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Dashvaikalika Uttaradhyayana

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Dashvaikalika Uttaradhyayana

Summary

The book "Dashvaikalika Uttaradhyayana" authored by Mangilalmuni and published by Jain Vishva Bharati is a Hindi poetic translation of two significant Jain Agamas: the Dashavaikalika Sutra and the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose and Significance: The book presents a poetic and accessible rendering of two foundational Jain texts, making their teachings available to a wider audience, particularly the common Jain follower who might find the original Prakrit and Sanskrit texts challenging. The translation aims to be melodious and engaging, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jain philosophy and practice.

Key Information about the Book:

  • Author/Translator: Muni Mangilal 'Mukul'
  • Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Delhi
  • Publication Date: Maagh Sudi 7, Vikram Samvat 2032 (1976)
  • Foreword/Blessings: Muni Dulharaj (who wrote the introduction) and Acharya Tulsi (who provided blessings).
  • Financial Support: Shri Totaram Jagdish Rai of Madikavli, Haryana, bore the publication costs.
  • Content: Hindi poetic translation of Dashavaikalika Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra.
  • Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010686/1

Introduction to Jain Agamas (from the Preface by Muni Dulharaj):

  • Jain Agamas are divided into four parts: Anga (11), Upanga (12), Mool (4), and Chhed (4).
  • The "Mool" division is not as ancient as the Angas and is believed to have originated after the 11th century Vikram era.
  • Initially, in the early understanding of the Agamas, Acharya Acharanga and Sutrakritanga were considered the primary "Mool" texts.
  • Later, the Dashavaikalika and Uttaradhyayana Sutras replaced them in the lineage of "Mool" texts, particularly in the context of the evolving understanding of the spiritual lineage ("Shruta Purusha").
  • The exact number of texts classified as "Mool" varies among scholars, but Anuyogadvara, Nandi, Uttaradhyayana, and Dashavaikalika are widely accepted as "Mool" sutras.

Significance of "Mool" Sutras: The preface by Muni Dulharaj explains the rationale behind the "Mool" classification for Dashavaikalika and Uttaradhyayana:

  1. Foundational Support: They serve as fundamental guides for monks, especially at the beginning of their spiritual journey, and the study of Agamas often starts with them.
  2. Core Principles: They detail the fundamental vows ("Mool Guna") of a monk, such as Mahavrata (great vows) and Samiti (carefulness).

About Dashavaikalika Sutra:

  • Compilation: Compiled by Acharya Shyyambhav, a Shruta Kevali (one who remembers the entire scripture), for his disciple son, Manaka, from various ancient texts.
  • Time of Completion: Believed to have been completed in the first century of the Vira Nirvana era in Champa city.
  • Curriculum: Before its widespread acceptance, newly initiated monks were taught Uttaradhyayana after Acharya Acharanga. Later, Dashavaikalika replaced Uttaradhyayana in this sequence.
  • Structure: Contains ten chapters (Adhyayana) and two concluding sections (Chulikas). It has 514 verses and 31 sutras.
  • Composition: Primarily poetic, with prose sections only in the fourth chapter, ninth chapter, and the first Chulika.
  • Acceptance: Equally accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions. Currently, new Shvetambara monks are first taught this Agama.
  • Commentaries: Numerous commentaries exist in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Gujarati-Rajasthani mix. The oldest is the Churni by Acharya Agastyasimh Sthavir (3rd-5th century Vikram era). Haribhadra Suri's Sanskrit commentary (8th century) is also well-known.
  • Content Focus: Provides knowledge of the initial practices of monks in training and strengthens the resolve for spiritual absorption.

About Uttaradhyayana Sutra:

  • Etymology: Composed of "Uttar" (later/final) and "Adhyayana" (study/chapter).
  • Structure: Contains thirty-six chapters (Adhyayana).
  • Final Words: The last verse (36.268) indicates it is considered the final discourse of Lord Mahavir.
  • Authorship Debate: Some scholars consider it a collection-sutra, with the first collection occurring in the first half of the first century Vira Nirvana era, and a later compilation during the time of Devaprishni.
  • Content: Covers a wide range of topics, making it representative of Lord Mahavir's ideology. It contains 1638 verses and 86 sutras.
  • Composition: Primarily poetic, with the twenty-ninth chapter being prose, and some prose in the second and sixteenth chapters.
  • Commentaries: Numerous commentaries exist. The "Brihadvritti" in Sanskrit by Vadivetala Shanti Suri (11th century Vikram era) is significant. Nemichandra Suri's "Sukhodaya" (12th century) based on the Brihadvritti includes beautiful collections of Prakrit stories. Jinadasa Mahattara's Churni is also available but less extensive.

The Translator's Journey (Sva-Kathya by Muni Mukul):

  • Inspiration: Inspired by a Hindi poetic translation of the Gita by Pandit Dinanath 'Dinesh', Muni Mukul felt a similar approach would benefit the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which he called the "Jain Gita."
  • Initial Request: He first requested Muni Rajkaranji to undertake the translation, but Muni Rajkaranji encouraged Muni Mukul to do it himself.
  • Starting with Dashavaikalika: Recognizing the length of Uttaradhyayana, Muni Mukul decided to start with Dashavaikalika due to its shorter length, finding it easier.
  • First Draft and Collaboration: He completed the poetic translation of Dashavaikalika in about a month. He then requested Muni Buddhmalji to revise it, spending months in collaborative revision.
  • Publication and Further Work: Parts of the translation were published in 'Jain Bharti' weekly. Encouraged by the positive reception and a request for a specific chapter of Uttaradhyayana, Muni Mukul embarked on translating the entire Uttaradhyayana Sutra.
  • Completion and Recognition: The translation of Uttaradhyayana was completed in Vikram Samvat 2016 (1959). Acharya Tulsi praised the work upon its completion.
  • Further Revisions: Later, under the guidance of the Jain Vishva Bharati's Agam and Literature Publication Department, the translations of both Dashavaikalika and Uttaradhyayana underwent further review and refinement, eventually being published as books.
  • Personal Fulfillment: Muni Mukul expresses his satisfaction with the time well-spent and the focus and joy derived from the translation work. He humbly requests readers to point out any errors for future editions.
  • Gratitude: He expresses deep gratitude to Acharya Tulsi for his support and to Muni Dulharaj for writing the preface.

Content Overview (from the Subject Index): The book contains translations of the following chapters:

  • Dashavaikalika:

    1. Drumapushpika (Flower of the Tree)
    2. Shramanyapurvaka (Previous Conduct of a Monk)
    3. Kshullakachar (Conduct of the Minor Monk)
    4. Shatjivanika (Six Types of Life-forms)
    5. Pindeshana (First Discourse: Alms-begging)
    6. Pindeshana (Second Discourse: Alms-begging)
    7. Mahachar Katha (Great Conduct Story)
    8. Vakyashuddhi (Purity of Speech)
    9. Achar Pranidhi (Rules of Conduct)
    10. Vinaya Samadhi (First Discourse: Composure in Humility)
    11. Vinaya Samadhi (Second Discourse)
    12. Vinaya Samadhi (Third Discourse)
    13. Vinaya Samadhi (Fourth Discourse)
    14. Sambhikshu (Fellow Monk)
    15. Chulika (Concluding Sections) - Rati-Vakya, Viviktacharya

  • Uttaradhyayana:

    1. Vinayashruta (Scripture of Humility)
    2. Parishaha (Endurance of Hardships)
    3. Chaturangiya (Fourfold Conduct)
    4. Asanskruta Jivita (Unprepared Life)
    5. Akama-Sakama Marana (Unvoluntary and Voluntary Death)
    6. Kshullaka Nirgranthiya (The Minor Ascetic)
    7. Urabhriya (The Ram-like Ascetic)
    8. Kapiliya (The Ascetic Kapila)
    9. Nami Pravrajya (The Renunciation of King Nami)
    10. Drumapatraka (The Leaf of the Tree)
    11. Bahushruta-Puja (Veneration of the Learned)
    12. Harikeshabala (The Story of Harikeshabali)
    13. Chittasambhut (The Story of Chittasambhut)
    14. Ishukariya (The Story of Ishukari)
    15. Sambhikshu (Fellow Monk)
    16. Brahmacharya-Samadhi-Sthan (Places of Composure in Celibacy)
    17. Papashramaniya (The Sinful Monk)
    18. Sanjayeeya (The Story of Samjayee)
    19. Mrigaputriya (The Story of Mrigaputra)
    20. Mahanirgranthiya (The Great Unclothed Ascetic)
    21. Samudrapaliya (The Story of Samudrapala)
    22. Rathnemiya (The Story of Rathnemi)
    23. Keshigautamiya (The Dialogue of Keshi and Gautama)
    24. Pravachanamata (The Mother of Teachings)
    25. Yaksheeya (The Story of Yaksha)
    26. Samachari (Conduct of Discipline)
    27. Khalukiya (The Story of Khalu)
    28. Moksha-Marga-Gati (The Path to Liberation)
    29. Samyaktva-Parakrama (The Prowess of Right Faith)
    30. Tapa-Marga (The Path of Austerity)
    31. Charana-Vidhi (Method of Conduct)
    32. Pramada-Sthan (Places of Negligence)
    33. Karma-Prakriti (Nature of Karma)
    34. Leshya (Subtle Soul-states)
    35. Angara-Marga-Gati (The Path of the Unattached)
    36. Jivajiva-Vibhakt (Distinction of Living and Non-living Beings)

Content Snippets (from the translated verses): The provided text includes translated verses from various chapters, offering glimpses into the themes:

  • Manglacharan: Invocation to the victorious Lord Mahavir.
  • Dashavaikalika:
    • Drumapushpika: Compares the monk's way of life to a bee collecting nectar from a flower without harming it.
    • Shramanyapurvaka: Discusses the essence of monasticism, detachment from worldly comforts, and overcoming desires.
    • Kshullakachar: Details the prohibited actions for a junior monk, covering a wide range of everyday activities and substances.
    • Shatjivanika: Explains the concept of six types of life-forms (earth, water, fire, air, plants, and mobile beings) and the principle of non-violence towards them, introducing the Mahavratas (great vows).
    • Pindeshana: Focuses on the meticulous rules for a monk collecting alms, emphasizing purity, mindfulness, and non-rejection of offered food.
    • Mahachar Katha: Narrates stories illustrating the rigorous conduct and principles of Jain monks.
    • Vakyashuddhi: Discusses the importance of pure and truthful speech, avoiding harsh, deceptive, or unnecessary words.
    • Achar Pranidhi: Outlines the rules of conduct for monks, including carefulness in movement and interaction with living beings.
    • Vinaya Samadhi: Emphasizes the significance of humility, respect for elders and teachers, and maintaining composure.
    • Bhishku: Describes the qualities and conduct of an ideal monk.
    • Chulika (Rati-Vakya, Viviktacharya): Concluding sections on renunciation, detachment, and solitary practices.
  • Uttaradhyayana:
    • Vinayashruta: Highlights the importance of humility and obedience to the Guru and the teachings.
    • Parishaha: Details the various hardships and trials that ascetics must endure with equanimity.
    • Chaturangiya: Explains the four essential elements for spiritual progress: human birth, listening to the dharma, developing faith, and cultivating perseverance.
    • Asanskruta Jivita: Discusses the importance of living a life free from attachment and negligence.
    • Akama-Sakama Marana: Differentiates between death by unavoidable causes and death resulting from actions, emphasizing the former as more conducive to spiritual liberation.
    • Kshullaka Nirgranthiya: Describes the conduct of a minor ascetic.
    • Urabhriya: Uses the analogy of a ram waiting for the butcher to illustrate the heedlessness of worldly beings.
    • Kapiliya: Highlights the story of Kapila and the nature of attachment.
    • Nami Pravrajya: Narrates the story of King Nami's renunciation.
    • Drumapatraka: Uses the analogy of falling leaves and melting dew to emphasize the impermanence of life and the need for diligence.
    • Bahushruta Puja: Explains the significance of venerating learned ascetics and the benefits derived from it.
    • Harikeshabala: Features a dialogue between a monk Harikeshabali and Brahmins, showcasing the superiority of Jain principles.
    • Chittasambhut: Illustrates the concept of karma and its consequences through the story of Chittasambhut and Mitrabhuta.
    • Ishukariya: Highlights the story of King Ishukari and his sons, emphasizing renunciation.
    • Sambhiksliu: Discusses the conduct of a fellow monk.
    • Brahmacharya-Samadhi-Sthan: Details the rules and places conducive to maintaining celibacy and mental peace.
    • Papashramaniya: Describes the characteristics of a monk who falls into sinful conduct.
    • Sanjayeeya: Features a dialogue where King Sanjaya learns about true detachment and self-control from a monk.
    • Mrigaputriya: The story of Mrigaputra's renunciation after realizing the true nature of worldly suffering and karma.
    • Mahanirgranthiya: Explains the path to liberation and the importance of self-control and detachment.
    • Samudrapaliya: The story of Samudrapala's journey to monasticism.
    • Rathnemiya: Narrates the story of Prince Rathnemi's renunciation and his encounter with Rajimati.
    • Keshigautamiya: Recounts the famous philosophical dialogue between Mahavira's disciples, Keshi and Gautama, on the nature of reality and spiritual liberation.
    • Pravachanamata: Discusses the importance of the eightfold discipline for monks.
    • Yaksheeya: Features the story of a Yaksha.
    • Samachari: Details the disciplinary rules and practices for monks.
    • Khalukiya: The story of Khalukiya.
    • Moksha-Marga-Gati: Describes the path to liberation.
    • Samyaktva-Parakrama: Explains the ninefold essence of Right Faith and its associated practices.
    • Tapa-Marga: Discusses the different types of austerities (external and internal) and their significance.
    • Charana-Vidhi: Outlines the methods and rules of conduct for monks.
    • Pramada-Sthan: Identifies pitfalls and places that can lead to negligence in spiritual practice.
    • Karma-Prakriti: Explains the nature and workings of karma.
    • Leshya: Describes the six subtle states of the soul (Krsna, Nila, Kapota, Tejas, Padma, Shukla) and their effects.
    • Angara-Marga-Gati: The path of the unattached, emphasizing detachment from worldly things.
    • Jivajiva-Vibhakt: A detailed explanation of living beings (Jiva) and non-living matter (Ajava), their types, states, and lifespans, covering the entire universe of existence according to Jain cosmology.

This summary provides a detailed overview of the book's content, its significance within Jain literature, and the context of its creation, drawing from the provided text.