Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Niryavalika Sutra," based on the scanned pages:

Title: Agam 19 Upang 08 Niryavalika Sutra (Shwetambar tradition) Author(s): Purnachandrasagar (as cited for the compilation/editing) Publisher: Jainanand Pustakalay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/021021/1

Overall Context and Significance:

The Niryavalika Sutra is part of the Agamas, the sacred scriptures of Jainism, specifically within the Upangas. This particular text, attributed to the Shwetambar tradition, details a series of narratives and teachings. The scanned document highlights its recent publication and the significant efforts involved in its preservation and dissemination.

Key Themes and Content:

The scanned pages reveal a multi-faceted text that includes:

1. Introduction and Acknowledgments (Pages 1-5):

   • The document begins with venerations to prominent Jain Acharyas and figures, emphasizing the lineage of spiritual guidance.
   • It highlights the "Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Project" and the efforts of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra.
   • The publication is presented as a revised and edited work under the guidance of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj.
   • The specific contributions of Acharya Shri Hemchandrasagar Suriji Maharaj and Muni Shri Purnachandrasagarji Maharaj are acknowledged for their role in the compilation and scripting.
   • Various individuals and institutions are thanked for their support and guidance in the project.

2. The Importance of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge) (Page 6):

   • The text emphasizes the immense value of Shrut Gyan (knowledge gained through listening and scriptures) as a guide leading beings out of the "forest of existence" and the darkness of delusion towards light.
   • Agamas are identified as the very words of Lord Mahavir Swami.

3. History of Agam Recensions (Conventions/Readings) (Pages 6-9):

   • A significant portion of the text is dedicated to recounting the history of the Jain Agamas through six major recensions (Vachanas) that occurred over a period of 1000 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. These recensions were crucial for preserving and compiling the Agamic knowledge due to various challenges:
     • First Recension (Page 7): Held around Vir Nirvana Samvat (VNS) 160 in Pataliputra (Patna) under the presidentship of Sthulabhadra, after a severe famine scattered the monks. This aimed to reorganize the Dwadasanga (Twelve Angas).
     • Second Recension (Page 7): Occurred during the reign of Emperor Samprati in Ujjain, focusing on the preservation of Agamic texts.
     • Third Recension (Page 7-8): Took place between VNS 300-330, involving a large assembly of monks and nuns to organize the eleven Angas and ten Purvas, following persecutions by King Pushyamitra.
     • Fourth Recension (Page 8): Held around VNS 192 in Dashpur (Mandsaur) by Aryarakshit Suri, who organized the Agamas into four Anuyogas (categories of study) to make them accessible for future generations with diminished intellectual capacity.
     • Fifth Recension (Page 8-9): Took place around VNS 830-840 in Mathura (North India) and Valabhi (South India) to consolidate Agamas, with scholars like Skandil Suri and Nagarjun Suri involved.
     • Sixth Recension (Page 9): Conducted in Valabhi by Aryadevadhigani Kshamasramana and Aryakalik Suri. This was a monumental effort where 84 Agamas were systematically compiled and inscribed on palm leaves, marking the transition to written scriptures.
   • The text laments the subsequent 1500 years without further recorded recensions and the decline in the preservation of Agamic knowledge due to the influence of kali kal (the era of decline).

4. The Role of Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji (Pages 9-10):

   • The text strongly emphasizes the pivotal role of Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj (also known affectionately as "Sagarji Maharaj") in the revival and re-publication of the Agamas in the late 20th century.
   • Despite the decline in scriptural knowledge and the scarcity of manuscripts, Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji is credited with undertaking the "Bhagirath effort" (a monumental task) of rediscovering, researching, and publishing the Agamas.
   • He organized "community readings" (samuhik vachanas) across various regions (e.g., Patan, Kapadvanj, Ahmedabad, Surat) from 1971 to 1977.
   • During these readings, 26 texts were studied, involving approximately 2,33,200 shlokas (verses). He also guided other scholars, like Muni Shri Punyavijayji, in this endeavor.

5. The Niryavalika Sutra - Specific Content (Pages 12-33):

   • The actual text of the Niryavalika Sutra begins here. It is written in a Prakrit language, characteristic of Jain Agamas.
   • The text starts with a dialogue between Acharya Shri Subhadra (a disciple of Lord Mahavir) and Jambu Kumara (a disciple of Subhadra).
   • Jambu Kumara inquires about the Niryavalika Sutra and the classification of the Upangas.
   • Acharya Subhadra explains that the Upangas are divided into five categories (vargas): Nirayavalika, Kalpvatansika, Pushpadikavijna, Pushpaculiar, and Vanhidasa.
   • He then details that the Niryavalika section has ten chapters (adhyayan).
   • The text then launches into a specific narrative:
     • Chapter 1: The Story of King Kounika (Pages 12-24): This is a detailed account of the birth and life of Prince Kounika, son of King Seniya (Bimbisara) and Queen Chellana.
       • It describes Chellana's pregnancy and her unusual craving (dohala) for King Seniya's flesh from his navel.
       • King Seniya, to fulfill the craving, undergoes a ritualistic preparation and gives his flesh to Chellana.
       • This craving is linked to the future suffering of Kounika in hell.
       • Prince Kounika is eventually born, but due to a prophecy or perceived omen, he is abandoned in an Ashoka garden. He is later found and raised.
       • The narrative details Kounika's rise to power, his usurpation of his father's throne, and the tragic demise of King Seniya.
       • It also mentions the conflict with King Chedaka and the eventual death of Kounika in battle.
     • The Story of Prince Vehalla (Pages 24-33): This section narrates the story of Prince Vehalla, a brother of Kounika.
       • Vehalla receives a prized elephant named Seyanaga and a valuable necklace from his father, King Seniya, while Seniya is still alive.
       • Vehalla's behavior, supported by the elephant, leads to public discourse and discontent.
       • Vehalla's ambition and desire for half the kingdom lead him to confront Kounika.
       • The conflict escalates, involving diplomacy and ultimately a great battle between Kounika (leading ten allied kings) and Chedaka (leading 18 allied kings).
       • The narrative culminates in the battle where Kounika's forces are victorious, and Prince Kounika kills Vehalla.
     • The Story of Prince Kala Kumara (Pages 15-16, 33): This is a continuation of the narrative, detailing the death of Prince Kala Kumara (son of Queen Kalika, a concubine of Seniya) in battle and his subsequent rebirth in the fourth hellish realm (Pankaprabha). This story is presented as an example of the karmic consequences of one's actions.
     • The Story of Prince Sukala Kumara (Page 33-34): This appears to be another parallel story, similar in structure, of a prince named Sukala, whose life and karmic trajectory are similarly explained.

6. Karmic Rebirths and Conclusions (Page 33):

   • The text explicitly connects the actions of these princes (Kounika, Kala Kumara) to their subsequent rebirths in hellish realms, underscoring the Jain doctrine of karma.
   • It suggests that after their hellish existence, they will eventually be reborn in auspicious places like Mahavideha Varsa and attain liberation.

7. Prakirnaka Section (Page 34):

   • This section likely contains concluding remarks or further categorization of the Agamic chapters. It mentions the remaining eight chapters of the Niryavalika Sutra should be understood in a similar manner, focusing on the maternal lineage of the characters.

In Summary:

The Niryavalika Sutra, as presented in this scanned document, is a significant Jain text that serves multiple purposes. It begins by grounding itself in the tradition of Jain scripture and highlights the crucial role of its modern preservers. It then delves into the historical context of the Agamas, emphasizing the importance of their preservation through various recensions. The core of the text, however, is the detailed narration of the lives, karmic consequences, and rebirths of princes like Kounika, Kala Kumara, and Vehalla. These stories serve as exemplars of Jain ethical principles, particularly the law of karma, illustrating how actions in this life lead to suffering or liberation in future existences. The meticulous effort behind its recent publication underscores the dedication of the Jain community to safeguarding and propagating its sacred knowledge.