Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01

The provided text is the "Uttaradhyayan Sutra Part 01" (अध्ययन १ से २०), edited by Nemichand Banthiya and Parasmal Chandaliya, and published by Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskruti Rakshak Sangh. The catalog link is jainqq.org/explore/004180/1. This is the first part of a series that aims to publish all 32 Jain Agamas.

This volume contains the first 20 chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, presented with the original Sanskrit text, explanations of difficult words, the overall meaning (भावार्थ), and detailed commentary (विवेचन).

The preface highlights the authenticity and authority of the Agamas as the word of the omniscient and omniscient omniscient Vitarag Prabhu. It explains that while the Tirthankara utters the meaning, the Ganadharas compile it into sutras, ensuring its consistency and completeness. The text emphasizes the unique and profound nature of Jain Agamas, particularly their detailed classification of souls, knowledge, ignorance, passions, colors, activities, and non-soul substances, which surpasses other philosophical systems due to the omniscient nature of the Jain Tirthankaras.

The book categorizes the 32 recognized Agamas of the Sthanakavasi tradition into Anga-praishta (composed by Ganadharas) and Anga-bahya (composed by Sthaviras, who are scholars of at least ten Purvas). It also classifies them by subject matter into Charanayanuyoga, Dravyanuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, and Dharmakathanuyoga. The current collection of 32 Agamas includes 11 Angas, 12 Upangas, 4 Chhedas, 4 Moolas, and 1 Avashyak Sutra.

The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is identified as a Mool Agama, and its significance lies in its teaching of the path to liberation through right knowledge, right perception, right conduct, and austerity, as stated in the verse: "ज्ञाना च दर्शनं चेव, चारितं च तपो तथा। एयं मग्ग-मणुपत्ता, जीवा गच्छति सुग्गई॥" (Knowledge, Perception, Conduct, and Austerity are the path; by following this path, souls attain liberation.)

The text explains that the Uttaradhyayan Sutra symbolizes right perception, conduct, and austerity, while the Dashavaikalik Sutra represents conduct and austerity. The Anuyogadvara Sutra signifies perception and knowledge, and the Nandi Sutra expounds the five types of knowledge. Right perception is considered crucial, as without it, knowledge, conduct, and austerity are considered false knowledge, false conduct, and mere asceticism respectively.

It is mentioned that Shruta Kevali Bhadravahu Swami states that Lord Mahavir propounded fifty-five chapters with auspicious results and fifty-five chapters with inauspicious results, along with thirty-six Aprashtavyakarana. Based on this, it is believed that the thirty-six Aprashtavyakarana are the thirty-six chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. This is further supported by the concluding verse of the 36th chapter, which states that Lord Mahavir, after revealing these chapters, attained Nirvana.

The Uttaradhyayan Sutra, being Lord Mahavir's last sermon, holds immense importance. It is described as a confluence of all four types of Anuyogas and contains profound, concise, and impactful verses that guide a seeker towards liberation. It is considered a diary of a seeker's life.

The summary then details the content of the first 20 chapters:

• Chapter 1: Vinaya Shruta (विनयश्रुत) - Focuses on the nature of humility (Vinaya), the qualities of a disciplined disciple, the faults of an undisciplined disciple, and the importance of obedience and respect towards elders and Gurus. It emphasizes that true humility leads to eternal liberation, while arrogance leads to disgrace and suffering.
• Chapter 2: Parīṣaha (परीषह) - Discusses the twenty-two types of hardships (Parīṣaha) that a spiritual aspirant must endure with equanimity to achieve spiritual progress and karma fruition. It highlights that these hardships are opportunities for spiritual growth and purification.
• Chapter 3: Chaturangiya (चतुरंगीय) - Explains the rarity and importance of four key elements for spiritual attainment: human birth, listening to the true Dharma, having faith in the true Dharma, and exerting effort in spiritual practice (Saṃyama). It underscores that all these are difficult to obtain and should be utilized wisely.
• Chapter 4: Asaṃskṛta (असंस्कृत) - Emphasizes the transient and impermanent nature of life, urging against procrastination in spiritual practice. It warns that death is inevitable, and one should not rely on old age to practice Dharma, as there's no guarantee of reaching old age.
• Chapter 5: Akāma Maraṇīya (अकाम मरणिय) - Differentiates between two types of death: Akāma Maraṇa (unnatural or accidental death) and Sakāma Maraṇa (natural death with full knowledge and equanimity). It stresses the importance of achieving Sakāma Maraṇa, also known as Pandit Maraṇa, through self-control and knowledge.
• Chapter 6: Kṣullaka Nirgranthīya (क्षुल्लक निर्ग्रन्थीय) - Explains the state of a true Nirgrantha (one who is free from all attachments and possessions, both internal and external). It highlights the liberation from internal knots like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and external possessions.
• Chapter 7: Aurabhriya (औरभ्रीय) - Uses analogies of a goat, gooseberry, and mango tree to illustrate the consequences of attachment to sensory pleasures and the importance of detachment. It warns against the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the dire results of unrighteous actions.
• Chapter 8: Kāpilīya (कापिलीय) - Narrates the story of Kapil Muni, emphasizing the detrimental effects of greed and the importance of detachment. It shows how Kapil, despite having immense wealth and power, found true peace only after renouncing greed and embracing asceticism.
• Chapter 9: Nami Pravrajyā (नमि प्रव्रज्या) - Details the story of King Nami who, through a simple observation about bangles, attained profound spiritual insight and renounced his kingdom and worldly pleasures to become an ascetic, ultimately achieving liberation. It also includes dialogues with Indra, testing his resolve.
• Chapter 10: Drumapatraka (द्रुमपत्रक) - Uses the analogy of a falling leaf to highlight the impermanence of life and the importance of continuous spiritual effort. It emphasizes that every moment is precious and should not be wasted in negligence.
• Chapter 11: Bahuśruta Pūjā (बहुश्रुतपूजा) - Glorifies the importance of respecting and serving learned monks (Bahuśruta) who possess profound knowledge of the scriptures. It compares the learned monk to various entities like a conch, a horse, a lion, an elephant, a bull, a lotus, the moon, the sun, and Mount Meru, showcasing their virtues and significance.
• Chapter 12: Harikeśīya (हरिकेशीय) - Narrates the story of Harikeśi Muni, born in a low caste but who achieved spiritual eminence through intense austerity and devotion. It highlights that spiritual realization transcends caste and social status, emphasizing the power of pure conduct and penance.
• Chapter 13: Cittasaṃbhūtiya (चित्तसंभूतीय) - Illustrates the story of Cittasambhutiya brothers, contrasting the path of worldly indulgence with spiritual pursuit. It emphasizes that attachment to worldly pleasures leads to suffering, while spiritual dedication leads to ultimate peace.
• Chapter 14: Iṣukāriya (इषुकारीय) - Recounts the story of King Iṣukāra and others who, through the influence of righteous monks and profound spiritual realization, renounced their worldly possessions and achieved liberation. It showcases the transformative power of spiritual discourse and the pursuit of true Dharma.
• Chapter 15: Saṃbhikṣu (सभिक्षु) - Describes the ideal conduct and virtues of a true mendicant (Bhikṣu). It emphasizes detachment, equanimity, self-control, and constant spiritual awareness as essential for a mendicant's life.
• Chapter 16: Brahmacarya Samādhi Sthāna (ब्रह्मचर्य समाधि स्थान) - Elucidates the ten principles and practices essential for maintaining Brahmacarya (celibacy and spiritual purity). It details how to guard against distractions and temptations related to senses, speech, and thoughts to achieve mental stillness and spiritual progress.
• Chapter 17: Pāpaśramaṇīya (पापश्रमणीय) - Criticizes and warns against those who merely wear the outward appearance of monks (Pāpaśramaṇa) but fail to adhere to the principles of righteous conduct, discipline, and spiritual discipline. It highlights their eventual downfall and suffering.
• Chapter 18: Saṃyatīya (संयतीय) - Features the story of King Saṃyati, who, after a realization, renounced his kingdom and worldly pleasures to embrace asceticism. It underscores the importance of self-control, the transient nature of worldly power, and the ultimate pursuit of spiritual liberation. It includes dialogues with King Saṃyati that explore various philosophical concepts.
• Chapter 19: Mṛgāputrīya (मृगापुत्रीय) - Narrates the story of Prince Mṛgāputra who, after witnessing the hardships of worldly life and the suffering in various lifespans, renounced his worldly attachments and embraced asceticism. It emphasizes the importance of detachment and spiritual discipline in overcoming the cycle of birth and death.
• Chapter 20: Mahānirgrathīya (महानिर्ग्रथीय) - Explores the concept of 'Nirgrantha' (one who is free from attachments). It contrasts the state of being 'anātha' (without a true protector or refuge) with 'sānātha' (having a true refuge), emphasizing that true refuge lies in self-reliance and adherence to Dharma, not in external possessions or relationships. It highlights that spiritual knowledge and self-control lead to true liberation.

The book is a valuable resource for understanding core Jain principles, the path to spiritual enlightenment, and the exemplary lives of great souls in Jain tradition.