Mulachar Uttarardha

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Mulachar Uttarardha" by Vattkeracharya and Aryika Gyanmati Mataji:

Book Title: Mulachar Uttarardha (Second Part of Mulachar) Author(s): Vattkeracharya (also identified with Kundakundacharya by some scholars), Aryika Jnanmati Mataji (Commentary and Translation) Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanpith Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001839/1

Overview:

Mulachar is considered one of the most ancient Jain texts that systematically details the conduct, practices, and virtues of the Digambara monks. The original work is attributed to Acharya Vattker, whom many scholars identify with the renowned Acharya Kundakunda. This specific edition, the Uttarardha (second part), presents the latter half of the Mulachar text. It includes a Sanskrit commentary, "Acharavritti," written approximately 600 years ago by Acharya Vasunandi Siddhantachakravarti. The entire work has been critically edited and translated into Hindi by the erudite Aryika Ratna Jnanmati Mataji, with suggestions and refinements provided by eminent scholars like Siddhantacharya Pt. Kailash Chandra Shastri, Pt. Jaganmohanlal Shastri, and Dr. Pannalal Jain Sahityacharya. The aim of Aryika Jnanmati Mataji's translation is to make the profound meaning and importance of the text accessible to seekers of knowledge, using a clear and easily understandable language.

Content Summary (Uttarardha - Second Part):

The Uttarardha, or the second part of Mulachar, is divided into the remaining five chapters, completing the twelve chapters of the entire work. The first part (Purvardha) covered the first seven chapters. The twelve chapters and their subjects are:

Chapters Covered in Uttarardha:

1. Dwadasanupreksha Adhikara (Chapter 8: Twelve Reflections/Meditations):

   • This chapter systematically elaborates on the twelve cardinal reflections or contemplations essential for spiritual progress.
   • It includes reflections on impermanence (Anitya), non-protection (Asharan), solitude (Ekattva), difference/otherness (Anyatva), the cycle of existence (Samsara), the nature of the universe (Loka), impurity/inauspiciousness (Ashuchi/Ashubh), influx of karma (Asrava), stoppage of influx (Samvara), shedding of karma (Nirjara), righteous conduct (Dharma), and the rarity of spiritual awakening (Bodhi Durlabha).
   • The chapter likely emphasizes the constant flux and transient nature of worldly existence to foster detachment and spiritual resolve.

2. Anagar Bhavana Adhikara (Chapter 9: Meditations of the Homeless Ascetic):

   • This chapter focuses on the excellent conduct and profound contemplations of monks who have renounced worldly life.
   • It details ten aspects of purity related to monastic practice: purity of signs/symbols (linga), vows (vrata), dwelling places (vasati), wandering (vihara), alms-receiving (bhiksha), knowledge (jnana), speech (vakya), body-related practices (ujjhana), austerity (tapa), and meditation (dhyana).
   • It also discusses concepts like 'anavasara' (non-availability of necessities) and yogas, stressing that these practices are best fulfilled by those who have attained the highest level of spiritual discipline (Jinakalpi monks).

3. Samayasaar Adhikara (Chapter 10: The Essence of Reality/Time):

   • This chapter deals with the causes of purity in conduct (charitra).
   • It elaborates on the four types of 'linga' (signs of an ascetic) and ten types of 'sthitikalpa' (rules for dwelling or conduct).
   • The ten 'sthitikalpa' are listed as: achalakattva (non-attachment to dwelling), anaudeshika (not taking food prepared for specific individuals), shayyagriha-tyaga (renunciation of dwelling places), rajapinda-tyaga (renunciation of royal alms), kritikarma (rituals/practices), vrata (vows), jyeshthata (seniority/honour), pratrikramana (atonement/confession), masasthitikalpa (monthly observance), and paryavasthitikalpa (seasonal observance).
   • It highlights the importance of character purification as the essence, not just scriptural knowledge. It states that true liberation (moksha) is achieved through the combination of knowledge, conduct, and austerity.

4. Shila-Guna Adhikara (Chapter 11: Virtues and Qualities):

   • This chapter provides an extensive exposition of the eighteen thousand 'shilas' (virtuous conduct) and the eighty-four lakh 'uttara-gunas' (secondary virtues).
   • It details the sequence of the origin of 'shilas,' the methods of calculating them (sankhya, prastar, akshasankrama, nashta, uddishta), and the nuances of their practice.
   • The importance of these virtues is emphasized as the foundation for spiritual development.

5. Paryapti Adhikara (Chapter 12: Attainments/Fulfillment):

   • This concluding chapter discusses the six 'paryaptis' (stages of vital development and accomplishment) of a living being.
   • It details the classification of souls into various forms and the characteristics of their existence, including lifespan (ayu).
   • It provides extensive cosmological information, such as the dimensions of Jambudvipa, the descriptions of the various continents and oceans, and the lifespans and characteristics of beings in the different hells (naraka), heavens (deva), and earthly realms (tiryancha).
   • The chapter concludes by explaining the process of shedding karma (kshay) through penance and meditation, highlighting this as the ultimate fruit of studying Mulachar.

Key Themes and Significance:

• Ascetic Discipline: The Mulachar Uttarardha deeply delves into the rigorous practices and ethical codes required for a Digambara monk, emphasizing self-control, detachment, and adherence to principles like non-violence (ahimsa) and celibacy.
• Spiritual Contemplation: The twelve reflections (anupreksha) serve as a core framework for internalizing the principles of Jainism, fostering renunciation, and understanding the true nature of reality.
• Purity of Conduct: The text stresses the importance of various kinds of purity – in conduct (linga, vrata), alms-receiving (bhiksha), speech (vakya), mind (hridaya), and even in the meticulous care to avoid harming even the smallest life forms (ujjhana).
• The Rarity and Importance of Human Birth: The text likely underscores the extreme difficulty of attaining human birth and the spiritual potential it holds, urging the reader to make the most of it through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• The Nature of Existence: The descriptions of hells, heavens, and the cycle of rebirth highlight the Jain understanding of samsara as a realm of suffering and the necessity of breaking free through spiritual discipline.
• Commentary and Accessibility: The contribution of Aryika Jnanmati Mataji is crucial for making this ancient and profound text accessible to a wider audience through her clear Hindi commentary and translation, preserving its authenticity while elucidating its deep philosophical and practical insights.

In essence, the Mulachar Uttarardha is a profound guide for ascetics, offering detailed instructions and philosophical reflections aimed at achieving spiritual liberation (moksha) by meticulously purifying one's conduct, thoughts, and actions. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the strict regimen and ethical framework governing the lives of Jain monks.