Agam 22 Upang 11 Pushpa Chulika Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pushpa Chulika Sutra" (Agam 22 Upang 11), based on the scanned pages. Please note that the scanned text is primarily in Gujarati with some Sanskrit and Prakrit phrases, and the focus is on the historical context and the significance of Agam preservation within Jainism.

Book Title: Agam 22 Upang 11 Pushpa Chulika Sutra Author(s): Purnachandrasagar (as the scribe/compiler for this edition) Publisher: Jainanand Pustakalay Context: This document is presented as a scanned version from the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, highlighting the efforts in preserving and publishing ancient Jain scriptures (Agams).

Core Content and Themes:

The provided pages focus heavily on the history of the compilation and preservation of Jain Agams, particularly through various "Vachanas" (recensions or councils). It establishes the immense importance of Shruta Jnana (knowledge acquired through listening/scriptures) in Jainism as a guide for spiritual seekers.

Key Points and Narrative Flow:

1. Introduction and Reverence: The initial pages express deep reverence for spiritual leaders and teachers, particularly the lineage of Acharyas involved in the revival and publication of Jain scriptures. The project is presented as a significant effort in preserving the Jain tradition.

2. The Importance of Agams: The text emphasizes that the Agams are the direct teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami and are the ultimate source of guidance for overcoming spiritual ignorance and navigating the cycle of birth and death (Bhavatavi).

3. Origin of Agams: It states that the Agams were first compiled by the Ganadharas (chief disciples of Lord Mahavir), led by Shri Indrabhuti (Gautam Swami), immediately after Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana. Lord Mahavir himself sanctioned these compilations.

4. The Six Vachanas (Recensions/Councils): A significant portion of the text details the historical necessity and process of six major Vachanas undertaken to preserve the Agamic knowledge:

   • First Vachana (Shrut Sankalan): Held at Pataliputra (Patna) under the presidentship of Shri Sthulabhadra Swami, approximately 160 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, due to a severe famine and the scattering of monks. This was a compilation of the Dwadasangi (Twelve Angas).
   • Second Vachana (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Conducted in Ujjain under Acharya Aryasuhasti, during the reign of Emperor Samprati (around 245-281 years after Mahavir's Nirvana), focusing on preserving the integrity of the Agams.
   • Third Vachana: Occurred between 300-330 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, in Kalinga, under the patronage of King Kharavel, to restore and systematically arrange the eleven Angas and ten Purvas, after a period of persecution by Pushyamitra and the subsequent flight of monks.
   • Fourth Vachana: Held at Dashpur (Mandsaur) around 592 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, by Acharya Aryarakshit Suri, who organized the Agams into four Anuyogas (classified sections) to make them accessible for future generations with potentially diminished memory retention. This was prompted by a severe famine in North India.
   • Fifth Vachana: Around 830-840 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, separate recensions were conducted in Mathura (Uttarapatha) by Acharya Deva Suri and in Valabhi (Dakshinapatha) by Acharya Nagardjun Suri. The aim was to unify these distinct traditions later.
   • Sixth Vachana: This was the most significant in terms of formalizing the Agams into written form. Held in Valabhi-pur (Saurashtra) by Acharya Devarkingani and Acharya Kalk Suri, it involved the systematic compilation and transcription of 84 Agams onto palm leaves. This is seen as the point where the Agams were "put into book form" or pustakaroodha. This Vachana occurred around 1000 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, after which there's a gap in documented Vachanas for about 1500 years.

5. The Decline of Agamic Knowledge: The text highlights that due to the influence of Kaliyuga (the current age of spiritual decline) starting around the 10th century, the tradition of Agamic study and recitation became concentrated in the hands of a few learned monks. Access to these handwritten manuscripts became increasingly difficult for the general community.

6. The Revival Efforts of the 20th Century: The latter part of the text focuses on the crucial role played by Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj (also known as "P. Sagarji Ma.") in the late 20th century. Facing a severe decline in the systematic study of Agams, he took the initiative to:

   • Research and Collect: He undertook extensive research to find and collect scattered Agamic manuscripts and palm-leaf writings.
   • Publish and Disseminate: He oversaw the printing of limited editions of Agam texts, taking responsibility for every stage from proofreading to final printing.
   • Organize Recitations: He organized "Samuhik Vachanas" (group recitations/study sessions) in various locations like Patan, Kapadvanj, Ahmedabad, and Surat between 1971-1977. These sessions helped hundreds of monks and nuns re-engage with and understand the Agams. He also guided other prominent monks like Muni Punyavijayji in this endeavor.
   • Legacy: The current publication of the Pushpa Chulika Sutra is attributed to the efforts of Acharya Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj, with the present edition being re-printed through the Jainanand Pustakalay established by him.

7. The Pushpa Chulika Sutra Itself: Pages 12-16 begin to present the actual text of the Pushpa Chulika Sutra. It's written in Prakrit and appears to be a narrative story about a woman named Bhuta (or possibly a character whose story is being related). The excerpt describes her seeking permission from her parents to renounce the world and become a disciple of Lord Parshva. It also touches upon purity and adherence to monastic vows, contrasting the conduct of the pure ascetics with someone who is physically clean but not truly virtuous. It ends with a mention of a woman named Pushpachoola and her disciples, and a description of the heavenly abode and rebirths. The textual content here is a small fragment and requires further analysis for a full understanding of its specific teachings.

8. Attribution and Dedication: The text clearly states that this edition is revised and edited by Acharya Shri Anandasagar Surishwarji Maharaj and published by Jainanand Pustakalay, Surat. It also lists the various disciples and supporters who contributed to the project.

In essence, the provided pages serve as a historical testament to the rigorous efforts made over centuries to safeguard the Jain Agams. It highlights the critical role of dedicated Acharyas in preserving and revitalizing this invaluable spiritual heritage, culminating in the modern-day revival and dissemination of these ancient texts.