Agam 43 Mool 04 Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 02 - Book Summary

This document is the Gujarati translation of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Part 2, which is the 43rd Agam book and the 4th Mool Sutra in the Jain canon. The translation is by Shastri Jethalal Haribhai of Bhavnagar, and it was published by Kunvarji Anandji Shah of Bhavnagar in Vikram Samvat 1981 (1924 AD), corresponding to Bir Samvat 2452.

The text provides a detailed summary and explanation of the 36 chapters (adhyayan) of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. It is presented as a comprehensive guide for general understanding, making it accessible to those who can read Gujarati.

Here's a breakdown of the content as presented in the document:

Introduction & Structure:

The book is dedicated to the Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar.
It clarifies that the text is the second part of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, covering chapters 21 to 36.
The purpose is to provide a summary with meanings and narratives in Gujarati, with the financial assistance of various Shravika groups.
It mentions that the original Sutra was spoken by Lord Mahavir Swami at the time of his departure, covering themes of merit and demerit, and is called "Prushtha Vyakaran" (पृष्ठ व्याकरण) because it was revealed without being asked.

Key Themes and Chapter Summaries (Briefly mentioned in the "Prastavana" and expanded upon later):

The "Prastavana" and subsequent descriptions highlight the core teachings of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which are presented in a narrative and didactic manner. The summaries touch upon various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, including:

Chapter 1 (Vinay/Humility): Emphasizes the importance of humility, its virtues, and the faults of the unhumble, illustrated with stories. It also covers the conduct of monks, such as begging.
Chapter 2 (Parishaha/Endurance): Details the 22 types of hardships (parishaha) that ascetics should tolerate, often with illustrative stories.
Chapter 3 (Chatur Gati/Four States of Existence): Discusses the rarity of human birth, the desire for Dharma, faith, and strength in self-control, along with illustrative examples of the rarity of these and the consequences of achieving them (leading to happiness in heaven and liberation).
Chapter 4 (Pramad/Negligence): Highlights the necessity of avoiding negligence even after obtaining the four precious elements of human existence, as old age renders wealth, family, and possessions useless.
Chapter 5 (Marana/Death): Differentiates between the death of the knowledgeable (sakama - intentional) and the ignorant (akama - unintentional), explaining the consequences of various types of deaths, leading to lower births or heavenly realms based on conduct.
Chapter 6 (Nirmam/Non-attachment): Explains the nature of a Nirmam (one free from attachment), emphasizing the shedding of ignorance and attachment to worldly possessions and relationships, and the importance of action based on knowledge.
Chapter 7 (Rasagridhi/Attachment to Taste): Discusses the renunciation of attachment to taste through examples like the goat, crow, mango, and trade, highlighting the defects of such attachment and the benefits of its abandonment.
Chapter 8 (Nirlobhata/Non-greed): Explains the nature of non-greed through the story of Kapil Muni, who enlightened five hundred thieves.
Chapter 9 (Namirajarshi): Presents the character of King Nami, who is worshipped even by deities, emphasizing his steadfastness in asceticism and his examination by Indra.
Chapter 10 (Upadesha/Teaching): Focuses on the importance of instruction for maintaining steadfastness in asceticism, using the metaphor of a tree's new leaves and old leaves, and illustrating the impermanence of life, youth, wealth, and sensory faculties.
Chapter 11 (Bahushruta/One who has heard much): Stresses the service of the Bahushruta (learned person), explaining the origin of being learned (vinay) and unlearned (vinay), and detailing the 14 states of the unvirtuous and 15 states of the virtuous.
Chapter 12 (Tapasamriddhi/Prosperity through Austerity): Illustrates the glory of austerity through the story of Muni Harikesh, who faced challenges at a Brahmin's yajna and was eventually helped by his devotee.
Chapter 13 (Nayana/Desire): Explains the fault of desires with the story of Munis Chitra and Sambhuta, where Chitra became a Chakravarti due to desire, while Chitra Muni, without desire, became a son of a righteous person and gained memory of past lives.
Chapter 14 (Nalini Gulma Vimana): Describes the rebirth of six souls from the Nalini Gulma Vimana in different circumstances and their eventual enlightenment and liberation.
Chapter 15 (Sabhikshu/The Ascetic): Details the qualities of a mendicant, including freedom from anger, acceptance of criticism, non-attachment to possessions, simple living, enduring hardships, and devotion to knowledge, sight, and conduct.
Chapter 16 (Brahmacharya Gupiti/Seclusion of Celibacy): Outlines ten stages for maintaining celibacy, emphasizing the importance of avoiding proximity to women, not discussing them, not looking at them, not hearing their voices, not remembering past encounters, avoiding rich food, not overeating, not adorning the body, and renouncing sensory pleasures.
Chapter 17 (Papashramaniya/Ascetic pursuing a wrong path): Describes the characteristics of a "papashramaniya" (one who pursues a wrong path), including laziness, indulgence, disrespect to gurus, attachment to worldly pleasures, and incorrect practices.
Chapter 18 (Samyata/Controlled): Presents the story of King Samyata, who, after witnessing the suffering of animals during a hunt, renounced his kingdom and embraced asceticism, learning about the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly possessions.
Chapter 19 (Mrigaputra/Son of Mriga): Narrates the story of Mrigaputra, who, through introspection, renounced worldly comforts and followed the path of asceticism, understanding the emptiness of bodily attachment and the suffering of the cycle of birth and death.
Chapter 20 (Mahanishithiya/The Great Night): Emphasizes the feeling of being orphaned and unprotected in the world, illustrating the importance of self-reliance and the futility of worldly protection through the story of King Shrenik and the Muni.
Chapter 21 (Samudrapala/Son of the Sea): Highlights the practice of living in solitude (ekantacharya) through the story of Samudrapala, who, after witnessing a thief, renounced his worldly life and achieved liberation through strict adherence to asceticism.
Chapter 22 (Rathnemi): Focuses on the importance of perseverance in the path of conduct, illustrated by the story of Rathnemi, who, after being tempted by Rajya, maintained his vows through the teachings of Rajya's character and the power of his devotion.
Chapter 23 (Keshigautamiya/Keshin and Gautama): Addresses the doubts and questions that may arise in the minds of disciples, explaining how Keshin Kumar resolved his doubts with the help of Gautama Swami, highlighting the differences and similarities in the teachings of Lord Parshvanath and Lord Mahavir.
Chapter 24 (Pravachana Matri/Mothers of Pravachana): Details the eight "mothers of Pravachana" (Pravachana Matri) – five samitis (careful conduct) and three guptis (restraints of mind, speech, and body) – as essential for spiritual progress.
Chapter 25 (Yagnya/Sacrifice): Illustrates the qualities of a true ascetic through the story of Jayaghosh and Vijayghosh, contrasting their paths and emphasizing the importance of righteousness and detachment from worldly desires.
Chapter 26 (Samachari/Conduct): Outlines the proper conduct for ascetics, covering ten essential practices (samachari) that guide their daily life, including proper conduct in various situations and the importance of respecting gurus.
Chapter 27 (Shathata/Deceit): Focuses on the need to renounce deceit and hypocrisy, explaining the consequences of such behavior and the virtues of sincerity and humility, exemplified by the story of Muni Garg.
Chapter 28 (Moksha Marga Gati/Path to Liberation): Explains the path to liberation through knowledge, faith, conduct, and austerity, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the futility of attachment.
Chapter 29 (Tapa Marga Gati/Path of Austerity): Details various forms of austerity (tapa) as the means to eliminate karma and achieve liberation, illustrating their efficacy.
Chapter 30 (Charana Vidhi/Rule of Conduct): Elucidates the principles of righteous conduct, including renunciation of violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, control of senses, and enduring hardships.
Chapter 31 (Jiva Jiva Vibhakti/Classification of Living and Non-living): Provides a detailed classification of living beings (jiva) and non-living substances (ajiva), including their origins, lifespans, and characteristics, essential for understanding the principle of non-violence.
Chapter 32 (Pramada Sthana/Places of Negligence): Discusses the various forms of negligence (pramada) that ascetics must avoid, such as attachment to sensory pleasures, lack of self-control, and disrespect to the path of liberation, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance.
Chapter 33 (Karma Prakriti/Nature of Karma): Explains the different types of karma, their classifications, and how they bind the soul, detailing the eight karmas and their numerous sub-categories.
Chapter 34 (Leshya/Disposition): Describes the six types of leshyas (mental dispositions – Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejas, Padma, Shukl), their colors, tastes, smells, touches, consequences, and their influence on one's destiny.
Chapter 35 (Angara Marga Gati/Path of Ascetics): Focuses on the virtues and conduct of ascetics, emphasizing their detachment, non-violence, and the practice of meditation.
Chapter 36 (Jiva Jiva Vibhakti/Classification of Living and Non-living): Re-emphasizes the classification of souls and non-living substances, providing details on their lifespans, origins, and the concept of karma, concluding the Sutra.

Key Elements Mentioned:

The Twelve Angas: The text refers to the twelve Angas of Jain scripture (Achara, Sutrakrita, Sthana, Samavaya, Vyakhyaprajnapti, Jnata, Upasakadasha, Antakridasha, Anupapatikadasha, Prasnvyakarana, Vipaka Shruta, and Drishtivada).
Kalika and Utkalika Shrut: It distinguishes between Shrut that can only be recited at specific times (Kalika) and that which can be recited at any time (Utkalika).
Importance of Gurus: The text repeatedly mentions the guidance and teachings of Gurus and spiritual leaders (Guruniji) in its compilation and dissemination.
Financial Contributors: A significant portion of the introductory pages lists the names of individuals and communities who provided financial assistance for the printing and distribution of the book. This highlights the community effort behind spreading Jain knowledge.
Commentaries: It mentions that the translation is based on the commentaries by Shri Lakshivallabh Ganikrit Lakshivallabhi Tika and Mahopadhyay Shri Bhavavijayji.
Narrative Style: The summaries indicate that the teachings are conveyed through stories and examples to make them relatable and understandable.

Overall Purpose:

The document is a testament to the dedication of the Shah family and the Jain community in preserving and propagating the teachings of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. It aims to make these profound Jain principles accessible to a wider audience through a clear and engaging Gujarati translation. The emphasis is on the practical application of Jain philosophy in daily life and spiritual practice, focusing on self-discipline, ethical conduct, endurance, and the ultimate goal of liberation.