Antkruddashanga Sutram - Book Summary

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra" (અન્તકૃતદશાંશ સૂત્ર) based on the provided pages, focusing on its structure, content, and key themes, as presented in the "Munikumudachandrika" commentary by Acharya Ghasi Lalji Maharaj:

Book Title: Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra (અન્તકૃતદશાંશ સૂત્ર) Author of Commentary: Acharya Ghasi Lalji Maharaj (written in Sanskrit, translated into Hindi and Gujarati) Publisher: Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009332/1

Overall Summary:

The "Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra," as presented with the "Munikumudachandrika" commentary, is the eighth Anga (limb) of the Jain Agamas, as narrated by Sudharma Swami to his disciple Jambu Swami. This text primarily focuses on the lives and spiritual journeys of enlightened beings (Antakṛts) who attained liberation (moksha) in their very lifetime through rigorous asceticism and adherence to the Jain path. It details the significant deeds, sacrifices, and eventual spiritual realization of these individuals, providing profound lessons on detachment, penance, and the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The commentary aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience through its multi-lingual approach.

Structure and Content:

The "Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra" is divided into eight Varga (sections), which are further subdivided into ninety Adhyayana (chapters). Each chapter narrates the life story of an individual who achieved liberation in that very life (tad-bhava-moksha-gaminaḥ). The text covers a wide range of characters, including kings, princes, queens, and ascetics, illustrating diverse paths to spiritual realization.

The provided pages highlight the detailed structure by listing the subjects of each of the eight Varga:

First Varga: Contains the descriptions of ten individuals including Gautam, Samudra, Sagar, Gambhir, Stimita, Achala, Kampilya, Akshobha, Prasenakumara, and Vishnukumara.
Second Varga: Briefly describes eight princes such as Akshobha, Sagar, Samudra, Himavan, Achala, Puraya, and Abichand.
Third Varga: Details thirteen individuals including Aniyasen, Anantrasen, Ajitsen, Anihitaripu, Devsen, Shatrusen, Saran, Gajasukumar, Sumukh, Durmukh, Kupak, Daruk, and Anadṛṣṭi.
Fourth Varga: Lists ten princes like Jali, Mayali, Upayali, Purushsen, Varisena, Pradyumna, Shamb, Aniruddha, Satyanemi, and Dṛḍhanemi.
Fifth Varga: Focuses on the lives of ten queens: Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, Lakshmana, Susima, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Rukmini, Mulashri, and Muladatta.
Sixth Varga: Describes sixteen individuals including Mankai, Kinkam, Mudgapaani, Kashyap, Kṣemak, Dhṛtithar, Kailas, Harichandan, Vartt, Sudarshan, Purnabhadra, Sumanabhadra, Supratistha, Megh, Atimukta, and Alakṣa.
Seventh Varga: Narrates the stories of thirteen queens, including Nanda, Nandmati, Nandottara, Nandasena, Mahaya, Sumruta, Mahamaruta, Marudevi, Bhadra, Subhadra, Sujata, Sumati, and Bhutadinnā.
Eighth Varga: Presents the lives of ten queens, such as Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Vir Krishna, Ram Krishna, Paitrusen Krishna, and Mahasen Krishna.

Key Themes and Narrative Elements:

The Path to Liberation: The "Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra" emphasizes that liberation is achieved through a combination of Jñana (knowledge) and Kriya (action/practice), particularly rigorous Sanyam (restraint) and Tapa (penance). It highlights how individuals renounced worldly pleasures, embraced asceticism, and ultimately attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha.
Detailed Life Stories: The commentary provides intricate details of the lives of these liberated souls, including their:
- Birth and Early Life: Descriptions of their noble parentage, auspicious signs, and virtuous upbringing.
- Worldly Enjoyments and Renunciation: The opulent lives led before renouncing worldly attachments, often triggered by a profound spiritual experience or sermon.
- Ascetic Practices: The intense and varied forms of penance undertaken, such as prolonged fasts (upavasa, vela, tela), specific observances (pratima), and enduring severe hardships.
- Spiritual Realization: The attainment of Kevala Jnana and the subsequent achievement of Moksha.
- Moral and Ethical Lessons: Each story is presented with moral implications, teaching about compassion, patience, perseverance, the impermanence of worldly life, and the consequences of actions (karma). For instance, the story of Gajasukumar emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in the face of extreme suffering. Krishna's interaction with the elderly man carrying bricks highlights compassion.
The Role of Spiritual Guides: The narratives often involve the teachings and guidance of great spiritual masters like Lord Mahavir and Lord Arishtanemi, who played a crucial role in guiding individuals towards the right path.
Emphasis on Knowledge and Action: The commentary, particularly through its philosophical stance ("Jñāna kriya bhyāṁ mokṣaḥ"), stresses that true spiritual progress requires both intellectual understanding (Jñana) and practical application (Kriya). The verse "Hatṛ jñānaṁ kriyāhīnaṁ..." emphasizes that knowledge without action is futile, and action without knowledge is blind.
Illustrative Examples: The text serves as a repository of inspiring examples, demonstrating that liberation is attainable through dedicated spiritual practice, regardless of one's background. The stories of queens renouncing their royal status and embracing asceticism highlight the ultimate equality of all souls in the pursuit of liberation.
Commentary's Value: The "Munikumudachandrika" commentary by Acharya Ghasi Lalji Maharaj is praised for its clarity, simplicity, and comprehensive nature. Its translation into Hindi and Gujarati makes it accessible to a broad audience, facilitating the study and understanding of these profound Jain scriptures. The endorsements from various respected Jain scholars and figures underscore its significance.

Specific Narratives Highlighted in the Provided Text:

Gautama's Story: His renunciation after hearing Lord Arishtanemi's discourse and his subsequent rigorous asceticism leading to Kevala Jnana and Moksha.
Gajasukumar's Story: His intense suffering and patience during the charcoal incident, demonstrating extraordinary forbearance and leading to his liberation.
Krishna's Role: Krishna's interaction with the elderly man demonstrates compassion, and his subsequent conversation with Lord Arishtanemi regarding his future role as the 12th Tirthankar (Amam) and his mother's role in his lineage is significant.
Padmavati's Story: Her renunciation after hearing Lord Arishtanemi's discourse and her subsequent spiritual journey.
The Six Anagaras (Brothers): Their exemplary asceticism and attainment of liberation, highlighting the theme of brotherhood in spiritual pursuit.
Arjuna Mali's Story: His transformation from a vengeful individual influenced by a Yaksha to an enlightened soul through the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
The Queens' Lives: The stories of the queens (Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, Sukrishna, Mahakrishna, Vir Krishna, Ram Krishna, Pitrusen Krishna, Mahasen Krishna, etc.) underscore the universal path to liberation, irrespective of gender or royal status.

Publisher's Appeal:

The publisher, Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, emphasizes the importance of this work for the upliftment of the Jain community and appeals for support to continue publishing these sacred texts, stressing that communal harmony and shared effort are essential for such endeavors.

Overall Impact:

The "Antakṛtadaśāṅga Sūtra," through its detailed narratives and the comprehensive commentary, serves as a powerful spiritual guide, illustrating the Jain path to liberation and inspiring readers to cultivate virtues like patience, detachment, and unwavering devotion to the spiritual goal. The text is considered particularly significant during the Paryushan festival, where it is traditionally recited.