Agam 08 Antkruddasha Gujarati Translation - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 08 Antkruddasha Gujarati Translation" by Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 08 Antkruddasha Gujarati Translation Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035609/1

Overview:

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Antakṛtdaśā (અંતકૃત્ દશા), the eighth Anga (limb or scripture) of the Jain Agamas. The translation and editing are done by Agam Diwakar Muni Deepratnasagarji, a scholar with multiple degrees and significant contributions to Jain literature. The text meticulously details the lives and spiritual journeys of individuals who achieved liberation (Siddhahood) by conquering their actions and passions, hence the name "Antakṛtdaśā" which translates to "The State of Those Who Have Completed Their Actions."

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured into eight classes (Varga), each further divided into several chapters (Adhyayan). Each chapter focuses on the life story of a specific individual, highlighting their spiritual practices, austerities, renunciation, and ultimate liberation. The narratives often draw parallels with other Jain scriptures and incorporate detailed descriptions of places, lineages, and the spiritual path.

Summary of Each Class (Varga):

Varga 1 (Pages 6-7): This section introduces the Antakṛtdaśā and its structure. It begins with the first chapter, which details the life of Gautama Kumara. The narrative describes his birth, upbringing, marriage, and eventual renunciation and liberation under Ariṣṭanemi Bhagwan. The class contains ten chapters detailing the lives of individuals like Gautama, Samudra, Sagara, Gambhir, Timita, Achal, Kandilya, Akshobha, Prasen, and Vishnu Kumara, all sons of Andhakavrishni and Dharini. They all followed similar spiritual paths, practiced austerities, and attained liberation.
Varga 2 (Page 8): This class comprises eight chapters focusing on eight sons of Andhakavrishni and Dharini: Akshobha, Sagara, Samudra, Himavant, Achal, Dharan, Pooran, and Abichandra. Their lives are presented similarly to Varga 1, emphasizing their adherence to the spiritual path and their eventual liberation.
Varga 3 (Pages 9-16): This is a substantial section detailing thirteen chapters.
- Chapters 1-7 (Pages 9-11): Introduce individuals like Aneekasen, Anantasen, Anihata, Vidvat, Devyash, Shatrusen, and Saran. Their stories often involve royal lineages, marriages, and renunciation. The narrative of Aneekasen describes his birth in Bhadillpur, his upbringing, marriage, and his acceptance of initiation, learning fourteen Purvas, and achieving liberation. The story of Saran (son of Vasudev and Dharini) also follows a similar pattern of spiritual pursuit.
- Chapter 8 (Pages 11-15): Focuses on Gaj Sukumala. This is a detailed account of his life, his mother Devaki's aspirations, his birth, upbringing, encounter with Arishtanemi, his desire for initiation, and a significant event involving his renunciation despite the efforts of his brother Krishna Vasudev to dissuade him. The story highlights his compassion and the karmic retribution faced by Somil Brahmin, who caused his suffering and thus indirectly helped him attain liberation.
- Chapters 9-13 (Page 16): Cover individuals like Durmukh, Kooparak, Daruk, Anavrushti, and Sumukh, all sons of Baldev and Dharini. Their lives are presented with variations in their cities and austerity periods but follow the common theme of renunciation and liberation.
Varga 4 (Page 17): This class contains ten chapters dedicated to individuals like Jali, Mayali, Upyali, Purushasen, Varishana, Pradyumna, Shamb, Aniruddha, Satyanemi, and Dhadhnemi. The narratives describe their lives, their lineage (sons of Krishna, Jambavati, etc.), their renunciation, and their ultimate liberation, often with similar spiritual practices.
Varga 5 (Pages 18-20): This section details ten chapters focusing on the lives of queens and their spiritual paths.
- Chapters 1-8 (Pages 18-20): Cover Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, Lakshmana, Sushima, Jambavati, Satyabhama, and Rukmini. The stories of Padmavati and others are presented as following a similar path of spiritual realization, renunciation, and liberation. The narrative of Padmavati includes her seeking initiation from Arishtanemi and the divine prophecy about the destruction of Dwarka and Krishna's future.
- Chapters 9-10 (Page 20): Focus on Mulashri and Muldatta, who, like the others, achieved liberation through their spiritual practices.
Varga 6 (Pages 21-27): This is a very extensive class with sixteen chapters.
- Chapters 1-2 (Page 21): Detail the lives of Mankati and Kinkarma, who lived in Rajagriha and attained liberation after practicing austerities.
- Chapter 3 (Pages 21-24): Focuses on Arjun Malakar (Garland Maker). This narrative is quite detailed, describing his devotion, his encounters with the Mudgara Pani Yaksha, the tribulation he faced, and his ultimate renunciation and spiritual attainment. The story highlights the role of faith and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The narrative also introduces Sudarshan, a devout householder who bravely faced the Yaksha.
- Chapters 4-14 (Pages 25-26): Describe the lives of Kashyap, Kshemak, Dhutidhar, Kailas, Harichandan, Vartra, Sudarshan, Purnabhadra, Sumanabhadra, Supratishth, Megh, and Atimukta. Their stories are presented with variations in their cities, austerities, and periods of spiritual practice, all leading to liberation. The story of Atimukta is particularly noted for his philosophical discourse with Gautam Swami.
- Chapter 15 (Pages 26-27): Covers Megh and Atimukta, with Atimukta's story involving his initial resistance to renunciation due to his parents' wishes but eventually embracing the spiritual path.
- Chapter 16 (Page 27): Details the life of Alaksh, a king who renounced his kingdom and achieved liberation.
Varga 7 (Page 28): This class presents thirteen chapters, detailing the lives of Nanda, Nandamati, Nandottara, Nandashrenika, Mahata, Sumruta, Mahamaruta, Marudevā, Bhadra, Subhadra, Sujata, Sumana, and Bhutadinnā. These are presented as the wives of King Shrenik, who, like the previous individuals, embraced asceticism and achieved liberation.
Varga 8 (Pages 29-34): This class is the largest, with ten chapters. It focuses on the lives of the wives of Kounik and Shrenik, and their adherence to various severe penances and austerities.
- Chapters 1-10 (Pages 29-34): Detail the lives of Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Virkrishna, Ramkrishna, Pitrusenkrisna, and Mahasenkrisna. The narratives describe their acceptance of various rigorous vows and penances (like Ratnavali Tap, Kanakavali Tap, Laghu Simha Nishkridita Tap, Brihad Simha Nishkridita Tap, Sapt Saptamika, Asht Ashtamika, Nav Navamika, Dash Dashamika, Muktavali Tap, Vardhaman Ayambil Tap, Laghu Sarvatobhadra, and Mahasarvatobhadra). These are described with specific durations and rituals, emphasizing the extreme dedication and austerities undertaken by these individuals, leading to their ultimate liberation.

Translator's Contribution:

The text is a Gujarati translation and commentary by Muni Deepratnasagarji, who is recognized as "Agam Diwakar" (Sun of Agamas). The publication aims to make the profound teachings of the Antakṛtdaśā accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers. The author has a prolific literary output, as indicated by the extensive list of his published works.

Overall Significance:

The Antakṛtdaśā is a crucial text within Jainism, as it provides detailed accounts of individuals who achieved the highest spiritual state. It serves as an inspirational guide, illustrating the path to liberation through detachment, penance, self-control, and unwavering spiritual discipline. The Gujarati translation by Muni Deepratnasagarji makes these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the dissemination of Jain philosophy and practice.