Agam 25 Aturpratyakhyan Sutra Hindi Anuwad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 25 Aturpratyakhyan Sutra Hindi Anuwad," based on the provided pages:

Title: Agam 25 Aturpratyakhyan Sutra Hindi Anuwad Author/Editor: Muni Diperatnasagarji (Agam Diwakar, Shruta Maharshi) Publisher: Deepratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034692/1 Subject: Jain Agam literature, specifically the Aturpratyakhyan Sutra (part of Payannasutra), with a Hindi translation and commentary.

Overview:

This document presents the Hindi translation and commentary of the 25th Agam Sutra, the "Aturpratyakhyan Sutra," which is the second Sutra within the "Payannasutra." The work is by Muni Diperatnasagarji, a respected Jain scholar. The text focuses on the nature of death, particularly the "Pandit Maran" (wise death), and the practices and attitudes conducive to achieving it. It delves into various aspects of spiritual practice, renunciation, and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).

Key Themes and Content:

Classification of Agams: Page 3 provides a comprehensive list of the 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, 6 Chhedasutras, 4 Mulasutras, and various other categories of Jain Agam literature, placing the Aturpratyakhyan Sutra within this framework as the 25th Agam, second in the Payannasutra.
The Concept of Death: The Sutra distinguishes between three types of death:
- Bal Maran (Childish Death): Dying without proper spiritual understanding or preparation.
- Bal-Pandit Maran (Child-Wise Death): A death where an individual who has taken vows (even if partially) renounces them with full knowledge and repentance at the time of death. This is considered a good death in Jainism.
- Pandit Maran (Wise Death): The ideal death, characterized by complete renunciation, deep spiritual understanding, and a focus on the soul. This is the ultimate goal.
Vows and Observances: The text outlines the fundamental vows and practices of Jainism:
- Aṇuvratas (Minor Vows): Five vows for lay followers, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/chastity, and non-possession.
- Guṇavratas (Guṇavratas): Three vows that strengthen the minor vows, such as restrictions on movement (Digviraman), abstaining from useless activities (Anarthadand Viraman), and spatial limitations (Deshavagasika).
- Shikshavratas (Training Vows): Four vows for further spiritual training, including the vow of Samayik (equanimity), Bhog-Upabhog Pariman (limitation of consumable and enjoyable things), Atithi Samvibhag (charity to guests), and Paushadh (fasting on specific days).
Renunciation and Repentance: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the process of Pratikraman (repentance and confession) and the shedding of attachments. The verses detail the renunciation of:
- Past, present, and future sins.
- Ignorance, lack of restraint, anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion, and delusion.
- Desires for worldly pleasures, possessions, and reputation.
- Entanglements with family, home, and worldly affairs.
- Negative emotions like fear, sorrow, anger, and hate.
The Importance of Equanimity and Detachment: The text emphasizes the need for Samayik (equanimity), Vairagya (detachment), and Samadhi (mental peace) at the time of death. It stresses shedding all forms of "Mamata" (possessiveness) and realizing the soul as the ultimate refuge.
Guidance for the Dying: The Sutra provides guidance on how to face death with wisdom and composure. It encourages remembering past suffering, reflecting on the impermanence of life, and focusing on the soul's eternal nature.
The Nature of the Soul: The text reiterates the Jain belief in the soul's independent existence, its journey through birth, death, and liberation, and its inherent connection to knowledge, perception, and conduct.
Types of Divine Beings and Their Fates: The text touches upon the consequences of actions in relation to the afterlife, mentioning different classes of celestial beings and the importance of right faith (Samyak Darshan) for a favorable rebirth and eventual liberation.
The Role of the Guru: The text highlights the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified guru who is well-versed in the Agamas, free from attachment, and possesses profound spiritual knowledge.
The Efficacy of Repentance and Vows: The text asserts that even a single verse or meditation on a suitable principle at the time of death can lead to a virtuous outcome and eventual liberation.
The Ultimate Goal (Moksha): The overarching message is that through diligent spiritual practice, renunciation of worldly attachments, and a focus on the soul, one can achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Key Terms and Concepts:

Aturpratyakhyan: Renunciation by the afflicted or dying.
Pandit Maran: Wise or knowledgeable death.
Bal Pandit Maran: Child-wise death.
Bal Maran: Childish or ignorant death.
Pratikraman: Repentance, confession, and atonement for sins.
Samayik: Equanimity, meditation, or a state of mental peace.
Vairagya: Detachment, indifference to worldly pleasures.
Samadhi: Mental peace, composure.
Mamata: Possessiveness, attachment.
Bhog-Upabhog: Consumable and enjoyable things.
Aṇuvratas: Minor vows.
Guṇavratas: Strengthening vows.
Shikshavratas: Training vows.
Moksha: Liberation, salvation.
Samyak Darshan: Right Faith.

Significance:

The Aturpratyakhyan Sutra, as translated and explained by Muni Diperatnasagarji, serves as a crucial guide for Jains on how to approach death with spiritual preparedness. It emphasizes that death is not an end but a transition, and the quality of one's dying moments profoundly impacts future destinies. The text provides practical advice and philosophical insights for cultivating the right mindset and performing the necessary spiritual practices to achieve a favorable outcome and ultimately liberation.