Agam 30 Mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Sthanakvasi

This Jain text, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, edited by Pravartak Amar Muni and published by Padma Prakashan, is a foundational scripture in Jainism, revered as the last sermon of Lord Mahavir. The book provides the original text along with Hindi and English translations, elaborations, and illustrations.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Overall Scope and Importance:

• Spiritual and Ethical Guide: The Uttaradhyayana Sutra is described as a vast, life-encompassing "spiritual poetry" that also serves as a significant scripture of ethics, religion, conduct, and history. It delves into subjects like the science of karma, psychology, biology, and botany with logical reasoning.
• Last Sermon of Mahavir: Its high veneration stems from its acceptance as the final teachings of Lord Mahavir, highlighting its profound significance for the entire Jain community.
• Equivalence to other traditions: The text draws parallels with the Bhagavad Gita in Vedic tradition and the Dhammapada in Buddhist tradition, underscoring its central place in Jainism.
• Life-Enveloping Scope: The Sutra's teachings are considered life-enveloping, providing guidance for holistic development and spiritual upliftment.

Key Themes and Structure:

The Uttaradhyayana Sutra is structured into 36 chapters (adhyayan), each considered a step towards spiritual well-being and liberation. The provided text specifically highlights and summarizes several chapters:

1. Chapter 1: Vinaya Shrut (Maxims of Modesty):

   • Foundation of Conduct: Emphasizes modesty (Vinaya) as the bedrock of ascetic conduct, the root of religion, and a step towards salvation.
   • Humility and Obedience: Defines modesty as shedding ego, accepting guru's teachings with faith, and obeying their commands.
   • Attributes of Modesty: Details the characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors of both modest and immodest disciples.
   • Practical Guidance: Offers practical advice on conduct in the presence of a guru, including proper sitting, speaking less, learning meaningful teachings, and avoiding idle talk.
   • Self-Subjugation: Stresses the importance of conquering one's own soul (rag-dwesh) as a difficult but essential task for happiness in this world and the next.

2. Chapter 2: Parishah Pravibhakti (Classification of Afflictions):

   • Enduring Hardship: Defines afflictions (Parishah) as enduring hardship with equanimity without straying from the path of liberation.
   • Causes of Afflictions: Links various afflictions to specific karmas (knowledge-obscuring, power-hindering, character-deluding, perception-deluding, and pain-imparting karma).
   • Equanimity as a Test: Highlights that enduring both favorable (cool) and unfavorable (warm) afflictions with equanimity is a test of spiritual practice.
   • Twenty-Two Afflictions: Lists and elaborates on the 22 afflictions, including hunger, thirst, cold, heat, insect bites, nakedness, disturbance in discipline, women, movement, accommodation, insults, violence, non-attainment, illness, contact with straw, dirt, honour, praise, ignorance, and wrong perception.

3. Chapter 3: Chaturangiya (Four Limbs):

   • Essentials for Liberation: Outlines the four crucial elements for attaining liberation:
     1. Manhood (Manushyatva): Birth as a human, which is rare and essential for spiritual progress.
     2. Listening (Shruti): Hearing the righteous religion from a guru.
     3. Faith (Shraddha): Unwavering belief in the teachings.
     4. Vigor in Restraint (Samyam-virya): Showing vitality and application in spiritual discipline.
   • Human Birth's Significance: Explains why human birth is unique and crucial for spiritual pursuit compared to divine or animal births.
   • The Process: Describes how gaining these four elements and practicing them leads to liberation.

4. Chapter 4: Asamskrit (Irreparability):

   • Irreparable Life: Emphasizes the transient and irreparable nature of human life, likening it to a weak string that cannot be rejoined once broken.
   • Avoiding Stupor: Urges the reader to shed carelessness (pramaad) and utilize every moment wisely.
   • Karma's Consequences: Establishes that one alone bears the consequences of their actions, and family or friends cannot share this burden.
   • Revolutionary Thoughts: Highlights Mahavir's revolutionary ideas and the message of analyzing religion with wisdom.

5. Chapter 5: Akaam-Maraniya (Naive Death):

   • Two Types of Death: Distinguishes between "Naive Death" (Akaam Maran) and "Prudent Death" (Sakaam Maran).
   • Naive vs. Prudent Death: Akaam maran is involuntary, characterized by passions like anger, while Sakaam maran is voluntary, faced with courage, calm, and cheerfulness.
   • The Art of Living and Dying: Provides examples and allegories to illustrate the bitter fruits of sensory indulgence and the rewards of detachment and spiritual preparation for death.

6. Chapter 6: Kshullak Nirgranthiya (Newly Initiated Ascetic):

   • Freedom from Knots: Defines a Nirgranth as one free from subtle (internal passions) and gross (external possessions) knots.
   • Detachment: Inspires the neo-initiate to detach from worldly possessions, family, and even the body itself, as they offer no protection from karmic consequences.
   • The Goal: Emphasizes the ascetic's goal of being free from all attachment and aversion.

7. Chapter 7: Urabhriya (About Lamb):

   • Bitter Fruits of Indulgence: Uses five parables (lamb, beggar, king's fondness for mangoes, three merchant sons, divine vs. human pleasures) to illustrate the detrimental consequences of sensual indulgence and excessive greed.
   • Detachment from Fleeting Pleasures: Warns against being lured by trivial, momentary pleasures, highlighting their ultimate bitterness and the loss of greater spiritual gains.

8. Chapter 8: Kapiliya (About Kapil):

   • The Power of Detachment: Narrates the story of Kapil, who, after experiencing profound detachment and realizing the futility of worldly desires, renounced his kingdom and became an ascetic.
   • Conquering Greed: Illustrates the insatiable nature of desire through Kapil's realization that even immense wealth cannot bring contentment.
   • Revolutionary Thoughts: Highlights Mahavir's revolutionary thoughts and the message of analyzing religion with wisdom.

9. Chapter 9: Nami Pravrajya (The Initiation of Nami):

   • Solitude and Peace: Illustrates how solitude and detachment from external associations lead to inner peace.
   • Shraman vs. Vedic: Demonstrates the superiority of Jain (Shraman) spiritual principles over Vedic traditions, particularly in its emphasis on detachment and non-violence.
   • Victory of Spirituality: Concludes with Indra acknowledging Nami's spiritual victory, reinforcing the triumph of inner discipline over worldly temptations.

10. Chapter 10: Drumapatrak (The Tree Leaf):

    • Transience of Life: Uses the metaphor of a falling tree leaf and a dewdrop to emphasize the ephemeral nature of human life.
    • Alertness and Urgency: Urges constant alertness and timely action, warning against complacency and procrastination in spiritual pursuits.
    • Gautam's Vexation: Explains Gautam's initial vexation due to his inability to attain omniscience and Mahavir's guidance to overcome emotional attachments.

11. Chapter 11: Bahushrut Puja (Adoration of Accomplished Scholarly Ascetics):

    • Glory of Knowledge: Highlights the importance and greatness of Bahushrut (learned ascetics).
    • Qualities of a True Ascetic: Defines the characteristics of a true ascetic, contrasting them with immodest and ignorant individuals.
    • Metaphors of Excellence: Uses 15 metaphors (sun, moon, superior horse, strong elephant, lion, divine warrior, emperor, Indra) to illustrate the grandeur and spiritual power of an accomplished ascetic.

12. Chapter 12: Harikeshiya (About Harikesh):

    • Caste vs. Conduct: Emphasizes that true nobility lies in virtuous conduct and austerities, not in birth or caste.
    • Assimilation of Traditions: Attempts to harmonize Vedic and Jain traditions, highlighting the core spiritual principles of both.
    • True Sacrifice: Defines the essence of sacrifice not in external rituals but in internal self-purification and spiritual practices.

13. Chapter 13: Chitra-Sambhutiya (About Chitra and Sambhuta):

    • Consequences of Karma and Nidaan: Illustrates how past actions and wishes (nidaan) influence present and future births.
    • Attachment as Bondage: Highlights carnal pleasures and attachments as the greatest obstacles to liberation.
    • Detachment and Liberation: Shows how detachment from desires leads to happiness and ultimate liberation.

14. Chapter 14: Ishukaariya (About Ishukaar):

    • Logic and Renunciation: Demonstrates the logical refutation of Vedic traditions and the establishment of Jain principles of detachment and non-violence.
    • The Power of Renunciation: Narrates how king Ishukaar, queen Kamalavati, priest Bhrigu, his wife Yasha, and their two sons all attained liberation through renunciation and adherence to Jainism.

15. Chapter 15: Sabhikshuk (The True Ascetic):

    • Qualities of a True Ascetic: Defines the true ascetic (Bhikshu) through his faultless conduct, detachment, self-control, and unwavering devotion to spiritual pursuit.
    • Avoiding Pitfalls: Details the pitfalls to avoid, such as heedlessness, attachment to sensory objects, improper conduct, and reliance on external means.
    • The Path to Liberation: Emphasizes that the true ascetic is one who sheds all karmas and attains the supreme state of perfection.

16. Chapter 16: Brahmacharya Samadhi-Sthaan (Conditions of Perfect Celibacy):

    • Holistic Celibacy: Defines Brahmacharya not just as abstinence from sex but as the restraint of all senses, mind, speech, and body.
    • Nine Restraints and a Fortress: Outlines ten conditions, comprising nine restraints (guptis) and a protective fortress, essential for maintaining perfect celibacy.
    • Spiritual Pursuit: Highlights that true Brahmacharya leads to inner peace and spiritual progress.

17. Chapter 17: Paap-Shramaniya (Sinful Ascetic):

    • Characteristics of a Sinful Ascetic: Describes those who, despite being initiated, live a life of indulgence, carelessness, and hypocrisy, bringing disgrace to the order.
    • Critique of Laxity: Sternly criticizes laxity in conduct, negligence, and attachment to worldly comforts, highlighting their negative consequences.
    • The True Path: Inspires the reader to abandon laxity and follow the faultless path of a true ascetic.

18. Chapter 18: Sanjayeeya (Ascetic Sanjaya):

    • King's Transformation: Narrates the story of King Sanjaya, a hunter, who, after witnessing the suffering of animals and the teachings of an ascetic, renounced his kingdom and became an ascetic.
    • Non-Absolutism: Explains the Jain doctrine of non-absolutism (anekantavada) through dialogue, contrasting it with one-sided views.
    • Inspiring Examples: Uses examples of past enlightened kings to reinforce faith in Jain principles.

19. Chapter 19: Mrigaputriya (Mriga's Son):

    • The Torments of Hell: Vividly describes the horrific sufferings in hell, meant to instill fear and detachment from worldly desires.
    • The Urgency of Spirituality: Emphasizes the importance of spiritual practice in human life, given the transient nature of existence and the severe consequences of neglecting it.
    • The Path of Renunciation: Highlights the story of Mrigaputra, who, inspired by past life memories and the teachings of his parents, renounced worldly pleasures for asceticism and attained liberation.

20. Chapter 20: Mahanirgranthiya (About Great Ascetic):

    • The Nature of Being Unguarded: Explains the concept of being "anaath" (unguarded/orphan) not just in a physical sense but also in a spiritual context, relating to lack of spiritual discipline and control.
    • True Guardedness: Defines true guardedness as inner control, detachment from passions, and adherence to righteous conduct.
    • The Essence of Asceticism: Clarifies that outward appearance is secondary to inner purity and detachment, which are the hallmarks of a true Mahanirgranth.

21. Chapter 21: Samudrapaaliya (About Samudrapaal):

    • Karma and Rebirth: Illustrates how actions (karma) determine future births and consequences, from hellish realms to divine abodes.
    • Detachment from Sensual Pleasures: Emphasizes the need for detachment from worldly pleasures, which are fleeting and ultimately lead to suffering.
    • The Path to Liberation: Highlights Samudrapaal's story of renouncing his worldly life after witnessing the suffering of a condemned man and attaining liberation through austerities.

22. Chapter 22: Rathanemiya (About Rathanemi):

    • Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: Illustrates how even immense worldly pleasures cannot satisfy the soul, and true happiness lies in detachment.
    • The Power of Righteousness: Shows how chastity and adherence to religious principles, as exemplified by Raajimati, can lead to spiritual awakening and liberation, even influencing others like Rathanemi.
    • Spiritual Journey: Narrates the story of Prince Arishtanemi's renunciation and Raajimati's subsequent journey towards liberation.

23. Chapter 23: Keshi-Gautamiya (Keshi and Gautam):

    • Harmony in Doctrine: Shows how differing external practices (like clothing) between two great traditions (Parshvanath and Mahavir's) can be reconciled by focusing on the common goal of liberation and the underlying principles of knowledge, conduct, and austerities.
    • The Power of Dialogue: Emphasizes the importance of dialogue and intellectual discussion in resolving doubts and fostering spiritual understanding.
    • Metaphorical Understanding: Uses metaphors like the horse (mind) and fire (passions) to explain spiritual concepts, making them accessible and relatable.

24. Chapter 24: Pravachana-Maataa (Mother Sermon):

    • Eight Pillars of Conduct: Details the eight essential practices (five circumspections and three restraints) for ascetics, highlighting their role in maintaining spiritual discipline and purity.
    • Nurturing Spirituality: Compares these practices to a mother's care, nurturing the aspirant's spiritual growth and guiding them towards the right path.
    • Path to Liberation: Concludes that adherence to these principles leads to the ultimate goal of liberation.

25. Chapter 25: Yajniya (The True Sacrifice):

    • Spiritual vs. Ritualistic Sacrifice: Distinguishes between external, animal sacrifices prevalent in Vedic rituals and the true inner sacrifice (spiritual practice, austerities, self-control) advocated in Jainism.
    • The Essence of Brahminhood: Defines true Brahminhood not by birth or ritual but by knowledge, conduct, detachment, and freedom from passions.
    • Jayaghosh's Enlightenment: Narrates the story of Jayaghosh, who renounced violent rituals after witnessing suffering and attained liberation through Jain practices.

26. Chapter 26: Samaachaari (The Right System of Ascetic Behaviour):

    • Code of Conduct: Outlines the ten essential practices (Samaachaari) for ascetics, covering aspects like movement, speech, alms-seeking, handling possessions, and conduct towards seniors.
    • Importance of Discipline: Stresses the necessity of discipline, humility, and right conduct for maintaining the integrity of the religious order and spiritual progress.
    • Voluntary Observance: Highlights that Samaachaari is voluntarily adopted, not forced, and fosters inner peace and spiritual growth.

27. Chapter 27: Khalunkiya (Rogue Bullocks):

    • The Analogy of the Rogue Bull: Uses the metaphor of a rogue bullock to describe an immodest, undisciplined, and self-willed disciple who causes suffering to his master and the religious order.
    • Consequences of Misconduct: Details the negative repercussions of such behavior, leading to spiritual downfall and misery.
    • The Path of Detachment: Inspires the reader to abandon the rogue path and follow the disciplined life of a true ascetic, even if it means isolation.

28. Chapter 28: Moksha-Marg-Gati (Endeavour on the Path of Liberation):

    • Four Means to Liberation: Identifies right knowledge, right perception/faith, right conduct, and right austerities as the essential path to liberation.
    • The Process of Liberation: Explains how following these means leads to shedding of karmas and attainment of moksha.
    • The Heart of Uttaradhyayana: Considered the essence of the entire Uttaradhyayana Sutra, offering solutions to all spiritual queries.

29. Chapter 29: Samyaktva Parakram (Fortitude in Righteousness):

    • The Path of Righteousness: Details the steps and practices required to cultivate and maintain right faith (Samyaktva).
    • Spiritual Journey: Covers various aspects of spiritual discipline, from craving for liberation and detachment to service, criticism, repentance, forgiveness, study, and various restraints.
    • Ultimate Goal: Emphasizes that the culmination of these practices is freedom from all miseries and attainment of liberation.

Overall Impression:

The text emphasizes a life of discipline, self-control, detachment from worldly pleasures, and constant spiritual endeavor. It highlights the importance of the guru-disciple relationship, the law of karma, and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha). The inclusion of vivid illustrations enhances the understanding and impact of the profound philosophical and ethical teachings. The revised second edition aims to improve the English translation, making it more accessible to a wider audience.