Agam 30 Mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 02 Uttarajjhayanani Terapanth

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First page of Agam 30 Mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 02 Uttarajjhayanani Terapanth

Summary

Sure, here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Uttaradhyayana Sutra Part 02. Please note that the provided text is primarily the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, with the Prakrit and Sanskrit versions also included for comparison.

Overall Scope and Context:

The provided text is the second part of a series on the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, a significant Jain text. This volume, specifically focusing on Agam 30, Mool 03, delves into the Uttarajjhayaani (Uttaradhyayana Sutra). The publication is attributed to Acharya Tulsi (Vacana Pramukh) and Acharya Mahaprajna (Editor and Annotator), with Dr. Ramanik Shah as the Gujarati Edition Editor-Translator. The publisher is Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun. The text aims to present the original Prakrit text, Sanskrit renderings, Gujarati translation, and comparative notes.

Key Content (Focusing on Chapter 22 - Rathnemijjha/Rathnemiyas):

The summary provided focuses on Chapter 22 (Adhyayan 22) which is titled "Rathnemijjha" or "Rathnemiyas." This chapter recounts the story of Rathnem who was the son of Samudravijaya, a leader of the Andhak lineage.

Narrative Summary of Rathnem's Story (Chapter 22):

  1. Setting: The story is set in the city of Soriyapur (or Sauriyapur), ruled by King Vasudeva of the Vrishni clan. Vasudeva had two queens, Rohini and Devaki, who bore him sons Balarama and Keshav (Krishna), respectively.
  2. Andhak Lineage: In the same city, Samudravijaya, a leader of the Andhak clan, ruled. His queen Shiva bore him four sons: Arishtanemi, Rathnemi, Satyanemi, and Dadhanemi.
  3. Arishtanemi's Significance: Arishtanemi became the twenty-second Tirthankara. Rathnemi and Satyanemi became Pratyeka Buddhas.
  4. Political Context: Soriyapur was governed by a dual power structure, with the Andhaka and Vrishni political factions holding sway. Vasudeva led the Vrishnis, and Samudravijaya led the Andhakas, a system known as "Viruddha-rajya" (conflicting or opposing rule).
  5. Arishtanemi's Conception and Birth: Arishtanemi's soul entered Queen Shiva's womb on the twelfth day of Kartik Krishna. Shiva saw fourteen auspicious dreams. On the fifth day of Shravana Shukla, she gave birth to Arishtanemi, named so due to seeing auspicious jewel-adorned "Nemis" (wheels or pillars) in her dreams.
  6. Arishtanemi's Youth and Renunciation: When Arishtanemi was eight years old, Krishna slew Kamsa. Jara-sandh, angered by the Yadavas, caused them to flee to the western coast, where they established the city of Dwarka. Later, Balarama and Krishna killed Jara-sandh and became kings. Arishtanemi, upon reaching youth, began to turn away from sensory pleasures. Samudravijaya, his father, asked Keshava to devise a plan to engage Arishtanemi in worldly affairs. Keshava asked Rukmini, Satyabhama, and others to try and entice Arishtanemi, but he remained steadfast in his resolve. Keshava then told Arishtanemi that even previous Tirthankaras like Rishabha had renounced worldly life at a later stage and achieved salvation. Arishtanemi, recognizing the strength of destiny, accepted Keshava's words.
  7. Marriage Preparations: Samudravijaya, delighted, began searching for a suitable bride. Rajamati, the daughter of King Ugrasena of the Bhoj clan, was considered a good match for Arishtanemi. Ugrasena accepted the proposal, and celebrations ensued in both royal families.
  8. The Wedding Procession: The wedding day arrived. Rajamati was adorned, and Arishtanemi, mounted on a magnificent elephant, began his procession. The procession was grand, with music and lamps. As they approached the wedding pavilion, Rajamati saw her future husband from afar and was overjoyed.
  9. Arishtanemi's Turning Point: Arishtanemi heard the mournful cries of animals destined for the wedding feast. His charioteer informed him that these creatures were crying out of fear of death. Arishtanemi questioned the joy of a celebration that involved the slaughter of innocent animals and led to further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death. He turned his elephant back towards his residence.
  10. Rajamati's Reaction and Arishtanemi's Renunciation: Seeing Arishtanemi return, Rajamati fainted. Upon regaining consciousness, she lamented. Arishtanemi sought permission from his parents for renunciation (Diksha). After living as a householder for three hundred years, he took to asceticism on the fifth day of Shravana Sud, with great penance in Sahasravana garden.
  11. Rathnemi's Enticement and Rejection: Rathnemi, who had become a Pratyeka Buddha, visited Rajamati. He urged her not to despair and invited her to accept him, promising to obey her lifelong. However, Rajamati's mind had already turned away from worldly pleasures. She drank an emetic mixture and, upon Rathnemi's arrival, vomited and offered the drink to him, saying, "How can I drink what you have vomited?" She then rebuked him for desiring what was rejected and stated that death would be preferable. After this, Rajamati preached the Dharma to Rathnemi, awakening him.
  12. Rathnemi's and Rajamati's Salvation: Rathnemi renounced the world and achieved spiritual enlightenment. Rajamati, along with many other princesses, also took to asceticism. On one occasion, Lord Arishtanemi was present on Mount Raivataka. Sadhvi Rajamati, along with other Sadhvis, went to pay homage. During a rain shower, Rajamati took shelter in a cave where Muni Rathnemi was already present. In the darkness, Rathnemi was disturbed by seeing Rajamati's naked state while she was drying her clothes. Rajamati, realizing Rathnemi's presence, covered herself and sat down. Rathnemi confessed his deep affection for her and urged her to accept him, promising to follow the path of renunciation later. Rajamati explained the dire consequences of worldly attachments and the instability of life, preaching the Dharma to him. Rathnemi became enlightened, bowed to Rajamati, and departed with his followers. Rajamati also went to her Acharya.
  13. Niryuktikar's Account: According to the Niryuktikar, Rathnemi remained a householder for four hundred years, a disguised ascetic for one year, and achieved omniscience for five hundred years. Both Rathnemi and Rajamati, through pure observance of asceticism, attained liberation, enlightenment, and freedom. Rajamati's lifespan was the same as Rathnemi's.

Key Themes and Concepts:

  • Jain Cosmology and Genealogy: The text introduces the lineage of Arishtanemi, placing him within the context of the Yadu and Andhak clans, and highlights the political landscape of Soriyapur.
  • Renunciation (Diksha): The narrative emphasizes the power of spiritual realization and the ultimate detachment from worldly pleasures, as exemplified by Arishtanemi's decision to become an ascetic.
  • Karma and Destiny: Arishtanemi's initial inclination towards worldly life and his subsequent renunciation highlight the influence of destiny and individual spiritual resolve.
  • The Impact of Renunciation: The story illustrates how the spiritual path of one individual can influence others, leading to their enlightenment and eventual liberation.
  • The Teachings of the Tirthankaras: The chapter indirectly refers to the teachings of Tirthankaras like Rishabha and Arishtanemi, underscoring the enduring principles of Jainism.
  • Virtue and Detachment: The narrative praises virtues like self-control, detachment, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge as the means to overcome worldly suffering and attain liberation.
  • The Power of Dharma: The story of Rathnemi being awakened to the Dharma by Rajamati highlights the transformative power of spiritual discourse.

The Structure of the Work:

As indicated by the title pages, the work provides:

  • Mool Paath: The original Prakrit text.
  • Sanskrit Chhaya: A Sanskrit rendering of the text.
  • Gujarati Translation: A translation into Gujarati.
  • Comparative Notes: Annotations and comparisons, likely referencing other commentaries or texts.

The extensive "Tippan" (Notes) section at the end provides detailed explanations of specific terms, cultural references, and interpretations of the text, enriching the understanding of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and its historical context.

This summary focuses on the core narrative of the provided text, which is Chapter 22. The other chapters (23 onwards) would continue to expound on various philosophical, ethical, and practical aspects of Jainism, as per the structure of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.