Agam 30 Mood 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati

This is a summary of the provided Jain text, "Agam 30 Mood 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 02," authored by Ghasilal Maharaj. The provided text primarily consists of the introductory pages and the table of contents, followed by the beginning of the fourth chapter, and then jumps to discussions and stories related to various chapters up to the fourteenth. The summary will focus on the overarching themes and the content presented, particularly the introductory guidelines and the philosophical and ethical lessons conveyed through stories.

Overall Scope and Purpose:

The Uttaradhyayana Sutra, as presented in this part, is a foundational text in Jainism that offers profound philosophical and ethical teachings for monks and lay followers alike. It aims to guide individuals towards liberation (moksha) by emphasizing righteous conduct, self-discipline, detachment from worldly desires, and the understanding of karma. The text is presented with a commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj, making it accessible through Gujarati and Hindi translations.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Introductory Prayers and Publisher Information (Pages 1-4):

   • The text begins with the traditional Jain Navkar Mantra, acknowledging the five supreme beings (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus), which is considered the essence of Jainism and a remover of sins.
   • It highlights the "Agam 30 Mood 03" project, dedicated to publishing Jain scriptures with the commentary of Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. The publisher is identified as the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastoddhar Samiti.
   • It also mentions the dedication of this volume to Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj, who compiled the Sanskrit and Prakrit text with Hindi and Gujarati translations.
   • The publication date is noted as Veer Samvat 2486 (1960 AD), with the first edition printed in Rajkot.

2. Special Instructions for Study (Pages 6-10):

   • A significant portion of the initial pages is dedicated to detailed rules and guidelines for studying the Sutra, referred to as "Aswadhyaya Prasanga" (occasions for not studying). These rules are extensive and cover:
     • Timing: When to study (first and fourth prahar of day/night) and when not to (twilight, noon, midnight, and specific durations around sunrise/sunset).
     • Personal Conditions: Exclusions for women during menstruation.
     • Environmental/Celestial Phenomena: Prohibitions during events like meteor showers (Ulkapata), unusual sky colors (Digdaha), loud thunder (Garjarava), celestial pronouncements (Nirghata), lightning flashes (Vidyut), specific lunar phases and twilight combinations (Yupaka), celestial lights (Yakshadipta), and dense fog (Dhumika Krishna and Mahika Shwet), and dust storms (Rajodghata).
     • Physical/Bodily Conditions: Avoiding study when exposed to remains of bones, flesh, blood, or if an egg is broken nearby. Avoidance when excrement is visible or its odor is present. Proximity to a cremation ground (Smashan).
     • Eclipses and Political Unrest: During lunar and solar eclipses, and periods of royal conflict or after a ruler's death until a new appointment.
     • Festivals: During four major festivals and the preceding four days (Pratipada).
   • Important Caveat: The text explicitly states that these rules apply to the original text (Mulpath) and not to translations. It emphasizes the importance of 'Vinay' (respect and humility) and following the guidance of elders or gurus during difficult times.

3. Table of Contents (Pages 11-16):

   • This section provides a detailed list of the topics covered in Part 2 of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which spans chapters 4 to 14. The chapters cover a wide range of ethical and philosophical subjects, often illustrated with stories and examples:
     • Chapter 4 (Grastha vs. Shradha): Discusses the absence of refuge in old age, the importance of self-reliance, the folly of attachment to wealth, the impermanence of life, and the necessity of spiritual practice. It features stories like Attanmall the wrestler.
     • Chapter 5 (Akama and Sakama Death): Explains the different types of death, focusing on involuntary (Akama) and voluntary (Sakama) death, and the karmic consequences. Stories include the greedy merchant and the dishonest thief.
     • Chapter 6 (Nirgrantha's Duties): Details the conduct and duties of a Jain monk (Nirgrantha), emphasizing detachment, control over senses, and adherence to vows. It mentions the story of Haridra and others.
     • Chapter 7 (Taste and Desires): Discusses the control over taste and sensory pleasures, illustrating the dangers of excessive indulgence. It features the story of Kheda and the ignorant.
     • Chapter 8 (Applauding Misdeeds): Addresses the dangers of praising wrong actions and the consequences thereof, with the example of Durmati the thief.
     • Chapter 9 (The Importance of Contentment): Highlights the need for contentment and the absence of attachment, using the story of Nabhirama and Chandrayash.
     • Chapter 10 (Indra's Dialogue with Nabhirama): Focuses on maintaining steadfastness in spiritual practice, illustrating with the story of Sal and Mahasal.
     • Chapter 11 (Abstinence from Alcohol): Discusses the harms of alcohol and the importance of abstinence, using the example of King Sudhanva.
     • Chapter 12 (The Monk's Life): Details the conduct and virtues of monks, using the example of Harikeshi the monk.
     • Chapter 13 (Attachment to Body): Addresses the impermanence of the body and the dangers of attachment to it, using the story of Kheda and the ignorant.
     • Chapter 14 (The Path to Liberation): Outlines the path to liberation, emphasizing detachment and right conduct, with the example of King Muldev.

4. Detailed Content Summaries (Pages 17 onwards):

   • The provided text then delves into specific chapters, offering summaries and narratives:
     • Chapter 4: Absence of Refuge in Old Age (Jara-grasta ko sharan ka abhav): This chapter emphasizes that in old age, external support is unreliable. It uses the story of the wrestler Attanmall, who relied on his physical strength, to illustrate that even great strength fades with time and is no match for old age and death. The narrative highlights the importance of spiritual practice (dharma) for true refuge. It also touches upon the concept of wealth's inability to provide ultimate protection.
     • Chapter 5: Description of Akama and Sakama Death: This chapter begins by explaining the concept of different types of death and their karmic implications. It uses the story of a greedy merchant who cheats a milkmaid and the example of a thief named "Durga" to illustrate the consequences of attachment to wealth and wrongful actions, ultimately leading to suffering in hell. The text then moves to the story of the "Durta Chor" (clever thief) which further emphasizes that karma yields its fruits, and the consequences of actions cannot be escaped. The story of the "Dharmapal" teaches about the futility of external rituals without inner purity and the importance of righteous conduct. The narrative of "Dharmapal" explains how even powerful wealth cannot protect from the results of bad karma. The story of the priest's son illustrates that even knowledge and wealth are futile against the consequences of past actions. The chapter also discusses the idea that even with right perception (Samyakdarshan), attachment to passions (Moha) can prevent liberation, using the example of the metal refiner. The overarching theme is the consequence of actions (karma) and the need for spiritual practices like non-violence, truthfulness, and detachment.

Key Jain Principles Highlighted:

• Karma: The text strongly emphasizes the law of karma, where every action has a consequence, and no one can escape the fruits of their deeds. This is illustrated through numerous stories where characters face suffering due to their past actions, particularly those driven by greed, attachment, and violence.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): The importance of non-violence towards all living beings, from the smallest (Ekendriya) to the more complex (Panchindriya), is a recurring theme. The restrictions on study during certain times and the emphasis on protecting all life forms point to this core principle.
• Detachment (Vairagya) and Renunciation: The stories often revolve around characters who realize the impermanence of worldly pleasures and relationships. This realization leads them to renounce their attachments and embrace the spiritual path, exemplified by the concept of detachment from possessions and sensory desires.
• Self-Control (Sanyam) and Discipline: The text stresses the necessity of controlling the senses and passions (Indriyas and Kashayas) to achieve spiritual progress and liberation. The rules for study and the conduct prescribed for monks highlight the importance of discipline.
• Righteous Conduct (Dharma): The Uttaradhyayana Sutra consistently promotes righteous conduct as the ultimate means of protection and well-being, both in this life and the afterlife.
• The Guru's Guidance: The text underscores the importance of following the teachings and commands of the Guru, as this is considered the path to spiritual advancement and liberation.

Illustrative Stories:

The text uses a rich tapestry of stories to convey its philosophical points. These narratives often feature:

• Examples of Greed and Attachment: Leading to suffering and negative rebirths.
• Consequences of Violence and Wrongdoing: Demonstrating the inescapable nature of karma.
• The Folly of Relying on External Factors: Highlighting that wealth, power, and even knowledge are insufficient without spiritual discipline.
• The Power of Detachment and Renunciation: Showcasing how letting go of worldly desires leads to inner peace and spiritual progress.
• The Importance of Righteousness in All Circumstances: Even in the face of adversity, maintaining dharma is paramount.

In essence, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 2, as presented here, serves as a comprehensive guide to ethical living and spiritual pursuit within the Jain tradition. It uses narratives and detailed rules to illustrate the path to liberation, emphasizing self-discipline, the law of karma, and the ultimate insignificance of worldly possessions compared to spiritual attainment.