Agam 08 Antkruddasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 08 Antkruddasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 08 Antkruddasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad (Agam Sutra 8, Anga Sutra 8, Antakṛt Daśā) Author/Translator/Editor: Muni Deepratnasagarji Publisher: Muni Deepratnasagarji Language: Hindi translation of a Jain Agama text.

Overall Purpose and Structure:

This text is the Hindi translation of the eighth Anga Sutra of Jain Agamas, known as "Antakṛt Daśā" (also spelled "Antagaḍa Sutta" in Prakrit). The primary purpose of this text is to describe the lives and spiritual journeys of individuals who have achieved liberation (Siddha, Buddha, Mukta) in various lifetimes. It follows a narrative structure, often presented as dialogues between Lord Mahavir and his disciple Jambu Swamy.

The text is meticulously organized into eight classes (Vargas), each further divided into studies (Adhyayanas). The translator, Muni Deepratnasagarji, has provided detailed Hindi translations for each section.

Key Themes and Content Across the Vargas:

The core of the Antakṛt Daśā Sutra is the detailed narration of the lives of individuals who followed the Jain path to liberation. Across the eight Vargas, the following common elements are observed:

Narrative Framework: The stories are typically set in ancient times and locations, often mentioning cities like Champa, Dwarka, Rajgriha, and Shravasti, and geographical features like the Reevatak mountain.
The "Antakṛt" (Liberated Beings): Each study within the Vargas focuses on a specific individual who achieved liberation. These individuals are often depicted as princes, merchants, royalty, or even ordinary people who embraced the Jain path.
The Journey to Liberation: The narratives describe the transformative journey of these individuals, which typically includes:
- Birth and Early Life: Details of their birth, family background, and early life are provided.
- Spiritual Awakening: A pivotal moment often occurs where they hear the teachings of a Tirthankar (like Lord Mahavir or Lord Arishtanemi) and become spiritually inclined.
- Renunciation (Diksha): They renounce worldly possessions, family, and comfort to embrace asceticism.
- Penance and Austerities (Tapas): The text extensively details the severe austerities and penances undertaken by these individuals. This includes various forms of fasting (upvas, bele, tele, chola, panchola), specific vow observances, and disciplined conduct.
- Study of Scriptures: They diligently study the twelve Angas and other Jain scriptures.
- Overcoming Obstacles and Afflictions (Parishahs): The narratives highlight how they patiently endure hardships and temptations.
- Attainment of Liberation (Siddhi): Ultimately, after a dedicated spiritual practice, they attain liberation, becoming Siddhas, Buddhas, and Muktas, free from all karmic bondage and suffering.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The stories serve as powerful exemplars of virtue, detachment, perseverance, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. They emphasize the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Specific Examples of Austerities: The text elaborates on various types of penance and vows, such as "Ratanavali Tap," "Kanakaavali Tap," "Laghu Simha Nishkridita Tap," "Mahasimha Nishkridita Tap," "Saptasaptamika Bhikshu Pratima," "Ashtashtamika Bhikshu Pratima," "Navanamika Bhikshu Pratima," "Dashadamika Bhikshu Pratima," "Mahaserva to Bhadra Tap," "Laghu Sarvato Bhadra Tap," "Vardhaman Ayambil Tap," and "Muktavali Tap." These detailed descriptions illustrate the extreme dedication and discipline required.

Summary of Each Vargas (Based on the provided text):

Varga 1 (First Class): Focuses on ten studies. The first study describes the life of Gautam Swamy, a disciple of Lord Arishtanemi, who achieved liberation after rigorous penance. The remaining nine studies follow a similar pattern, detailing the lives of individuals with similar names who achieved liberation.
Varga 2 (Second Class): Contains eight studies. It continues the theme of individuals achieving liberation, with similar narratives of renunciation and penance.
Varga 3 (Third Class): Features thirteen studies. It includes stories of individuals like Aniyasa, Anant Sena, Shatru Sena, Saran, Gaja, and others, detailing their spiritual journeys and eventual liberation. The narrative of Gajasukumala, a prince who achieved liberation, is particularly detailed, highlighting his brief but impactful spiritual pursuit and martyrdom.
Varga 4 (Fourth Class): Contains ten studies, focusing on individuals like Jali Kumar, Prayumana Kumar, Shamb Kumar, Aniruddha Kumar, and others, who achieved liberation.
Varga 5 (Fifth Class): Presents ten studies, primarily focusing on queens and royal women, such as Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, Rukmini, and Satyabhama, who embraced asceticism and attained liberation. The story of Queen Padmavati and her path to liberation is elaborated upon. The text also discusses the prophecy of Dwarka's destruction and Krishna Vasudev's future as the 12th Tirthankar.
Varga 6 (Sixth Class): Features sixteen studies, including the lives of Makai, Mudgarpani, Kashyap, Kshemak, Megh Kumar, Atimukta Kumar, and Alak Kumar, among others. The story of Arjun Mali, influenced by the Yaksha Mudgarpani, and his eventual spiritual path is detailed.
Varga 7 (Seventh Class): Comprises thirteen studies. It focuses on the lives of queens of King Shrenik, such as Nanda, Nandavati, and others, who attained liberation.
Varga 8 (Eighth Class): Contains ten studies, focusing on women like Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Vir Krishna, Ram Krishna, Pitrusen Krishna, and Mahasen Krishna. These narratives extensively detail various difficult austerities and penances they performed, illustrating their immense spiritual fortitude and their eventual attainment of liberation. The text provides specific durations and practices for these austerities.

Translator's Contribution:

The work by Muni Deepratnasagarji is highlighted as a Hindi translation and compilation of the "Antakṛt Daśā" Sutra. His dedication to making these ancient Jain texts accessible in Hindi is evident from the detailed explanations and narrative flow provided in the translated text. The publisher information and his academic qualifications (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D., Shruta Maharshi) emphasize his commitment to Jainological studies and dissemination.

In essence, "Agam 08 Antkruddasha Sutra Hindi Anuwad" is a profound Jain scripture that provides inspiring accounts of individuals who achieved spiritual perfection through rigorous penance, righteous conduct, and unwavering devotion to Jain principles. The Hindi translation makes these life stories accessible to a wider audience, serving as a guide and inspiration for spiritual seekers.