Angsuttani Part 03 Nayadhammakahao Uvasagdasao Antgaddasao Anuttaraovavai Panhavagarnaim Vivagsuya - Book Summary

This is a summary of the Jain text "Angasuttani Part 03 - Nayadhammakahao, Uvasagdasao, Antgaddasao, Anuttaraovavai Panhavagarnaim Vivagsuya," edited by Acharya Tulsi and Muni Nathmal, published by Jain Vishva Bharati. This volume contains the third part of the Angasuttani, which includes six foundational texts of Jain scripture:

Nayadhammakahao (ज्ञाताधर्मकथा): The sixth Anga, this scripture is divided into two Srutaskandhas, 'Naya' and 'Dhammakahao'. It presents religious fables and illustrative stories in a narrative style, offering profound spiritual insights through vivid descriptions and engaging plots. The text highlights principles like non-violence, palate control, faith, and sense restraint. It is noted for its literary merit, with some descriptions evoking classical prose works like Kadambari, and its depiction of historical illustrations and fictional tales, including a lively and thrilling account of a sinking boat and a method of water purification that reflects principles of material transformation.
Uvasagdasao (उपासकदशा): The seventh Anga, this scripture details the lives of ten principal Upāsakas (lay devotees) who followed Lord Mahavira. It outlines the dual code of conduct for monks (five Mahavratas) and lay followers (twelve Vratas), emphasizing the latter as an ethical guideline that remains relevant even today. The text also touches upon the debate between determinism (Niyatiwada) and free will, and Lord Mahavira's attention to the spiritual progress of his lay disciples.
Antagadadasao (अंतकृतदशा): The eighth Anga, this scripture narrates the stories of individuals who achieved liberation (Antakrit Kevalins) by ending the cycle of birth and death. It is structured into ten Adhyayanas and seven Vargas, though discrepancies exist in the count of Adhyayanas and Vargas across different sources like Samavayanga and Nandi. The text provides insights into the lives of figures related to Vasudeva Krishna, particularly Gajasukamal's initiation and spiritual practice. It also highlights the influence of circumstances on human character, as seen in the story of Arjuna the gardener, and emphasizes the importance of inner spiritual discipline, noting a strong focus on fasting as a form of penance.
Anuttarowawaiyadadao (अनुत्तरोपपातिकदशा): The ninth Anga, this scripture describes the Munis (ascetics) born in the Anuttara heavens. It is structured into ten Adhyayanas and three Vargas. The text presents the affluent and ascetic lives of various princes and individuals, with a notable emphasis on the asceticism of Dhanya Angara and the literary as well as spiritual significance of his penance-described body.
Panhavagarnaim (प्रश्नव्याकरण): The tenth Anga, this scripture's title varies across texts like Samavayanga, Nandi, and Jayadhvala, appearing as 'Panhavagaranaim', 'Panhavagaranadasao', 'Panhavayaranam', and 'Prashna-Vyakaran'. It is said to contain ten Adhyayanas, though Nandi mentions forty-five. The contents are understood to encompass various queries, sciences (vidyas), and divine dialogues. Some scholars suggest that the currently available content, focusing on the five Aśravas (influxes) and five Samvaras (restraints), might be a later composition after the loss of earlier sections on sciences and divine dialogues.
Vivagasuyam (विपाकसूत्र): The eleventh Anga, this scripture describes the results (Vipaka) of meritorious (Sukrita) and demeritorious (Duskrita) deeds. It is divided into two parts: Dukha Vipaka (results of bad deeds) and Sukha Vipaka (results of good deeds). The text illustrates how actions impact an individual's physical and mental state, noting the presence of both virtuous and cruel tendencies throughout history. The Sthananga Sutra mentions ten Adhyayanas related to Karma-Vipaka.

The publication itself was a significant undertaking, celebrated during the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir. It involved critical editing of the original texts, with extensive research and collaboration from various Jain scholars and institutions. The volume includes detailed introductions in both Hindi and English, indices, and supplementary materials for textual analysis. Financial support was provided by Sri Ramlal Hansraj Golchha, and the printing was done by S. Narayan & Sons. The dedication of the work is to Acharya Tulsi, recognizing his guidance. The editing and compilation were primarily undertaken by Muni Nathmal, with the support of other Munis. The publisher acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals and institutions that made this monumental publication possible.