Agam Sutra Satik 07 Upashakdasha AngSutra 07

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agam Sutra Satik 07 Upashakdasha AngSutra 07," based on the provided text:

Book Title: Agam Sutra Satik 07 Upashakdasha AngSutra 07 Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Agam Shrut Prakashan

Overall Context: This volume, "Agam Sutra Satik 07," is part of a larger collection of Jain scriptures published by Agam Shrut Prakashan, compiled and edited by Muni Deepratnasagar. It specifically contains the Upashakdasha AngSutra (The Seventh AngSutra), presented with a commentary (Satik). The text is dedicated to various Jain deities and spiritual guides, highlighting the importance of Jain teachings and practices.

Structure and Content:

The provided text outlines the contents of "Agam Sutra Satik 07," which includes several important AngSutras:

1. Jñātādharmakathāṅgasūtra: The index details a vast array of subjects, categorized into several "Vargas" (classes). These Vargas are further divided into numerous "Adhyayanas" (chapters or studies), often focusing on specific individuals, their lives, and their adherence to Jain principles. The sheer number of studies (e.g., 19 Adhyayanas in Vargas 1-9) indicates the depth and breadth of this scripture.

2. Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra: This section of the volume is the primary focus, detailing the lives and practices of ten Upāsakas (lay followers). The index lists ten key figures:

   • Ananda
   • Kamadeva
   • Chullana's Father
   • Suradeva
   • Chullashataka
   • Kundakolika
   • Shaliputra
   • Mahashataka
   • Nandini's Father
   • Shalihi's Father

3. Antakṛdśāṅgasūtra: The index for this scripture is also presented, categorizing its content into several Vargas and Adhyayanas, suggesting it deals with individuals who met their end or experienced significant transformations.

4. Anuttaropapātikadaśāṅgasūtra: This scripture's index is also provided, indicating its focus on rebirths and specific states of existence.

5. Praśnavyākaraṇadaśāṅgasūtra: The index for this scripture outlines its structure based on "Dwaras" (gates or sections) like Ashrava and Samvara, and then further divides it into Adhyayanas, potentially dealing with questions, interpretations, and the path to liberation.

Detailed Summary of the Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra (The Seventh AngSutra):

The provided text then delves into the Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra, with a detailed commentary by Abhayadevasuri.

• Introduction: The text begins with salutations and introduces the Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra as the seventh Anga, dedicated to explaining the conduct and practices of the Upāsakas (lay disciples). The commentary explains that the name itself signifies the "ten states" or stages of the Upāsakas' practices.

• Core Theme: The Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra aims to illuminate the practical aspects of Jainism for householders. It focuses on the conduct, vows, and spiritual progress of devoted lay followers.

• The First Upāsaka: Ānanda: The text then focuses on the first Upāsaka, Ānanda.

  • Setting: Ānanda lived in Champanagari, a prosperous city. He was a wealthy householder, respected and influential.
  • Ānanda's Virtues: He was described as possessing immense wealth, including vast riches and numerous cattle. He was a key figure in the community, consulted on important matters, and the "pillar" of his household.
  • Family Life: Ānanda was married to Shivānanda, and they enjoyed worldly pleasures.
  • Encounter with Mahāvīra: The narrative describes Lord Mahāvīra arriving in Vāṇiyagāma, a city near Champanagari. Ānanda, upon hearing about the auspicious occasion, goes to pay his respects to Mahāvīra.
  • Ānanda's Vows: After listening to the teachings, Ānanda expresses his faith and resolves to follow the path of a householder. He takes on the five minor vows (Aṇuvrata), seven disciplinary rules (Śikṣāvratas), and twelve vows of a householder (Gṛhidharma). The text details the specific renunciations he makes concerning violence, falsehood, stealing, sexual misconduct, and material possessions, adhering to the principles of Jainism within his worldly responsibilities.
  • Renunciation and Spiritual Progress: The text then describes Ānanda's adherence to the eleven stages (pratimā) of a lay follower's spiritual progress, demonstrating his deep commitment and gradual detachment from worldly attachments.
  • Asceticism and Death: After years of practicing austerity and spiritual discipline, Ānanda undertakes a final fast unto death (Saṁlehanā), achieving a state of peace and a heavenly rebirth in the Śukra (or Saudharma) heaven.
  • The Role of Shivānanda: Ānanda's wife, Shivānanda, also embraces the lay follower's path after Mahāvīra's discourse.

• Other Upāsakas: The text then briefly mentions other Upāsakas, indicating that similar narratives of their lives, encounters with Mahāvīra, and spiritual journeys are presented. These include:

  • Kamadeva: The story of Kamadeva is presented, detailing how he faced challenges from a demon-like being and an elephant in the form of tests to his faith. He ultimately persevered and achieved a heavenly rebirth.
  • Chullanipita: His narrative highlights challenges from a divine being testing his resolve by threatening his sons and mother. Chullanipita's steadfastness leads to his heavenly rebirth.
  • Suradeva: He faces tests involving his sons and twelve types of diseases, demonstrating his enduring faith.
  • Chullashataka: His story involves challenges related to financial ruin and spiritual deception.
  • Kundakolika: He encounters a divine being who argues about the nature of effort versus destiny (puruṣakāra vs. niyata), a debate that Kundakolika wins by adhering to Jain principles.
  • Shaliputra: His story is also presented.
  • Mahashataka: His narrative includes a challenging encounter with his co-wives.
  • Nandini's Father and Shalihi's Father: Their stories are also mentioned in the index.

• Commentary (Vṛtti) by Abhayadevasuri: The commentary provides detailed explanations of the Jain terminology, philosophical concepts, and the narrative's context. It clarifies the meaning of vows, ethical principles, and the spiritual implications of the actions described. The commentary emphasizes the importance of adherence to principles even in the face of adversity and the ultimate reward of heavenly rebirth and eventual liberation.

Key Themes and Teachings:

• The Importance of Lay Discipleship: The Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra highlights the integral role of householders in the Jain tradition, demonstrating that significant spiritual progress is achievable even while living a worldly life.
• Vows and Ethical Conduct: The text elaborates on the practical application of Jain vows, emphasizing their importance in daily life and spiritual development.
• Perseverance and Faith: The stories of the Upāsakas illustrate the importance of steadfast faith and perseverance in the face of challenges, temptations, and tests from divine or demonic forces.
• Karma and Rebirth: The narratives reinforce the Jain belief in karma and the cycle of rebirth, showing how righteous actions lead to favorable outcomes in this life and future lives, including heavenly rebirths.
• Austerity and Detachment: The Upāsakas' journey often involves practicing various forms of austerity and detachment, leading to spiritual purification and progress.
• The Role of Spiritual Guides: The presence and teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are central, guiding the Upāsakas on their spiritual path.

In essence, the Upāśakadśāṅgasūtra, as presented in this volume, serves as a practical guide and inspirational source for Jain lay followers, showcasing the exemplary lives of early disciples who successfully navigated worldly existence while adhering to the profound spiritual principles of Jainism.