Anuttaropapatik Sutram - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Anuttaropapatik Sutram, based on the Hindi-Gujarati translation and commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj.

Book Title: Anuttaropapatik Sutram Author: Ghasilal Maharaj (with commentary by Munishri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj) Publisher: Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009333/1

Overview:

The Anuttaropapatik Sutram is the ninth scripture in the Angas of Jain Agamas. It is primarily a collection of religious narratives (Dharmakatha) that detail the lives and spiritual journeys of great souls who attained the highest celestial abodes, the "Anuttara" heavens, from which rebirth does not occur in the lower realms. These narratives serve as examples and inspirations for the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).

The current version of the sutra is considered a refined and abridged edition of a more ancient, extensive text. It is entirely in prose, making its exposition and understanding relatively simpler compared to some other sutras. The commentary by Ghasilal Maharaj, known for its clarity and depth, along with the Hindi and Gujarati translations, makes this edition particularly accessible.

Structure of the Sutra:

The Anuttaropapatik Sutram is divided into three classes (Varga), with a total of 33 chapters (Adhyayan).

First Class (Varga 1): Contains 10 chapters detailing the lives of ten princes, including Jali, Mayali, Upajali, Purushasen, Varisen, Dirghadanta, Lashtadanta, Vehalla, Vaihayasa, and Abhayakumara.
Second Class (Varga 2): Contains 13 chapters detailing the lives of thirteen princes, starting with Dirghasen, Mahasen, and continuing through the list, which includes figures like Hella, Druma, Drumasen, Mahadrumasen, Simha, Simhasen, Mahasimhasen, and Punyasen.
Third Class (Varga 3): Contains 10 chapters, with the first chapter focusing on the detailed life and exemplary asceticism of Dhanna Anagar. The subsequent chapters briefly describe the lives of nine other princes, including Sunakshetra.

Key Themes and Content:

Anuttara Vimanas and the Concept of Ekavatri: The central theme is the attainment of the Anuttara heavens by virtuous souls. These are the highest celestial realms from which there is no further rebirth in the lower three destinies (hell, animal, human). Individuals who achieve rebirth in these heavens are often referred to as "Ekavatri" (one-time birth in the heavenly realm before final liberation).
Exemplary Lives of Great Souls: The sutra narrates the lives of prominent individuals, mostly princes from royal families like that of King Shrenik (Bimbisara) of Magadha. These narratives highlight:
- Renunciation: The ease with which these individuals, even amidst immense wealth and worldly pleasures, renounced their attachments upon hearing the Lord Mahavira's teachings.
- Asceticism and Penance: Detailed descriptions of their rigorous penances and self-discipline (tapasya and samyama) are provided, emphasizing the immense suffering and dedication involved in spiritual practice. The description of Dhanna Anagar's physical transformation due to intense penance is particularly vivid and moving.
- Spiritual Attainment: Their eventual rebirth in the Anuttara heavens and their subsequent path towards final liberation (moksha) are described.
Historical and Cultural Insights: The sutra offers valuable historical and cultural details of ancient India, including:
- Geographical Locations: References to cities like Rajagriha, Champa, Kanyakubja (Kakyandi), Hastinapur, Vaishali, and Pataliputra, along with their descriptions and archaeological significance.
- Social Practices: Mention of marriage customs, dowry systems, the prominent role of women in trade (like Bhadra Sarthavahi), and the social structure of the time.
- Royal Figures: Mentions of kings like Shrenik (Bimbisara) and Kunik (Ajatashatru), and their interactions with Lord Mahavira and the socio-political landscape.
- Mechanical Warfare: Brief mention of war elephants, chariots, and even catapults and chariots (like Mahashilakantak and Rathmusala), indicating advancements in military technology.
The Samavasarana: The text includes a detailed description of the Samavasarana, the divine assembly where Lord Mahavira delivered his sermons. It clarifies the process of its creation by celestial beings and emphasizes the purity of the environment, particularly the use of pure, unadcontaminated (achitta) elements like water and flowers, reflecting the Jain principle of non-violence.
The Doctrine of Savadya Puja: The commentary strongly condemns "Savadya Puja" – rituals involving violence or harm to living beings, even in the name of devotion. It argues that such practices lead to karmic bondage and perpetuate the cycle of birth and death, directly contradicting the principles of Vitaraga (passionless) Jina.
The Importance of the Text and its Commentary: The preface and the conclusion of the text highlight the significance of the Anuttaropapatik Sutram in Jain scripture and praise Ghasilal Maharaj's extensive commentary. It is noted that his commentary provides elaborate explanations, making the complex teachings easily understandable for all, from children to adults. The dedication to making Jain Agamas accessible through translations and commentaries is a recurring theme.

The First Three Chapters (as detailed in the provided text):

Chapter 1 (Jali and Nine Other Princes): Introduces the concept of Anuttara heavens and begins with the narrative of Jali Kumara, son of King Shrenik. It sets the context by describing his luxurious life, his hearing of Lord Mahavira's discourse, his immediate renunciation, and his subsequent severe penance, leading to his rebirth in the Vijaya Anuttara Vimana. The lives of nine other princes are then briefly summarized, following a similar pattern of renunciation and spiritual attainment.
Chapter 2 (Dirghasena and Thirteen Other Princes): Continues the theme by detailing the lives of thirteen princes, mostly sons of King Shrenik and Queen Dharini. It outlines their renunciation, penances, and rebirths in various Anuttara heavens, emphasizing the duration of their celestial existence and their eventual path to liberation.
Chapter 3 (Dhanna Anagar and Others): This chapter places significant emphasis on Dhanna Anagar, the son of Bhadra Sarthavahi. It provides an incredibly detailed and poignant account of his renunciation of immense wealth and family life, his acceptance of Mahavira's teachings, and his extreme penances. The text uses numerous analogies to describe the emaciated state of his body due to this penance, making it a powerful illustration of the sacrifices made for spiritual progress. This chapter also includes a discussion on "Pudgal Paravarta" (transformation of matter over countless cycles of time) and the ten rare opportunities for spiritual advancement, highlighting the arduousness of the path. The chapter also briefly touches upon the lives of other figures like Sunakshetra, emphasizing the common thread of renunciation and the ultimate goal of liberation.

Commentary's Contribution:

Ghasilal Maharaj's commentary is lauded for making the intricate philosophical and narrative aspects of the Anuttaropapatik Sutram accessible. It clarifies difficult terms, explains the context of the narratives, and connects the stories to broader Jain philosophical principles. The detailed descriptions of the ascetics' bodies, while graphic, are presented to underscore the intensity of their penance and its transformative power.

Overall Significance:

The Anuttaropapatik Sutram, as presented with this commentary, is a vital text for understanding the Jain path to ultimate liberation. It illustrates that even those who experience profound worldly happiness can achieve the highest spiritual states through renunciation, unwavering devotion, and intense penance, serving as a beacon of hope and a guide for spiritual aspiration.