Nirayavalika Sutram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nirayavalika Sutram," based on the provided pages:

Title: Shri Nirayavalika Sutram (श्री निरयावलिका सूत्रम्)

Author: Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj (जैनाचार्य - जैनधर्मदिवाकर पूज्यश्री घासीलालजी महाराज)

Commentary: Sundarbodhini Teeka (सुन्दरबोधिनी टीका) by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj

Publisher: Jain Shastroddhar Samiti (श्री श्वे. स्था. जैनशास्त्रोद्धारक समिति)

Publication Details:

First Edition (आवृत्तिः प्रथमा)
Printed 1000 copies (प्रति- १०००)
Published in Vir Samvat 2494, Vikram Samvat 2004, Christian Era 1948.
Sponsored by Gulabchand Panachand Mehta of Rajkot through a donation of Rs. 3001.

Overview:

The "Nirayavalika Sutram" is an "Upanga Sutra" (उपाङ्ग सूत्र) within the Jain canon, consisting of five constituent sutras. This particular volume is a commentary on it, providing a Hindi-Gujarati translation along with a detailed explanation called the "Sundarbodhini Teeka" by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. The commentary also includes Sanskrit and Prakrit expertise from Pt. Munishri Samirmalji Maharaj and Pt. Munishri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj.

Purpose and Context (from the Preface/Introduction):

The preface emphasizes the inherent suffering and cycles of rebirth (bhava-bhramana) that all sentient beings experience due to ignorance, attachment, and negative actions (karmas). It describes how the soul, entangled in worldly desires and driven by senses, falls prey to vices like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, leading to repeated births and deaths in various states of existence, including hellish realms (naraka) and lower forms of life. The divine teachings (Jin Vani), illuminated by the Omniscient Lord's (Bhagwan's) knowledge, are presented as the path to liberation from this suffering. The text highlights the importance of the fourfold path of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyam (restraint), and Tap (austerity) as means to overcome these afflictions.

The "Nirayavalika Sutram," along with four other Upanga Sutras (Kalpavataṁśikā, Puṣpitā, Puṣpacūlikā, and Vr̥ṣṇidaśā), is categorized under "Dharmakathanuyoga" (धर्मकथानुयोग), a branch of Jain literature that focuses on narratives and moral teachings. Specifically, these Upangas are considered to be related to:

Nirayavalikā to Antakr̥tdaśāṅga (अन्तकृतका उपाङ्ग)
Kalpavatansikā to Anuttaraupapātikadaśāṅga (अनुत्तरोपपातिकका)
Puṣpitā to Praśnavyākaraṇa sūtra (प्रश्नव्याकरण सूत्रका)
Puṣpacūlikā to Vipāka sūtra (विपाकसूत्रका)
Vr̥ṣṇidaśā to Dr̥ṣṭivādaṅga (दृष्टिवादाङ्गका)

Content Summary (from the detailed chapters/studies):

The text proceeds to detail the narratives within these five Upangas, focusing primarily on the first study (adhyayana) of Nirayavalika:

Nirayavalikā (First Study - Kāla Kumāra): This section vividly recounts the story of Kāla Kumāra, one of the ten sons of Queen Kāli (one of King Śreṇika's queens). The narrative begins with the reign of King Śreṇika, his queens, and his sons, including Abhayakumāra and Kūṇika. Kūṇika's rebellion against his father, imprisonment of Śreṇika, and the subsequent events, including his mother Ceḷanā's explanation of his birth pangs and his father's deep affection, are detailed. Kūṇika's remorse leads him to break the prison, but fearing his son, King Śreṇika takes poison. The story continues with Kūṇika's regret, relocation of his capital, and the eventual demise of his ten sons, Kāli and his brothers, in battle against King Ceṭaka of Vaiśālī, leading them to infernal realms due to their negative karma. The narrative emphasizes the karmic consequences of actions, particularly those involving betrayal and conflict with parents or virtuous individuals.
Kalpavatansikā (Second Study - Padma Kumāra): This part discusses ten princes, including Padma Kumāra, who were disciples of Lord Mahavir. It details their spiritual journeys, attaining omniscience and liberation (siddhi) in Mahavideha region. It also mentions their lineage as grandsons of King Śreṇika.
Puṣpitā (Third Study - Candra Deva): This section covers ten celestial beings, starting with Candra. It describes their celestial lives, their attainments through spiritual practices, and their eventual rebirth in Mahavideha to achieve liberation. The story of Angati, a wealthy householder who later becomes a monk and faces challenges, is also presented as an example of spiritual progress.
Puṣpacūlikā (Fourth Study - Śrī Devī): This study focuses on ten celestial goddesses, starting with Śrī Devī. It explains their celestial existence and their future rebirths leading to liberation, often highlighting their past lives and karmic connections. The narrative of a wealthy householder's wife, Subhadrā, who seeks spiritual guidance and later becomes a disciple, illustrates the path to righteousness.
Vr̥ṣṇidaśā (Fifth Study - Niṣadha Kumāra): This section details the lives and karmic journeys of twelve princes. It starts with Niṣadha Kumāra, son of King Balarāma and Queen Revatī. The narrative includes his renunciation and subsequent celestial life, and his eventual rebirth in Mahavideha for final liberation. The story of Kr̥ṣṇa Vasudeva and his court is also mentioned, as well as the intricate family relationships and political events of that era. The text details the previous lives and future destinies of these princes, emphasizing the impact of karma and the pursuit of liberation.

Key Themes and Messages:

Karma and Rebirth: The central theme revolves around the law of karma, where actions in this life determine future rebirths and suffering. The text illustrates how negative actions, particularly those against parents, elders, or spiritual guides, lead to dire consequences in lower realms.
Path to Liberation: The teachings of Lord Mahavir and other Tirthankaras (like Arishtanemi and Parshvanath) are presented as the ultimate means to escape the cycle of birth and death. Practices like renunciation, austerity, adherence to vows (anuvrata, samyam), and right faith (samyaktva) are emphasized.
Importance of Righteousness (Samyaktva): The text highlights the profound impact of right faith, showcasing its power to withstand temptations and guide towards true happiness.
Spiritual Guidance: The role of spiritual teachers (Gurus, Sthaviras, Aryikās) in guiding disciples towards liberation is evident.
Moral Instruction: The stories serve as moral lessons, illustrating the virtues of righteousness, forgiveness, and adherence to Dharma, while condemning vices like greed, anger, and betrayal.
Karmic Consequences of Actions: The narratives of various characters, particularly the ten sons of Kāli and later Kūṇika's sons, demonstrate how specific actions lead to specific karmic results, including rebirth in hellish states.

Commentary's Contribution:

The "Sundarbodhini Teeka" plays a crucial role by explaining the philosophical concepts, historical context, and intricate meanings of the original sutras in simple Hindi and Gujarati. It clarifies the stories, the characteristics of individuals, and the underlying Jain principles, making the text accessible to a wider audience. The commentary also includes details about the lineage and the specific spiritual practices of the ascetics mentioned.

In essence, the "Nirayavalika Sutram," with its commentary, serves as a didactic work intended to illuminate the Jain path to liberation by illustrating the consequences of actions and the efficacy of righteous conduct, all within the framework of intricate narratives.