Agam Satik Part 37 Uttaradhyanan Sutra Gujarati Anuwad 1 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Satik Part 37 Uttaradhyayan Sutra Gujarati Anuwad 1" by Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Agam Satik Part 37 Uttaradhyayan Sutra Gujarati Anuwad 1 Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Shrutnidhi Ahmedabad Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009028/1

This volume, part 37 of a larger series of Agama Sutras with commentary and translation, focuses on the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, specifically its first six chapters (Adhyayans 1 to 6). The text is a Gujarati translation and commentary, adhering to the original Sanskrit and Prakrit sources, with a particular reliance on the commentary by Shanti Acharya.

Overall Purpose and Context:

Series: This is one volume within a comprehensive series (parts 1 to 42, priced at ₹10,000) aiming to translate and provide commentary on all Jain Agams.
Target Audience: The translation aims to make the profound teachings of Jain Agams accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not have access to or knowledge of the original languages.
Content of this Volume: It covers the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which is considered a foundational text for Jain ascetics (monks and nuns). The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is composed of 36 chapters (Adhyayans), with only the first six presented in this volume. The remaining chapters are found in other volumes of the series (Adhyayans 7-21 in Part 38, and Adhyayans 22-36 in Part 3).
Unique Nature of Uttaradhyayan Sutra: The text highlights that while often categorized under "Dharmakathānuyog" due to its exemplary narratives, it also contains significant elements of "Charankaranāṇuyog" (conduct and discipline) and "Dravyāṇuyog" (substance analysis) through its diverse topics.
Key Themes Covered in the first 6 Chapters: The summary of these chapters includes discussions on:
- Vinaya (Humility and Discipline)
- Parishaha (Endurance of hardships)
- The rarity of human life
- The cycle of karma and rebirth
- The path to liberation
- The nature of negligence (pramada)
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
- Karma
- The concept of the prostitute (Veshya)
- Tapa (Austerities)
- Jiva and Ajiva (Soul and Non-soul)
- Different types of death
- And various other important subjects.

Key Aspects of the Commentary and Translation:

Scholarly Foundation: The translation relies on the original Sutras, Niryuktis, Bashyas, and commentaries, particularly citing the "Shantacharya Virachita Vritti" as a primary source. It also acknowledges the valuable commentary by Bhavvijayji for those interested in narrative literature.
Structure and Accessibility: The text emphasizes clear division of chapters, verses (gathas), and paragraphs, making it easy for readers to study and memorize.
Extensive Series: The publisher, Shrutnidhi Ahmedabad, is noted for its extensive publication efforts, including original Agams, Gujarati translations, and detailed commentaries, showcasing a significant commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures. The catalog mentions over 301 publications by Muni Diperatnasagarji alone.
Financial Support: The publication of this series is made possible through the generous contributions of various Jain Sanghs and trusts, highlighting the community's dedication to spiritual learning.

Detailed Breakdown of the Introduction to the Uttaradhyayan Sutra (as provided in the text):

The introduction begins with traditional Jain invocations and dedications. It then delves into the structure and importance of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra:

Etymology of "Uttaradhyayan": The term "Uttaradhyayan" is explained through various interpretations of "Uttar," including:
- Nāmottar: Literal name.
- Sthāpanottar: Symbolic representation.
- Dravyottar: Substance-based existence (real vs. unsubstantial).
- Kṣetrottar: Regional difference (e.g., Uttar Kuru).
- Diguttar: Directional difference (north).
- Tāpottar: Difference in heat.
- Prajñāpākottar: Position relative to a Prajñāpaka.
- Pratyuttar: Response or reply.
- Kālottar: Temporal progression.
- Saṁcayottar: Positional hierarchy (above something).
- Pradhāṇottar: Superiority.
- Jñānottar: Higher knowledge.
- Kramottar: Sequential progression.
- Gaṇanottar: Enumeration.
- Bhāvottar: Superior state of being. The commentary suggests that in this context, "Kramottar" (sequential progression) is most relevant, implying the study of the Sutra happens after others. The term 'Uttar' is also linked to the idea of following the "Achār" (first Agama), thus meaning 'after Achār'.
Classification within Agams: It's the fourth fundamental Sutra (Mūlasutra) among the four Mūlasutras.
Structure: The Sutra is characterized by its verses (gathas) rather than detailed sub-sections like "Uddesha" or "Adhyayan" within chapters, containing a total of 88 Sutras, with the rest being verses.
Scope: The Sutra is described as a comprehensive text covering various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice:
- Charankaranāṇuyog: Vinaya, Parishaha, the rarity of human birth, etc.
- Dravyāṇuyog: Samyakva, Jiva-Ajiva Vibhakti.
- Dharmakathānuyog: Illustrative stories (though the focus shifts to conduct).
Commentarial Tradition: The text notes the rich commentary literature available for Uttaradhyayan Sutra, potentially more extensive than for other Agams. It specifically mentions the commentaries by Bhavvijayji and Shanti Acharya.
Importance for Ascetics: It's considered an essential text for monks and nuns to constantly study and internalize, offering guidance on conduct and detachment.

Summary of the Commentary on the first few Adhyayans (as sampled):

The provided text includes detailed explanations and commentaries on specific concepts within the early chapters:

Chapter 1: Vinaya Shruta: This chapter focuses on the importance of humility, respect for the Guru, and proper conduct. It elaborates on various forms of Vinaya, including respecting the Guru's commands, living in their proximity, understanding their subtle gestures (ingita), and the consequences of lacking Vinaya. It discusses the qualities of a good disciple and the importance of adhering to the Guru's teachings. The commentary uses illustrative stories and analogies to explain these principles.
Chapter 2: Parishaha Vibhakti: This chapter details the various hardships (Parishaha) that ascetics must endure and the proper way to face them. It lists 22 types of Parishaha, including hunger, thirst, heat, cold, insects, nudity, lack of comfort, insults, beatings, begging, and illness. The commentary explains the importance of equanimity and non-attachment in facing these challenges, using examples from the lives of saints and historical figures. It also discusses the role of different types of karma in causing these experiences.
Chapter 3: Chaturangiya: This chapter appears to discuss four essential elements or aspects, likely related to the path of liberation or spiritual practice. The commentary delves into the nīyas (philosophical standpoints) related to these elements, including the concepts of dravya, guna, karma, samavaya, etc. It also touches upon the rarity of human birth and the importance of making the most of it. The text highlights the intricate philosophical discussions involved in understanding these concepts.
Chapter 4: Asanskrita: This chapter likely focuses on concepts related to non-attachment, the impermanence of worldly life, and the consequences of neglecting spiritual duties. The commentary explains that due to accumulated karma, even with human birth, one may face difficulties in spiritual progress. It emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and the detrimental effects of negligence. The text includes illustrative stories about the consequences of attachment to worldly possessions and the importance of spiritual pursuit.
Chapter 5: Akāmamaraṇīya: This chapter deals with different types of death, particularly distinguishing between "Akāmamaraṇīya" (involuntary death) and "Sakāmamaraṇīya" (voluntary, purposeful death, often referring to Sallekhana). It elaborates on the psychological and philosophical aspects of facing death with equanimity and spiritual preparedness, highlighting the suffering caused by attachment and the benefits of detachment. The text uses various examples and narratives to illustrate these points.
Chapter 6: Kṣullaka Nigantha: This chapter likely discusses different stages or types of ascetics, perhaps categorizing them based on their level of renunciation, knowledge, or spiritual progress, such as Pulak, Bakush, Kushil, Nirgranth, and Snātak. The commentary elaborates on the characteristics and practices associated with these different classifications within the ascetic order, emphasizing the path towards complete liberation.

In essence, this volume provides a detailed, scholarly, and accessible Gujarati translation and commentary of the initial six chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, offering profound insights into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the path to spiritual liberation.