Agam Deep 12 Uvavaaiam Gujarati Anuvaad

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary, titled "Agam Deep 12 Uvavaaiam Gujarati Anuvaad," of the Jain Agam Sutra "Upasaka Dasanga" (or a related text, given the title of the book referring to "Uvavaaiam" which is another Agam). It is part of a larger series called "Agam Deep," published by Agam Shrut Prakashan. The commentary and translation are attributed to Muni Dipratnasagar.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

I. Publication and Dedication Information (Pages 1-8):

• Title: Agam Deep 12 Uvavaaiam Gujarati Anuvaad.
• Author(s) of Commentary/Translation: Muni Dipratnasagar.
• Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan.
• Attribution: The work is presented with invocations to Jain Tirthankaras and revered Gurus, including "balalalachari shri Nemnathay namah," "Shri Parvati Ke namah," and "Shri Anand-Kshama-Lalit-Sushil-Sudharmasagar Gurubhyo namah."
• Sponsorship/Support: The publication is supported by various individuals and Jain Sangh organizations, indicated by sections like "Mukhya Dravya Sahayak" (Main Financial Supporters). These include individuals from Vadodara and Ahmedabad, and various Jain Sanghs from different locations. This highlights the community effort in bringing forth this Jain literature.
• Pricing and Availability: The value of the "Agam Deep" series is mentioned as Rs. 2000/-, and details on where to obtain the set are provided, indicating a commercial publication.
• Compilation of Jain Agamas: Pages 8 and 9 list a comprehensive index of Jain Agam Sutras, likely indicating that this publication is part of a larger effort to bring all Agam Sutras with Gujarati commentaries to the public. The list includes the first 12 Angas and various Upangas, Paiṇṇayas, Chhedasutras, and Mulasutras.

II. Content of the Uvavaaiam (Pages 10 onwards):

The core of the document is the Gujarati translation and explanation of the Uvavaaiyam Sutra (અનુત્તરોવવાયિય દસઈ - Anuttaraupapatik Dashai), which is part of the Jain Agamas. The text describes:

• Setting the Scene (Page 11 onwards):

  • The narrative begins with a description of the prosperous and well-fortified city of Champa. It details the city's features, its inhabitants, its markets, its pleasant environment, and its defenses.
  • Outside the city, in the northeast direction, there was a renowned Chaitaya (temple) named Purnabhadra. The text elaborates on the beauty and sanctity of this Chaitaya, mentioning its decorations, the activities of performers, and the reverence it commanded.
  • The Purnabhadra Chaitaya was surrounded by a beautiful forest described with lush trees, vibrant foliage, and melodious birds, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
  • Within this forest, specific trees like the Ashok tree are mentioned, along with a description of the surrounding flora.
  • A large stone slab (prithvi-shilapatta) is described in detail, with its dimensions and the various figures and patterns carved upon it.

• Characters and Royal Court (Pages 15-16 onwards):

  • The story introduces King Kunika of Champa, portraying him as a powerful, virtuous, and benevolent ruler. His qualities, lineage, and the prosperity of his kingdom are highlighted.
  • His queen, Dharini, is described as beautiful, virtuous, and possessing auspicious physical characteristics.
  • The text mentions a man responsible for reporting the activities of the Lord (Bhagwan) to the king.
  • The presence of various officials and advisors in the king's assembly is noted.

• Arrival of Bhagwan Mahavir (Pages 16 onwards):

  • The narrative shifts to the advent of Lord Mahavir, the Tirthankar. His divine attributes, physical perfection, and spiritual stature are described in great detail.
  • His disciples, various mendicants (Shramanas), are also described, highlighting their ascetic practices, renunciation, and spiritual attainment.
  • The text then details the arrival of Lord Mahavir and his followers near Champa, at the Purnabhadra Udyana (garden).

• King Kunika's Response and Preparations (Pages 17-33 onwards):

  • Upon hearing the news of Lord Mahavir's arrival, King Kunika is overjoyed. He undergoes a period of purification, adornment, and preparation to go and receive the Lord.
  • The text describes the elaborate preparations made by the king, including adorning his elephant, preparing his army, decorating the city with flags and banners, cleansing the streets, and preparing a grand procession.
  • The descriptions of the king's attire, the royal procession with musicians, soldiers, attendants, and the royal entourage are very detailed.

• The Dharma Deshana (Sermon) of Lord Mahavir (Pages 34-49 onwards):

  • Lord Mahavir delivers a profound sermon in the Ardhamagadhi language.
  • The sermon covers a wide range of Jain philosophical concepts:
    • The nature of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva).
    • Bondage (Bandha), liberation (Moksha), and shedding of karma (Nirjara).
    • The path to liberation.
    • The different states of existence (Narak, Tiryancha, Manushya, Deva).
    • The concept of merits (Punya) and demerits (Papa).
    • The importance of renunciation, ethical conduct, and asceticism.
    • Detailed explanations of various types of austerities (Bahya Tap and Antarya Tap), including fasting, controlling desires, meditation, vows, and their different classifications.
    • The conditions for rebirth in different realms.
    • The nature of divine beings and their lifespans.
    • The path of a householder (Agardharma) with its vows (Anuvratas, Gunavratas, Shikshavratas).
    • The path of an ascetic (Anagaradharma) with its strict disciplines.
    • The teachings related to various schools of thought (e.g., those following Goshala).
    • The story of Ambada Parivrajaka and his disciples, and their eventual spiritual development.
    • The nature of the Siddhas (liberated souls), their abode (Siddhashila), and their eternal bliss.
    • The concept of Samudghata (soul spreading itself in the universe) by Kevalins (omniscient beings).
    • The detailed description of the process of achieving Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha.
    • The immense and incomparable happiness of the Siddhas.

• The Audience's Response:

  • The sermon deeply impacts the assembled crowd, including King Kunika, his queens, various officials, and the general populace. Many are inspired to adopt the Jain path, either as ascetics or as devout lay followers.

III. Overall Significance:

"Agam Deep 12 Uvavaaiam Gujarati Anuvaad" is a scholarly work that aims to make the profound teachings of the Uvavaaiyam Sutra accessible to Gujarati readers. It provides a detailed explanation and translation, enriched by extensive descriptions of the setting, characters, and spiritual concepts. The publication highlights the continued effort within the Jain community to preserve, propagate, and interpret their sacred texts for the benefit of current and future generations. The detailed listing of other Agamas suggests a broader project to publish the entire Jain canon with commentaries.