Uvavai Suttam

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Uvavai Suttam" (also known as Utpadapada Suttam), based on the provided catalog link and the text content itself:

Uvavai Suttam (The Arising and Dissolution Sutra)

Author: Pt. Chotelal Yati Publisher: Jivan Karyalay, Ajmer Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022612/1

Overall Purpose and Context: The Uvavai Suttam is considered the first Anga (primary scripture) in the Jain Agamas. It is a foundational text that details the Jain worldview, cosmology, and the fundamental principles of Jainism. The "Uvavai" in the title refers to the concepts of "arising" (utpatti) and "dissolution" (vyaya) or transformation, which are central to Jain philosophy and its understanding of existence.

Key Themes and Content Summary:

The provided text appears to be an edition of the Uvavai Suttam with extensive descriptions and introductions, possibly by the publisher or commentator. Based on the sampled text (pages 5-108), the Suttam itself delves into several significant areas:

1. Detailed Description of the City of Champa and its Environment (Sutras 1-4):

   • The text begins with a highly detailed and evocative description of the magnificent city of Champa, emphasizing its prosperity, population, architecture, gardens, and overall grandeur. This sets the stage for the teachings to follow, often portraying auspicious environments.
   • It describes the presence of a significant Chetiya (temple or shrine) named Purnabhadra outside the city, highlighting its sanctity, adornments, and the devotion of the people towards it.
   • The Suttam then describes the lush forests and gardens surrounding the Chetiya, painting a picture of natural beauty and the diverse flora and fauna.

2. The Reign of King Konika (Kunikaka) and Queen Dharini (Sutras 5-8):

   • The narrative introduces King Konika of Champa, portraying him as a righteous, prosperous, and virtuous ruler, deeply respected by his subjects.
   • His queen, Dharini, is described as beautiful, virtuous, and devoted.
   • The text likely details their life and reign, possibly as a backdrop for the arrival or teachings of Mahavira.

3. The Arrival of Lord Mahavira (Sutras 10-16):

   • A central event described is the arrival of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, to Champa.
   • The text emphasizes Mahavira's divine qualities, his omniscience (Kevala Jnana), his compassionate nature, his role as a spiritual guide, and his immense spiritual power.
   • The description of Mahavira is incredibly detailed, focusing on his physical attributes, his serene demeanor, and the aura of his presence.

4. The Divine Assembly (Sutras 10-27):

   • Upon Mahavira's arrival, a grand spiritual assembly (Samosarana) is described. This assembly is attended by a vast multitude of beings from various realms:
     • Human beings: Kings, queens, nobles, merchants, soldiers, and common people.
     • Deities: Various classes of celestial beings like Asura Kumars, Bhavanavasi Devas, Vyantar Devas, Jyotish Devas, and Vaimanika Devas from different heavens and realms.
     • Monks and Nuns: Mahavira's own disciples, including prominent monks like Indrabhuti Gautama, and numerous ascetics (anagaras) and nuns (ayapriyas) who follow rigorous ascetic practices.
     • Animals and other beings: The text often mentions various animals and even symbolic representations of beings present in the assembly.

5. Mahavira's Discourse (Sutras 34 onwards):

   • The core of the Uvavai Suttam is Mahavira's discourse to this assembly. The text outlines the principles of Jainism, including:
     • The nature of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva).
     • The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara).
     • Karma theory: How actions (karma) bind the soul and lead to consequences in this life and future lives.
     • The path to liberation (Moksha): The practices of right faith (Samyak Darshana), right knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra) as the means to break free from karma and achieve liberation.
     • Ahimsa (non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence towards all living beings.
     • Asceticism (Tapa): Detailed descriptions of various forms of ascetic practices, both internal (mental discipline) and external (physical austerities), undertaken by monks and nuns for purification.
     • The Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) and Twelve Vows (Anuvratas/Gunavratas/Shikshavratas): The ethical and moral codes for ascetics and householders, respectively.
     • Cosmology and Geography: Descriptions of the different realms of existence, the structure of the universe, and the lifespans and conditions of beings in various planes.
     • The nature of liberation (Siddhi): The state of pure consciousness, omnipotence, and bliss achieved by Siddhas.

6. The Example of Ambasthaka (Ambadevastha) the Wanderer (Sutras 39-40):

   • The text includes significant discussions about the wanderer (Parivrajaka) Ambasthaka and his followers, detailing their practices, beliefs, and eventual transformation. This narrative often serves as an illustration of the consequences of adhering to wrong beliefs versus embracing the true Jain path.
   • The text describes Ambasthaka's adherence to certain vows and practices, his eventual encounter with Mahavira's teachings, and the significant spiritual progress made by him and his disciples, leading some to renunciation and liberation.

7. The Nature of Omniscience and the Realm of the Siddhas (Sutras 41-43):

   • The Suttam elucidates the nature of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) possessed by Tirthankaras and Kevalis.
   • It describes the state of the Siddhas (liberated souls) who reside in the Siddhashila (the uppermost part of the universe), free from all karmic bondage, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth. The descriptions of Siddhas are highly detailed, emphasizing their purity, eternal bliss, and infinite knowledge and perception.

Publisher's Notes and Introduction (Pages 1-4, 109-110): The initial pages and final notes from "Jivan Karyalay" provide context:

• Dedication/Promotion: The publication seems to be linked to the lectures of Pujya Shri 1008 Shri Jawahir Lal Ji Maharaj, emphasizing the propagation of virtues like charity, morality, and the hidden truths of Jainism.
• Call to Become Subscribers: The publisher encourages readers to become regular subscribers to "Jivan Karyalay" to receive various spiritual and ethical books, promoting cost savings and timely delivery.
• Controversy Mention: There's a mention of the "Therapanth society" attempting to have books related to "Dayadan" (charity/compassion) confiscated, which the government reportedly protected, highlighting the importance of compassion in the published works.
• Book Details: Information like the series number (16th), original text (Sanskrit/Prakrit), price, and edition is provided.
• Contact Information: Addresses for the publisher and printer are included.

Significance of the Uvavai Suttam: The Uvavai Suttam is crucial for understanding the Jain cosmology and the path to spiritual emancipation. It lays down the fundamental principles that guide a Jain's life, from ethical conduct and ascetic practices to the ultimate goal of liberation. The meticulous descriptions of the universe, beings, and the Tirthankara's teachings make it a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy and practice.