Agam 29 Sanstarak Sutra Hindi Anuwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam 29 Sanstarak Sutra Hindi Anuwad," based on the provided pages:

This document is the Hindi translation and commentary of the Sanstarak Sutra, which is the sixth part (Panna Sutra-6) of the 29th Agam (Agam-29). The translation and editing are done by Agam Diwakar Muni Deepratnasagarji. The text is presented as a spiritual guide for Jain ascetics and practitioners.

The core theme of the Sanstarak Sutra revolves around the practice of Santhara (or Sallekhana), a sacred Jain vow of voluntary fasting leading to a peaceful and conscious death. The text elaborates on the significance, methodology, and benefits of this practice.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the translated text:

1. Introduction and Invocation:

• The text begins with traditional invocations and salutations to Jain Tirthankaras and revered gurus.
• It establishes the context as the 29th Agam Sutra, specifically the Sanstarak Sutra, translated into Hindi.

2. The Nature and Significance of Santhara:

• Sanstarak as the Ultimate Aspiration: The practice of Santhara is described as the ultimate aspiration of virtuous individuals. It is considered the pinnacle of their spiritual practice, a flag signifying the culmination of their life's disciplines.
• Comparison to Valued Possessions: The text uses numerous analogies to highlight the supreme value of Santhara. Just as a poor man cherishes wealth, a wrestler values victory, or precious gems like Vaishya, sandalwood, and diamond hold immense value, Santhara is presented as the most precious practice for a virtuous soul.
• Superiority over Other Virtues: Santhara is deemed superior to various other significant spiritual practices and virtues, including:
  • The lineage of Tirthankaras.
  • The path of liberation (Siddhi Gati).
  • The bliss of Moksha.
  • The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).
  • The pronouncements of saints.
  • The purity of equanimity (Samyaktva).
  • The practice of meditation (Dhyana), particularly Paramashukla Dhyana.
  • Perfect knowledge (Keval Gyana).
  • The vow of Brahmacharya (celibacy).
  • The five Samitis (careful conduct) and three Guptis (restraint).
  • The holiest of pilgrimages.
  • Even auspicious symbols like white lotuses and full pots are considered less auspicious than Santhara.

3. The Benefits of Santhara:

• Attainment of Liberation (Moksha): Santhara is the direct path to achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Spiritual Purity and Renunciation: It signifies the shedding of worldly attachments and the purification of the soul.
• Supreme Happiness: The happiness derived from Santhara is described as incomparable and superior to even the pleasures experienced by celestial beings (Devas). It leads to an eternal, self-reliant, and unbroken state of bliss.
• Destroying Karmic Bonds: Through the process of Santhara, accumulated karmas are shed, leading to the destruction of future karmic consequences.

4. Qualifications and Conditions for Practicing Santhara:

• Purity of Intention and Conduct: The text emphasizes that Santhara is only pure if undertaken with genuine detachment, without pride or arrogance, and with a clear conscience.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: A crucial aspect is the need for sincere repentance (Alohana) and seeking forgiveness from gurus and all sentient beings.
• Right Faith and Conduct: The practitioner must possess pure Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) and rigorously follow the path of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
• Overcoming Attachments: Release from anger, pride, deceit, greed, and other vices is essential.
• Understanding of the Soul and Body: The practitioner must understand that the soul and body are distinct entities and detach from bodily possessions and affections.

5. Illustrative Narratives (Examples of Virtuous Souls Practicing Santhara): The sutra provides numerous examples of great souls who faced extreme hardships, persecutions, and tortures but maintained their equanimity and practiced Santhara, ultimately achieving liberation. These include:

• Shraddh of Shri Arnika Putra: Thrown into the Ganges, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Skand Suri and 499 Disciples: Ground in a machine, they practiced Santhara.
• King Danda: Pierced by arrows, he practiced Santhara.
• King Dand's Successor: Also pierced by arrows after renouncing kingship, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Sukoshal Rishi: Torn apart by a tigress, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Avantikumal: Eaten by a jackal, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Kartikarya Rishi: Afflicted by illness and later pierced by a spear, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Dharma Singh: His body torn apart by animals, he practiced Santhara.
• Minister Chanakya: Burned alive, he practiced Santhara.
• King Amritghosh: His body pierced by weapons, he practiced Santhara.
• Lalitghata Group: Swept away by a flood, they practiced Santhara.
• Shri Rishabhsen Acharya and Shri Singhsen Upadhyay: Burned alive, they practiced Santhara.
• Kurudatta Shreshthiputra: Burned alive, he practiced Santhara.
• Chilatiputra: Eaten by ants, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Gajasukumal Rishi: Bound and thrown, he practiced Santhara.
• Shri Sunakshatra and Shri Sarvanubhuti: Burned by Tejo Leshya, they practiced Santhara.

These narratives underscore the Jain principle of equanimity and detachment in the face of immense suffering.

6. The Process of Undertaking Santhara:

• Gyan Parighna: The ascetic understands the appropriate time and method for Santhara through knowledge.
• Vow of Non-Eating: This involves gradually renouncing food and water, starting with all four types of food (Solid, Liquid, Edibles, Drinkables) and progressing to only pure water, and finally abstaining from water as well.
• Seeking Forgiveness: The final act involves seeking forgiveness from all beings.

7. The Immeasurable Benefits:

• The text reiterates that the benefits gained by a soul undertaking Santhara are immeasurable. Even gods desire to witness this practice.
• The power of Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, when applied during Santhara, can destroy vast amounts of karma in a single moment, a feat that would otherwise take eons of asceticism.

8. Conclusion: The Sanstarak Sutra, as presented in this Hindi translation, is a profound text that guides individuals towards understanding and potentially undertaking the noble practice of Santhara. It emphasizes spiritual preparedness, detachment, and the ultimate goal of liberation, illustrating these principles through the lives of revered ascetics who faced adversity with unwavering equanimity.