Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Shwetambar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Shwetambar," based on the scanned pages:

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The document is a Shvetambar Jain scripture, specifically the eighth Anga (division) of the Agamas, titled Antakritdashang Sutra (अन्तकृद्दशाङ्ग सूत्रम्). This scripture details the lives and spiritual journeys of twenty-four individuals who achieved liberation (moksha) through rigorous ascetic practices and adherence to Jain principles. The text focuses on their intense penances, vows, and the ultimate attainment of omniscience and salvation.

Key Themes and Content:

The Twenty-Four Liberated Souls (Antakritas): The core of the text is the narrative of individuals who, through their extreme devotion and asceticism, managed to break free from the cycle of birth and death. The name "Antakritdashang" itself suggests "ten acts of those who bring about their end" (referring to the end of the cycle of existence).
Asceticism and Austerity (Tapas): A central theme is the emphasis on severe penance, fasting, and other forms of austerity as the path to liberation. The text details the types of penances undertaken by these individuals, highlighting their unwavering determination and detachment from worldly pleasures.
Vows and Commitments: The scripture elaborates on the specific vows (vrata) that these liberated souls took, which formed the foundation of their spiritual progress. These vows would have encompassed principles like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha), practiced to an extreme degree.
Karma and Liberation: The text implicitly explains the Jain doctrine of karma and how intense asceticism helps in shedding karmic burdens, leading to the ultimate liberation.
Examples of Spiritual Prowess: The scripture serves as an inspiration by providing detailed accounts of individuals who achieved such remarkable spiritual heights, showcasing the potential for spiritual attainment within the Jain framework.
Authorship and Lineage: The text mentions Purnachandrasagar as an author/editor and is published by Jainanand Pustakalay. The scanned pages also highlight the lineage of scholars and ascetics involved in its preservation and dissemination, notably under the guidance of various Acharyas like Shri Anand Sagarsuri and Shri Kailalsagar Suri. The "Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra" and "Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir" are prominent institutions associated with this work.

Historical Context and Transmission:

The introductory sections of the scanned pages provide a historical overview of the transmission and compilation of Jain Agamas. It discusses:

The Importance of Agamas: They are considered the direct teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami.
The Process of Agam Recitation and Preservation: Historically, Agamas were memorized and passed down orally by ascetics.
The Six Agam Recitations (Vachanas): The text mentions six major recitations of the Agamas throughout history, undertaken to compile and preserve the scriptures during times of duress or disruption, such as famines and political instability. These recitations aimed to organize the vast body of knowledge and ensure its accurate transmission.
The Role of Scholars and Institutions: The text acknowledges the efforts of various scholars and institutions, like the Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Project and Jainanand Pustakalay, in digitizing, editing, and publishing these ancient texts, ensuring their continued availability for study.

Specific Content in Scanned Pages (Examples):

Page 1-5: Dedication and acknowledgments to various Acharyas, institutions, and individuals involved in the publication. It mentions the "Shri Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Project" and the "Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir."
Page 6-9: Discusses the significance of Shruta Gyan (knowledge gained through scriptures) and provides a detailed historical account of the six major recitations (Vachanas) of the Jain Agamas. It highlights the challenges faced in preserving these scriptures throughout different eras and the efforts made to ensure their continuity.
Page 10-11: Continues the narrative of the preservation efforts, mentioning the contributions of specific Acharyas and the printing of limited editions of the Agamas.
Page 12 onwards: This section appears to be the actual scripture text, starting with the introduction and likely detailing the stories of the twenty-four liberated souls. The initial pages introduce the context of the scripture, its place within the Angas, and begin with the narrative of Lord Krishna and other prominent figures associated with the lineage of liberated souls. The text is in Prakrit, with Sanskrit transliteration, and the stories often involve the lives of kings, queens, princes, and prominent individuals who embraced asceticism.
- Examples of individuals mentioned: Gautam Swami, Krishna Vasudeva, Baldev, Prince Gayasukumala, Prince Ajitmitra, Prince Alakhe, King Srenika, Queen Kalika, Queen Sukalika, Queen Mahakalika, and various other queens and figures who eventually renounced worldly life.
- Detailed Penances: The text describes various forms of severe penance, such as fasting for extended periods, specific types of austerities (e.g., Chathurth, Shashtam, Ashtam, Dasam, Dwaadash fasting and its variations), and ascetic practices like the "Ratnavali Tapokarma," "Kanagavali Tapokarma," "Shivanikiliy Tapokarma," "Shat-shata-bhiya Bhikshupattim," "Ashta-ashtamiya Bhikshupattim," "Nava-navamiya Bhikshupattim," "Dasha-dashamiya Bhikshupattim," "Satt-sattamiya Bhikshupattim," and "Maha-alaya Sarvatobhadra Tapokarma."
- Specific Incidents: The narratives often include detailed accounts of their decisions to renounce, their austerities, their interactions with spiritual guides (like Lord Aristhanemi and Lord Mahavir), and the eventual attainment of liberation (Siddha). Stories of dramatic events, divine interventions, and personal transformations are woven into the text.

In essence, the Antakritdashang Sutra is a profound Jain scripture that serves as a testament to the power of asceticism and spiritual discipline in achieving ultimate liberation. It provides biographical accounts of individuals who dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits, offering guidance and inspiration to followers of Jainism.