Agam 33 Prakirnaka 10 Maran Samadhi Sutra Shwetambar

This document appears to be a scanned copy of the Agam 33 Prakirnaka 10, Maran Samadhi Sutra, a Jain text belonging to the Shwetambar tradition, authored by Purnachandrasagar and published by Jainanand Pustakalay. The provided text is extensive, consisting of 57 pages of scanned content, with the core of the sutra itself starting around page 12.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, based on the scanned pages:

I. Front Matter and Introduction (Pages 1-11):

• Dedication and Acknowledgements: The initial pages contain various dedications and salutations to Jain spiritual leaders (Acharyas, Munis, etc.), highlighting the lineage and the institutions involved in the publication (Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir, Jainanand Pustakalay).
• Editorial and Publishing Information: It details the "scanning project" (Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Prakalp), mentions the inspiration and guidance from esteemed Acharyas like Anandasagarsuri and Hemchandrasagar, and lists individuals who contributed to the work.
• Importance of Agamas and Shrutgyan: Page 6 emphasizes the immense value of Shrutgyan (knowledge derived from scriptures) in guiding souls through the cycle of birth and death and pulling them out of delusion. Agamas are presented as the very word of Lord Mahavir.
• History of Agam Recensions (Vachanas): Pages 6-10 provide a detailed historical account of the six major recensions (Vachanas) of Jain Agamas after Lord Mahavir's nirvana. This includes:
  • First Vachana (Shri Dwadashangashrut Sankalan): Held at Pataliputra after a great famine and scattering of monks.
  • Second Vachana (Agam Sanrakshan Vachana): Held in Ujjain under the patronage of Samprati, focusing on preserving the Agamas.
  • Third Vachana: Occurred during the turbulent period after Pushyamitra's reign, involving scholars from both Jinakalpi and Sthavirakalpi traditions.
  • Fourth Vachana: Took place in Dashpur (Mandsaur) to organize the Agamas for future generations with limited memory capacity.
  • Fifth Vachana: Conducted in Mathura and Vallabhi, acknowledging potential textual variations.
  • Sixth Vachana: Held in Vallabhipur (Valabhi, Saurashtra) where the 84 Agamas were compiled and inscribed on palm leaves.
• Decline and Revival of Agamic Knowledge: The text laments the decline of organized study and memorization of Agamas due to the influence of the kaliyuga and the spread of laxity. It then highlights the efforts in the 20th century by influential Acharyas like Anandasagarsuri and his disciples to revive and republish the Agamas, emphasizing the immense effort involved in research and printing.

II. The Maran Samadhi Sutra (Starting page 12):

The core of the text is the Maran Samadhi Sutra, which, as the title suggests, focuses on "Maran Samadhi" – achieving a state of equanimity, peace, and spiritual readiness at the time of death. The sutra is presented in Prakrit (likely Apabhramsa or a related dialect) and is interspersed with Gujarati commentary and explanations.

The sutra and its commentary elaborate on several key themes:

• The Nature of Death and the Goal of Samadhi: The sutra repeatedly emphasizes that death is inevitable and that the true aim of a spiritual seeker (sadhak) is to face it with equanimity and detachment, thereby achieving Samadhi (a state of deep spiritual absorption and peace).
• The Importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Pages 13-15 stress that Samyak Darshan, or right faith, is the foundation of spiritual practice. It involves believing in the eternal truths of Jainism, such as the soul, non-soul, karma, dharma, and adharma. Those who lack this faith and adhere to wrong views are described as facing unfavorable deaths.
• The Practice of Virtuous Conduct (Charitra): The sutra details the importance of following the path of virtuous conduct, abstaining from sins, practicing compassion, and upholding the vows. It differentiates between the death of the ignorant (balamruti) and the death of the wise (pandityamruti).
• Qualities of a Wise Death: The text describes the characteristics of a wise death, which includes:
  • Detachment from the Body: Recognizing the body as temporary and distinct from the soul.
  • Control of Senses and Passions: Overcoming desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
  • Meditation and Contemplation: Engaging in spiritual meditation and reflecting on the teachings.
  • Confession and Repentance (Pratikraman): Acknowledging and repenting for past mistakes and shortcomings.
  • Acceptance of Austerities (Tapas): Enduring hardships and austerities with equanimity.
  • Living in Accordance with Jain Principles: Upholding the five great vows (mahavratas), three controls (guptis), and three restraints (samitis).
• The Role of Knowledge (Gyan) and Conduct (Charitra): The sutra highlights that true liberation is achieved through the combined practice of right knowledge and right conduct, both of which are guided by the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
• Overcoming Obstacles (Parishahas): Numerous stories and examples (from pages 38 onwards) illustrate how great souls (munis, acharyas) faced severe hardships, tortures, and difficult situations (like extreme hunger, thirst, physical torment, attacks by animals and demons) with unwavering equanimity and devotion, demonstrating the power of their spiritual practice. These examples serve as inspiration for the reader.
• The Process of Samlekhana (Controlled Fasting/Dying): Several sections discuss the practice of Samlekhana, a gradual and controlled process of reducing intake and preparing for death with spiritual focus. This includes internal and external Samlekhana, with a strong emphasis on mental purity.
• The Cycle of Birth and Death: The sutra repeatedly refers to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and the immense suffering involved, urging the reader to break free from this cycle through spiritual discipline.
• The Final State: The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) and reach the state of Siddha, free from all karmic bondage. The text describes the different levels of spiritual practice and their corresponding results in terms of rebirth and liberation.
• The Importance of Guru's Guidance: The sutra emphasizes the crucial role of a qualified guru in guiding a disciple through the spiritual path, especially in facing death.
• The Eightfold Path to Samadhi (implied): While not explicitly numbered as such, the sutra touches upon various aspects that constitute a path to peaceful death, including right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, austerity, meditation, confession, detachment, and unwavering devotion to the Tirthankaras.
• The Textual Tradition and Preservation: The latter part of the sutra reiterates the importance of the Agamas and the continuous effort to preserve and understand their teachings.

In essence, the Maran Samadhi Sutra is a profound guide for Jain ascetics and laypeople alike, offering spiritual insights and practical guidance on how to live a life of virtue and prepare for death with equanimity, detachment, and a clear focus on spiritual liberation. It emphasizes the timeless truths of Jainism and the arduous yet rewarding path towards achieving the ultimate spiritual goal.