Antgada Dasanga Sutra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Antagad Dasanga Sutra, based on the provided text:

The Antagad Dasanga Sutra (अंतगडदसाङ्ग सूत्र), authored by Acharya Hastimalji, is the eighth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas, specifically accepted as canonical by the Sthanakvasi tradition. This text describes the lives and spiritual practices of 90 individuals who attained liberation (moksha). The summary below is based on the fourth edition of the book published in 2016, guided by Acharya Hirachandji M.S. and edited by Prakashchand Jain.

Core Themes and Significance:

• Liberation (Moksha) Through Practice: The primary purpose of the Antagad Dasanga Sutra is to illustrate how individuals, through various paths of knowledge, perception, conduct (charitra), and penance (tapa), achieved liberation. It emphasizes that the degree of knowledge is not the sole determinant of liberation; rather, the correct practice of knowledge, perception, and conduct is crucial.
• Inspiration from 90 Great Souls: The sutra details the practices of 90 individuals, including monks (shravak) and nuns (shravika), who lived during the eras of Lord Rishabhanatha (Arishtanemi) and Lord Mahavira. These individuals came from diverse backgrounds, including royalty, commoners, men, women, children, youth, and elders.
• Variety of Spiritual Paths: The text highlights the diverse approaches taken by these souls:
  • Knowledge: Some studied the 5 Samitis and 3 Guptis, others the 12 Angas, and some the 14 Purvas.
  • Conduct (Charitra): Some observed the monastic discipline for extended periods, while others like Gajasukumala practiced it for just a day and a night.
  • Penance (Tapa): Various rigorous austerities are described, such as Gunavrat Samvatsara, 12 Bhikshu Pratimas, Laghu Sarvatobhadra, and Mahasarvatobhadra. Gajasukumala is noted for achieving liberation through intense penance, even a single night's Bhikshu Pratima.
• Detailed Life Narratives: For each practitioner, the sutra mentions their city, garden, temple (chaitya), king, parents, spiritual guide, religious discourse, spiritual powers (riddhis), marital life, charitable acts, renunciation, initiation period, scriptural study, penance, and place of final spiritual activity and liberation.
• Inspiration for All: The sutra's simple and accessible language aims to inspire lay followers (shravaks and shravikas) towards self-discipline and spiritual progress.
• Paryushan Observance: The Antagad Dasanga Sutra is traditionally recited for eight days during the Paryushan festival, signifying the eight categories of karma or the eightfold path to spiritual perfection. This recitation aims to motivate listeners to emulate the dedicated practitioners described in the text.

Key Features of the Text:

• Structure: The sutra is divided into 8 Vargas (sections), each containing several Adhyayanas (chapters). The provided text outlines the contents of the first 8 Vargas and provides details for some of the Adhyayanas within them.
• Content Highlights:
  • Gautam Swami: The first chapter describes Gautam Swami, a disciple of Lord Mahavira, and his path.
  • Gajasukumala: His story illustrates the power of penance and the unexpected outcomes of past karmas, even in a short duration.
  • Sudarshana: This narrative highlights unwavering faith and the overcoming of external obstacles through spiritual fortitude.
  • Krishna Vasudeva: His life is discussed, particularly his contemplation on renunciation despite his worldly power, and his spiritual endeavors to understand the essence of liberation. His inability to take monkhood due to prior karmic inclinations (nidana) is also noted.
  • Kaliya, Sukaliya, Mahakaliya, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Vir Krishna, Ram Krishna, Pitrusen Krishna, Mahasen Krishna: These are 10 queens of King Shrenik and King Kounik, whose lives are described as examples of intense penance and devotion.
  • Tapas (Penances): The text meticulously details various types of penances practiced, such as 12 Bhikshu Pratimas, Gunaratna Samvatsara, Ratnavali, Kanakavali, Laghu Simhaniskridita, Mahasingh Nishkridita, and others, illustrating the commitment to austerity.

Additional Information:

• Editorial and Publishing Details: The book is published by Samyagyan Pracharak Mandal, Jaipur. It includes the original Sanskrit text, its Hindi translation (Sanskriti Chhaya, Anvayarth, Bhavarth), commentary (Vivechan), and appendices (Parishisht). The fourth edition was published in 2016.
• Guidance and Editing: The work was guided by Acharya Hirachandji M.S. and edited by Prakashchand Jain, with contributions from various individuals for proofreading and layout.
• Purpose of the Edition: The aim of this edition, under the guidance of Acharya Hirachandji, was to provide a comprehensive and easily understandable version of the Antagad Dasanga Sutra for scholars and lay readers, including explanations of terms, historical context, and practical lessons.

In essence, the Antagad Dasanga Sutra serves as a profound guide to spiritual practice in Jainism, offering relatable narratives of individuals who, through dedication to knowledge, conduct, and rigorous penance, successfully navigated the cycle of birth and death to attain the ultimate goal of liberation.