Nirayavalika Sutra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Nirayavalika Sutra, based on the English translation of the provided content:

Book Title: Nirayavalika Sutra Authors: Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain

Overview:

The Nirayavalika Sutra is an Upanga (secondary scripture) within the Shvetambara tradition of Jainism, as per the provided text. It is part of a collection of five Upangas, aiming to provide detailed narratives and teachings related to various aspects of Jain philosophy and history. The translated text focuses primarily on the Nirayavalika Sutra and the Kalpavtantisika Sutra, with brief introductions to Pushpika Sutra, Pushpchulika Sutra, and Varishnidisha Sutra.

Content Summary:

The Nirayavalika Sutra primarily deals with the description of beings destined for hell (naraka) and illustrates the consequences of one's actions. The translated text highlights the following key aspects:

1. Introduction to Jain Agamas and Upangas:

   • The text begins by explaining the context of Jain scriptures, mentioning the existence of 45 Agamas according to Shvetambara tradition, with 11 Angas and 12 Upangas.
   • It notes that the 12th Anga, Drishtivada, containing knowledge of 14 Purvas, is no longer available.
   • The current Agamas are presented as the result of the 5th compilation (Vachana) which took place in Valabhi, Gujarat, under the leadership of Acharya Devardhigani, with approximately 500 Jain Acharyas participating.

2. The Nirayavalika Sutra (First Upanga):

   • This Upanga focuses on the description of souls that attain hell.
   • Key Narrative: The central story revolves around the events in Champanagari, under King Konik (Ajatashatru) and Queen Padmavati. It details a significant and fierce historical war that devastated the Vaishali republic.
   • Participants in the War:
     • One side: Prince Vihall Kumar (younger son of King Bimbisar), armies of the 18 republics, and King Chetak.
     • Other side: King Konik, his vast army, and allied kings.
   • Maharani Chellana's Story: The text recounts the historical account of Maharani Chellana's pregnancy and her remorse.
     • The Desire (Dohada): Due to the soul's desire in the womb, Maharani Chellana experiences a craving for meat.
     • Meat Consumption: Despite the royal family's adherence to non-violence, meat consumption was fulfilled out of compulsion for the pregnant Maharani. Minister Abhay Kumar ingeniously procured meat and had it tied to the King's chest, fulfilling the desire by slicing it with his own knife, thus satisfying the soul in the womb.
     • Indications of Sinful Nature: This event is presented as an early indication of a soul's sinful tendencies even before birth.
   • Konik's Actions: The text describes King Konik's ambition, his imprisonment of his father (King Shrenik), and his eventual death. It highlights how the presence of a "sinful soul" brings suffering to family, society, and the nation.
   • Cause of the Vaishali War: The war's cause is attributed to the Sechanak elephant and a necklace with 14 strings, symbolizing Konik and his wife's greed.
   • Interpretation of "Koti": The text clarifies that the numerical term "koti" used for army size should not be taken literally as ten million, but as a specific quantity within the scriptures, possibly relating to "kori" which means twenty. This interpretation is based on the impracticality of such a large army fighting.
   • The First Study (Adhyayan): The text then details the first study of the Nirayavalika Sutra, which begins with a description of Rajagriha city and the arrival of Arya Sudharma Swami and 500 monks. It recounts Arya Jambu Swami's question to his guru about the meaning of the Upangas and their classification by Lord Mahavir into five categories: Nirayavalika, Kalpavantisika, Pushpika, Pushpachulika, and Varishnidisha. The first study specifically details the events leading to the birth of Konik and the tragic death of Kal Kumar, who is reborn in the fourth Naraka (hell).
   • Subsequent Studies (2-10): These studies generally follow the pattern of the first, illustrating similar narratives of consequences for actions, often involving princes and their destinies in the lower realms. The names of the mothers are linked to the princes' destinies.

3. The Kalpavtantisika Sutra (Second Upanga):

   • This Upanga focuses on the renunciation of 10 grandsons of King Shrenik and their adoption of the ascetic life.
   • Historical Context: It mentions the family's lineage from the time of the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath.
   • Key Figures: Prince Padm, son of Queen Padmavati, is a central character, detailing his life from birth to initiation.
   • Narrative of Renunciation: The text describes how princes, after enjoying worldly pleasures, were inspired by Lord Mahavir's teachings to renounce the world and dedicate themselves to asceticism, ultimately achieving liberation.
   • Rebirth in Deva Lok: The stories of these princes often include their rebirths in the Deva Lok (heavenly realms) before ultimately achieving salvation in Mahavideh Kshetra.
   • Example: Padm Kumar's Story: This section details Padm Kumar's life, his renunciation after hearing Lord Mahavir's discourse, his ascetic practices, and his eventual rebirth as a celestial being in the Shodharma heaven for a long lifespan, before his final liberation.

4. The Pushpika Sutra (Third Upanga):

   • This Upanga describes celestial beings (devas) who visit Lord Mahavir's assembly, displaying their divine powers and performing dramas.
   • Key Narratives: It includes the interactions between celestial beings and Lord Mahavir, with questions posed by Gandhar Gautam Swami and detailed answers by Lord Mahavir.
   • Illustrations of Karma: The stories highlight the karmic causes behind the celestial beings' powers and their eventual rebirths.
   • Focus on Celestial Beings: The descriptions often detail their chariots, celestial banners, music, and other divine attributes.
   • Example: Chandra Dev: The story of Chandra Dev, the king of astrologers, is presented, detailing his previous life as Angati, a householder who followed Lord Parshvanath and became a monk, leading to his celestial birth.
   • Example: Surya Dev and Shukra: Similar narratives are presented for Surya Dev and Shukra, linking their celestial status to their past virtuous deeds and ascetic practices.
   • Example: Bahupurvika Devi: This story illustrates a deviation from strict ascetic practices, where a nun (Bhutan) engages in worldly behaviors, leading to a less favorable rebirth as a celestial being who can create numerous offspring. The importance of vigilance and adherence to vows in monastic life is emphasized.
   • Example: Somil Brahman: This narrative details the spiritual journey of Somil Brahman, who initially embraced Jain principles but later fell into erroneous beliefs and practices. After an intervention by a divine being, he re-embraces the correct path and eventually achieves a celestial birth.

5. The Pushpchulika Sutra (Fourth Upanga):

   • This Upanga describes the celestial goddesses and their connection to the period of the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath.
   • Focus on Merit and Negligence: The text details the auspicious deeds performed by these goddesses in their past lives, leading to their celestial births. However, it also highlights instances of negligence in their spiritual practices, which prevent them from attaining liberation.
   • Lesson: The primary lesson from this Upanga is the importance of unwavering dedication and diligence in following the monastic path, as any negligence can hinder spiritual progress.
   • Example: Shri Devi: The story of Shri Devi's past life as a householder named Bhuta, who took initiation from Lord Parshvanath but indulged in physical purification rituals beyond the prescribed norms, leading to her celestial birth and subsequent limitations.

6. The Varishnidisha Sutra (Fifth Upanga):

   • This Upanga discusses the 12 princes of the Varshni dynasty and events from the time of the 22nd Tirthankar, Lord Arishtanemi.
   • Key Figures: Lord Arishtanemi, born into the Yadav dynasty, and Prince Nishadh Kumar are central to the narratives.
   • Narratives of Renunciation and Liberation: The text details the penance, renunciation, and ultimate attainment of Nirvana (liberation) by figures like Nishadh Kumar and others.
   • Example: Nishadh Kumar: The story of Nishadh Kumar, born to King Baldev and Queen Revati, his life of worldly pleasures, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of liberation after following the teachings of Lord Arishtanemi are described. The narrative emphasizes the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth, and the path to ultimate freedom.

Overall Message and Themes:

The Nirayavalika Sutra, along with the other Upangas discussed, serves to:

• Illustrate Karma: The primary theme is the law of karma – how actions (good or bad) lead to corresponding consequences, both in this life and in future births, including births in lower realms (hells) or celestial realms.
• Promote Right Conduct: It provides detailed stories and examples to guide individuals towards righteous living, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, non-violence (ahimsa), self-control, and spiritual discipline.
• Highlight Renunciation: The text repeatedly showcases the transformative power of renunciation and asceticism as the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Emphasize Vigilance: It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding followers to remain vigilant in their spiritual practices and to avoid negligence, as it can impede progress towards ultimate liberation.
• Narrate Historical and Mythological Events: The scriptures weave historical and mythological narratives, providing context and deeper understanding of Jain teachings through engaging stories.

This translation provides a valuable insight into the didactic and narrative style of Jain scriptures, aimed at educating and inspiring followers towards spiritual enlightenment.