Jaina Sutras 02 Uttaradhyayan Sutra And Sutrakritang Sutra

This text contains the English translation of two significant Jain scriptures: the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and the Sutrakritanga Sutra, translated by Hermann Jacobi and published as Part II of the "Jaina Sutras" in the "Sacred Books of the East" series, edited by F. Max Müller.

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Overall Context: The book is presented as Volume 45 of "The Sacred Books of the East" series, aiming to provide translations of important works from non-Christian religions to establish a solid foundation for the historical and comparative study of religions. The publishers emphasize the discovery of the "Eternal within," originating in the East, and the profound influence of these texts on Asian civilizations. The UNESCO Collection of Representative Works endorsement highlights the value of bringing these 19th-century pioneer works back into print for students and the general public.

Uttaradhyayana Sutra: This is a collection of 36 lectures, primarily aimed at instructing young monks on their principal duties, commending an ascetic life through precepts and examples, warning against spiritual dangers, and providing theoretical information. It covers a wide range of topics essential for monastic life and spiritual development within Jainism. Key themes and lectures include:

• Discipline (Lecture 1): Emphasizes the importance of proper conduct, obedience to superiors, meekness, attentiveness, and avoiding worldly distractions for a monk.
• Troubles (Lectures 2, 19): Details the 22 types of physical and mental hardships (parîshaha) that a monk must learn to bear and conquer, such as hunger, thirst, cold, heat, insects, abuse, illness, and the temptations of women. Lecture 19 specifically details the prolonged suffering in hells.
• The Four Requisites (Lecture 3): Identifies four crucial and difficult-to-obtain elements for spiritual progress: human birth, instruction in the Law, belief in it, and energy in self-control.
• Impurity (Lecture 4): Stresses the need for constant watchfulness and carefulness, warning against carelessness and the allurements of the senses, and emphasizing self-control and renunciation.
• Death (Lecture 5): Differentiates between death with one's will (of the wise) and death against one's will (of the ignorant), highlighting the consequences of actions in this life and the next.
• The False Ascetic (Lecture 6): Critiques ascetics who merely profess the truth without acting upon it, emphasizing that right conduct, not outward appearances, leads to salvation.
• Parables and Examples (Lectures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14): These lectures use various parables and stories to illustrate Jain principles. Examples include the parable of the ram (Lecture 7) about the folly of sinners, Kapila's verses on conduct (Lecture 8), King Nami's dialogue with Indra about true Kshaftriyahood and renunciation (Lecture 9), the "leaf of the tree" sermon on the consequences of karma (Lecture 10), the virtues of a learned monk compared to natural phenomena (Lecture 11), the story of Harikêsa (a Kândala monk) and his victory over Brahmins (Lecture 12), the dialogue between Kitra and Sambhûta on worldly pleasures (Lecture 13), the story of Ishûkara illustrating the excellence of monastic life (Lecture 14), and the life of the true monk (Lecture 15).
• Chastity and Conduct (Lectures 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22): These focus on the ten conditions for perfect chastity, the characteristics of a bad Sramana versus a good one, the temptations of worldly life (especially women), the importance of righteous conduct, the story of Rathanêmi's renunciation, the great duty of Nirgranthas, the life of Samudrapâla, and the renunciation of King Arishtanêmi.
• Philosophical Discussions and Doctrines (Lectures 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36): These lectures delve into core Jain doctrines: the union of Pârsva's and Mahâvîra's followers (Lecture 23), the five Samitis and three Guptis (Lecture 24), the true sacrifice as internal rather than external rituals (Lecture 25), the nature of exertion in righteousness (Lecture 29), the road of penance (external and internal austerities) (Lecture 30), the mode of life of a houseless monk (Lecture 35), the causes of carelessness (Lecture 32), the nature of Karman (Lecture 33), the Lêsyâs (soul conditions) and their influence (Lecture 34), and the classification of living beings and things without life (Lecture 36).
• The Law and Righteousness (Lectures 17, 26, 27, 28, 31): Lecture 17 criticizes the "bad Sramana" who fails in discipline. Lecture 26 outlines the correct daily behavior of monks. Lecture 27 uses the analogy of bad bullocks to describe bad pupils. Lecture 28 details the "road to final deliverance" based on right knowledge, faith, conduct, and austerities, listing the nine fundamental truths (Navatattvas). Lecture 31 discusses the "Mode of Life" through numerous enumerations of virtues and practices to be followed.

Sutrakritanga Sutra: This scripture focuses on refuting heretical doctrines and establishing the correct Jain path. It is divided into two books, each containing 16 lectures. Key themes include:

• Refutation of Heresies (Book 1, Lectures 1-4): The initial lectures are dedicated to refuting various philosophical schools prevalent at the time, such as Materialism, Vedânta, Fatalism, Agnosticism, and Buddhist doctrines. It clarifies the Jain stance on concepts like soul, karma, causality, and the nature of reality in contrast to these differing views.
• The Nature of Karman and the Hells (Book 1, Lectures 5, 10): Lecture 5 provides graphic descriptions of the hells and the punishments for sinners. Lecture 10 discusses carelessness and the consequences of attachment.
• Praise of Mahavira and Jain Principles (Book 1, Lectures 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15): Lecture 6 is a detailed praise of Mahavira, highlighting his omniscience, virtues, and the excellence of his Law. Lecture 8 discusses exertion and the refutation of wrong paths. Lecture 9 elucidates the Law, emphasizing non-violence and right conduct. Lecture 11 describes the "Path" to liberation. Lecture 13 discusses "Real Truth," emphasizing righteous conduct and the dangers of heretical views. Lecture 15, "The Song," defines the true monk/Brahmana/Sramana/Bhikshu/Nirgrantha through their adherence to Jain principles.
• The Law and Conduct (Lectures 9, 10, 11, 14, 24): Lecture 9 outlines the essential Law, focusing on non-violence and abstinence from worldly attachments. Lecture 10 emphasizes carefulness in all actions. Lecture 11 details the "Path" to liberation. Lecture 14 discusses the "Nirgrantha" and the importance of correct understanding. Lecture 24 elaborates on the five Samitis and three Guptis, the core of Jain ethical conduct.
• Specific Doctrinal Points and Debates (Book 2, Lectures 1-7): This book continues the refutation of other philosophical schools (Materialists, Fatalists, Vêdântins, etc.) (Lecture 1). Lecture 2 discusses merit and demerit in actions, detailing 13 kinds of sin and emphasizing the consequence of actions. Lecture 3 provides a detailed classification of living beings and things without life, discussing their origins, durations of life, and karmic implications. Lecture 4 discusses renunciation of activity and the futility of certain paths. Lecture 5 discusses freedom from error and the dangers of incorrect beliefs. Lecture 6 presents a debate between Ardraka and philosophers from different schools (Gôsâla, Buddhists, Vedic Priests, Vêdântins, Hastitâpasas) to clarify Jain doctrines. Lecture 7 critiques various philosophical viewpoints and highlights the importance of precise understanding and adherence to the Jain path.

Key Jain Concepts Highlighted:

• Karma: The central concept of actions and their consequences, binding the soul and determining future births. The Sutras detail how karma is acquired, its duration, and how it can be annihilated through austerities and right conduct.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount principle of not harming any living being, emphasized throughout the texts in relation to all actions, thoughts, and words.
• Asceticism/Monastic Life: The Uttaradhyayana Sutra, in particular, provides extensive guidance on the discipline, virtues, and daily conduct of monks.
• Right Knowledge, Faith, and Conduct (Samyak Jñâna, Samyak Darśana, Samyak Châritra): These are presented as the foundational pillars leading to liberation.
• Lêsya: The subtle conditions of the soul influenced by karma, characterized by colors, tastes, smells, and moral implications.
• Samitis and Guptis: The five watchful practices (Samitis) and three restraints (Guptis) that form the basis of Jain ethical conduct.
• Liberation (Moksha/Nirvana): The ultimate goal, achieved by annihilating karma, breaking the cycle of birth and death, and attaining an eternal state of bliss and omniscience.
• Refutation of Other Doctrines: A significant portion of the Sutrakritanga is dedicated to analyzing and refuting non-Jain philosophical and religious viewpoints, establishing the uniqueness and superiority of the Jain path.

In essence, this translated work offers a deep dive into the ethical, philosophical, and practical aspects of Jainism, providing guidance for spiritual practice, understanding the workings of the universe and karma, and refuting opposing views.