Uttaradhyayan Sutram Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Uttaradhyayan Sutram Part 01, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj:

The provided text is the first part (Chapters 1-3) of the Uttaradhyayan Sutram, with commentary by Pujya Ghasilal Maharaj. It also includes Hindi and Gujarati translations. The publication is by the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti.

Overall Scope and Purpose:

This volume appears to be a foundational text within the Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain tradition. The Uttaradhyayan Sutram is a significant Jain scripture, often considered one of the last teachings of Lord Mahavir. This particular commentary, "Priydarshini," aims to make the profound teachings of the Sutram accessible through Hindi and Gujarati translations, making it understandable to a wider audience. The preface and the extensive list of commendatory letters from various Jain scholars and dignitaries highlight the importance placed on making these Agamas available and well-understood.

Key Figures and Contributions:

• Pujya Ghasilal Maharaj: The primary author of the commentary ("Priydarshini Tika"), responsible for elucidating the Uttaradhyayan Sutram.
• Munishri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj: The organizer and planner of the Sanskrit-Prakrit text and its translation.
• Shreshthi Shri Manilal Chhaganlal Shah: The publisher, whose financial support made the publication possible.
• Shreshthi Shri Shantilal Mangaldasbhai: The head of the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, a key figure in the dissemination of Jain scriptures.
• Numerous Saints and Scholars: The numerous commendatory letters (Sammatipatra) from prominent Jain Acharyas, Munis, Mahasatis, Professors, and scholars like Upadhyay Shri 1008 Atmaramji Maharaj, Muni Shri 1007 Hemchandji Maharaj, and many others, underscore the text's authenticity and its perceived value to the Jain community.

Content Overview (Chapters 1-3):

The provided pages offer a glimpse into the initial stages of the text, primarily focusing on:

1. Title Pages and Publisher Information: Clearly establishes the book's identity, author, publisher, and publication details (Veer Samvat 2485, Vikram Samvat 2015, 1959 AD).
2. Commendatory Letters (Sammatipatra): A substantial portion of the initial pages is dedicated to numerous letters of recommendation and approval from various respected Jain figures. These letters praise the commentary, its clarity, the author's scholarship, and the importance of this work for the Jain community. They cover works like the Dashavaikalik Sutra, Upasaka Dashanga Sutra, Jnātadharma Kathanga Sutra, Achārāng Sutra, and Anuttaropapātik Sutra, suggesting that Pujya Ghasilal Maharaj has a broader project ofcommenting on and publishing the Jain Agamas.
3. A Dedication/Biography: Page 5 includes a brief biographical sketch of Shri Dinesh Bhai Kantilal Shah, whose contribution supported the publication. The text highlights his life, education, and untimely demise, framing his passing as a loss to the community. The quote about yogabhransh implies a noble past life for him.
4. Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika): Pages 71-76 provide a detailed table of contents for the entire Uttaradhyayan Sutram, listing the subjects and page numbers for each of the 37 chapters (Adhyayanas). This gives a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the complete text, including discussions on:
   • Vinaya (Discipline/Humility)
   • Parishaha (Endurances)
   • Krodha (Anger)
   • Ātmā (Self)
   • Brahma-charya (Celibacy)
   • Āchārasamiti (Conduct)
   • Vāg-yatana (Speech restraint)
   • Śayyadivihār (Monastic conduct)
   • Ārochana (Confession)
   • And many other ethical and philosophical principles.
5. Mangalacharan (Invocation): Pages 77 onwards begin with the auspicious invocation to Lord Vardhaman (Mahavir), a common practice in Jain religious texts. It sets a devotional tone for the scripture.
6. Commentary Excerpts (Priyadarshini Tika): Snippets of the commentary are visible, explaining verses from the Uttaradhyayan Sutram, particularly focusing on concepts like:
   • Vinaya: The importance of humility and obedience towards the Guru is a central theme, with detailed explanations and examples.
   • Samyoga (Association): The transient nature of worldly associations is illustrated by the story of Sudhan, emphasizing detachment from worldly ties.
   • Parishaha (Endurances): The text begins to introduce the concept of enduring hardships, with a mention of the twenty-two types of Parishaha.
   • Ātmā (Self): The importance of controlling the mind and self-discipline for spiritual progress is highlighted.
   • Āchārasamiti (Conduct): The text emphasizes adhering to the rules of monastic conduct, including carefulness in actions and speech.
   • Śayyadivihār (Monastic Conduct): The importance of proper conduct regarding dwelling places and interactions is discussed.
   • Aparyavahārika Bhāṣā (Appropriate Speech): The text stresses the need for truthful, moderate, and beneficial speech, avoiding harsh or unnecessary words.
   • Parishaha Jayan (Conquering Hardships): The text begins to detail specific hardships like hunger (Kshudha), thirst (Pipasa), and cold (Shita), offering guidance on how to endure them, often through stories of exemplary monks like Sudhan, Arhantak, and Daridra (who is contrasted with renunciants).
   • Naiṣedhikī and Āchār Sūtras: References are made to other Jain Agamas like Achārāng Sūtra for further clarification.

Themes and Teachings:

The initial chapters of the Uttaradhyayan Sutram, as presented here, revolve around fundamental Jain principles:

• Importance of Vinaya: The commentary heavily emphasizes the virtue of vinaya (discipline, humility, obedience) towards the Guru and in all aspects of monastic life.
• Detachment from Worldly Associations: The story of Sudhan illustrates the impermanence of worldly connections and the importance of detachment.
• Endurance and Equanimity: The introduction of Parishaha highlights the need for spiritual aspirants to patiently endure all forms of physical and mental hardships.
• Control of the Mind: The text stresses the importance of subduing the mind and senses to achieve spiritual progress.
• Right Conduct and Speech: The emphasis on proper behavior and guarded speech reflects the Jain emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed.
• The Ideal Monk: Through examples like the Muni Dhridavirya and Arhantak, the text portrays the ideal conduct of a monk facing adversities.

Significance:

This volume represents a significant effort to preserve and propagate the teachings of Jainism. The detailed table of contents suggests a comprehensive treatment of the Uttaradhyayan Sutram. The extensive support from the Jain community and learned individuals indicates the high regard for Pujya Ghasillaal Maharaj's work and the importance of the Uttaradhyayan Sutram itself. The commentary aims to provide a deep and devotional understanding of this crucial scripture, making the path to spiritual liberation clearer for the seekers.