of Kamdev, Chulani-pita, Suradev, Chullashatak, and Sakdal-putra highlight the immense patience, courage, and equanimity with which these devotees faced severe trials and suffering, refusing to compromise their principles.
Rejection of Adulteration and Misleading Teachings: The text, especially through the stories of Anand and Kundakolika, implicitly criticizes the mixing of true doctrine with falsehoods or the promotion of distorted philosophical views.
The Publisher's Note: The introductory and concluding remarks by the publisher and translator emphasize the importance of studying this text for spiritual guidance and inspiration, encouraging followers to strive for greater devotion and adherence to Jain principles, even if full renunciation is not immediately possible.

In essence, the Upasaka Dashang Sutra provides a practical guide and inspirational narrative for lay followers of Jainism, showcasing how dedicated practice of vows, unwavering faith, and resilience in the face of adversity can lead to significant spiritual progress and a favorable rebirth.