Agam 43 Mool 04 Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01

The provided text is the first part of "Uttaradhyayan Sutra" from the Jain Agam literature, specifically Agam 43, Mool 04, compiled with the "Dipika commentary" by Acharya Jaykirtisuri. Published by Bhadrankar Prakashan, Ahmedabad, in 2009, this volume contains the first 19 chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra along with the commentary.

Key aspects of the text:

• Authorship and Commentary: The text is presented with the "Dipika commentary" authored by the venerable Acharya Jaykirtisuri, a disciple of Acharya Merutungsuri.

• Publisher and Edition: Published by Bhadrankar Prakashan, Ahmedabad, this is a new edition from 2009 (Vikram Samvat 2066), following an earlier edition by Pandit Hiralal Hansraj in 1909 (Vikram Samvat 1966).

• Inspiration and Editing: The new edition was inspired by Panyas Shrivajrasen Vijay Maharaj and Ganivarya Shri Naybhadra Vijay Maharaj, and compiled by Sadhvi Chandalabala Shreeji Maharaj, a disciple of Param Pujya Pravartini Shri Rohitashreeji Maharaj.

• Content of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra:

  • It's considered the first "Mool Sutra" in Jain Agam literature.
  • It serves as a guide for monks and nuns on the path of spiritual practice and adherence to ethical conduct.
  • The text contains descriptions of excellent conduct and examples of those who follow it, reflecting the teachings of the Jinas.
  • The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is stated to contain 36 chapters, which are studied by virtuous beings who are destined for liberation and have limited cycles of rebirth. Those who are not destined for liberation and have infinite cycles of rebirth are considered unfit to study it.

• Commentary ("Dipika"): The "Dipika" commentary is described as simple, easy to understand, and rich in philosophical meaning. The narratives within the commentary are presented in concise Sanskrit prose, making it accessible to those with a basic Sanskrit understanding.

• Structure of this Volume (Part 1): This first part covers the first 19 chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra.

• Summaries of the Chapters (Adhyayans) covered in Part 1: The text provides brief summaries of the first 19 chapters, which include:

  1. Vinay Adhyayan (Chapter on Humility/Discipline): Emphasizes that humility is the root of Dharma and is crucial for ascetics. It describes the nature of the humble and the arrogant, using examples like the horse and Muni Chandracharya's disciple.
  2. Parishah Adhyayan (Chapter on Endurances): Details the nature of the 22 types of austerities (Parishahs) that ascetics must tolerate with equanimity, providing examples like hunger, thirst, and insults.
  3. Chaturangiya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Four Rare Entities): Highlights the rarity of human birth, the opportunity to hear the Dharma, faith in it, and the effort in practicing conduct. It uses examples to illustrate the rarity of these opportunities.
  4. Pramad-Apramada Adhyayan (Chapter on Negligence and Diligence): Advises constant vigilance and diligence in spiritual practice, urging the avoidance of anger, pride, deceit, and greed, as these lead to lower births.
  5. Akama-Marana Adhyayan (Chapter on Unintentional and Intentional Death): Differentiates between unintentional death (Akama Marana) leading to lower realms and intentional death (Sakama Marana) attained by the wise through specific practices, outlining three types of Sakama Marana.
  6. Kshullaka-Nirgranthiya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Minor Ascetic): Discusses the importance of renunciation, detachment from worldly possessions, and diligent practice of restraint. It focuses on the essential conduct of monks and nuns.
  7. Aurbhriya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Sheep): Illustrates the pain and suffering resulting from attachment to sensory pleasures, using the analogy of a sheep enjoying fattening food without realizing its impending slaughter.
  8. Kapiliya Adhyayan (Chapter on Kapila): Recounts the story of Kapila, who attained wisdom and influenced even thieves to refrain from unrighteousness, emphasizing the impact of greed.
  9. Nami Pravrajya Adhyayan (Chapter on Nemi's Renunciation): Describes the story of Nami Rajarshi and his test of detachment. It offers teachings on renouncing attachment, steadfastness in Dharma, and firmness in restraint, also touching upon the lives of four Pratyeka Buddhas.
  10. Drumpatra Adhyayan (Chapter on the Tree Leaf): Uses the analogy of a falling leaf to depict the impermanence of life and material possessions, emphasizing the need for diligence in spiritual practice, as even a moment's negligence can be detrimental.
  11. Bahushruta Puja Adhyayan (Chapter on the Worship of the Learned): Explains the importance of venerating and learning from knowledgeable ascetics (Bahushrutas), detailing their qualities and the criteria for distinguishing them.
  12. Harikeshiya Adhyayan (Chapter on Harikeshi Muni): Narrates the story of Muni Harikeshi, born in a low caste but adorned with virtues, who attained enlightenment despite facing insults and hardships.
  13. Chitra-Sambhutiya Adhyayan (Chapter on Chitra and Sambhuti): Illustrates the consequences of good and bad deeds through the rise and fall of Muni Sambhuti, showing how attachment to even a slight cause can lead to downfall.
  14. Ishukariya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Archer): Presents a dialogue between parents and children about renunciation, a conversation between husband and wife, and a king and queen, all leading to the characters embracing asceticism and attaining liberation.
  15. Sabhikshu Adhyayan (Chapter on the Ascetic Mendicant): Profoundly outlines the prescribed conduct for monks and nuns, describing the characteristics of an ideal monk who lives detached from worldly desires and endures hardships with equanimity.
  16. Brahmacharya Samadhisthana Adhyayan (Chapter on the Stages of Continence and Equanimity): Focuses on Brahmacharya (celibacy) as the lifeblood of asceticism, detailing ten places of contemplation for maintaining it and the qualities that arise from it.
  17. Papa Shramaniya Adhyayan (Chapter on Sinful Ascetics): Describes and condemns those who call themselves ascetics but violate religious principles, highlighting their wrongdoings and the consequences.
  18. Sanyamiya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Restrained): Narrates the stories of kings who renounced their kingdoms and embraced self-restraint, emphasizing the profound discussion between Muni Sanjaya and King Kshem of Sanyam over the true path.
  19. Mrigaputriya Adhyayan (Chapter on Mrigaputra): Tells the story of Mrigaputra, who, after experiencing the impermanence of wealth and the suffering caused by attachment, renounced worldly pleasures and attained liberation. It highlights the importance of detachment and the consequences of attachment.

• Gratitude: The publishers express gratitude to various individuals and institutions, including the inspirers, editors, the Deesa Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh for their financial contribution, and the printers.

• Concluding Wish: The book concludes with a prayer for readers to awaken their souls through contemplation of the text and attain the highest state (Param Pad).

In essence, this volume is a significant publication for Jain scholars and practitioners, offering a critical edition of a foundational Jain text with a valuable commentary, making the profound teachings of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra accessible to a wider audience.