Sutrakritanga Sutram Part 02

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sutrakritanga Sutram Part 02," authored by Kanhaiyalal Maharaj and published by Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

The provided text is the second part of the Sutrakritanga Sutram, a significant Jain scripture. This volume focuses on the Third Chapter and extends into later chapters. The text includes the original Prakrit verses, Sanskrit commentary (Tilka), and Hindi-Gujarati translations and explanations. The overarching theme of this section is the guidance and teachings provided to monks (Yatis) by the enlightened ones, particularly in navigating hardships, understanding different philosophies, and maintaining the path of righteousness.

Key Themes and Content:

Chapter 3: The Nature of Passions and the World (likely related to the topic of "Dosha" or faults/vices)

This chapter primarily deals with the concept of Upassarga (obstacles or afflictions) faced by ascetics, particularly those that are favorable or unfavorable (Anukool and Pratikool).

• Upassarga (Obstacles/Afflictions): The text begins by introducing the idea that even a spiritually awakened and disciplined monk (Samyami) might encounter obstacles. These obstacles are categorized into:

  • Pratikool Upassarga (Unfavorable Obstacles): These are the more evident and harsh adversities. The initial part of Chapter 3 delves into the details of these, illustrated through various examples.
  • Anukool Upassarga (Favorable Obstacles): While seemingly favorable, these are also considered traps designed to lead the ascetic astray. The text highlights that these might be subtler, often stemming from attachments to worldly things, family relationships, or even perceived blessings.

• The Vanity of the Cowardly: The initial verses use the analogy of a coward who considers himself brave until he confronts a true warrior or a formidable opponent like Duryodhana's perception of Krishna. Similarly, a novice monk, untouched by hardships, might feel confident, but true strength is tested when facing severe afflictions like those encountered during Parishaha (endurance of hardships).

• Endurance of Parishaha: A significant portion of the early part of Chapter 3 is dedicated to explaining the importance of enduring various forms of Parishaha without succumbing to despair. These include:

  • Hunger (Bhiksha Parishaha): The text describes the hardships related to the act of begging for alms.
  • Thirst: The difficulties of enduring thirst.
  • Cold and Heat: The challenges of tolerating extreme weather conditions, using analogies like the state of a proud king losing his kingdom or the suffering of fish in dry ponds.
  • Insects and Pests (Dash Mashakadi): The discomfort and pain caused by insects like mosquitoes and bedbugs.
  • Body Hair and Body: The difficulties associated with the detachment from the body, including hair-pulling (Kes-lamban), and the tolerance required during these practices.
  • Pain and Suffering: The description of various painful experiences.
  • Rejection and Insult: Dealing with harsh words, criticism, and rejection from others, including the concept of Krodha (anger) and Kashaya (passions).
  • Theft and Deception: The text touches upon the implications of theft and deception and how it affects one's spiritual path.
  • Physical Abuse and Violence: The description of afflictions like being struck by weapons or subjected to other forms of physical torment. The text uses examples like the fierce battle described in the Mahabharata to illustrate the intensity of suffering.
  • The Dangers of Attachment: The text emphasizes how attachments, even to seemingly favorable circumstances, can be obstacles. The family members of a monk trying to lure him back are described as creating favorable obstacles.

• Critique of Other Religions (Anyatirthika): The text engages in a philosophical debate, refuting the doctrines and practices of other religious groups (Anyatirthikas). This includes:

  • Critique of Materialistic Philosophies: The text likely challenges philosophies that prioritize worldly pleasures or material well-being.
  • Addressing Objections: It addresses arguments and accusations made by other sects against Jain principles and practices.
  • The Importance of Righteous Conduct: The core Jain principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha) are implicitly or explicitly upheld.

• The Nature of True Strength: The text contrasts true spiritual strength with false bravado. It highlights that genuine strength lies in enduring hardships with equanimity and maintaining equanimity in the face of both pleasant and unpleasant circumstances.

• The Power of Attachment: The detrimental effects of attachment, especially to worldly desires and relationships, are repeatedly emphasized. The influence of women and the allurements of the world are presented as significant challenges that can lead a monk astray.

• The Path to Liberation: The ultimate goal remains Moksha (liberation), achieved through Samyama (self-control), Tapas (asceticism), and adherence to Righteous Conduct.

Specific Examples and Analogies:

The text uses numerous analogies to illustrate its points, such as:

• The proud elephant that is humbled by the sight of a lion.
• The boastful warrior who falters in the face of a real enemy.
• The suffering of fish in a dry pond during extreme heat.
• The analogy of a mother who, in her distress, might not even notice her child falling.
• The powerful elephant that becomes helpless when trapped.
• The comparison of life's attachments to a web or a snare.

Chapter 4: The Obstacles of Women (Stri-Parishaha)

This chapter specifically focuses on the challenges posed by women (Stri) to the ascetic's spiritual discipline.

• The Deceptive Nature of Women: The text portrays women as inherently deceptive, using various tactics like sweet words, feigned emotions, and physical allurements to tempt and mislead monks.
• The Importance of Detachment: It strongly advises monks to avoid any form of contact or even casual interaction with women, emphasizing that such proximity can lead to the downfall of even the most disciplined.
• Examples of Downfall: The text describes how monks, despite their vows and knowledge, can fall prey to the allurements of women, leading to a loss of their spiritual purity and progress.
• The Analogy of the Fly and Honey: While not explicitly in the provided text, the general context of overcoming temptations points to the Jain emphasis on avoiding even the slightest indulgence.

Chapter 5: Naraka (Hell) and its Tortures (Narakiya Vedana)

This chapter vividly describes the terrifying conditions and tortures experienced by beings in the hellish realms.

• The Nature of Naraka: The text elaborates on the concept of Naraka as a place of intense suffering, characterized by extreme heat, cold, darkness, and relentless torment.
• Causes of Naraka Birth: It links the birth in Naraka to specific negative actions, such as violence, falsehood, stealing, incontinence, and possessiveness.
• The Tortures: The descriptions are graphic, detailing:
  • Being thrown into boiling cauldrons or burning fires.
  • Being torn apart by celestial beings (Parama-dharmika).
  • Having limbs severed, noses and ears cut off, and tongues pulled out.
  • Being forced to consume molten metals or impure substances.
  • The ceaseless cycle of pain and suffering due to the karmic retribution.
• The Role of Parama-dharmika: These tormenting beings are described as "Parama-dharmika" (those who are without dharma, or adhering to a perverse dharma), who inflict suffering with cruelty and without any remorse.
• The Inescapable Nature of Karma: The text stresses that beings in Naraka are trapped by their own past karma, and they must experience the full extent of their actions before their lifespan in that realm is exhausted.
• The Importance of Vigilance: The descriptions serve as a stark warning against committing negative actions, emphasizing the dire consequences in the afterlife.

Chapter 6: Glorification of Lord Mahavir (Bhagavan Mahavir ke Gunon ka Varnan)

This chapter shifts focus to the qualities and teachings of Lord Mahavir.

• Praise for Lord Mahavir: The text begins by describing the earnest questioning of disciples like Jambu Swami to Acharya Sudharma Swami regarding the nature of Lord Mahavir's knowledge, perception, and conduct.
• Qualities of Mahavir Bhagavan: It extols his attributes:
  • Kheda-gya (Knower of Suffering): Understanding the suffering of beings in the cycle of birth and death.
  • Kushal (Skilled): Expert in destroying karma.
  • Maha-rishi (Great Sage): Possessing immense spiritual insight.
  • Ananta-gyani (Infinite Knowledge): Possessing Kevala Gyan (omniscience).
  • Ananta-darshi (Infinite Perception): Possessing Kevala Darshan (omniscient perception).
  • Yashasvi (Glorious): Renowned and respected.
  • Nirgranth (Unattached): Free from all worldly possessions and attachments.
  • Abhaya (Fearless): Without any fear.
  • Virag (Detached): Free from passions.
  • Dhir (Patient/Steadfast): Enduring hardships with equanimity.
  • Samata (Equanimity): Maintaining balance in all situations.
  • Deep (Lamp): Illuminating the path to truth and liberation for all beings.
• The Superiority of Jain Dharma: The Jain path, characterized by knowledge, perception, conduct (Sheel), and detachment, is presented as the ultimate means to liberation, contrasting it with other philosophies.
• The Importance of Understanding Truth: The text emphasizes the need to understand the true nature of reality (Jiva, Ajiva) and the impermanence of worldly phenomena.
• The Path of Non-Violence: The paramount importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) is highlighted, extending it to all forms of life.

Overall Purpose and Message:

The Sutrakritanga Sutram, as presented in this volume, serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual aspirants. It aims to:

1. Educate: By explaining Jain philosophy, doctrines, and the nature of the universe, including the realms of hell.
2. Warn: Through vivid descriptions of Naraka, it warns against the consequences of negative karma and the pitfalls of worldly attachments and temptations, especially those related to sensual desires.
3. Guide: It provides practical advice on how to live an ethical and disciplined life, emphasizing the importance of enduring hardships, controlling passions, and cultivating detachment.
4. Inspire: By glorifying the qualities of Lord Mahavir, it inspires followers to emulate his path and strive for spiritual liberation.
5. Refute: It systematically critiques and refutes opposing philosophical views to establish the supremacy of the Jain path.

The text, with its detailed commentary, aims to provide a deep understanding of the spiritual journey, the obstacles one might face, and the ultimate goal of Moksha.