Agam 12 Aupapatik Sutra Hindi Anuwad

This document is the Hindi translation and commentary of the Aupapatika Sutra, which is the first Upanga Sutra within the Jain Agamas, designated as Agam 12. The translation and editing were done by Agam Diwakar Muni Dippratnasagarji.

The text describes the following key elements:

1. The City of Champa (सूत्र-1):

• It depicts Champa as a prosperous, well-populated, and secure city.
• The surrounding land is fertile, yielding crops like sugarcane, barley, and paddy.
• The city is described as being free from robbers, thieves, and any disturbances, ensuring peace and prosperity.
• It is filled with various artisans, merchants, and entertainers, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
• The city is fortified with high walls, deep moats, and strong gates, indicating its defensibility.

2. The Purnabhadra Chaitya (सूत्र-2 & 3):

• Located in the northeastern direction outside Champa, the Purnabhadra Chaitya is described as ancient and renowned.
• It is adorned with offerings, flags, bells, and other decorations.
• The Chaitya is a place of worship and reverence, attracting many devotees.
• The surrounding area is a beautiful, dense forest, characterized by lush trees, cool shade, and vibrant flora.

3. The Great Ashok Tree and the Stone Slab (सूत्र-4 & 5):

• At the center of the forest, a magnificent Ashok tree stands.
• Beneath the tree, there is a large, black stone slab with eight corners.
• The slab is adorned with intricate carvings of various animals and figures. Its surface is described as smooth and cool.

4. King Kunika and Queen Dharini (सूत्र-6 & 7):

• The text introduces King Kunika of Champa, described as a powerful, virtuous, and benevolent ruler, comparable to a divine king.
• His queen, Dharini, is portrayed as exceptionally beautiful and virtuous.

5. The Herald and the Arrival of Lord Mahavir (सूत्र-8, 9, 10, 11):

• The narrative focuses on a herald who informs King Kunika about the arrival of Lord Mahavir.
• The text then elaborately describes Lord Mahavir's physical appearance, his divine attributes, his serene demeanor, and his supreme spiritual powers. It lists his numerous epithets and describes his perfect physical form and spiritual purity.
• It details the vast retinue of monks and nuns accompanying Lord Mahavir, highlighting their austerities and profound spiritual attainments.

6. The Devotional Reception by King Kunika (सूत्र-12):

• Upon hearing the news, King Kunika is overjoyed. He performs purification rituals, adorns himself with royal regalia, and proceeds with his entourage to welcome Lord Mahavir.
• He expresses his profound reverence and humility towards Lord Mahavir, offering prayers and seeking his blessings.

7. The Arrival of Celestial Beings and Devotees (सूत्र-13 to 27):

• The text describes the arrival of various celestial beings, including Asura Kumar devas, Bhawanvasi devas, Vyanter devas (like Pishachas, Bhutas, Yakshas, Rakshasas), Jyotishka devas (planets and stars), and the Indra (chiefs) of the various Devlokas (heavenly realms).
• These celestial beings are depicted with immense grandeur, adorned in divine attire and ornaments, and express their devotion to Lord Mahavir.
• Beautiful Apsaras (celestial dancers) are also described, captivating in their appearance and grace.

8. The Sermon of Lord Mahavir (सूत्र-28 to 41):

• Lord Mahavir delivers a sermon to the assembled multitude, including King Kunika, his queens, celestial beings, and the general populace.
• The sermon covers a wide range of Jain philosophical concepts, including:
  • The nature of the universe: The existence of soul (jiva) and non-soul (ajiva), bondage (bandha) and liberation (moksha), merit (punya) and demerit (paap), influx (asrava) and stoppage of influx (samvara), suffering (vedana) and its cessation (nirjara).
  • The paths to liberation: The sermon emphasizes the importance of right faith (samyak-darshan), right knowledge (samyak-jnana), and right conduct (samyak-charitra).
  • The principles of Jainism: The five vows (anuvratas) for lay followers and the stricter observances for ascetics (anagar dharma).
  • The classification of beings and realms: Descriptions of hellish beings (nairayikas), subhuman beings (tiryanchas), human beings (manushyas), and heavenly beings (devas), along with their respective realms and lifespans.
  • The nature of karma: The impact of good and bad karma, the process of karmic bondage and its shedding.
  • The importance of austerities (tapas): Both internal and external austerities are detailed as means to spiritual purification.
  • The path of ascetics (anagars): The text elaborates on the strict discipline, self-control, and austerities practiced by monks and nuns.
  • The path of lay followers (grihasthas): The sermon outlines the twelve vows (five vows, three quality vows, and four training vows) that lay followers should observe.
  • The concept of liberation (moksha): The ultimate goal of shedding all karma and attaining eternal bliss.

9. The Questions and Answers with Acharya Gautam (सूत्र-44 to 55):

• The text then presents a detailed discourse between Lord Mahavir and Acharya Gautam.
• Acharya Gautam poses various questions concerning the nature of the soul, karma, the different types of beings and their destinations, the process of death and rebirth, and the nature of liberation.
• Lord Mahavir provides comprehensive answers, elaborating on the subtle aspects of Jain philosophy, including the various states of existence, the causes of bondage and liberation, and the characteristics of Siddhas (liberated souls).
• The conversation touches upon the intricacies of karmic fruition, the stages of spiritual development, and the nature of the enlightened state.

10. The Nature of Siddhas (सूत्र-56 to 77):

• The text concludes with a detailed description of Siddhas, the perfectly liberated souls.
• It describes their formless state, their infinite knowledge and perception, and their eternal state of bliss and peace.
• Their abode, the "Ishatpragbhara Prithvi" (a pure realm above all other earthly realms), is described, along with its immense size and purity.
• The text emphasizes that the bliss of Siddhas is incomparable and everlasting, far surpassing any worldly or divine happiness.

Overall Significance:

The Aupapatika Sutra, as translated here, serves as a foundational text within Jainism, providing detailed explanations of core philosophical principles, the teachings of Lord Mahavir, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. It offers insights into the Jain understanding of cosmology, karma, and the path to enlightenment, presented through the narrative of a significant event in the life of Lord Mahavir. The translation by Muni Dippratnasagarji aims to make these profound teachings accessible in Hindi.