Agam 09 Ang 09 Anuttaropapatik Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

The provided text is the Gujarati translation of the Anuttaraupapatika Sutra, which is the ninth Anga of the Jain Agamas. This particular edition is part of the Agam 09 Ang 09 series published by Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai. The book is dedicated to Saurashtra Kesari Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M.S. and Tapasamrat Gurudev Shri Ratilalji M.S.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the text:

1. Introduction and Dedication:

The book is a Gujarati translation of the Anuttaraupapatika Sutra, compiled by Sanmatibai Mahasati, Artibai Mahasati, and Subodhikabai Mahasati.
It is published by Guru Pran Prakashan, Mumbai, and is presented as part of the "Guru Pran Agam Battisi" (collection of 32 Agamas).
The publication is dedicated to the memory of revered Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M.S. and in honor of the birth centenary of Gurudev Shri Ratilalji M.S.
It highlights the lineage of the Gondal Gachh (sect) and acknowledges the contributions of various revered monks and nuns who guided and inspired this publication.

2. The Anuttaraupapatika Sutra - Core Content:

Meaning of the Name: The name "Anuttaraupapatika" signifies those who attain birth in "Anuttara" heavens, which are the highest, most excellent, and unsurpassable celestial realms. These beings are destined for liberation in the current or subsequent lives.
Subject Matter: The sutra primarily describes the life stories and spiritual journeys of 33 enlightened souls (mostly princes) who, through severe penances and detached living, achieved birth in the highest celestial realms (Anuttara Viman). After enjoying celestial bliss for immensely long periods, they are destined to attain liberation (Moksha) in the human realm, often in Mahavideha Kshetra.
The Four Stages of the Soul: The introduction, particularly by Pujya Shri Jayantmuni M.S., elaborates on the four stages of the soul's journey:
1. First Stage: Unconscious, dependent, and sorrowful existence through millions of years.
2. Second Stage: Conscious growth of passions, entanglement in worldly desires, leading to sinful actions and a cycle of suffering.
3. Third Stage: Awakening of knowledge, introspection, and the practice of severe penance (Tapas) to eradicate passions and desires.
4. Fourth Stage: With residual karmas transformed into merit, the soul experiences profound, faultless, and blissful existence in higher realms, ultimately leading to liberation.
Emphasis on Intense Austerity (Tapas): The sutra strongly advocates for rigorous penance and self-mortification as the primary means to overcome passions and achieve spiritual progress. It highlights the contrast between the Jain path of intense renunciation and the "middle path" advocated by some other traditions.
Detailed Descriptions of Asceticism: The sutra provides graphic and vivid descriptions of the physical emaciation and detachment from the body achieved by the ascetics through extreme fasting and other austerities. The descriptions, like those of Dhanya Kumara, use numerous similes to depict the extreme thinness, the visible bones and nerves, and the overall detachment from the physical form. This serves to illustrate the immense effort required to conquer karmas.
Structure: The sutra is divided into three Varga (sections) and further into Adhyayana (chapters):
- First Varga: 10 Adhyayanas, detailing the lives of princes like Jali, Mayali, Upajali, Abhay Kumar, etc.
- Second Varga: 13 Adhyayanas, describing princes like Dirghasena, Mahasena, etc.
- Third Varga: 10 Adhyayanas, focusing on figures like Dhanya Kumara, Sunakshatra Kumara, Rishidasa, etc.
Key Figures and Narratives:
- Jali Kumara: His life story is presented as an example of princely indulgence followed by renunciation and severe penance, leading to birth in the Vijaya Anuttara Vimana.
- Dhanya Kumara: His narrative is the most detailed. It highlights his extremely wealthy upbringing, his princely life, his encounter with Bhagavan Mahavir, his profound renunciation, his vow of continuous sixth-day fasting (shashthashthi) with specific rules for alms, and his eventual emaciated but spiritually radiant state. His story emphasizes the power of detachment and penance.
- Sunakshatra Kumara and others: These narratives follow a similar pattern of princely life, renunciation, penance, and eventual celestial birth, illustrating the principles of karma and spiritual progression.
Purpose of the Narratives: The primary purpose is to inspire spiritual aspirants and monks/nuns by showcasing the exemplary lives of those who achieved ultimate spiritual goals through rigorous practice. It also emphasizes that the Jain path is not a "middle path" but one of intense renunciation and austerity.

3. Editorial and Publishing Information:

Pujya Shri Lilambai Mahasatiji is credited as the chief editor.
The publication of these Agamas is a significant effort, honoring the legacy of Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M.S. and continuing the tradition of making these sacred texts accessible.
The text includes detailed "Jivan Darshan" (life sketches) of revered Gurudev Shri Pranalalji M.S. and Gurudev Shri Ratilalji M.S., highlighting their spiritual achievements and contributions.
It lists the names of numerous individuals and trusts who supported the publication, emphasizing the collaborative effort within the Jain community to preserve and propagate the Agamas.
Special emphasis is placed on the importance of studying and understanding the Agamas for spiritual growth and the propagation of Jain Dharma.
The text includes sections on "Shastra Swadhyay" (study of scriptures) with guidelines on appropriate times and conditions for study, including rules about "asvadhyaya" (times when scripture study is not permitted).
The appendices provide valuable glossaries of terms, tables of the prince's journeys and penances, and explanations of specific terms.

4. The Underlying Philosophy: The Anuttaraupapatika Sutra, as presented in this publication, reinforces core Jain principles:

Karma Theory: The consequences of actions, both positive (meritorious) and negative (demeritorious), shape the soul's journey through various lifetimes and celestial abodes.
Austerity (Tapas): The sutra strongly emphasizes the transformative power of severe penance in eradicating karmas and achieving higher states of existence, ultimately leading to liberation.
Renunciation (Vairagya): The lives described illustrate the complete detachment from worldly pleasures, possessions, and even the body, as a crucial step towards spiritual realization.
Non-Attachment: The descriptions of the physical emaciation, while graphic, serve to show the ascetics' transcendence of bodily concerns and their focus on the inner spiritual journey.
Path to Liberation: The sutra presents a clear path: through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (Samyak Charitra), amplified by intense penance, one can overcome the cycle of birth and death and attain the ultimate state of bliss and freedom.

In essence, this publication of the Anuttaraupapatika Sutra is a detailed and reverent presentation of a significant Jain scripture, emphasizing the arduous yet ultimately rewarding path of spiritual discipline as exemplified by the lives of exceptional souls.