Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Sthanakvasi," authored by Bhartibai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, and Subodhikabai Mahasati, and published by Guru Pran Prakashan Mumbai. The text is an in-depth study and translation of the Antakṛtdaśāṅga Sūtra, the eighth Anga of the Jain Agamas, which details the lives and ultimate liberation (moksha) of ninety individuals.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and content covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Dedication:

Title: Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Sthanakvasi.
Authors: Bhartibai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, Subodhikabai Mahasati.
Publisher: Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai.
Inspiration: The publication is dedicated to the memory of Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M. Sa. and is released in honor of the 100th birth anniversary of Gurudev Shri Ratifalji M. Sa.
Blessings: The work is blessed by revered Munis of the Gondal Gachch tradition, including P.P. Shri Jayantmuni M. Sa., P.P. Shri Girishchandramuni M. Sa., and P.P. Shri Janakmuniji M. Sa.
Editors and Translators: The primary editor is P.P. Muktabai M. Sa., with translations by P.P. Lilambai M., P.P. Bharati M., and Dr. Sadhvi Aarti M. Sa., and Sadhvi Subodhikabai M. Sa.

2. Core Content of the Antakṛtdaśāṅga Sūtra:

The Antakṛtdaśāṅga Sūtra is the eighth Anga of the Jain Agamas and falls under the category of Kathanuyoga (Narrative Discourse). Its primary focus is on the lives and spiritual journeys of individuals who achieved liberation (moksha) in their very last life.

Meaning of "Antakṛt": "Antakṛt" refers to those who have ended their cycle of birth and death (samsara) by destroying all eight types of karmas (karmakshaya). These individuals are described as those who achieved liberation in their very last life, often referred to as "Antakṛt Kevalin."
Focus on Lives: The Sutra details the lives of ninety such souls who, through their intense penance and spiritual practices, achieved moksha. The Sutra emphasizes the tapascharya (penance) as the root cause of all attainments.
Structure: The Sutra is divided into eight Varga (chapters), and it is traditionally recited over eight days, often coinciding with the auspicious period of Paryushana. Each chapter deals with specific sets of individuals.
Key Themes:
- Kathanuyoga: The Sutra belongs to the Kathanuyoga, using narratives and life stories to illustrate profound Jain principles.
- Social and Geographical Context: The narratives provide insights into the social structures, royal lives, general lifestyles, geographical landscapes, and wealth of the era.
- Vairagya (Renunciation): A recurring theme is the powerful renunciation (vairagya) that arises in individuals, often after encountering ascetics or experiencing worldly sorrows, leading them to adopt the ascetic path.
- Tapascharya (Penance): The Sutra strongly emphasizes the efficacy of penance, self-discipline, and austerities as the means to overcome karmas and achieve spiritual upliftment.
- Samata (Equanimity) and Kshama (Forgiveness): The lives described demonstrate remarkable equanimity, tolerance, and forgiveness, even in the face of immense suffering and hardship.
- Spiritual Transformation: The Sutra highlights the transformative power of spiritual discipline, showing how individuals from all walks of life, including royalty, merchants, and even those with negative past actions, could achieve the highest spiritual state.

3. Notable Lives and Narratives:

The text extensively covers the lives of individuals who attained liberation, often within the context of the teachings of Tirthankara Neminath and Lord Mahavir. Specific examples mentioned include:

Lord Krishna and the Yadavas: The text provides detailed accounts of Lord Krishna, his reign in Dwarka, and the Yadava dynasty. Krishna's virtues, such as his devotion to parents, his respect for Tirthankara Arishtanemi, his administrative skills, and his capacity for empathy are highlighted. The narrative also touches upon the destruction of Dwarka.
Gajasukumal: His story illustrates intense penance, suffering, and the attainment of moksha in a single day through profound equanimity and forgiveness, even when subjected to extreme torture.
Arjun Mali: The narrative of Arjun Mali, a notorious killer who later renounced his violent ways after encountering Lord Mahavir, showcases the transformative power of the Jain teachings and the possibility of achieving liberation through deep repentance, forgiveness, and penance.
Srenik's Queens: The lives of Srenik's queens, particularly Kali and her associates, detail rigorous penance and devotion leading to their liberation.
The Twelve Angas: The text implicitly or explicitly refers to the structure and content of the Twelve Angas, the foundational scriptures of Jainism.
The Importance of Study and Practice: The text stresses the importance of studying and practicing the teachings of the Agamas for self-realization and the propagation of Jain Dharma.
Lives of Other Key Figures: The text also touches upon the lives of various other significant figures, including Gautam Kumar, and numerous princes and princesses, all of whom achieved liberation through their spiritual efforts.

4. Structure and Content Details (Chapter-wise Analysis):

Varga 1 (Chapters 1-10): Focuses on Gautam Kumar and 9 other princes, detailing their lives, penance, and liberation.
Varga 2 (Chapters 1-8): Discusses Akshobha and 7 other princes, highlighting their spiritual journeys.
Varga 3 (Chapters 1-13): Covers the lives of Aniyasa and 12 other princes, including the poignant story of Gajasukumal and the dramatic transformation of Arjun Mali. It also details the lives of Krishna Vasudev and his royal lineage, along with the rigorous penances performed by the queens.
Varga 4 (Chapters 1-10): Narrates the lives of Jali and 9 other princes from the Yadu dynasty.
Varga 5 (Chapters 1-10): Focuses on the liberation of Krishna's eight chief queens (Padmavati, Gori, Gandhari, etc.) and his two daughters-in-law, Mulashri and Muladatta.
Varga 6 (Chapters 1-16): Details the lives of Kashyap and 15 other lay householders (Gathapatis) and kings like Alaksh, emphasizing their spiritual dedication and achievements. This section includes detailed descriptions of various types of penances like Ratnavali, Kanakavali, and Singhnishkridit.
Varga 7 (Chapters 1-13): Recounts the lives of Srenik's queens, starting from Nanda, highlighting their devotion and penance.
Varga 8 (Chapters 1-10): Features the lives of Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishnal, Sukṛṣṇa, Mahakṛṣṇa, Virakṛṣṇa, Ramakṛṣṇa, Pituṣeṇa, and Mahasena, all of whom performed severe penances and achieved liberation.

5. Commentary and Insights:

Vivechan (Commentary): Each chapter and significant narrative is accompanied by a detailed commentary that explains the Jain philosophical concepts, historical context, and the significance of the events described.
Language and Style: The text uses clear and accessible Gujarati, with the original Prakrit or Ardhamagadhi terms explained in the commentary. The Kathanuyoga style is employed, making the spiritual lessons engaging through stories.
Emphasis on Tapa: The commentary repeatedly stresses the crucial role of penance (tapa) in achieving liberation, detailing the specific types of austerities undertaken by the virtuous souls.

6. Publisher's Information and Acknowledgements:

Publication Details: The publication includes information about its previous editions, the date of publication, and the number of copies printed.
Financial Supporters: Gratitude is expressed to numerous individuals and trusts for their financial contributions, highlighting the community effort behind this sacred work.
Contact Information: Details for obtaining the book are provided.

In essence, "Agam 08 Ang 08 Antkrutdashang Sutra Sthanakvasi" is a profound compilation that elucidates the path to liberation through the exemplary lives of individuals who attained it, emphasizing the principles of renunciation, penance, and unwavering devotion to Jain teachings. The commentary and detailed explanations make the complex philosophical tenets accessible to a wider audience.