Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkruddasha Sutra English Translation

This text, "Antakrud-Dasha Sutra," compiled by Muni Deepratnasagar, is the eighth Anga (limb or part) of the Jain Agamas. It details the lives and spiritual journeys of individuals who achieved liberation (moksha) in their current existence, hence the name "Antakrud," meaning "end-doer."

Key aspects of the text include:

• Structure: The book is divided into eight sections (Vargas), with each section containing multiple chapters (Adhyayanani). The total number of chapters across all sections is 90.
• Narrative Style: The text is presented in a question-and-answer format between Jambu Swami and Arya Sudharma Swami, with Arya Sudharma Swami explaining the teachings of Bhagavana Mahavira.
• Content: The primary focus is on the lives of individuals, both men and women, who practiced rigorous austerities, right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct to achieve liberation. These individuals include princes, queens, merchants, and others from various royal families and social strata, spanning the eras of Bhagavana Ariitaneri and Bhagavana Mahavira.
• Key Figures:
  • Vashudeva Shrikrishna's Royal Family: The first five sections detail the lives of 41 princes and 10 queens from the lineage of Vasudeva Shrikrishna, particularly focusing on events related to Dwaraka city.
  • Practitioners during Mahavira's Time: The remaining sections discuss 16 men and 23 women who achieved liberation during the time of Bhagavana Mahavira.
• Key Themes and Practices:
  • Renunciation and Austerity: The text emphasizes the importance of renouncing worldly pleasures, possessions, and attachments. It extensively describes various forms of penance and austerities (tapasya), such as fasting, specific dietary observances (like Ayambila), and rigorous vows.
  • Right Conduct (Samayika, Gupti, Samiti): The importance of ethical conduct, self-control, and mindfulness in daily activities is highlighted.
  • Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), achieved through the complete exhaustion of karmas. The text describes how these individuals attained moksha, often through the practice of Samlekhana (a ritual fast unto death) on sacred mountains like Shatrunjaya.
  • The Role of Spiritual Teachers: The guidance and sermons of enlightened beings like Bhagavana Mahavira and Bhagavana Arihanta Arishthanemi are central to the individuals' spiritual progression.
• Historical and Geographical Context: The text mentions various cities and locations relevant to Jain history, such as Campa, Dwaraka, Rajagriha, and Vipulagiri mountain.
• Commentary: The compilation includes commentary that clarifies the meaning of specific terms, provides historical context, and elaborates on the Jain philosophical concepts.
• Purpose of Publication: The publication aims to make Jain Agama literature accessible in English for a global audience and to provide it in a format conducive to further study and dissemination.

In essence, the Antakrud-Dasha Sutra serves as an inspirational account of individuals who, through their intense spiritual efforts and adherence to Jain principles, successfully ended their cycles of rebirth and attained ultimate freedom.