Uttaradhyayan Sutra Mul Path - Book Summary

This document contains the Mul Path (original text) of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, a significant Jain scripture.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

1. Identity of the Text:

Title: Shri Uttaradhyayan Sutra (Mul Path)
Publisher: Shri Purushadaniya Parshwanath Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Devakinandan Society, Ahmedabad.
Occasion for Publication: Published with joy to commemorate the completion of five Ayambil (a strict form of fasting) by Sadhvi Shri Kusumshriji Maharaj, under the inspiration of Acharya Dev Shri Kailas sagarsurishwarji Maharaj.
Nature of the Text: Described as a highly sacred and pure Agam (canonical text) filled with beautiful detachment (vairagya). It is a text often read by monks during their Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat).
Content Highlights: Includes examples of great souls like Kapil Muni, Namirishi, Harikeshi Muni, and discussions on the rarity of human birth, among other diverse philosophical topics.
Significance: Considered a Mangalroop (auspicious) text, beneficial for monks and nuns who remember or read the original scripture. It is acknowledged that many expanded commentaries and translations exist, but this edition aims to help readers internalize the essence of the text by remembering the original verses.

2. Context and Origin:

The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is identified as one of the four Mool Sutras (fundamental scriptures) within the Jain canon, which comprises 45 Agam texts.
It is believed by some scholars that certain passages in Āchārāṅga, Uttaradhyayana, and Sūtrakṛtāṅga were directly spoken by Lord Mahavir.
The 36 chapters (adhyayan) of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra are considered Lord Mahavir's final sermon, with each chapter filled with profound, detachment-inspiring words.
The text is rich in philosophical wisdom, encompassing teachings, examples, dialogues, conduct, and metaphysical analysis (dravyanuyog).
It is noted that many great souls are daily readers of this text, similar to their daily recitation of Navasmaraṇ, Vitaraagat, and Pañcasūtra.
The mentioned Sadhvi Shri Kusumshriji Maharaj is noted as a regular reader of this scripture.

3. Authorship and Compilation:

The text is attributed to Purushudaniya Parshwanath SMP Jain Sangh.
Page 8 features a tribute to Acharya Shri Madhyam Buddhisagar Surishwarji Maharaj, described as the immortal author of 108 great works and a scholar of scriptures and yoga. This indicates a lineage or influential figure associated with the tradition.

4. Publication Details:

The publication date is mentioned as Vikrama Samvat 2040, corresponding to 1984 CE.
The printing was done by Nayan Printing Press, Ahmedabad.
The preface expresses gratitude to Acharya Dev Shri Kailassagarsurishwarji Maharaj for his inspiration and acknowledges the compiler, Pandit Mafatlal Zaverchand Gandhi, for his efforts, including potential proofreading errors that might occur due to visual impairments.

5. Structure and Content (Chapters Overview): The table of contents (pages 11-15) provides a detailed breakdown of the 36 chapters (adhyayan), giving a glimpse into the thematic progression:

Chapter 1: Vinay Adhyayan (Discipline/Humility): Focuses on the importance of humility, respect for elders, proper conduct, and learning.
Chapter 2: Parishah Adhyayan (Endurance of Hardships): Details the 22 types of hardships and the importance of enduring them with equanimity.
Chapter 3: Chaturangiya Adhyayan (Four Limbs): Discusses the four essential elements for spiritual progress: human birth, scripture, faith, and exertion.
Chapter 4: Asankhyeya Adhyayan (Innumerable/Immeasurable): Emphasizes the fleeting nature of life, the consequences of actions, and the need for mindfulness.
Chapter 5: Akam Maran Adhyayan (Unsolicited Death): Differentiates between death by one's own will (sakam) and death by external forces or circumstances (akam), highlighting the consequences of attachment.
Chapter 6: Kshullaka Granthi Adhyayan (Small Knots/Entanglements): Discusses the superficiality of worldly possessions and the need to overcome attachments.
Chapter 7: Elaka Adhyayan (The Ascetic Elaka): Illustrates the path of an ascetic (elaka) and the consequences of attachment to worldly pleasures and actions.
Chapter 8: Kapilaya Adhyayan (Kapila Muni): Features the teachings of sage Kapila, focusing on detachment, non-violence, and righteous conduct.
Chapter 9: Nami Pravajya Adhyayan (Renunciation of King Nami): Narrates the story of King Nami who renounces his kingdom for spiritual pursuits, facing challenges and gaining wisdom.
Chapter 10: Drumaputra Adhyayan (Son of the Tree): Emphasizes the impermanence of life and the need for constant vigilance and spiritual effort.
Chapter 11: Bahushruta Adhyayan (The Learned One): Highlights the importance of true knowledge, humility, and the qualities of a learned ascetic.
Chapter 12: Harikeshi Muni Adhyayan (Sage Harikeshi): Recounts the discourse between Harikeshi Muni and King Shrenik, discussing various aspects of asceticism and karma.
Chapter 13: Chitrachambhu Adhyayan (Chitra and Sambhu): Presents a dialogue illustrating the consequences of karma and the importance of renunciation.
Chapter 14: Ikshukariya Adhyayan (Ikshukari): Focuses on the teachings related to renunciation and the impermanence of worldly enjoyments.
Chapter 15: Samkshu Adhyayan (The Ascetic Samkshu): Discusses the practice of asceticism, endurance, and overcoming worldly desires.
Chapter 16: Brahmacharya Samadhi Sthan Adhyayan (Places of Tranquility in Celibacy): Outlines the ten principles for maintaining celibacy and mental peace.
Chapter 17: Papashraman Adhyayan (The Sinner Ascetic): Describes the characteristics and downfall of an ascetic who deviates from the path of righteousness.
Chapter 18: Samyata Adhyayan (The Controlled One): Emphasizes self-control, discipline, and the journey of a controlled soul.
Chapter 19: Mrigaputra Adhyayan (Mrigaputra): Narrates the story of Mrigaputra, who attained spiritual liberation through devotion and perseverance.
Chapter 20: Mahogratha Adhyayan (The Great Ascetic Mahogratha): Focuses on the path of extreme asceticism and its rewards.
Chapter 21: Samudrapali Adhyayan (Samudrapali): Tells the story of Samudrapali, who renounces worldly attachments after witnessing suffering.
Chapter 22: Ratnemi Adhyayan (Ratnemi): Features the story of Ratnemi, a prince who becomes an ascetic after a profound realization.
Chapter 23: Shrekeshi Gautam Adhyayan (Shrekeshi and Gautama): Recounts a significant philosophical discourse between the ascetics Shrekeshi and Gautama, resolving doctrinal differences.
Chapter 24: Samiti Adhyayan (Right Conduct): Details the five types of right conduct (samitis) essential for ascetics.
Chapter 25: Yajna Sambandhi Adhyayan (Related to Sacrifices): Critiques ritualistic sacrifices and emphasizes true spiritual practices.
Chapter 26: Samachari Adhyayan (Discipline/Propriety): Outlines the rules of conduct and discipline for ascetics.
Chapter 27: Khalluka Adhyayan (Minor Topics): Addresses various minor ethical and practical points.
Chapter 28: Moksha Marga Gati Adhyayan (The Path to Liberation): Explains the nature of liberation and the means to achieve it.
Chapter 29: Samyaktva Parakram Adhyayan (Vigor of Right Faith): Elaborates on the importance and practice of right faith (samyaktva).
Chapter 30: Tapamarga Adhyayan (The Path of Austerity): Discusses the significance and methods of austerity (tapas).
Chapter 31: Charan Vidhi Adhyayan (Method of Conduct): Details the principles of right conduct and behavior.
Chapter 32: Pramada Sthan Adhyayan (Causes of Negligence): Identifies and warns against things that lead to spiritual negligence.
Chapter 33: Karma Prakriti Adhyayan (Nature of Karma): Explains the different types and workings of karma.
Chapter 34: Leshya Adhyayan (Subtle Dispositions): Describes the six types of subtle spiritual dispositions (leshya) and their impact.
Chapter 35: Angara Adhyayan (The Angara Ascetic): Features the story of an ascetic named Angara and his spiritual journey.
Chapter 36: Jiva Ajiva Vibhagi Adhyayan (Classification of Soul and Non-Soul): Provides a detailed classification of living beings (jiva) and non-living substances (ajiva), covering their nature, duration, and qualities.

6. Core Themes:

Renunciation and Detachment: A central theme is the importance of renouncing worldly attachments, possessions, and pleasures for spiritual liberation.
Karma: The text extensively discusses the law of karma, its workings, consequences, and the means to overcome it through righteous actions, austerity, and self-discipline.
Right Conduct and Discipline: Emphasis is placed on adherence to strict codes of conduct (achar, samiti, gupti), humility, respect for elders, and self-control.
Endurance of Hardships: The importance of facing and enduring difficulties with equanimity is a recurring lesson.
Knowledge and Faith: The text highlights the significance of right knowledge (samyak gyan), right faith (samyak darshan), and right conduct (samyak charitra) as the path to liberation.
Impermanence of Life: The transient nature of human life and worldly possessions is a constant reminder to focus on spiritual goals.
Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate aim is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through diligent spiritual practice.

In essence, the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, as presented in this Mul Path edition, serves as a profound guide for spiritual aspirants, offering timeless wisdom on ethics, philosophy, and the path to ultimate liberation in Jainism.