Agam 11 Ang 11 Vipak Sutra Stahanakvasi

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Agam 11 Ang 11 Vipak Sutra Stahanakvasi

Summary

Based on the provided Jain text, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

The document is the Vipaka Sutra, the eleventh Anga (limb or section) of the Jain Agamas, compiled by the Fifth Ganadhara, Bhagavat Sudharma Swami. This specific edition is published by Shri Agama Prakashan Samiti, Beawar, Rajasthan. It is presented as the third edition, with a Hindi translation, commentary, notes, and appendices.

Key Aspects of the Text and its Publication:

  • Dedication: The book is dedicated to the memory of Acharya Pravar Shri Raghunathji Maharaj, who contributed significantly to the Jain tradition, lived a life of austerity for sixty years, traveled extensively across various regions of India, and illuminated the path of Dharma despite enduring hardships.
  • Publisher's Note (Prakashakiy): The publishers express joy in presenting the third edition, highlighting the extensive work of propagating Agamas initiated by Yuvacharya Swargiya Shri Madhukar Muniji M.S. They emphasize that Vipaka Sutra, though a narrative Agama, reveals the Jain principle of "Karma Pradhan Vishwa Rachaa" (The world is created by Karma). The work is presented with a detailed analysis of the Karma Siddhanta by Upacharya Shradhdheya Devendramuni M.S. Shastri. The publishers also note that the publication of all 32 Agamas is complete, and reprints of rare Agamas are ongoing.
  • Inspiration: The publication is inspired by Upapravartaka Shasanasevi Swami Shri Brijlalji Maharaj.
  • Covener & Founder Editor: (Late) Yuvacharya Shri Mishrimalji Maharaj 'Madhukar'.
  • Translator: Pt. Roshanlal Jain.
  • Editor: Shobhachandra Bharill.
  • Board of Editors: Included prominent scholars and monks like Muni Shri Kanhaiyalal 'Kamal', Acharya Shri Devendramuni Shastri, and Shri Ratan Muni.
  • Content and Purpose:
    • The Vipaka Sutra is the eleventh Anga of the Jain Agamas and deals with the consequences (Vipaka) of Karma.
    • It is described as a Katha-Pradhan Agama (a scripture based on narratives).
    • Through these narratives, it illustrates the core Jain principle that actions lead to corresponding results (Karma Pradhan Vishwa Rachaa, Jo Jas Karahi So Tas Phal Chakhaa).
    • The Sutra is divided into two Shrutaskandhas (sections):
      1. Dukha Vipaka (Consequences of Suffering): Deals with the results of negative or sinful karma.
      2. Sukha Vipaka (Consequences of Happiness): Deals with the results of positive or meritorious karma.
    • The text explains that the Karma Siddhanta is a fundamental principle in Jainism, with a detailed and systematic exposition unparalleled in other Indian philosophies.
    • It highlights the historical development of Jain Karma literature, from the lost Purva texts (like the eighth Purva, 'Karma Vada') to the current Agamas and later commentaries.
    • The language of Karma literature is primarily Prakrit and Sanskrit, with later works in regional languages.
    • The text delves into the meaning of 'Karma' itself, discussing its various interpretations in different philosophical schools (Grammar, Mimamsa, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism) and emphasizing the unique Jain perspective of karma as pudgala (physical substance) that adheres to the soul.
    • It details the causes of Karma Bandha (binding of karma), including Mithyatva (false belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramada (carelessness), Kashaya (passions), and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body), with a focus on Kashaya and Yoga as primary causes.
    • The text explains the states of Karma such as Bandha (binding), Sattva (existence), Udvarta (enhancement), Apavartana (diminution), Sankrama (transformation), Udaya (ripening), Udirana (hasty ripening), Upashamana (pacification), Nidhatti (unalterable state), Nikachita (irrevocable state), and Abadhakala (period of non-manifestation).
    • The mechanism of rebirth (Punarjanma) is explained as a consequence of Karma, and the text briefly touches upon the philosophical arguments for rebirth from both Indian and Western thinkers.
    • The eight primary Karmas (Jnanaavarana, Darshanavarana, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gotra, Antaraya) are categorized as four Ghatiya (destructive) and four Aghatiya (non-destructive), explaining their specific effects on the soul.
    • The intensity and duration of karmic results are attributed to the intensity of Kashayas.
    • The text emphasizes that Karma is not universally distributed and is tied to the individual soul and its actions, not affecting external phenomena directly.
    • It clarifies that while external events like wealth or loss might appear as results of virtue or vice, the true cause is internal karma. External factors are mere निमित्त (incidental causes).
    • The concept of Udaya (ripening of karma) is explained, with distinctions between spontaneous and caused Udaya, and states that even 'Nikaachita' karmas can be modified by strong efforts like Tapasya (austerity).
    • The interplay of destiny (Daiv) and effort (Purushartha) is discussed, asserting that while effort is crucial, destiny also plays a role, and the two are not mutually exclusive.
    • The text refutes the notion of a creator God as the controller of karma, asserting that Karma itself is self-regulating.
    • The consequences of specific negative actions (like theft, violence, bribery) and the rewards of positive actions (like charity) are illustrated through numerous stories in the text. The first study focuses on Mrigputra, a character whose past actions led to his severe afflictions.

Structure of the First Section (Dukha Vipaka):

The first section, Dukha Vipaka, details the karmic consequences of negative actions. It is divided into ten studies (Adhyayana), each presenting a narrative illustrating the karmic retribution. The summaries provided for the initial studies (Mrigputra, Ujjhitaka, Abhagnsena, Shakata, Brihaspadatta, Nandishen, Umbardatta, Shaurikdatta, Devadatta, Anju) consistently show characters who, due to past misdeeds (like cruelty, misrule, deceit, addiction, greed, abuse of power), experience severe suffering in the present life and are destined for numerous rebirths in hellish realms and lower animal forms before potentially attaining liberation. The narratives highlight the direct correlation between past actions and present suffering. The future trajectories of these characters often involve cycles of suffering through various lifetimes, with a distant possibility of eventual liberation after immense penance.

Structure of the Second Section (Sukha Vipaka):

The second section, Sukha Vipaka, describes the positive consequences of meritorious actions. It also contains ten studies, highlighting characters who, through virtuous deeds (like charity, devotion, adherence to vows), enjoy happiness in their current or future lives, including celestial pleasures and eventual liberation. The summaries for Subahu Kumar, Bhadranandi, Sujatkumar, Suvasavakumar, Jindas, Dhanpati, Mahabal, Bhadranandi (again, likely a distinct individual), Mahachandra, and Varadatta illustrate lives characterized by prosperity, favorable circumstances, spiritual inclination, and eventual attainment of liberation through righteous conduct and devotion, often stemming from acts of charity and adherence to Jain principles.

In essence, the Vipaka Sutra serves as a profound ethical and philosophical treatise within Jainism, using compelling narratives to elucidate the immutable law of Karma and its far-reaching consequences across lifetimes, ultimately pointing towards the path of liberation through righteous action and spiritual discipline.