Agam 07 Upasakdasha Gujarati Translation

This document is the Gujarati translation of the Jain text "Upasakadasha," which is the 7th Anga Sutra of the Agam Sutras. The translation and editing have been done by Muni Dippratnasagarji, who is also known as Agam Diwakar Muni Dippratnasagarji. The text describes the lives and spiritual journeys of ten prominent lay disciples (Upasakas) of Lord Mahavir.

Here's a summary of the key content presented across the pages:

Introduction and Context (Pages 1-5):

• Title and Authorship: The book is titled "Agam 7 Upasakdasha Gujarati Translation," authored and published by Muni Dippratnasagarji.
• Invocation and Reverence: The text begins with Jain invocations and salutations to the spiritual lineage.
• Agam Classification: Page 3 provides a comprehensive classification of Agam Sutras, listing the Angas, Upangas, Mulasutras, Chedasutras, etc., indicating the place of Upasakadasha within this framework.
• Author's Previous Works: Page 5 highlights the extensive literary contributions of Muni Dippratnasagarji, categorizing them into various types like original Agam literature, translated Agam literature, and other Jain literature.

Content of the Upasakadasha Sutra (Pages 6-34):

The main body of the document details the lives of ten lay disciples, each living in different cities and facing unique circumstances and spiritual challenges. Each disciple's story is presented as a separate "Adhyayan" (Chapter).

• Adhyayan 1: Anand (Pages 6-12):

  • Anand, a wealthy householder from Vanijyagram, lives a life of prosperity.
  • He encounters Lord Mahavir and accepts the layman's vows (Gṛhastha Dharma), comprising five minor vows (Aṇuvratas) and seven disciplinary vows (Shikshavratas).
  • The text details the specific limitations he accepts for various possessions and activities.
  • It emphasizes the importance of avoiding sins and adhering to the vows.
  • The account highlights Anand's adherence to his vows even when facing severe psychological challenges from a divine being.
  • Anand eventually attains the divine realm (Saudharma Kalpa) and is destined for liberation in Mahavideh Kshetra.

• Adhyayan 2: Kamdev (Pages 13-16):

  • Kamdev, another affluent householder, also from Vanijyagram, follows a similar path of accepting layman's vows after meeting Lord Mahavir.
  • He is tested by a powerful deity who attempts to break his vows through terrifying illusions and threats, including dismemberment of his family.
  • Kamdev's unwavering faith and steadfastness in his vows are depicted, leading to the deity's admiration and retreat.
  • Like Anand, Kamdev also attains a heavenly life and ultimate liberation.

• Adhyayan 3: Chulani Pita (Pages 17-18):

  • Chulani Pita, a householder from Varanasi, also embraces the layman's path.
  • He faces severe trials from a deity who terrorizes him by seemingly killing his sons and splashing their blood on him, all to test his resolve.
  • Chulani Pita's unwavering devotion and commitment to his vows are highlighted, leading to his spiritual progress.

• Adhyayan 4: Suradev (Pages 19-20):

  • Suradev, a wealthy householder from Varanasi, follows the same pattern.
  • He is tested by a deity with threats of causing him sixteen diseases simultaneously, but he remains steadfast.
  • His spiritual journey leads him to a heavenly existence and eventual liberation.

• Adhyayan 5: Chullashatak (Pages 20-21):

  • Chullashatak, from Alabhika, experiences similar trials from a deity who threatens to dismember his sons and scatter his wealth.
  • His adherence to his vows is consistent with the other lay disciples.

• Adhyayan 6: Kundakolik (Pages 21-23):

  • Kundakolik from Kampilyapur encounters a deity who tries to convert him to the views of Goshalak Mankhaliputra, disparaging Lord Mahavir's teachings.
  • Kundakolik demonstrates his understanding of logic and the principles of effort (purushakara) and destiny (niyati) to counter the deity's arguments.
  • His intellectual and spiritual prowess is evident.

• Adhyayan 7: Saddalputra (Pages 23-28):

  • Saddalputra, a potter from Polaspur, initially follows the Ajivika sect.
  • He is persuaded by a deity to attend Lord Mahavir's discourse.
  • During Lord Mahavir's teachings, Saddalputra realizes the flaws in the Ajivika philosophy and embraces Jainism.
  • His wife, Agnimitra, also accepts the layman's vows.
  • He faces a significant test from a deity who attempts to convert him back to Ajivika teachings by questioning the nature of effort and destiny. Saddalputra's logical arguments refute the deity.
  • His story illustrates the importance of right understanding and effort in spiritual progress.

• Adhyayan 8: Mahashatak (Pages 28-32):

  • Mahashatak, a wealthy householder from Rajagriha, lives a life of abundance.
  • His wife, Revati, driven by greed and attachment to worldly pleasures, attempts to tempt him away from his spiritual path.
  • Revati even kills their own children and her relatives to possess their wealth and indulge in sensual pleasures.
  • Mahashatak's steadfastness in his vows and his use of omniscience (Avadhi Gyan) to foresee Revati's future suffering are depicted.
  • His story emphasizes the dangers of attachment and the consequences of unrighteous actions.

• Adhyayan 9: Nandini pita (Page 33):

  • Nandini Pita from Shravasti follows the path of a devout layman, accepting vows and progressing spiritually.

• Adhyayan 10: Shalidi pita (Pages 33-34):

  • Shalidi Pita, also from Shravasti, embraces the layman's vows and leads a righteous life. He does not face any specific trials from deities.

Concluding Remarks and Appendix (Pages 34-39):

• Summary of Disciples' Journeys: The text concludes with a summary of the ten lay disciples' lives, their adherence to vows, the trials they faced, their eventual attainment of heavenly life, and their ultimate destination of liberation in Mahavideh Kshetra.
• Sutra Details: The appendix provides details about the structure of the Upasakadasha Sutra, including the number of chapters, days for exposition, and the locations where these disciples lived.
• Author's Publication List: Pages 36-39 detail Muni Dippratnasagarji's vast literary output, categorizing the books and their respective page counts, showcasing his immense contribution to Jain literature.

Overall Theme:

The "Upasakadasha" Sutra, as translated and presented here, primarily serves to illustrate the exemplary lives of householders who, while living in the world, dedicated themselves to the highest principles of Jainism. It emphasizes:

• The importance of the layman's vows (Shravak Dharma).
• The power of faith, devotion, and ethical conduct.
• The ability to overcome worldly temptations and even divine trials through steadfastness.
• The potential for spiritual growth and eventual liberation even while living a householder's life.
• The teachings of Lord Mahavir through practical examples.

The translation aims to make these profound teachings accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers, reflecting the author's dedication to propagating Jain scriptures.