Agam 12 Auppatika Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Agam 12 Auppatika Sutra Satik Gujarati Anuvad" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar, based on the pages you've shared:

Overview:

The document appears to be Volume 16 of a series titled "Agam Satik Anuvad" (Agam Sutras with Commentary Translation), dedicated to translating and annotating Jain Agamas (canonical scriptures). This specific volume focuses on the Auppatika Sutra, also identified as the Uvavai Sutra (or Upavada Sutra), which is an Upanga (secondary canonical text). The text is presented in Gujarati with a commentary ("Satik").

Key Sections and Themes:

Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-7):
- Title and Authorship: The title page confirms the book is "Agam Sutra Satik Anuvad," specifically "Agam Sutra Satik Anuvad Bhag - 16," covering "Vipakshrut" (likely referring to the Vipaka Sutra, Agam 11) and "Aupapatika" (Aupapatika Sutra, Upanga 1). It credits Muni Dippratnasagar as the creator of the translation series.
- Dedication and Gratitude: Significant portions are dedicated to expressing gratitude to revered Jain Acharyas and scholars, particularly Acharya Richakchandra Surishwarji M.S. and Acharya Devendrasagar Surishwarji M.S., for their inspiration and financial support, which made the publication possible. Various Jain Sanghs and Trusts are also thanked for their contributions.
- Publisher and Contact: Deepratnasagar is the publisher, with contact information for the "Agam Aradhana Kendra" in Ahmedabad.
List of Publications by the Publisher (Pages 8-15):
- This section provides a detailed catalog of other works published by Deepratnasagar, highlighting the extensive nature of their religious and scholarly outreach. The publications cover:
  - Original Agamas in various formats.
  - Gujarati translations of Agamas.
  - Commentaries (Satik) of Agamas, often in multiple volumes.
  - Indices and dictionaries related to Agamas (Agam Vishay Dhal, Agam Shabdkosh, Agam Naamkosh).
  - Hindi translations of Agamas.
  - Compilations of Agam narratives (Kathanuyog).
  - Rituals and procedures for Agam worship (Agam Mahapujan Vidhi).
  - Grammar literature.
  - Commentary literature (Vyakhyan Sahitya).
  - Tattva (Principle) study literature (Tattvarth Sutra).
  - Aradhana (Devotional practice) literature.
  - Ritual literature (Vidhi Sahitya).
  - Worship literature (Pujan Sahitya).
  - Yantra compositions.
  - Jin bhakti (Devotion to Jinas) literature.
  - Miscellaneous literature.
  - Sutra study literature.
- The sheer volume and scope of these publications underscore the publisher's commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.
Translation and Commentary of the Aupapatika Sutra (Pages 16 onwards):
- Nature of the Aupapatika Sutra: The text explains that "Aupapatika" relates to "Upapattan," meaning the birth and ascension of celestial beings. The Sutra elaborates on this concept, serving as an Upanga text closely related to the Acharaanga Sutra.
- Detailed Description of Champa City (Pages 16-23): A significant portion of the translation and commentary is dedicated to a vivid and detailed description of the city of Champa. This includes:
  - Its prosperity, inhabitants, markets, and infrastructure.
  - The presence of various entertainers, artists, and craftsmen.
  - Its fortified nature with high walls and moats.
  - Beautiful gardens, lakes, and reservoirs.
  - The presence of specific landmarks, like the Purnabhadra Chaitya outside the city.
- Description of Lord Mahavir: The text describes the physical attributes and qualities of Lord Mahavir, highlighting his divine presence, perfect form, compassionate nature, and the reverence shown to him.
- Description of King Kunika (Shrenika): The text details King Kunika's regal status, his lineage, his virtuous qualities, his vast wealth and kingdom, and his powerful position.
- Description of the Assembly: The text describes the grand assembly attended by various beings, including celestial beings from different realms (Bhavanvasi, Jyotish, Vyantaras, Vaimanikas), as well as powerful kings and dignitaries. The elaborate descriptions of their attire, ornaments, and vehicles are provided.
- The Teachings of Lord Mahavir: The commentary delves into the spiritual teachings of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing the importance of virtue, detachment from worldly pleasures, the nature of karma, and the path to liberation.
- Ascetic Practices (Tapas): The text enumerates and explains various ascetic practices (Tapas) undertaken by monks and nuns, categorized into internal (Abhyantar) and external (Bahya) tapas, with detailed explanations of Anashan (fasting), Unodari (eating less than full capacity), Bhikshacharya (alms-round), Rasa Parityaga (giving up palatable tastes), Kayaklesha (austerities involving the body), and Pratisaalinta (control over senses and emotions).
- Description of Siddhas: The text elaborates on the state of Siddhas (liberated souls) in the highest realm of the universe (Aloka), describing their eternal, blissful, and all-knowing nature, free from all worldly suffering. The immensity of their sukha (happiness) is described as beyond human comprehension.
- Detailed Descriptions of Various Ascetic Types: The text lists and describes various types of ascetics and their practices, including different classifications of mendicants (Parivrajakas) based on their origins, lineages, practices, and philosophical beliefs.
- The King's Response and Lord Mahavir's Teachings: The narrative follows King Kunika's response to Lord Mahavir's teachings, his conversion, and his desire to follow the righteous path. The interaction with the queens and the assembly also highlights the impact of Lord Mahavir's discourse.
- The Journey and Arrival at Purnabhadra Chaitya: The text describes the procession and the spiritual journey of Lord Mahavir and his disciples.
- The Essence of Jain Dharma: The underlying message emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pleasures, the importance of spiritual discipline, adherence to vows, and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).

Key Concepts Highlighted:

Upapattan: The birth and ascension of celestial beings, a central theme of the Aupapatika Sutra.
Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the suffering associated with it.
Tapas: Ascetic practices as a means of purifying the soul and progressing towards liberation.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, where actions lead to consequences in this life and future lives.
Jiva and Ajiva: The principles of soul and non-soul, fundamental to Jain philosophy.
Bondage and Liberation (Bandha and Moksha): The process of soul bondage through karma and the path to liberation from it.
The Three Jewels (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation.
Vows (Anuvrata and Mahavrata): Restraints undertaken by lay followers and ascetics, respectively.
The Nature of Siddhas: The ultimate state of liberated beings, characterized by infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

Overall Significance:

This volume provides a critical resource for understanding the Aupapatika Sutra within the Jain tradition. The meticulous translation and detailed commentary aim to make this profound scripture accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers, offering insights into Jain cosmology, ethics, and the path to spiritual realization. The extensive list of publications by the publisher further emphasizes their significant contribution to the dissemination of Jain scriptures and knowledge.