Agam 12 Upang 01 Auppatik Sutra Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, the Aupapātik Sūtra, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Āgam 12 Upāng 01: Āupapātik Sūtra Publisher: Guru Prāṇ Prakashan, Mumbai Authors/Satis: Kalpanābāī Mahāsatī, Ārtībāī Mahāsatī, Subodhikābāī Mahāsatī

Overall Purpose and Context:

This publication is part of the "Guru Prāṇ Āgam Battīsī" series, a collection of Jain Agamas translated and commented upon. The series is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Shri Prāṇlālji M.S. and Pujya Shri Ratilālji M.S. The Aupapātik Sūtra is identified as the first Upāng (subsidiary scripture) in this series. The publication aims to make the profound teachings of Jain Agamas accessible to a wider audience through translation, commentary, and supplementary materials.

Key Figures and Sponsorship:

Authors/Satis: Kalpanābāī Mahāsatī, Ārtībāī Mahāsatī, and Subodhikābāī Mahāsatī are credited with the translation and commentary.
Pradhān Sampādikā (Chief Editor): Pujya Shri Līlambāī M. is the chief editor, described as an "unrivaled scripture adorator."
Sah Sampādikā (Co-editors): Dr. Sādhvī Shri Ārtībāī M. and Sādhvī Shri Subodhikābāī M.
Patronage and Inspiration: The publication is presented under the auspices of Pujya Shri Jayantmuni M.S. (descendant of the Gondal Gachchh tradition) and supported by many esteemed Munis and Satis. The publication is further dedicated to the remembrance of Pujya Shri Prāṇlālji M.S. (Saurashtra Kesari) and Pujya Shri Ratilālji M.S. (Tapasamrāt).
Donors: The publication acknowledges numerous "Shruṭādhār" (supporters of scriptures) and "Mṛtādhār" (chief donors), including Mātushrī Madhukāntāben Nandlāl Bhimāṇī and Smt. Hīnāben Rajesh Bhimāṇī, who supported the printing of this volume.

Content and Structure of the Aupapātik Sūtra (as presented in the summary):

The Aupapātik Sūtra, also known as Āupapātik Sūtra, is the first of the 12 Upāngas. Its name is derived from "Upapāt," which refers to the way souls are born or originate in different realms of existence, particularly in the lower realms (hells) or as celestial beings.

The Sūtra is structured into two main divisions:

Division 1: Samavasaraṇ (The Religious Assembly)

This section describes the event of Lord Mahāvīr's presence in the city of Champā.

Champā City: A detailed description of the prosperous, well-organized, and secure city of Champā is provided, highlighting its infrastructure, markets, gardens, and the general well-being of its citizens.
Pūrṇabhadra Caitya: The text describes a beautiful and revered Caitya (temple or shrine) named Pūrṇabhadra located outside Champā, adorned with various decorative elements and venerated by the populace.
Forest Grove: The Caitya is surrounded by a dense, lush, and fragrant forest grove with various types of trees, creepers, and abundant bird and insect life, creating a serene atmosphere.
Earth-Slab: Beneath the Ashok tree, a large, flat, black, octagonal earth-slab is described, adorned with intricate carvings of various animals, figures, and celestial beings, resembling a divine throne.
King Koṇik: The description of King Koṇik of Champā highlights his virtuous qualities, justice, prosperity, and deep devotion to Lord Mahāvīr. His preparations for visiting Lord Mahāvīr are detailed, including the escort of his queen, Dharāṇī, and the elaborate procession.
Lord Mahāvīr: A detailed physical description of Lord Mahāvīr is provided, including his physical attributes, divine aura, and the presence of his vast monastic community (14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns) who are engaged in rigorous penance and possess various miraculous powers (labdhis).
Lord Mahāvīr's Sermon: The discourse of Lord Mahāvīr is described, covering fundamental Jain principles like the six substances (dravyas), nine tattvas, eighteen sins (pāpasthānas), and the path to liberation through Achar (conduct) and Shrut (scripture).
Devas' Arrival: The text mentions the arrival of various celestial beings, including Bhavanapatis (like Nāga, Suvarṇa, Agni, etc., with their specific emblems on their crowns) and Jyotiṣīs (celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, stars, planets), all coming to pay homage to Lord Mahāvīr.

Division 2: Upapāt (Origin of Souls/Births)

This division focuses on the process of transmigration and the causes of birth in different states of existence.

Karma Bandh (Bondage of Karma): The Sūtra explains how souls accumulate karma through their actions, intentions, and attachments. It elaborates on how these karmas lead to rebirth in different realms.
Causes of Rebirth: The text details the specific causes leading to births in the hellish realms (Naraka), animal existence (Tiryan̄c), human existence, and celestial realms (Deva), emphasizing the role of intention (adhyavasāya) and the nature of karma.
Virtuous vs. Non-Virtuous Actions: It highlights that while good actions generally lead to favorable births, sometimes even good actions can lead to unfavorable outcomes due to underlying impure intentions, and vice-versa.
The Ambada Parivrājaka Story: A significant narrative within this section is the story of Ambada, a Brahmin ascetic. Despite following a non-Jain spiritual path, his sincerity, renunciation, and eventually his adherence to Jain principles after meeting Lord Mahāvīr are depicted. His story illustrates the path to spiritual progress and eventual liberation, even for those from different traditions who embrace the Jain path. The story of his 700 disciples is also highlighted.
Deva Realms and Conditions: The text describes the conditions of various celestial beings, their lifespans (measured in sāgaropamas and years), their subtle physical forms, and their experiences in different Deva lokas. It also discusses how the quality of actions and intentions (karma) influences the type of celestial birth and its duration.
The Nature of Siddhas: The ultimate goal of liberation, Siddha-gati, is described. Siddhas are described as free from all karmic bondage, residing in the uppermost part of the universe (Lokagra), possessing pure consciousness, infinite knowledge, and bliss, existing eternally.
Kevalī Samudghāta: The process by which a Kevalin (omniscient being) stretches their soul-matter to encompass the entire universe is explained. This is a preparatory step before the final dissolution of the remaining eight kinds of karmas at the time of liberation.
Tapas (Penance): The text extensively details various types of external and internal penances prescribed in Jainism, including:
- External Penances: Anashana (fasting), Unodari (eating less), Bhikshacharya (regulated alms-round), Rasaparit'yaga (giving up tasteful foods), Kayaklesha (austere bodily practices), and Pratisalīnatā (restraint of senses). The various forms of each penance are meticulously described.
- Internal Penances: Prāyashchitta (atonement), Vinaya (humility and respect), Vaiyāvṛtya (service to the worthy), Swadhyāya (self-study of scriptures), Dhyāna (meditation), and Vyutsarga (non-attachment and renunciation).
Simile of the Lotus: The purity of the soul, even when residing in a worldly form, is compared to a lotus, which grows in mud but remains untouched by it.
The Importance of Vinaya (Humility): The text emphasizes the profound importance of humility, respect for elders, knowledge, conduct, and the adherence to societal norms of respect.
The Significance of Swadhyāya (Self-Study): The act of studying scriptures is presented as a vital path to self-realization and spiritual growth.
The Stages of Dhyāna (Meditation): The text explains the four stages of meditation: Ārta (painful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Śukla (pure). It highlights Dharma and Śukla Dhyāna as paths to liberation.
The Ambada Ascetic's Story (Revisited): The detailed story of Ambada is recounted, showcasing his spiritual journey, his eventual devotion to Lord Mahāvīr, and his eventual liberation, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Jain spiritual principles.
The Nature of the Siddhas: The final section describes the state of liberation (Siddha-gati), where souls are free from all karma, possess infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy, and reside in the Siddha-śilā in the uppermost part of the universe. Their existence is eternal, unchanging, and beyond all suffering.

Literary Style and Significance:

The text is praised for its rich literary style, characterized by:

Elaborate Descriptions: Vivid and detailed descriptions of cities, palaces, natural landscapes, celestial beings, and the physical form of Lord Mahāvīr.
Figurative Language: Extensive use of similes and metaphors to convey profound spiritual concepts and narratives engagingly.
Poetic Prose: The language is often poetic and melodious, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the scripture.
Scholarly Analysis: The commentary provided by the Mahāsatīs offers in-depth explanations, comparative analysis with other Āgamas, and clarification of difficult passages, demonstrating scholarly rigor.

Overall Message:

The Aupapātik Sūtra, as presented in this publication, serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Jain cosmology, the principles of karma and transmigration, the hierarchy of existence, the path of asceticism and penance, and ultimately, the ultimate goal of liberation. It emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, spiritual discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge for achieving spiritual upliftment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The publication reflects a dedicated effort to preserve and disseminate these ancient Jain teachings.