Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra Sthanakvasi Gujarati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Niryavalika Sutra," based on the Gujarati text and its appended commentary:

Overall Context:

The text is the Niryavalika Sutra (શ્રી નિરયાવલિકા સૂત્ર), an important Jain scripture, presented here with a detailed commentary called Sundar Bodhini (સુંદરબોધિની), compiled and translated into Gujarati by Ghasilal Maharaj. It is a publication of the Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The original publication date is 1948 (Veer Samvat 2494).

The Niryavalika Sutra is identified as an Upang (ઉપાંગ), a category of secondary Jain scriptures, and specifically is the eighth Upang. It is the first of five major Upangs that form a significant part of the Jain Agamas.

Key Sections and Content:

The provided text covers several chapters and topics within the Niryavalika Sutra and its commentary:

1. Mangalacharan (મંગલાચરણ) and Shastra Praarambh (શાસ્ત્ર પ્રારંભ):

   • Begins with traditional Jain invocations and salutations to Tirthankaras (especially Lord Mahavir Swami), Acharya Gautam Swami, and the current Guru.
   • Introduces the purpose of composing the commentary.
   • Describes the historical setting, mentioning the city of Rajgruha during the fourth era of the Avasarpini period.

2. Description of Arya Sudharma Swami and Jamboo Swami:

   • Provides detailed descriptions of the qualities and lineage of Arya Sudharma Swami, a chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, and his successor, Arya Jamboo Swami.
   • Highlights Jamboo Swami's asceticism, wisdom, and renunciation.
   • Mentions Jamboo Swami's epic journey and eventual attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).

3. The "Nirayavali" Series and its Significance:

   • The text explains that the Niryavalika is the first of five Upangas, and it deals with descriptions of hellish abodes (Narakavas), as well as the human and animal beings born there.
   • It details the other four Upangas: Kalpavatamsika (about celestial beings), Pushpita (about ascetics who initially faltered but regained their path), Pushpachulika (further elaboration of Pushpita), and Vrishnidasha (about the Vrishni dynasty).

4. The Ten Chapters of Niryavalika:

   • The Niryavalika Sutra itself is presented as having ten chapters, named after individuals or concepts, such as: Kala, Sukala, Mahakala, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Virakrishna, Ramakrishna, Pitrusenakrishna, and Mahakriskna.
   • The commentary then delves into the narratives of these chapters, beginning with Kala Kumar.

5. Narrative of Kala Kumar and King Kounika:

   • The text recounts the story of Kala Kumar, son of King Kounika.
   • It describes the reign of King Kounika, his queens Padmavati and Kali, and the unfortunate events leading to the imprisonment and death of his father, Shrenika.
   • It elaborates on the deep devotion of Queen Chellana towards her husband Shrenika, even amidst Kounika's cruelty.
   • The story of the "Rathamushala Sangrama" (chariot-mace battle) is detailed, explaining how Kala Kumar and his nine brothers, who were Kounika's half-brothers, were killed by King Chetak of Vaishali.
   • It highlights the consequence of their actions: their rebirth in hell.

6. The Previous Birth of Kounika and Shrenika:

   • The text explains the karmic connection between Kounika and Shrenika through a previous birth story involving a tapasvin (ascetic) who vowed revenge on King Shrenika due to repeated disruptions to his penance. This past-life enmity explains Kounika's actions.

7. Stories of Other Kumaras and their Rebirths:

   • The commentary then briefly mentions Sukala Kumar and the subsequent eight Kumaras (Mahakala, Krishna, etc.), stating that their stories and the names of their mothers are similar to Kala Kumar's. It reiterates that they too were reborn in hell and will eventually attain liberation in Mahavideh Kshetra.

8. Kalpavatamsika Sutra (Klapavatamsika Sutra):

   • This section introduces the second Upang, Kalpavatamsika, which describes the celestial abodes and the deities residing there.
   • It lists the ten chapters of this Sutra, focusing on the stories of celestial beings like Padma, Mahapadma, Bhadra, and others.
   • It details their previous births as human ascetics who attained heavenly lives due to their penance and are destined for liberation.

9. Pushpita Sutra (Pushpita Sutra):

   • This Upang describes the stories of individuals who strayed from the righteous path but eventually returned to it and attained spiritual progress.
   • It narrates the stories of Chandra, Surya, Shukra, Bahuputrika, Purnabhadra, Manibhadra, Datta, Shiva, Bala, and Anadata, detailing their previous lives as ascetics and their subsequent celestial births and eventual liberation.
   • It includes a cautionary tale of Somil Brahmachari who deviated from his path and the consequences, emphasizing the importance of correct practice and penance.

10. Pushpachulika Sutra (Pushpachulika Sutra):

    • This Upang elaborates on the narratives presented in the Pushpita Sutra.
    • It lists ten chapters focusing on deities like Shri, Hri, Dhi, Kirti, Buddhi, Lakshmi, Iladevi, Suradevi, Rasadevi, and Gandhadivi.
    • It narrates the stories of their previous lives as humans who attained celestial status and are destined for liberation, with a particular focus on Bhuta Darika's story of renunciation and the consequences of her deviation.

11. Vrishnidasha Sutra (Vrishnidasha Sutra):

    • This is the fifth Upang and the last one detailed in the provided text.
    • It contains twelve chapters, detailing the lives of individuals connected to the Vrishni lineage, such as Nishadh, Mani, Vaha, Vaha, Padmank, Kriti, Dasharatha, Danarath, Mahadhanva, Saptadhanva, Dashadhanva, and Shatadhanva.
    • It narrates the story of Nishadh Kumara, his auspicious birth, his renunciation, and his eventual attainment of celestial status and future liberation. It also briefly mentions the story of Krishna Vasudeva and Lord Arishtanemi.
    • It highlights the karmic journey of these individuals, their rebirths in different realms, and their ultimate goal of liberation.

12. Rules for Swadhyay (Study):

    • The text includes specific instructions regarding the auspicious times and conditions for studying the Niryavalika Sutra's original text (Mool Path).
    • It lists numerous "Aswadhyay Prasang" (times when study is prohibited), categorized into celestial phenomena (like meteor showers, eclipses) and physical/bodily conditions (like death, impurity).
    • It clarifies that these rules are for the original text and not necessarily for translations.

13. Shastra Prashasti (Praise of the Scripture):

    • The text concludes with a praise of the commentary and the authors, mentioning the place and date of its creation (Vankaner, Vikram Samvat 2003).
    • It honors the monastic figures (Munis and Mahasatis) who were instrumental in its creation and propagation.
    • It extols the Sthanakwasi Jain community of Vankaner for their devotion and righteousness.

Key Jain Concepts Illustrated:

Through these narratives, the Niryavalika Sutra, as explained by the commentary, illustrates several core Jain principles:

• Karma: The concept of karma and its direct impact on one's life, rebirth, and destiny is central. Actions in one life directly influence future births, including heavenly or hellish existences, and the eventual path to liberation.
• Reincarnation: The cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth is evident in the stories of individuals transitioning between human, celestial, and hellish realms.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: The text emphasizes the path of renunciation (pravrajya) and asceticism as the means to overcome worldly suffering and attain liberation. The stories of many individuals who attained higher states or liberation after renouncing worldly pleasures are highlighted.
• Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra): The importance of these three jewels is implicitly shown as the foundation for spiritual progress and liberation.
• Destiny and Effort: While karma plays a significant role, the text also implies that individual effort (tapas, samyama) in spiritual practices is crucial for transcending negative karma and achieving a better future.
• The Goal of Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate aim of all these cycles and efforts is to achieve Moksha, freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and the attainment of eternal bliss, as exemplified by the destined liberation of most characters in Mahavideh Kshetra.
• The Importance of Righteous Association (Satsang) and Guidance: The role of enlightened beings like Tirthankaras and their disciples in guiding individuals towards the right path is evident.

In essence, the Niryavalika Sutra, through its detailed stories of beings across different realms and their karmic journeys, serves as a profound teaching tool in Jainism, illustrating the consequences of actions and the path towards ultimate spiritual liberation.