Agam 12 Uvavayaim Uvangsutt 01 Moolam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 12 Uvavayaim Uvangsutt 01 Moolam," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 12 Uvavayaim Uvangsutt 01 Moolam (The first Uvangsutta, titled 'Uvavayaim')

Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar

Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

Overall Context: This text is the foundational part of the Agam literature in Jainism, specifically belonging to the Upanga (Uvanga) category. The pages provided indicate it is Volume 12 of the Agam Sutras, specifically the first Upanga, "Uvavayaim." The text is written in Prakrit (specifically, Ardhamagadhi, as indicated by the language used in the sutras themselves). The presentation of the text includes extensive acknowledgments of financial contributors, suggesting it's part of a larger project to publish or re-publish Jain Agam scriptures.

Content Summary:

The provided pages primarily consist of:

Title and Publication Information (Pages 1-2):
- Clearly identifies the book as "Agam 12 Uvavayaim Uvangsutt 01 Moolam."
- Mentions the authors, publisher, and provides website links for reference (www.kobatirth.org).
- Includes devotional salutations and dedications to spiritual gurus (Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri, Muni Shri Sudharma Sagarji, Muni Deepratnasagar).
- Details the price of the complete Agam set (Rs. 1500/-) and mentions the "Agam Karma Fund."
- Lists printing and graphic design details, indicating the source of the publication.
Financial Contributors (Pages 3-6):
- A significant portion of the provided pages is dedicated to listing the names of numerous individuals and families who have provided financial support for the publication of the Agam texts. This highlights the community effort and financial backing required for such scholarly religious publications. The contributors are often linked to specific ascetics or spiritual events (e.g., Chaturmas, Tapsya) and locations within India.
Sutra Content (Pages 6 onwards):
- Page 6: Index and Guidelines: This page provides crucial information about the structure of the sutras and how to read them:
  - Consecutive Numbering: Explains that the initial number on the left is the combined serial number of the Sutra and Gatha.
  - Hindi Numbering: The number on the right indicates the Sutra number and Gatha number as printed in the original text.
  - Sutra Delimitation: The "|" symbol indicates a Sutra, with the Sutra number between the vertical lines.
  - Gatha Delimitation: The "||" symbol indicates a Gatha, with the Gatha number between the double vertical lines.
  - Commentary Reference: The English numbering at the end refers to the commentary (vritti). A 'r' after a number indicates the verse or gatha appears a second time in the commentary.
  - Bracketed Text: Text within square brackets [ ] indicates additions or clarifications made by the editors to the original text.
- Sutra 1 (Page 7): Description of Champanagari: The sutra begins with a detailed description of the city of Champa (Champa nagari) – its prosperity, population, layout, infrastructure (buildings, gardens, reservoirs), and general attributes of a well-established and flourishing city. It mentions the city is located in the direction of north-east of the city.
- Sutra 1 (continued) and Sutra 2 (Page 7-8): The Punyabhadra Chaitya: It describes the Punyabhadra Chaitya (temple/shrine) located in the north-eastern direction of Champa. It details the Chaitya's sanctity, antiquity, popular reverence, and the elaborate rituals and offerings performed there (fragrant sandalwood paste, incense, flower offerings, garlands, etc.). It mentions the presence of various types of deities and worshippers.
- Sutra 3 and 4 (Pages 8-9): The Punyabhadra Grove and Ashoka Tree: These sutras describe the dense forest (vansanda) surrounding the Punyabhadra Chaitya, detailing its specific characteristics (colors, dense foliage, variety of trees). It then focuses on a magnificent Ashoka tree (Asokavara-payave) at the center of this grove, describing its immense size, healthy growth, flowering, fruiting, and the divine atmosphere it creates. It also mentions other types of trees around the Ashoka tree and the presence of lotuses and vines, enhancing its beauty. The presence of eight auspicious symbols (Ashtamangala) and chamaras (fly-whisks) above the Ashoka tree is also noted.
- Sutra 6 (Page 9): King Konika Bhimbisara: Introduces King Konika, also known as Bhimbisara, who reigns in Champa. It describes his noble lineage, virtuous qualities, vast wealth, powerful army, and his role as a protector of his people.
- Sutra 7 (Page 10): Queen Dharini: Describes Queen Dharini, the King's consort, highlighting her beauty, auspicious signs, and adherence to virtue.
- Sutra 8 & 9 (Page 10): A Royal Messenger and the King's Engagement: A messenger (pavitri-vayu) is introduced, who is tasked with conveying important news to the King. The King is then depicted in his audience hall (uvadvanashala), surrounded by his ministers and courtiers.
- Sutra 10 (Page 10-11): Lord Mahavira's Arrival and Mission: This section introduces Lord Mahavira, the Tirthankara, describing his divine attributes, omniscient knowledge, and his mission to liberate souls. It details his arrival near Champa city, intending to visit the Punyabhadra Chaitya.
- Sutra 11 (Page 11): The Messenger's Report to the King: The messenger (pavitri-vayu) happily reports Lord Mahavira's impending arrival to King Bhimbisara, conveying the auspicious news.
- Sutra 12 (Page 11-12): The King's Reaction and Homage: King Bhimbisara, upon hearing the news, is overjoyed. He adorns himself in royal attire and goes to meet Lord Mahavira with great reverence, offering profound salutations and paying homage. He expresses his devotion and promises to inform the Lord if he visits Champa again.
- Sutra 13 (Page 12): Lord Mahavira's Arrival at the Chaitya: Lord Mahavira, at dawn, arrives at the Punyabhadra Chaitya, taking up residence there while practicing rigorous austerities.
- Sutra 14 & 15 (Pages 12-15): The Disciples of Lord Mahavira: These sutras describe the vast assembly of Lord Mahavira's disciples (antevasi) – both monks (anagaras) and nuns (shramanis). It enumerates their vast numbers, their spiritual attainments (different types of knowledge like Abhinibodhika, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), their spiritual powers, and their dedicated practice of austerities (tapasya) in various forms.
- Sutra 16 & 17 (Pages 15-17): The Elder Monks and Monks: These sections detail the qualities and conduct of the senior monks (theras) and other monks (anagaras), emphasizing their adherence to vows, discipline, purity, compassion, and their mastery over Jain doctrine (dwadashangi, Ganipitaka). They are described as embodying the highest spiritual virtues and living a life of detachment and self-control.
- Sutra 18-20 (Pages 17-20): Various Forms of Austerities (Tapas): These sutras elaborate on the different categories of inner (abhyantar) and outer (bahya) austerities practiced by the ascetics. Outer austerities include fasting (anasana), reducing intake (omodariya), begging for alms (bhikshacharya), limiting taste (rasaparitayaga), bodily mortification (kayaklesh), and withdrawal (pratisamlinata). The text meticulously breaks down each of these into sub-categories and examples, illustrating the depth of ascetic practices. Inner austerities are also mentioned, including repentance (pratyakhyana), humility (vinaya), diligence (vayavachcha), meditation (samayika), and renunciation (vyutsarga).
- Sutra 21-33 (Pages 20-34): The King's Preparations and Procession: The King's reaction to Lord Mahavira's presence is further elaborated. He orders preparations for an auspicious ceremony, including adorning the city, preparing royal elephants, horses, chariots, and a grand procession. The King himself participates in this procession, accompanied by his queens and retinue, proceeding towards the Punyabhadra Chaitya to pay homage to Lord Mahavira. The descriptions are detailed, covering the royal regalia, the sounds of celebration, and the joyous atmosphere.
- Sutra 34-41 (Pages 34-41): Lord Mahavira's Sermon and Audience: Lord Mahavira delivers a discourse (dharma-katha) in Ardhamagadhi language, explaining Jain principles. The text lists the topics covered: the existence of the soul, the non-soul, bondage, liberation, karma, merit and demerit, heavens and hells, the nature of deities, human beings, and the path to liberation. It emphasizes the importance of right conduct, detachment, and the path to salvation. It discusses the causes of rebirth in different realms (hells, animals, humans, gods) based on actions and karma. The King, Queens, and the entire assembly are depicted as listening attentively and being deeply moved by the discourse. Some in the audience embrace the principles of Jainism, becoming monks, nuns, or lay followers (shravakas/shravikas).
- Sutra 42-43 (Page 41-42): Lord Mahavira's Enlightenment and Disciples' Attainments: This section briefly mentions that Lord Mahavira's chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, also achieves omniscience (Kevala Jnana). It also refers to other disciples and their spiritual progress.
- Sutra 44-54 (Pages 42-45): Details about Siddhas and the Soul's Journey: These sutras delve into the nature of liberated souls (Siddhas), describing their eternal, pure, and blissful state beyond birth, death, and suffering. It discusses their location in the Siddhashila at the apex of the universe, their formlessness, their subtle existence, and their complete detachment from worldly afflictions. It contrasts the subtle nature of liberated souls with the gross existence of embodied beings and explains the process of liberation through the shedding of karmas. The concept of 'Samavaya' (Samavaya) and 'Samudaya' (Samudaya) is also touched upon in relation to the Siddhas.
- Sutras 55-59 (Pages 45-46): Description of the Siddhasila: These sutras focus on the Siddhashila, the abode of liberated souls, describing its location, size, composition, and the eternal peace and bliss experienced by the Siddhas. It specifies the various sizes and forms attributed to Siddhas based on their past lives and spiritual achievements.
- Sutras 67-77 (Pages 45-46): The Bliss of the Siddhas: The final sutras highlight the unparalleled bliss and eternal peace of the Siddhas, which surpasses any earthly or heavenly pleasure. Their state is described as one of complete freedom from suffering, aging, and death, existing in an unborn, immortal, and blissful state.
Publication List (Page 47-50):
- This section lists numerous other Jain religious books published by "Agam Shrut Prakashan" and mentions their catalogue numbers. This provides context for the publisher's extensive work in making Jain scriptures accessible. It also includes contact information for obtaining the books.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Agam Literature: The fundamental importance of the Agam Sutras as the authoritative scriptures of Jainism.
Sacred Geography: Detailed descriptions of the city of Champa and the Punyabhadra Chaitya, highlighting their spiritual significance.
Asceticism and Austerities: The extensive description of various forms of physical and mental austerities practiced by Jain ascetics for spiritual purification and liberation.
Lord Mahavira: His divine attributes, presence, and role as the propagator of Jain Dharma.
King Bhimbisara's Devotion: The king's reverence for Lord Mahavira and his preparations for a grand reception.
The Path to Liberation: The discourse on karma, rebirth, detachment, and the ultimate goal of achieving liberation (Moksha) and becoming a Siddha.
The Nature of the Soul: The journey of the soul through various forms of existence and its ultimate attainment of an eternal, blissful state.
Community Support: The significant role of lay followers in supporting the publication and dissemination of Jain scriptures.

In essence, "Agam 12 Uvavayaim Uvangsutt 01 Moolam" is a foundational text in Jainism that meticulously describes a sacred location, the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the path of asceticism, and the ultimate state of liberation, all presented within the framework of a structured narrative and accompanied by detailed explanations of Jain practices.