Upasakdashangasutram - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary of the "Upasakdashangasutram" in English, focusing on its core Jain teachings as presented in this edition:

Upasakdashangasutram: A Comprehensive Summary

The "Upasakdashangasutram," authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, is a significant Jain text that elaborates on the conduct and vows of the Upasakas (lay followers) in Jainism. The provided text includes the sutra itself along with an extensive commentary ("Agaradharmasajeevani" by Ghasilal Maharaj, and its interpretation by Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj). The work aims to provide a deep understanding of Jain scriptures through a Hindi-Gujarati translation and detailed explanations.

Core Structure and Content:

The text is organized around the teachings of Jain Tirthankaras, specifically Lord Mahavir, as compiled by the Ganadharas into sutras. The introduction highlights the classification of these scriptures into four "Anuyogas" (styles of exposition): Charan Karananuyoga, Dharmakathanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga. The book itself focuses on the "Upasakdasha" (the ten stages or states of a lay follower), which falls primarily under the Dharmakathanuyoga, illustrating religious principles through the lives of exemplary lay followers.

The Ten Principal Lay Disciples (Upasakas):

The core of the "Upasakdasha" details the lives and exemplary conduct of ten principal lay disciples, whose stories serve as practical guides for followers of Jainism. These ten individuals are presented in the following order:

Anand: The first study focuses on Anand, a prominent householder from Vanijgram. His life serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of lay discipleship.
Kamdev: The second study features Kamdev, who faces severe trials and temptations, showcasing the importance of fortitude and adherence to Jain principles even when subjected to profound hardships.
Chulanipeeth Gathapati: The third study highlights Chulanipeeth, a householder whose story likely illustrates the impact of his conduct and adherence to dharma, potentially in the context of societal or divine interactions.
Suradev: The fourth study focuses on Suradev, whose life likely demonstrates a particular aspect of lay practice, possibly related to his name implying a divine connection or status, and his adherence to dharma.
Kshudrashatak: The fifth study presents Kshudrashatak, a lay follower whose life may illustrate the challenges and perseverance required in spiritual practice, possibly contrasting material wealth with spiritual attainment.
Kundakolik: The sixth study features Kundakolik, whose encounter with a deceiving deity highlights the importance of inner strength and reliance on true Jain principles (like the teachings of Mahavir) when faced with spiritual challenges and deceptive influences.
Saddalputra: The seventh study details Saddalputra's story, emphasizing his steadfastness in his chosen path, even when challenged by divine or demonic forces. His devotion to his chosen spiritual path (initially Goshalak's and later Mahavir's) and his firm resolve are likely highlighted.
Mahashatak: The eighth study focuses on Mahashatak, whose life might illustrate the importance of virtue, possibly through his encounter with Revati, and how he maintained his spiritual integrity.
Nandini's Father: The ninth study likely features Nandini's father, perhaps illustrating the impact of a father's spiritual life on his family or a specific virtue he embodied.
Shaleyika's Father: The tenth study centers on Shaleyika's father, potentially showcasing the importance of righteous conduct within the household and its impact on spiritual progress.

Key Jain Principles and Practices Highlighted:

The text, through the commentaries and the stories of these lay disciples, elucidates several core Jain principles:

The Twelve Vows (Dwadash Vratas): The commentary extensively breaks down the twelve vows undertaken by lay followers. These are categorized into five Anuvratas (minor vows) and seven Shikshavratas (training vows).
- Anuvratas: These include abstaining from gross violence (Prana-ati-paat), gross falsehood (Mrusha-vaad), gross theft (Adattadaan), improper sexual conduct (Maithun), and excessive possession (Parigraha).
- Shikshavratas: These include Samaayik (equanimity, meditation), Deshavakashik (limiting actions to a specific area or time), Paushadhopavasa (fasting on specific days), Atithi-samvibhaag (offering food to ascetics), Sanyam (restraint), Tap (penance), and Selections (like Sallekhana - spiritual preparation for death).
The Nature of Karma: The text touches upon the concept of karma, its ripening (Phal-vipak), and how righteous actions lead to auspicious results (punya) while unrighteous actions lead to inauspicious results (papa).
The Four Anuyogas: The introduction and commentary emphasize the fourfold classification of Jain scriptures, providing a framework for understanding the different aspects of Jain teachings.
The Importance of Renunciation and Asceticism: While focusing on lay followers, the text indirectly highlights the path of ascetics (Nirgranthas) as the ultimate goal, with lay life being a preparatory stage.
Ethical Conduct: The detailed explanations of vows and their violations (Aticharas) emphasize the importance of meticulous ethical conduct in daily life.
Devotion and Spiritual Practice: The lives of the Upasakas demonstrate unwavering devotion to the Tirthankaras and adherence to their teachings, even amidst severe challenges and temptations from divine or demonic entities.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The principle of Ahimsa is central, with detailed explanations of its practice and the avoidance of various forms of violence, both gross and subtle.
The Role of Intention (Bhava): The text likely stresses the importance of intention behind actions, as even involuntary harm can have karmic consequences.
Dravya and Chayva (Substance and Form): Discussions on Nayas (standpoints) like Dravyanuyoga touch upon the dual nature of reality, where substance (Dravya) is eternal, while its forms (Paryaya) are transient.
The Concept of "Seyad": The text alludes to the concept of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication) through the discussion of Nayas, emphasizing that reality is multi-faceted and can be viewed from different perspectives.

Commentary and Editions:

The presence of commentaries by Ghasilal Maharaj and Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj indicates a rich tradition of textual exegesis within the Shwetambar Sthanakwasi tradition. The publisher's dedication and the list of donors highlight the community's commitment to preserving and disseminating these sacred texts. The detailed table of contents provided further illustrates the extensive coverage of various aspects of Jain dharma, including the specific details of the vows and their associated transgressions (Aticharas).

In essence, the "Upasakdashangasutram," as presented in this edition, is a comprehensive guide to righteous lay living in Jainism, offering profound insights through the lives of its exemplary followers and the detailed explanations provided by esteemed scholars.