Anuttaraupapatik Dasha Sutra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anuttaraupapatik Dasha Sutra" by Shweta Jain, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The "Anuttaraupapatik Dasha Sutra" is a significant text within the Jain Agamas, specifically the ninth Anga (limb or section) of the canon. Authored by Shweta Jain, it offers a critical introduction to this Sutra. The text elaborates on the lives of 33 great souls who lived during the era of Lord Mahavir. Through their rigorous ascetic practices and virtuous lives, they attained rebirth in the "Anuttaraviman" – a superior category of heavenly abodes. The name "Anuttara" signifies that there are no heavens superior to these, and "Upapatik" refers to those born (upapāt) in them. The Sutra details the various "dashas" (states or conditions) of these Anuttaraupapātik beings, hence its title. It is also noted that the first section of this Sutra contains ten studies (adhyayana), further reinforcing the "Dasha" aspect of its name.

Core Content and Structure:

The "Anuttaraupapatik Dasha Sutra" is divided into three Varg (sections) containing a total of 33 Adhyayana (studies). These studies chronicle the inspiring lives of 33 eminent individuals who achieved celestial rebirths through their adherence to Jain principles and asceticism.

First Varga: This section comprises 10 Adhyayana. It focuses on the stories of 23 princes, primarily from the royal lineage of Shrenik. The most detailed accounts are given for Jalikumara and Abhayakumara, with the remaining stories being presented more concisely.
- Jalikumara's Story: Born to King Shrenik and Queen Dharini in the prosperous city of Rajagriha, Jalikumara initially indulged in worldly pleasures after marrying eight princesses. However, upon encountering Lord Mahavir and hearing his teachings, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He renounced his princely life with his parents' permission, embraced asceticism, and practiced severe austerities for 16 years. After completing a month-long sanṭhārā (ritual fasting unto death) on Vipulagiri, he was reborn in the "Vijay" Anuttara Vimana. From there, he will eventually attain liberation in the Mahavideha region.
- Other Princes in the First Varga: The remaining nine Adhyayana describe the lives of other princes like Mayali, Upayali, Purushasen, Varisen, Dirghadanta, Lashṭadanta, Vihalla, Vaihayasa, and Abhayakumara. While their journeys were similar to Jalikumara's, there are some variations in their spiritual practice duration (16, 12, or 5 years) and the specific Anuttara Vimana they attained (Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita, Sarvarthasiddha, and Vijay). A noteworthy point is that while Meghanakumara is also considered an Anuttaraupapatik, his detailed account is found in the sixth Anga, the Jñātādharmakathānga, due to the specific moral lessons his life offers.
Second Varga: This section contains 13 Adhyayana. It narrates the transformation of 13 princes who renounced their opulent lives to pursue the path of spiritual discipline. These princes, including Dirghasen, Mahasen, Dṛṣṭadaṁta, Guḍhadaṁta, Śuddhadaṁta, Halla, Druma, Drumasen, Simha, Simhasen, Mahasimhasen, and Puṣyaseṁ, also practiced the "Guṇaratna" penance for 16 years and attained rebirth in various Anuttara Vimanas such as "Vijay," "Jayanta," "Aparajita," and "Sarvarthasiddha," from where they will eventually attain siddhi (liberation) in the Mahavideha region.
Third Varga: This section comprises 10 Adhyayana and features the lives of the 10 sons of Bhadra Sārthavāhī from the city of Kakandi. The most detailed account is of Dhanyakumara.
- Dhanyakumara's Story: Dhanyakumara was a man of immense wealth, married to 32 maidens, each bringing a substantial dowry. Despite his immersion in sensual pleasures, hearing Lord Mahavir's teachings inspired him to renounce his worldly life. After obtaining his mother's permission, he took initiation and practiced rigorous austerities, including ṣaṣṭhabela (fasting for six meal times) and āyambil (a specific type of fasting). His asceticism was so severe that his body became emaciated, described through vivid analogies comparing it to withered flowers, camel's hooves, and dried serpents. Despite this physical frailty, his mental resolve was unyielding. After 9 months of spiritual practice and a month-long sanṭhārā, he was reborn in the "Sarvarthasiddha" Anuttara Vimana and will eventually achieve liberation.
- Other Princes in the Third Varga: The remaining eight princes, from Sunakṣatra to Poṭṭilla, also renounced their worldly possessions and engaged in spiritual practices of varying durations. Vehaļlakumara's practice was for six months. The others followed a similar path to Dhanyakumara, eventually attaining rebirth in Anuttara Vimanas and progressing towards ultimate liberation.

Key Themes and Insights:

The Nature of Agamas: The text emphasizes that Agamas are the compiled teachings of the omniscient (Sarvajña) beings, preserved by the Ganadharas to prevent the loss of knowledge due to memory lapses.
The Goal of Anuttaraupapātik: These individuals achieved the highest possible celestial rebirths through intense spiritual discipline and adherence to the path of right conduct. Their ultimate destination is liberation in the Mahavideha region.
The Power of Renunciation and Asceticism: The Sutra vividly illustrates how renouncing worldly pleasures and engaging in rigorous penance are the keys to spiritual advancement and the attainment of superior states of existence.
The Role of Vinaya (Humility and Reverence): The text highlights that the 33 souls studied the 11 Angas with humility and reverence, which is crucial for the success of spiritual learning.
Historical and Social Context: The detailed descriptions of dowries, the status of women (like Bhadra Sārthavāhī), and the opulent lifestyles of the time provide valuable insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of ancient India.
The True Nature of Guanuvad (Praise of Virtues): The text distinguishes between genuine praise of virtues, which inspires others, and false flattery, which is self-destructive. It underscores the importance of appreciating the virtues of others.
Perseverance in Spiritual Pursuit: The unwavering dedication of these souls in their pursuit of the ultimate goal, despite facing challenges, serves as an inspiration for all spiritual aspirants.

In essence, the "Anuttaraupapatik Dasha Sutra" is a foundational text that meticulously details the extraordinary lives of individuals who achieved the highest celestial states through their unwavering commitment to Jain principles. It serves as a source of inspiration and moral guidance, highlighting the transformative power of renunciation, asceticism, and devotion to the path of liberation.