Agam 21 Puffiyanam Dasamam Uvvangsuttam Mulam PDF File

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Agam 21 Puffiyanam Dasamam Uvvangsuttam:

Overall Purpose:

This text, "Puffiyanam" (also known as Pushpyan) which is the tenth Upanga of the Jain Agamas, systematically outlines the lives and rebirths of celestial beings (Devas) and important individuals. It primarily focuses on illustrating the principles of karma, reincarnation, and the path to liberation (moksha) through the detailed narratives of their past lives and eventual spiritual progression.

Key Themes and Structure:

The text is structured into ten chapters (Adhyayanas), each dedicated to a specific celestial being or individual. The common pattern for each chapter is as follows:

1. Introduction: The chapter begins with the standard invocation and the question posed by Lord Gautama to Lord Mahavir regarding the subject matter of the chapter.
2. Celestial Existence: It describes the celestial being in a particular heaven, their lifespan, lifespan, abode, lifespan, and their current state of existence.
3. Previous Life Narrative: The core of each chapter details the previous life of this celestial being. This narrative typically includes:
   • Birth and Social Standing: The time and place of their birth, their family (e.g., merchant, Brahmin), and their wealth.
   • Life Events and Choices: Significant events in their life, their actions (good and bad), their moral and ethical conduct, and their worldly pursuits.
   • Religious Inclination and Renunciation: How they encountered spiritual teachings, their adherence to religious vows (like the five vows of Jainism – anuvratas), and their eventual renunciation of worldly life to become an ascetic (shramana or muni).
   • Penance and Austerities: The severe penances and austerities they undertook to purify their karma.
   • Death and Rebirth: Their death and subsequent rebirth in a celestial realm due to the merit accumulated.
4. Future Destiny: The text often concludes by describing their future rebirths and eventual liberation from the cycle of birth and death, emphasizing that their current celestial status is a consequence of their past deeds.

Summary of the Ten Chapters (Adhyayanas):

1. Adhyayana 1: Chand (Moon):

   • Focuses on the celestial being Chand (Moon).
   • Details his previous life as Angadi, a wealthy householder from Shravasti, who renounced worldly life after listening to Lord Parsva and became an ascetic, eventually dying and being reborn as Chand. His future destination is also mentioned.

2. Adhyayana 2: Sur (Sun):

   • Deals with the celestial being Sur (Sun).
   • His previous life is described as Suprikshaka, a wealthy householder from Shravasti, who, like Angadi, renounced the world, practiced austerities, and was reborn as Sur. His future path to liberation is outlined.

3. Adhyayana 3: Shukra (Venus):

   • Discusses the celestial being Shukra.
   • His previous life was that of Somil, a Brahmin in Varanasi. He was initially attached to Vedic rituals and worldly life, but later encountered Lord Parsva and became a follower of Jainism, undertaking severe austerities. His journey includes details of his practices and his eventual rebirth as Shukra, leading to his ultimate liberation in Mahavideha.

4. Adhyayana 4: Bahuputriya (Many Children):

   • Focuses on the celestial being Bahuputriya.
   • Her previous life was as Subhadra, the wife of a wealthy merchant (Sarthavaha) named Bhadra in Varanasi. Despite her prosperous life, she longed for children. After encountering nuns (Aryas) and learning about Jain principles, she renounced her worldly life and became a nun. Her life as a nun, her practices, and her eventual rebirth as Bahuputriya in a heaven with a long lifespan are described. The chapter also explains why she is called "Bahuputriya" – because she manifests numerous children when serving Indra. Her future rebirth in India as Soma is also predicted.

5. Adhyayana 5: Punnobhadda (Virtuous Bhadra):

   • Details the celestial being Punnobhadda.
   • His previous life was as Punnobhadra, a wealthy householder from Manipurnya. He heard the teachings of the omniscient (Kevali) monks, renounced his life, and became an ascetic, practicing severe austerities. This led to his rebirth as Punnobhadra in a celestial realm with a lifespan of two sagaropamas and his eventual liberation.

6. Adhyayana 6: Manibhadra (Jeweled Bhadra):

   • Focuses on the celestial being Manibhadra.
   • His previous life was as Manibhadra, a householder from Manipurnya. Similar to Punnobhadra, he renounced his worldly life after encountering the teachings of eminent monks, practiced austerities, and was reborn in a celestial realm, ultimately achieving liberation.

7. Adhyayana 7: Datta (Given/Gifted):

   • Discusses the celestial being Datta.
   • His previous life was as Datta in Chandana. He followed the path of austerity and renunciation, leading to his celestial rebirth and eventual liberation.

8. Adhyayana 8: Shive (Auspicious):

   • Details the celestial being Shive.
   • His previous life was as Mithila in Mithila city. He embraced asceticism and austerities, resulting in his celestial rebirth and ultimate liberation.

9. Adhyayana 9: Bala (Strength):

   • Focuses on the celestial being Bala.
   • His previous life was in Hastinapur. He practiced asceticism and austerities, leading to his celestial rebirth and eventual liberation.

10. Adhyayana 10: Anadi (Without Beginning):

    • Deals with the celestial being Anadi.
    • His previous life was at the Chaitya of Kakandi. He followed the path of asceticism and austerities, leading to his celestial rebirth and eventual liberation.

Common thread throughout the text:

• Karma Theory: The central message is the immutable law of karma. Every action, virtuous or sinful, has a direct consequence, determining one's present and future lives, including their lifespan, status, and suffering or happiness.
• The Power of Renunciation and Austerity: The text strongly emphasizes that worldly pleasures are temporary and that true liberation is achieved through renunciation, adherence to vows, and rigorous spiritual practices (tapas).
• The Guidance of Tirthankaras and Ascetics: The narratives consistently highlight the role of Tirthankaras and their disciples (ascetics and nuns) in guiding individuals towards spiritual enlightenment.
• The Cycle of Rebirth: The constant movement between human existence, celestial realms, and eventual liberation in the form of omniscience and the destruction of all karmic bonds is a recurring theme.
• The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal described is the attainment of moksha or liberation, a state of eternal peace and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

In essence, "Puffiyanam" serves as a detailed scriptural explanation of how actions in one life shape the destiny in subsequent lives, culminating in the ultimate spiritual liberation through the Jain path.