Agam 07 Uvasagdasao Sattam Angsuttam Mulam PDF File - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 07 Uvasagdasao Sattam Angsuttam":

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Uvasagdasao" (Sravaka Dasa), meaning "Ten Chapters on Lay Disciples," is the seventh Anga (limb or scripture) of the Agam literature in Jainism. This text details the lives and conduct of ten prominent lay disciples (Sravakas) who followed the teachings of Lord Mahavir. It outlines their spiritual journeys, their adherence to Jain principles, and the challenges they faced, ultimately leading to their spiritual liberation or rebirth in higher realms. The text emphasizes the importance of right faith (Samyaktva), vows (Anuvaratas), and the practice of renunciation even while living a householder's life.

Key Themes and Structure:

The text is structured into ten chapters, each dedicated to a different lay disciple. Each chapter follows a similar pattern:

Introduction of the Lay Disciple: The chapter begins by introducing the disciple, their city of residence, their profession, their wealth, their family, and their initial engagement with Jainism.
Encounter with Lord Mahavir: The disciple hears the teachings of Lord Mahavir, usually through a sermon (Samosarana), and is deeply impressed.
Adoption of Jain Principles: The disciple resolves to follow the path of Jainism, taking vows (Anuvaratas), observing austerities, and practicing the twelvefold householder's vows (Gṛhadharma).
Trials and Tribulations: A significant part of each chapter involves the disciple facing severe trials and temptations, often in the form of supernatural beings (devas) or their own internal struggles. These tests are designed to shake their faith and commitment to Jainism.
Endurance and Steadfastness: The lay disciples demonstrate extraordinary patience, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of these trials. They endure immense suffering without deviating from their vows.
Spiritual Attainment: Through their steadfastness, the disciples achieve various levels of spiritual progress, including the attainment of divine knowledge (Avadhijnana) and ultimately, rebirth in celestial realms (Deva-lokas) or attainment of liberation (Moksha).
The Role of Faith and Conduct: The text consistently highlights that the disciples' commitment to their vows, their faith in the Tirthankara, and their ethical conduct were crucial to their spiritual advancement.

Summary of the Ten Lay Disciples (as depicted in the provided text, which covers the first ten chapters):

The provided text details the first ten chapters, focusing on the following lay disciples:

Ananda (आणंदे):
- Ananda was a wealthy householder from Vanijyagrama.
- He encountered Lord Mahavir and took the five vows and seven regulations of a householder.
- He faced severe temptations, including a divine being who tried to test his resolve through fear and psychological torment.
- Ananda remained steadfast, and his story emphasizes the importance of understanding the soul and non-soul (Jiva and Ajiva) and the consequences of attachment. He eventually attained celestial status.
Kamadeva (कामदेव):
- Kamadeva was a householder from Champanagari.
- He also took the Jain vows and was tested by a powerful deity who manifested in terrifying forms (demon, elephant, serpent) and inflicted extreme pain and suffering.
- Kamadeva's unwavering faith and endurance in the face of physical and mental torture are highlighted. He ultimately achieved a high spiritual status.
Chulani-pita (चुलणीपित्ता):
- Chulani-pita was a householder from Varanasi.
- He was tested by a deity who threatened to kill his sons one by one, then his wife, to make him renounce his vows.
- Chulani-pita's commitment to Jain principles allowed him to endure these threats and the subsequent torments inflicted by the deity without faltering.
Suradeva (सुरादेव):
- Suradeva was a householder from Varanasi.
- He was also tested by a deity who threatened to inflict him with sixteen diseases.
- His steadfastness in maintaining his vows and his understanding of the consequences of such actions were key to his spiritual progress.
Chullashataka (चुल्लसतक):
- Chullashataka was a householder from Alambhiya.
- He faced a deity who threatened to kill his eldest, middle, and youngest sons, and finally his wife, to break his vows.
- The narrative emphasizes his unwavering resolve and the correct understanding of actions and their consequences.
Kundakolika (कुंडकोलिए):
- Kundakolika was a householder from Kampilpura.
- He engaged in a philosophical debate with a divine being who represented the doctrines of Gosala Mankhaliputra (Ajivika).
- Kundakolika, through his firm understanding of Jain philosophy, refuted the Ajivika viewpoint and affirmed the supremacy of Lord Mahavir's teachings, particularly the importance of self-effort (Purushartha).
Shaddalaputra (सद्दालपुत्ते):
- Shaddalaputra was a potter from Polashpura.
- He was a follower of the Ajivika sect before converting to Jainism.
- He was tested by a deity who initially tried to dissuade him from Jainism by praising Gosala Mankhaliputra. Later, he faced severe temptations involving the destruction of his wealth and the torment of his family.
- His story highlights the importance of right discernment (Viveka) and the superiority of Jain principles over other philosophies.
Mahashataka (महासतक):
- Mahashataka was a wealthy householder from Rajagriha.
- His wife, Revati, a jealous and passionate woman, attempted to lead him astray by killing his other wives and engaging in sensual pleasures.
- Mahashataka, through his spiritual strength and divine knowledge, foresaw Revati's future rebirth in hell due to her actions, leading to her downfall. This chapter underscores the karmic consequences of actions.
Nandini-priya (नंदिनीपिया):
- Nandini-priya was a householder from Shravasti.
- His story, like others, focuses on his spiritual progress and adherence to vows.
Leiyapita (लेइयापिता):
- Leiyapita was a householder from Shravasti.
- His narrative also follows the pattern of adherence to vows, facing trials, and achieving spiritual progress.

Significance of the Text:

The "Uvasagdasao" is an essential text for understanding the practical application of Jain principles in the lives of lay followers. It serves as an inspiration and guide for householders, demonstrating that spiritual attainment is possible even while living in the world. The text emphasizes the power of faith, perseverance, and ethical conduct in overcoming worldly attachments and achieving ultimate liberation. It also illustrates the existence of karma and its inexorable consequences, motivating righteous living.