Antkruddasha Sutra - Book Summary

Antkruddasha Sutra: A Summary

The Antkruddasha Sutra (also known as Antagada-Dasao) is a significant Jain text, specifically an Anga (canonical scripture) of the Svetambara tradition. This summary is based on the provided content, highlighting key aspects of the text's introduction and the initial sections describing the lives of enlightened beings.

Core Theme:

The Antkruddasha Sutra primarily deals with the lives of those great souls who have "ended" (anta-krit) their cycle of birth and death, achieving liberation (moksha). It narrates their spiritual journeys, their renunciation of worldly pleasures, their rigorous penance, and their ultimate attainment of omniscience (kevalgyan) and liberation. The text focuses on individuals who, through their exceptional spiritual discipline, have eradicated their karmic bonds and transcended the mundane existence.

Publisher and Authors:

The book is published by Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh, Jodhpur. The authors mentioned are Nemichand Banthiya and Parasmal Chandaliya. This indicates a publication aimed at preserving and disseminating Jain heritage.

Canonical Context:

The introduction places the Antkruddasha Sutra within the broader context of Jain Agam literature. It emphasizes the:

Authenticity of Agam Literature: Attributed to the teachings of omniscient Tirthankaras, transmitted and compiled by Ganadharas, and further elaborated by Sthaviras (learned monks). The text asserts the absence of contradictions and flaws due to its divine origin.
Twelve Angas: The introduction lists the twelve Angas of Jain canon, identifying Antkruddasha Sutra as the eighth Anga.
Distinction between Anga and Angabahya: It clarifies that while the first eleven Angas were compiled by Ganadharas, the remaining Angas and Angabahya Agamas were composed by Sthaviras, who were well-versed in the fourteen Purvas.
Oral Tradition and Later Scripting: The importance of the oral tradition in preserving the Agamas and the eventual need for scripting due to weakening memory are mentioned.
Meaning of "Antkruddasha": The name itself signifies the state of having ended the cycle of rebirth. The "dasha" refers to the specific conditions or studies under which these liberated souls are described.

Structure and Content Overview:

The Antkruddasha Sutra is described as containing the lives of ninety great souls. These are divided as follows:

Fifty-one souls are associated with the era of Lord Arishtanemi.
Thirty-six souls belong to the present era of Lord Mahavir.

The text is structured into eight Varga (sections), each containing multiple Adhyayana (chapters/studies). The provided content gives a glimpse into the initial Varga:

Varga 1: Introduction and Lord Arishtanemi's Era

Lord Sudharma Swami's Arrival: The narrative begins with the arrival of Arya Sudharma Swami, the fifth Ganadhara of Lord Mahavir, in Champanagari.
Jambuswami's Inquiry: Jambuswami, a disciple of Sudharma Swami, poses a crucial question about the subject matter of the eighth Anga, Antkruddasha Sutra.
Lord Arishtanemi and Dwarkapuri: The context shifts to the time of the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Arishtanemi.
Description of Dwarkapuri: A detailed account of the magnificent city of Dwarkapuri is given, highlighting its grandeur, construction by Kubera, golden ramparts, jeweled decorations, and its resemblance to the celestial abode.
Lord Krishna Vasudeva's Reign: The text describes Lord Krishna Vasudeva's prosperous reign over Dwarkapuri and the vast Ardha-Bharat region. It details his vast army, his royal court including relatives like Samudravijaya, Baladeva, Pradyumna, and numerous kings, queens, and courtesans.
Gautamkumar and Other Princes: The first Adhyayana introduces Gautamkumar, son of King Andhakavrushni and Queen Dharini. His life of luxury, his marriage to eight princesses, and his subsequent renunciation upon hearing Lord Arishtanemi's discourse are narrated. The text mentions that the lives of nine other princes – Samudrakumar, Sagarkumar, Gambhirkumar, Stimikumar, Achalkumar, Kampilkkumar, Akshobhkumar, Prasanjitkumar, and Vishnukumar – follow a similar pattern of renunciation and liberation.
Second Varga: This section describes eight more princes, Akshobha, Sagara, Samudra, Himvan, Achala, Dharana, Purana, and Abichandra, also sons of Andhakavrushni and Dharini, who followed a similar path of penance and liberation.
Third Varga: This Varga details thirteen individuals, including Aneeksen, Anantasen, Ajitksen, Anihartripu, Devsen, Shatrusen, Sarna, Gaja (Gajsukumar), Sumukha, Durmukha, Kupak, Daruk, and Anadrishti. The text provides a poignant narrative of Gajsukumar, highlighting his exceptionally painful demise due to a past karmic consequence, and his subsequent liberation through his unwavering equanimity. It also details the lives of the six brothers (Aneeksen etc.) and others, describing their renunciation and liberation.
Fourth Varga: This Varga describes ten princes: Jali, Mayali, Upayali, Purushsen, Varisen, Pradyumna, Shamba, Aniruddha, Satyanemi, and Dhridhanemi. The text outlines their lineage and their eventual liberation.
Fifth Varga: This section focuses on the renunciation of ten queens of Krishna Vasudeva and Shamba Kumar. It highlights their spiritual inclination and eventual liberation. The text also touches upon Lord Krishna's inquiry about the cause of Dwarkapuri's destruction and the prophecies about his future lives as a Tirthankara.

Key Individuals and Narratives Highlighted:

Gautamkumar: His opulent life, marriage, and eventual renunciation after hearing Lord Arishtanemi's sermon are described, setting a precedent for the spiritual journeys of others.
Gajsukumar: His story is particularly striking due to the immense physical suffering he endured due to past karma and his attainment of liberation through supreme equanimity, even while his body was being consumed by embers.
Aneeksen and Brothers: Their renunciation and tapasya are narrated.
Queens of Krishna Vasudeva: Their detachment from worldly pleasures and their ultimate liberation are highlighted, showcasing the spiritual potential of women.

Themes and Teachings:

Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: The Antkruddasha Sutra strongly emphasizes the transient nature of worldly happiness and the importance of renouncing sensual pleasures, wealth, and power.
Significance of Penance (Tapasya): Rigorous penance, fasting, self-control, and meditation are presented as essential means to shed karmic burdens and achieve liberation.
Power of Equanimity (Samata): The text underscores the importance of maintaining equanimity in the face of extreme suffering and adversity, as exemplified by Gajsukumar.
The Role of Karma: The narratives illustrate the principle of karma, showing how past actions lead to present circumstances, both pleasant and painful, and how spiritual practice can overcome even the most severe karmic consequences.
The Path to Liberation: The Sutra serves as a guide, illustrating the path trodden by great souls towards ultimate salvation.

Overall Significance:

The Antkruddasha Sutra, as presented in this excerpt, offers a rich tapestry of inspiring life stories of individuals who achieved liberation. It serves as a spiritual guide, motivating readers towards renunciation, penance, and the cultivation of virtues to break free from the cycle of birth and death. The text not only narrates exemplary lives but also provides insights into the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, such as the law of karma and the path to moksha.