Agam 23 Upang 12 Vrashnidasha Sutra Shwetambar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Vraishnidasha Sutra within the context of the Agamas and their transmission, as presented in the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam 23 Upang 12 Vraishnidasha Sutra Author(s): Purnachandrasagar (as per the inscription, the work is revised and edited by Acharya Anandasagarsuriji) Publisher: Jainanand Pustakalay

Overall Context:

This document is a scanned edition of the Vraishnidasha Sutra, which is part of the Upangas, a collection of secondary scriptures in Jainism, specifically within the Shwetambar tradition. The initial pages are dedications and acknowledgments, followed by a detailed historical account of the transmission and preservation of the Jain Agamas (scriptures) through various "recitations" or compilations (vachanas). The latter pages contain the actual text of the Vraishnidasha Sutra in Prakrit, with some Gujarati commentary or introductory remarks.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Grateful Dedication and Acknowledgment: The document begins with invocations to revered Jain saints and spiritual leaders, indicating a deep respect for tradition and lineage. It also highlights the efforts of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The specific work is dedicated to Acharya Anandasagarsuriji for his revision and editing.

2. The Importance of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge): A significant portion of the introductory text emphasizes the supreme importance of Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge) in guiding beings out of ignorance and the cycle of rebirth. Agamas are described as the direct words of Lord Mahavir.

3. Historical Transmission of the Agamas (The "Six Recitations"): A crucial part of the introduction details the historical process by which the Jain Agamas have been preserved and compiled over centuries. This is presented through the concept of six major "recitations" (vachanas):

   • First Recitation (Shri Dvadashangashrutasankalan): Occurred around 160 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana due to a severe famine and scattering of monks. It aimed to compile the Dvadashangi (Twelve Limbs of the Agamas) under the presidentship of Shri Sthulabhadra Swami.
   • Second Recitation (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Took place in Ujjain under the guidance of Aryasuhasti Suri, during the reign of Emperor Samprati (around 245-281 Vira Nirvana era), focusing on preserving the integrity of the Agamas.
   • Third Recitation: Followed a period of persecution by King Pushyamitra, where monks fled to Kalinga. King Kharvela of Kalinga, a Jain, helped in the revival. This recitation (around 300-330 Vira Nirvana era) involved hundreds of monks and nuns, and focused on compiling the eleven Angas and ten Purvas.
   • Fourth Recitation (Dashpur Vachana): Occurred around 592 Vira Nirvana era in Dashpur (Mandsaur). Facing a severe famine and decline in memorization capacity, Acharya Aryarakshit Suri, with the consent of other prominent acharyas, organized the four Anuyogas (categories of Jain scriptures) to ensure the longevity of the Agamas.
   • Fifth Recitation (Mathuri and Valabhi Vachanas): Around 830-840 Vira Nirvana era, Acharya Skandil Suri in Mathura and Acharya Nagarjun Suri in Valabhi undertook compilations in different regions due to prevailing confusion.
   • Sixth Recitation (Valabhīpur Vachana): This was the final and most comprehensive compilation, conducted by Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashraman and Acharya Kalak Suri in Valabhīpur (Saurashtra) around the Kalakala period. Here, 84 Agamas were systematically compiled and inscribed on palm leaves, essentially bringing the Agamas into written form. It is noted that the direct lineage of this knowledge was disrupted around 1000 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.

4. The Role of Acharya Anandasagarsuri and the Modern Revival: The text highlights that after a long period without formal recitations, the 10th century saw a decline in the strict adherence to scriptural knowledge. In the late 20th century, scholars like the late Acharya Anandasagarsuri Maharaj (also affectionately known as "Pujya Sagarji Maharaj") played a pivotal role in reviving the study and dissemination of Agamas. He is credited with undertaking rigorous research from various manuscripts, personally overseeing the printing of limited editions, and organizing public recitations of Agamas. This initiative helped hundreds of monks and nuns reconnect with the scriptural heritage.

5. The Vraishnidasha Sutra Itself:

   • The sutra is identified as the 12th Upang within the 23rd Agam.
   • The text appears to be in Prakrit, as is common for these early Jain scriptures.
   • The provided pages contain narrative segments describing events, characters, and their spiritual journeys.
   • One prominent narrative section focuses on Prince Nishadh (Nisadha), detailing his birth, his encounters with Jain teachings, his renunciation, and his eventual attainment of liberation (moksha). This narrative highlights the path of spiritual discipline, asceticism, and the ultimate goal of Jain practice.
   • The narrative also mentions Lord Arishtanemi, the 22nd Tirthankara, and his disciples.
   • The text describes the lineage and merits of various individuals, emphasizing their past lives and future rebirths according to Jain cosmology and karma theory.
   • The passage about Nishadh includes details about his dreams, his learning from spiritual teachers, his adherence to vows, and his progress towards omniscience (kevalgyan) and liberation.

6. The Publisher and Editorial Context: The publication is by Jainanand Pustakalay, and the printing and editorial work are attributed to the efforts of disciples and followers of various esteemed Acharyas, tracing a lineage of spiritual scholarship. The preface also mentions that the current edition is based on the research of the late Acharya Anandasagarsuri.

In Summary:

The provided text is a significant Jain scripture, the Vraishnidasha Sutra, presented within the larger framework of the Agamas. The introductory sections offer a valuable historical overview of how the Jain scriptures were painstakingly preserved and compiled through a series of important recitations over centuries, especially highlighting the challenges posed by difficult times and the crucial role of spiritual leaders in their transmission. The actual sutra text appears to narrate stories of spiritual journeys, particularly focusing on Prince Nishadh and his path to liberation, reinforcing the core Jain principles of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and the importance of renunciation and asceticism. The entire effort is a testament to the dedication of the Jain monastic orders and their followers in safeguarding and propagating the sacred teachings.