Upasak Dashang Sutra - Book Summary

The provided text is a Punjabi translation and commentary on the Upasak Dashang Sutra, a significant Jain scripture. Here's a comprehensive summary of its content, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shri Upasak Dashang Sutra (SHRI UPASAK DASHANG SUTTRA) Author(s): Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Inspiration: Jain Sadhvi Shre Swarn Kanta Ji Maharaj Translator: Ravindra Kumar Jain Editor: Purshotam Das Jain Published by: 25th Mahavir Nirvan Shatabdi Sanyojika Samiti (Punjab)

Overview and Purpose:

The Upasak Dashang Sutra is considered a vital scripture within the Jain tradition, forming one of the eleven Angas of Jain canon. This particular publication is a Punjabi translation, accompanied by annotations and a comparative study. Its primary aim is to make the teachings of this scripture accessible to the general Punjabi-speaking population, enabling them to understand the principles of Jain household life (Shravak Dharma) and the duties of Jain lay followers. The translation and publication were undertaken by the 25th Mahavir Nirvan Shatabdi Sanyojika Samiti, Punjab, with the financial support of Shrimati Durgy Devi Jain in memory of her late husband.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction to Jainism and Tirthankaras: The text begins by establishing the importance of Tirthankaras in Jainism, explaining their path of rigorous penance and self-discipline to achieve omniscience and guide beings towards liberation. It highlights Lord Mahavir as the last Tirthankara of this era who reformed society and established the fourfold path of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
Significance of Upasak Dashang Sutra:
- It is the seventh Anga in the Jain canon.
- It specifically details the conduct, vows, and practices of householders (Upasak or Shravak).
- While other Agamas describe the rules for monks and nuns, this sutra focuses exclusively on the lay followers, making it crucial for understanding lay Jainism.
- It details the lives and disciplines of ten prominent lay disciples (Shravakas) who serve as ideals for the entire community.
The Ten Ideal Lay Disciples: The sutra elaborates on the lives of ten exemplary lay followers: Anand, Kamdev, Gaathapati Chulputra, Suradev, Chulshatak, Gaathapati Kundalik, Saddalputra, Mahashatak, Nandani pita, and Salhi pita. Their stories illustrate the practical application of Jain principles in daily life.
Anand's Story (First Adhyayana): The first chapter vividly describes the life of Anand, a wealthy householder from Vanijgram. It details his initial engagement with worldly life, his deep devotion after hearing Lord Mahavir's teachings, and his rigorous adherence to the twelve vows of a lay follower. His story highlights the importance of Samyaktva (right faith, knowledge, and conduct) and the meticulous observance of vows, even when facing severe temptations and challenges from deities. Anand's journey demonstrates the path to spiritual progress while remaining a householder. The text also discusses the concept of impurities (Atichara) within vows and how to avoid them.
Kamdev's Story (Second Adhyayana): This chapter focuses on Kamdev, another wealthy householder from Champanagari. His story mirrors Anand's in its demonstration of faith and adherence to vows, particularly in the face of supernatural tests. A deity, disguised as a fearsome entity, attempts to dissuade Kamdev from his spiritual path by threatening him and his family. Kamdev's unwavering resolve and the eventual submission of the deity underscore the power of steadfast faith.
Chulni-pita's Story (Third Adhyayana): This adhyayana narrates the story of Chulni-pita from Varanasi. His spiritual journey involves facing challenges where a deity threatens his sons and even his mother to make him abandon his vows. His mother's steadfastness and counsel help him remain firm in his faith. The narrative emphasizes the importance of maternal guidance and the internal strength required to overcome worldly attachments.
Suradev's Story (Fourth Adhyayana): This chapter details the life of Suradev from Varanasi. He faces similar trials from a deity who attempts to break his resolve by conjuring illusory deaths of his sons and inflicting him with severe illnesses. His unwavering devotion and the support of his wife, Dhanna, help him remain steadfast.
Chulshatak's Story (Fifth Adhyayana): Chulshatak, a householder from Alabhika, faces a deity who tries to lure him away from Jain principles by praising the nihilistic doctrines of Goshalaka. Chulshatak, through his wisdom and understanding, refutes the deity's arguments and demonstrates the superiority of Jain philosophy. He also shows immense resilience when tested by threats to his family and wealth.
Kundakolik's Story (Sixth Adhyayana): This adhyayana highlights Kundakolik from Kampilpur, who engages in a debate with a deity. The deity promotes Goshalaka's fatalistic philosophy, arguing that effort is futile as destiny is predetermined. Kundakolik counters this by emphasizing the importance of righteous effort (Utthan, Karma, Bal, Virya) in achieving spiritual progress, thus proving the validity of Lord Mahavir's teachings.
Mahashatak's Story (Eighth Adhyayana): The story of Mahashatak from Rajagrahi is significant. It addresses the complex issue of upholding vows even when facing severe consequences and personal tragedies. Mahashatak's wife, Revati, is depicted as a woman consumed by worldly desires and vices. She attempts to dissuade Mahashatak from his spiritual path, even resorting to threats and seduction. Mahashatak's unwavering commitment to his vows, even when faced with the illusory death of his sons and a dire prophecy for his wife, showcases exceptional spiritual strength. This story also touches upon the concept of "Kavada Sutra" (a measure of grain) and the moral implications of worldly desires versus spiritual pursuit.
Nandani-pita's Story (Ninth Adhyayana): This chapter focuses on Nandani-pita, a householder from Vashthi. His life is presented as relatively peaceful, marked by adherence to vows and devotion. His story emphasizes the importance of family support in spiritual practice.
Sali-pita's Story (Tenth Adhyayana): The final adhyayana in this section discusses Sali-pita, another householder from Vashthi, who follows a path similar to Anand, demonstrating unwavering faith and devotion.

Structure of the Sutra:

The sutra is divided into ten adhyayanas (chapters), each focusing on the life and spiritual journey of a particular lay disciple. The text often uses the phrase "It is to be understood like the description of other cities," implying a reference to earlier detailed descriptions in other scriptures like the Uvavai Sutra.

Translator's and Editor's Notes:

The translator and editor express gratitude to various scholars, monks, and nuns for their guidance and support.
They acknowledge the challenges of translating from Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi) to Punjabi, particularly the lack of precise equivalents for philosophical and technical terms.
They highlight the meticulous effort made to ensure the translation accurately reflects the original meaning.
The editor, Ravindra Kumar Jain, is recognized for his significant contribution to Jain literature in Punjabi, having previously translated the Uttaradhyayan Sutra.

Supporting Information:

The latter part of the provided text includes extensive lists of:

Jain Tirthankaras: A chronological list of the 24 Tirthankaras, their birthplaces, parents, symbols, and Nirvana locations.
Jain History: Brief notes on the historical context, the development of Jain literature, and the different councils (Vachanas) that compiled the Agamas.
Classification of Agamas: Details on how Jain scriptures are categorized.
Digambara and Shvetambara Traditions: Mentions the differing perspectives and canon sizes between these two major Jain sects.
Puranic References: Mentions of Rishabdev in Vedic and Puranic literature, suggesting the ancient roots of Jainism.
Jain Culture: Insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of the time, including details about societal structures, family life, economic activities, and religious practices.
Navkar Mantra: A detailed explanation of the meaning and significance of the fundamental Jain prayer.
Gunas of Arhant: A description of the divine attributes of an Arhant.

In essence, this translated work serves as a comprehensive guide to the ethical and spiritual path for Jain householders, illustrating through the lives of exemplary individuals how to live a righteous and meaningful life within the Jain framework.