Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01

Summary

Based on the provided pages, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01" by Tattvaprabhvijay, published by Jinprabhsuri Granthmala:

This document is the first part of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, containing Chapters 1 to 13. It is presented with the original Prakrit text and its Sanskrit translation (chhaya). The work is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of Acharya Shri Jinprabhsurishwarji Maharaj, with specific mention of Acharya Devesh Shri Madh Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj.

Key Themes and Content Highlighted:

  • The Significance of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra: Page 6 emphasizes that this sutra is the final discourse of Lord Mahavir, intended for the welfare of all beings. It is described as a guide for those on the path to spiritual liberation. It also notes that those who are not destined for liberation (abhavya) or who do not strive for it are unsuitable for studying this text, much like a pig would not desire fine food.

  • The Glory of Shrutgyan (Scriptural Knowledge): Page 7 underscores the importance of scriptural knowledge. It states that those who cause Jain Agam books to be written or printed attain liberation. It also highlights that by diligently studying and acquiring scriptural knowledge, one can attain Kevalgyan (omniscience) and also achieve purity of right faith, leading to the understanding of reality.

  • Table of Contents: Page 8 lists the chapters included in this volume:

    1. Shri Vinayashruta Adhyayan (Chapter on Humility and Scripture)
    2. Shri Parishaha Adhyayan (Chapter on Enduring Hardships)
    3. Shri Chaturangeeya Adhyayan (Chapter on Four Limbs/Aspects)
    4. Shri Pramada-apramada Adhyayan (Chapter on Carelessness and Diligence)
    5. Shri Akamamaraniya Adhyayan (Chapter on Death without Desire)
    6. Shri Kshullaka Nirgranthiya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Minor Mendicant)
    7. Shri Urabhreeya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Ram)
    8. Shri Kapileeya Adhyayan (Chapter on Kapila)
    9. Shri Nami Pravrajya Adhyayan (Chapter on the Renunciation of Nami)
    10. Shri Drumapatraka Adhyayan (Chapter on the Tree Leaf)
    11. Shri Bahushrutpooja Adhyayan (Chapter on the Worship of the Learned)
    12. Shri Harikeshiya Adhyayan (Chapter on Harikeshi)
    13. Shri Chaitrasambhuta Adhyayan (Chapter on Chaitrasambhut)
  • Detailed Content of Selected Chapters: The provided pages then proceed to detail specific chapters:

    • Shri Vinayashruta Adhyayan (Chapter 1, Pages 10-23): This chapter focuses on the importance of vinaya (humility, politeness, respect). It defines a humble person as one who obeys commandments, respects elders, and is skilled in understanding subtle cues. It contrasts this with the arrogant and disobedient. The text emphasizes refraining from gossip, anger, false speech, and engaging in pleasantries. It stresses the virtue of controlled speech, adherence to proper conduct, and respecting teachers. The ideal disciple is described as one who listens attentively, does not quarrel, and seeks to understand the teachings. It also touches upon the importance of controlling one's senses and mind to achieve happiness in this life and the next.
    • Shri Parishaha Adhyayan (Chapter 2, Pages 23-36): This chapter systematically lists and describes the 22 types of hardships (parishahas) that a Jain monk must endure with equanimity. These include hunger, thirst, cold, heat, bites of insects, nakedness, lack of acceptance, women, wandering, seating discomfort, sleeping discomfort, abuse, assault, begging, lack of gain, illness, touch of grass, dirt, disrespect, ignorance, lack of perception, and perception itself. The chapter advises on how to face these challenges with inner strength, forbearance, and without losing mental composure, viewing them as opportunities for spiritual progress and karma expulsion.
    • Shri Chaturangeeya Adhyayan (Chapter 3, Pages 37-42): This chapter highlights the rarity and preciousness of the human birth, which is considered a golden opportunity to attain liberation. It discusses the cycle of rebirth across various life forms (deva, naraka, tiryancha, manushya) influenced by karma. The emphasis is on the four cardinal virtues: human birth, scriptural knowledge (shruti), faith (shraddha), and perseverance/effort (virya). It states that by understanding the difficulty of attaining these, one should strive for self-control and detachment from worldly pleasures to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation (siddhi).
    • Shri Pramada-apramada Adhyayan (Chapter 4, Pages 43-49): This chapter differentiates between carelessness (pramada) and diligence (apramada). It warns against attachment to wealth and worldly possessions, as they provide no protection in times of distress or death. The text emphasizes self-awareness, vigilance, and the understanding that all actions have consequences. It encourages controlling desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and striving for liberation through detachment and disciplined effort, comparing it to a bird with wings that navigates skillfully.
    • Shri Akamamaraniya Adhyayan (Chapter 5, Pages 49-58): This chapter discusses two types of death: untimely (akamamarana) and timely (sakama-marana). It contrasts the fate of the foolish (bala) who indulge in worldly desires and commit harmful deeds, leading to untimely and suffering-filled deaths (often in hells), with the wise (pandita) who practice self-control, detachment, and righteous conduct, leading to timely and peaceful liberation. It highlights how karma dictates one's destiny and the importance of virtuous actions to achieve a favorable rebirth or ultimate liberation.
    • Shri Kshullaka Nirgranthiya Adhyayan (Chapter 6, Pages 58-70): This chapter elaborates on the path of a mendicant (bhikshu) who renounces worldly attachments. It emphasizes detachment from family, wealth, and possessions, and the practice of non-violence, truthfulness, and self-control. It cautions against the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the dangers of clinging to them. The text stresses the importance of right conduct, mindfulness, and understanding the consequences of one's actions to avoid the cycle of suffering. It highlights the superiority of spiritual practice over external rituals.
    • Shri Urabhreeya Adhyayan (Chapter 7, Pages 70-82): This chapter uses the analogy of a sacrificial ram (urabhra or edaka) that is fattened for slaughter. It illustrates how individuals who are engrossed in worldly pleasures, driven by desires for wealth, family, and sensory gratifications, and who engage in harmful actions (violence, deceit, lust), are unknowingly preparing themselves for a painful end, much like the ram destined for sacrifice. It underscores the consequences of unrighteous actions and the ignorance of those who pursue material pleasures without regard for spiritual well-being.
    • Shri Kapileeya Adhyayan (Chapter 8, Pages 82-92): This chapter emphasizes the transient nature of life and the importance of renouncing worldly desires and attachments. It highlights the dangers of greed, lust, anger, and ego, and the ultimate futility of accumulating wealth and possessions when faced with death. The text advocates for detachment, self-control, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge as the true means to overcome suffering and attain liberation. It uses analogies of the limitations of material pursuits and the impermanence of worldly pleasures.
    • Shri Nami Pravrajya Adhyayan (Chapter 9, Pages 92-101): This chapter recounts the story of King Nami, who, upon experiencing renunciation after witnessing the suffering of birds, renounced his kingdom and worldly pleasures to embrace the ascetic life. The chapter highlights the teachings received by King Nami from Indra (in the guise of a Brahmin), emphasizing the superiority of detachment and the spiritual path over worldly power and possessions. It uses the analogy of building a fortress of dharma, with virtues like patience and truth as defenses, to overcome the "enemies" of passions and karma.
    • Shri Drumapatraka Adhyayan (Chapter 10, Pages 101-118): This chapter is a discourse from Lord Mahavir to Gautam Swami, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the importance of constant vigilance and diligence in spiritual practice. It uses various analogies, like a falling leaf, a dewdrop on a blade of grass, and the ephemeral nature of physical strength, to illustrate the transient nature of human life. It stresses the preciousness of human birth and the rarity of attaining right faith and conduct. It also details the decline of senses and physical faculties with age and the importance of spiritual merit in overcoming suffering and achieving the ultimate goal of liberation.
    • Shri Bahushrutpooja Adhyayan (Chapter 11, Pages 118-131): This chapter focuses on the characteristics and virtues of a truly learned and virtuous person (bahushruta), particularly a Jain monk. It contrasts the qualities of an undisciplined, arrogant, and greedy individual with those of a disciplined, humble, and knowledgeable monk. It uses numerous similes to describe the greatness and reverence due to a virtuous scholar, comparing them to powerful animals, celestial beings, and esteemed natural elements, highlighting their spiritual prowess and the respect they command.
    • Shri Harikeshiya Adhyayan (Chapter 12, Pages 118-131): This chapter narrates the story of Harikeshi, a monk born into a humble family, who faced insults and ridicule from the ignorant due to his appearance. However, through his devotion to Jain principles and his virtuous conduct, he commanded the respect of a Yaksha (a celestial being). The chapter emphasizes that true worth lies not in birth or external appearance but in spiritual discipline, knowledge, and righteous actions. It highlights the concept of a spiritual bath in the "river of dharma" to purify oneself from karmic impurities and achieve ultimate liberation.
    • Shri Chaitrasambhuta Adhyayan (Chapter 13, Pages 131-141): This chapter narrates the story of two brothers, Chitra and Brahmdatta. Brahmdatta, a king, indulged in worldly pleasures and attachments, leading to his downfall and rebirth in hell due to his unrighteous actions and strong desires. Chitra, on the other hand, renounced worldly life and embraced asceticism, achieving spiritual liberation. The chapter underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and detachment from worldly desires to attain a favorable destiny and ultimately liberation, contrasting the paths of those who cling to material pleasures and those who strive for spiritual attainment.

In essence, the initial chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, as presented in this volume, serve as a foundational text for Jain spiritual practice, emphasizing humility, endurance, the preciousness of human life, the consequences of actions, and the path to liberation through detachment, self-control, and adherence to dharma.