Agam 22 Upang 11 Pushpchulika Sutra English Translation

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 22 Upang 11 Pushpchulika Sutra" in English, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Agam 22 Upang 11 Pushpchulika Sutra: Meaning with Commentary Author: Compiled by Muni Deepratnasagar Publisher: Deepratnasagar Nature of Publication: Net Publication (Online Series) Date of Publication: 1/11/2013

Overall Purpose of the Publication: This publication aims to make Jain Agam literature accessible in English for a new generation and those living abroad. It is part of a larger project to translate Agams into English, following the Nandi Sutra and Niraayavalika Panchak. The goal is to provide the text and commentary in a format that allows for easy sharing and modification (Microsoft Word).

Nature of Pushpachulika Sutra:

• Pushpachulika is classified as an "Ang-bahya" Agam, currently known as an "Upang" Sutra.
• It is noted that Shree Chandra-Suri has written a commentary (Vrutti) on this Agam.
• The translation and compilation are based on previous Hindi works edited by Shree Amar-Muni and Shree Chandra Surana, with translation by Surendra Bothara.

Structure and Content of Pushpachulika Sutra: The Pushpachulika Sutra consists of ten chapters (Adhyayanani).

Central Theme: The core theme of the Pushpachulika Sutra revolves around the spiritual conduct of ascetics, particularly female ascetics (Aryaas). It highlights the dangers of excessive attachment to the physical body and its adornment, which can lead to a neglect of spiritual duties like meditation, study, and pursuit of knowledge. This unhealthy attachment to the body and its beautification is termed as bakushika' or sharir-bakushika', meaning an attitude that spoils ascetic discipline.

Key Messages and Lessons:

1. The Peril of Bodily Attachment: Ascetics, especially those who have taken vows of celibacy, must guard against becoming overly engrossed in enhancing their physical appearance. This indulgence can lead them away from their primary spiritual responsibilities.
2. The Importance of Atonement (Pratikraman): It is crucial for ascetics to acknowledge and atone for any faults or transgressions committed while observing ascetic discipline. Failure to do so can result in becoming a transgressor and not achieving the desired higher rebirths.
3. Compassion and Inclusivity of Parshva Nath: The text emphasizes the compassionate and open-minded nature of Bhagavan Parshva Nath. It details how he inspired older, neglected women to embrace the spiritual path, granting them respect and honor.

Detailed Summary of Chapter 1 (Shri Devi):

• Setting: The narrative begins with Jambu Swami inquiring about the Pushpachulika Sutra from Sudharma Swami.
• Gautam Swami's Question: Gautam Swami asks Bhagavan Mahavir about Shri Devi, who appeared in a divine assembly displaying her opulence.
• Bhagavan Mahavir's Explanation: Bhagavan Mahavir recounts the past life of Shri Devi.
  • Past Life: Shri Devi was born as Bhoota Darika (Miss Bhoota) in Rajagriha during the time of King Jitshatru and in the presence of Arhat Parshva (Purushadaniya). Bhoota was an unmarried spinster, physically frail but chaste.
  • Initiation: Bhoota Darika, with her parents' permission, went to worship Arhat Parshva. Impressed by his sermon, she sought initiation. After receiving permission from her parents, she was initiated by Arhat Parshva and became a disciple of Aryaa Pushpachulika.
  • Transgression: After initiation, Bhoota Aryika became sharir-bakushika. She excessively washed her body parts and sprinkled water on places she used for various activities, demonstrating an unhealthy focus on bodily hygiene and beautification.
  • Rejection of Advice: Aryaa Pushpachulika warned Bhoota Aryika about this conduct, stressing that it was against the principles of a Nirgranth Shramani. However, Bhoota Aryika ignored the advice, left the ashram, and continued her anti-ascetic behavior.
  • Death and Rebirth: Bhoota Aryika died without performing atonement for her actions. As a consequence, she was instantaneously reborn as Shri Devi, a goddess in Saudharma Kalp, with a lifespan of one Palyopam.
• Future Destiny: Bhagavan Mahavir reveals that after her divine lifespan, Shri Devi will be reborn as a human in Mahavideh, observe strict asceticism, and ultimately attain liberation (Siddha-buddha).

Summary of Chapters 3 to 10:

• Arya Sudharma Swami states that the remaining nine chapters follow a similar narrative pattern.
• The ten goddesses mentioned in these chapters (Shridevi, Hridevi, Dhritidevi, Kirtidevi, Buddhidevi, Lakshmidevi, Iladevi, Suradevi, Rasadevi, and Gandha devi) all had past lives similar to Bhoota Darika.
• They were all initiated by Arhat Parshva and became disciples of Pushpachula Aryaa.
• Each of them, like Bhoota Darika, became sharir-bakushika (overindulgent in bodily beautification).
• They all died without performing critical review and atonement for their misconduct.
• Consequently, they all reincarnated in celestial vehicles (Vimans) named after them in Saudharma Kalp.
• Upon descending from the divine realms, they will all be born in Mahavideh, practice strict asceticism, and eventually achieve enlightenment and liberation.
• The specific details (names of cities, chaityas, parents) for these past lives are mentioned in a "Sangrahini Gatha," which is noted as not being available in current texts.

Conclusion: The Pushpachulika Sutra, through these narratives, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of renouncing worldly attachments, particularly to the physical body, and adhering strictly to ascetic principles, including the essential practice of atonement for any transgressions. It underscores that true spiritual progress lies in the inner purification and diligent practice of vows, rather than external adornment.