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DIWAKAR
CHITRA KATHA
Vol.33
Rs. 25.00
HARVINDER SINGH
A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS:
ARYA SUDHARMA
27LAY
LEWY MUN
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS:
ARYA SUDHARMA
In the modern Shvetambar tradition fifth Ganadhar Arya Sudharma occupies a very important position. He was the first Pattadhar (head of the order) of Bhagavan Mahavir's order and the first leader in his spiritual tradition (Shrut parampara) and lineage of disciples (shishya parampara).
The first propagator of the knowledge given by Bhagavan Mahavir, which is today preserved with us in the form of Agams, was Arya Sudharma. He gave the form of Sutras (scriptures) to the words (tenets) of Bhagavan Mahavir. The same tenets he transferred to his chief disciple Arya Jambu as knowledge. That is why he is accepted as the First Propagator of Agams.
Today all Shramans and Shramanis of all extant sects of Shvetambar Jains belong to the lineage of disciples of Arya Sudharma. The first acharya (head of the order) of the existing Shraman tradition was Arya Sudharma. That is why all the ascetics are called disciples of Arya Sudharma.
Arya Sudharma was very close to Bhagavan Mahavir. He worshipped and served Bhagavan Mahavir with complete physical and mental devotion, and ensured the future progress of the lineage of his disciples and tradition of his knowledge.
The scholarly thinker acharya Shri Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar ji M. has written this nice, interesting and authentic brief biography of the fifth Ganadhar Arya Sudharma Swami in light of historical facts. It is interesting, instructive as well as informative. We express our indebtedness.
Author:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Suri. ji M.
Compilation:
Srichand Surana "Saras" Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Editor:
Muni Shri Chidanand Vijaya ji M. Managing Editors: English Translation: Surendra Bothara
PUBLISHERS
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
Kollag, a village in Videh state, was largely populated by middle class ritualistic Brahmin families. On the eastern side of the village was the mansion of a wealthy scholar named Dhammil who went to the river bank for sun-worship every morning. His wife's name was Bhaddila.
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DMD
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One night, Bhaddila saw Saraswati* in her dream. Filled with reverence, she joined her palms and uttered
Mother! I feel blessed by your divine presence. But in this lush
green garden of happiness why am I without a child? O
mother!
# The goddess of wisdom
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DIE
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA Goddess Saraswati gave her blessings
Come morning Bhaddila told her husband about the dream
and askedYou will soon give
As scriptures birth to a son who will
My lord, what
like Rigveda and swim across the ocean of
is the meaning
Upanishads are called Jinavanit with the arms
of the ocean of Vedavani, the scriptures of his insight.
Jinavani? about the spiritualism of
Tirthankar Parshvanath
are called Jinavani.
Bhaddila's face beamed with joy
Will our son study Jinavani
instead of Vedavani?
Devi, truly speaking Vedavani mostly contains ritualistic rules, whereas without the study of Jinavani one cannot acquire complete knowledge of
spiritualism.
Then our son will be a great spiritualist,
isn't it?
# Tenets of the detached Tirthankars.
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TUECIDOT DOOD
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA In due course Bhaddila gave birth to a beautiful radiant boy.*
Dhammil celebrated the child-birth. He told the story of the dream and added
According to goddess Saraswati he will become a bridge between the Brahmin and Shraman religious traditions. Therefore I want
to call him Sudharma. Indeed!
Indeed!
Guns
As Sudharma grew he was sent to school.
# 607 BC, 550 BV (Before Vikram Era), eight year before the birth of Bhagavan Mahavir.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
When he was 24 years old Sudharma had already become a great scholar of all the fourteen subjects including Veda-vedanga. His fame spread far and near.
Tal
Hey brother, I hear that Sudharma, the son of Pundit Dhammil of Kollag village* in Videh state, has become a great scholar of Veda-vedanga.
4000
O Sun of Knowledge, we come from Kalinga to bask in your rays. Please accept us as your students.
To the east of the village in an area full of mango and Kadamb trees Arya Sudharma got a large school built. Students from far and near came there to study.
Thus 500 students from distant lands regularly studied in his school.
One day a messenger came to Arya Sudharma with a letter. Sudharma read it.
And it is said that he is going to build a large
school.
Vipra Somil of Pava submits his salutations at the feet of Arya
Sudharma, Mithila's Sun of Knowledge... I am organizing an unique large yajna. The prominent yajna-scholar Indrabhuti and many other great scholars have consented to participate. I will feel honoured if a great scholar like you joins the ranks of yajna scholars in my yajna-pavilion on this occasion.
20 Pe
The place is today called Kollua. According to archaeologists this was a prominent education 4 Jan Edu center near Vaishali where Mahapundits Vyakt and Sudharma had their large schoolsww.jainelibrary.org
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Arya Sudharma thought
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
Such an extensive yajna arrangement! All the famous scholars of Eastern India are coming..... I have an inkling that this will be an unprecedented,
congregation! I must go.
Tell Arya Somil that I will certainly come.
The letter-bearer returned after due salutations.
A few days later Arya Sudharma arrived at middle Pava with his 500 disciples. Indrabhuti Gautam started the yajna as scheduled.
Just then celestial vehicles whistled past in the sky. Every one looked up with surprise. Indrabhuti Gautam asked
Aum! Svahah....
What! Where do these celestial
vehicles go?
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA Another Pundit informed
These words hurt Indrabhuti Gautam's pride. He
uttered in angerArya, Shraman Mahavir has arrived in the Mahasen
Ignoring such a grand yajna garden of Pavapuri. These
the gods are going to Shraman
Mahavir. This Mahavir seems to be gods are going for his darshan.
some impostor. He has cast a spell on the gods. I will go at once and
smash his vanity
Indrabhuti left to confront Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir.
And then Sudharma heard a clamour
When Indrabhuti did not return for quite some time, Agnibhuti left for Mahasen garden. Later followed Vayubhuti and then Mahapundit Vyakt.
Debacle! A great debacle! This Mahavir is a great wizard. Whoever goes
to him does not return.
Indeed, Shraman
Mahavir is exceptionally
brilliant.
# To behold and offer homage.
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Sudharma asks
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
So, Shraman Mahavir is a great magician. He mesmerizes
anyone who goes to him. No, he has also
Let me see. become a disciple of Shraman Mahavir.
Arya, please don't go there. Mahavir is like an odorous king elephant whose pungent scent subdues other excited
elephants.
Has Arya Vyakt also not come back?
No! I have the victory-blessing of goddess Saraswati. I have never faced defeat. This day too I will furl the victory-flag. I will bring back all the pundits along with Shraman Mahavir
to this yajna platform.......
Sudharma enters the first gate of the samavasaran". He is stunned when he sees the radiant orb around Bhagavan Mahavir's face.
Great! Indeed,
he has a divine radiance. Astonishing
attraction.....!
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DON
POMURIT
Filed with pride Sudharma left with his 500 disciples for defeating Bhagavan Mahavir.
# Tirthankar's divine pavilion.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
I feel as if Mahavir is the sun of knowledge and before him
am just a flickering lamp.
Just then Bhagavan's words fell on Arya Sudharma's ears.
Sudharma, Don't you carry a doubt that does a soul incarnate every time in a body
with the same physical form.
Sudharma, there is no such
rule. Even the Ayurveda books convey that with a
combination of various chemicals the same type of seeds can produce different
types of fruits.
Yes, it is so mentioned
AND
Yes, it is true. As is seed so is the
fruit. After death why will a man not reincarnate as a
man?
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
Mahavir
In the same way due to different types of attitudes a soul incarnates in different types of bodies. After death a man may reincarnate as a
god or as an animal.
Sudharma ponders
True, indeed. This is mentioned in
the scriptures too. The cause that determines a rebirth is karma and the
cause that determines a karma is attitude. A man indulges in deeds according to his attitude. And he acquires a body in the next birth
depending on his deeds.
When Sudharma heard Mahavir's logic he realized the extant of his own ignorance. He at once accepted
Giving him diksha Bhagavan Mahavir accepted Arya Sudharma as his disciple.ca aparque
Arya, What you say is true. My doubt has been removed.... Please accept me as your
disciple.
ce
Sudharma's five hundred disciples followed him and
became Bhagavan's disciples. # Formal initiation. ## At that time Pundit Sudharma was about 50 years old. 500 BV
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After initiation Sudharma also joined Indrabhuti Gautam and others: Bhagavan first said to Indrabhuti
$4
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
640
Indrabhuti, I ask you to launch the Shrut Tirth."
As you say,. Bhante.
Then he looked at Arya Sudharma and said
Arya Sudharma,
I entrust you with the administration of the, Gana.
As you
say, Bhante,
Since that moment Arya Sudharma took over the management of Bhagavan Mahavir's large ascetic organization. He was the fifth Ganadhar.
During the discourses of Bhagavan Mahavir Arya Sudharma always took a front seat and carefully listened. Whereas Indrabhuti had all curiosity, Sudharma craved to listen. With joined palms, he always listened to Bhagavan's words with rapt attention.
Successful are the nights in the life of a person indulging in religious activities.
#To further the knowledge given by Bhagavan Mahavir is called launching of Shrut Tirth. 10 # This includes guiding the studies and following of codes of conduct by the ascetic organization. # Principal disciple.
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THE FIRS
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
Arya Sudharma was an expert organizer and alert administrator of the gana."Once after the nirvana of Ganadhar Prabhas his disciples came to Bhagavan
PAPON THE
Alon
Bhante, under
whose order should we be now?
वि
UPR
You should continue your religious practices under Arya Sudharma.
!”
This way after nirvana of other Ganadhars their disciples joined Arya Sudharma's Gana.
Some ancient writings about Arya Sudharma's becoming the head of Bhagavan Mahavir's religious order are as follows
Bhagavan gave Arya Sudharma the order to supervise the Gana. -Avashyak Niryukti by Acharya Shri Bhadrabahu.
In Madhyam Pava, Bhagavan Mahavir conferred the title of Tirthadhip (head of the order) on lion-like Arya Sudharma of Agnivaishyayan gotra who just had an extremely flimsy veil of karma.
-Ganadhar Sattari
After the nirvana of Bhagavan Mahavir on Kartik Badi 30 in Madhyam Pava, Arya Sudharma sat on Bhagavan's patta (religious throne or the status of the head of the order) on Kartik Sudi 1.
All these writings clearly indicate that finding him to be the ablest and with a long life expectancy, Bhagavan Mahavir himself conferred the status of the head of the Gana on Sudharma. After Bhagavan's nirvana, Gautam Swami became an omniscient. The religious heir of a Tirthankar is one who carries on the Shrut tradition without a break. Therefore he has to be a chhadmasth (one who has a finite cognition) and not an omniscient. Arya Sudharma had the knowledge of 14 Purvas. It appears, therefore, that the whole Shri Sangh must have unanimously accepted Arya Sudharma, the Bhagavan's appointee, as the head of the order.
# A group of ascetics. ## He was the eleventh Ganadhar but was the first to get liberated. Boo
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA After Bhagavan Mahavir's nirvana celebrations all the ascetics and the laity assembled in a large pavilion in Pavapuri. In this assembly were present many kings, merchants, commanders, etc. They all deliberated
Bhagavan, the founder of the Now Prabhu's successor Arya Sudharma
Tirth, himself ordered him to lead is the head of our Gana.
the organization. Therefore his
abilities are self evident.
A very old ascetic said
We are confident that under your guidance this Sangh will always
progress.
And it was announced
The fifth Ganadhar, Arya
Sudharma, will be the first pattadhar leader of the Sangh.
V
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
Thus Arya Sudharma got the status of the head of Bhagavan Mahavir's religious order on the request of the Shraman Sangh* and Shravak Sangh. At that time his age was about 80 years. The Shravak Sangh celebrated this occasion.###
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On the day of Bhagavan Mahavir's nirvana, King Chandapradyot died in Avanti. The day Arya Sudharma's consecration was being celebrated, Pradyot's son, Palak, was crowned in Avanti. Palak was also a devotee of Bhagavan Mahavir.
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# Ascetic organization. ## Social organization. Ja#### This incident is believed to be of the afternoon of Kartik Shukla 1, 470 BV.
KOWWIN
Al
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
Gopalak was the younger son of Chandapradyot. His father's death sat heavy on him. Elder brother palak consoled him
Lo
Palak said
There is one, but that is a rigorous path.
Which is that
path. I want to tread that path only.
I wonder if there is some higher bliss than the regal pleasures? That which does not end in sorrow.
Brother, he who is born has to die. What to say of other mortals when Bhagavan Mahavir could not avoid death. Win over the grief of father's demise and start enjoying life.
Palak added
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Brother, that path can only be shown by Bhagavan's successor, Arya Sudharma.
C
Goog
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA Gopalak uttered with joy
Hearing this Palak turned sad. For some time he I agree with
assessed Gopalak's feelingsthat. Now please
Will he really be able to permit me to go to him.
tread the rigorous path of ascetic discipline? How
this tender body will tolerate the thorn infested
path of discipline?
Brother! Why are you silent?
At last Gopalak resolved to accept Diksha from Arya Sudharma. King Palak organized a grand initiation ceremony.
I will give the
kingdom of Avanti to you. Enjoy it, but don't
take to this scorching path of
ascetic life.
Brother, what you take to
be regal pleasure is the cause of
extreme sorrow. I want the spiritual
bliss.
Bhante, this younger brother
of mine is renouncing mundane pleasures to be
your disciple.
POD MUUDUVU
Gopalak was formally initiated by Arya Sudharma.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA After that, wandering through cities and villages Arya Sudharma came to Rajagriha. There lived a rich merchant named Rishabhdatt. He had a large mansion in the city. Jambu Kumar was his only son. When he saw people of Rajagriha going for darshan of Arya Sudharma, Jambu asked his servants
What is the matter? Why the townsfolk are
going towards east?
233,99
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1897
ENO
The servant said,
Arya, Sudharma Swami, the successor of Bhagavan Mahavir has come to Rajagriha. The
masses are going to Gunashil garden for his
darshan.
Get my chariot ready, 1 will also go for his darshan.
Jambu Kumar bathed, put on priceless ornaments, rode a beautiful chariot and arrived! for darshan of Arya Sudharma. Jambu offered his devout salutations to Arya Sudharma Swami who was sitting on Bhagavan's seat.
WID
TOUT
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA In his discourse that day stressing on the importance of Arya Sudharma's discourse awakened human life Arya Sudharma said
Jambu Kumar. He submitted
Hy soefl 'e
02 Every moment of this
Bhante, your life is valuable. One who
sermon inspires me
Gentleman, act wastes it sleeping and lazing
to renounce the world at once and do as commits a foolishness like that
and accept
you please. of throwing a wish-granting
diksha. gem in trash.
we
PeWUU
CENOZU
Bhante, I will go home and return soon after getting permission
from my parents.
Begging Arya Sudharma's leave, Jambu Kumar returned to his chariot and ordered
I have to reach home quick. The main road will be crowded, so enter the city
through the other gate.
CITIAL
1215
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
The chariot turned towards the other gate. On that gate were hanging many dangerous weapons for use on enemies. While still away from the gate Jambu thought
The moment this thought flashed in his mind Jambu stopped the chariot
Driver, turn the chariot back towards the
garden.
EA
Wir
ove
While passing under the
gate if even one of the weapons falls on me, it is
certain death. Such sudden death will lead my a soul to a bad birth.
Driver stopped the chariot.
Just at that moment the gate collapsed with a rumble. Jambu Kumar was covered with dust but he was miraculously saved.
The driver turned the chariot back towards Gunashil garden. Jambu thought
When I have to get initiated, why delay. I should at least take the vow of lifelong celibacy.
Today the death was just two steps away. Had I died in this state, what would
have been the destiny of my soul?
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA Returning to Sudharma Swami Jambu Kumar said
to
WISING
Bhagavan, I want to take the vow of celibacy for life.
Puss Sa
Others were also equally surprised
This youth! This beauty! Such enormous wealth and a tough and almost impossible to follow resolve like celibacy! Great! Great indeed!
Sensing the strength and determination in his utterance, Arya Sudharma gave him a serious assessing look. The people standing around chatted with surprise
Who is this young merchant?
evey
Arya Sudharma had judged the astonishing inner strength of Jambu. Indeed, he can cross this ocean of lofty waves of youth. He formalized the vow and raised his hand in blessing
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He is Jambu Kumar, the only son of merchant Rishabhdatt. He is still unmarried.
May you be
strong in your resolve and soon reach your goal.
900
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
After the vow Jambu Kumar went home and told his plans to his parents. Under their pressure he agreed to marry eight beautiful girls. He, however, put forth a condition
The girls accepted the condition. With pomp and show Jambu was married. The same night Jambu gave an inspiring discourse about renunciation to his brides.
7 The very next day
after marriage I will
get initiated. If they agree to this you may
say yes.
DIKSI
IL
This life is not for enjoyments but for attaining the lofty status of liberation (Paramatma). And for that we should renounce all mundane pleasures.
That night 500 thieves lead by Prabhav also came to raid. Prabhav listened to Jambu's discourse from outside the room and got enlightened. He approached and introduced himself
Jambu Kumar came to the ground floor and addressed the group of thieves
Please go
home and come prepared for initiation early in the morning.
Young merchant, I have
also started hating this lowly work. I also want to get initiated
with you
Prabhav, you are right. This life is not to be wasted lying in the mess of ill deeds. True valour lies in doing pious deeds and
make it a success.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
Next morning Jambu Kumar came with his eight wives and Prabhav's group to Arya Sudharma for initiation.
Prabhu, we have renounced the world and come to you for diksha.
14
"They
Beloved of gods, do as you please.
Movot
After the nirvana of Bhagavan Mahavir this was a special initiation ceremony where 528" worthies were initiated by Arya Sudharma at the same time.
You all have accepted the vow of
ascetic discipline with exemplary courage, detachment, and enthusiasm. You should continue to follow this all your life with even greater intensity.
T
17
25
вят
5
3131
# Jambu Kumar, his eight wives, his parents, all the parents of his eight wives, Prabhav and his Jain Edu 500 thieves, a total of 528 persons were initiated. sonal Use Only
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Ascetic Jambu was sharp and intelligent. He had intense curiosity to acquire knowledge. One day he approached Arya Sudharma.
Bhante, I have heard that you acquired all his knowledge directly from Bhagavan Mahavir.
THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
Yes Arya, I have acquired the knowledge of Dharma in Bhagavan Mahavir's own words. I have also compiled his words in the form of Angas.
Education International
Ake
Bhante. would you kindly tell me what was said by Bhagavan Mahavir in the form of Angas?
Thus, before his disciples including Jambu, Sudharma Swami commenced the recitation of the canons as told by Bhagavan Mahavir.
T
Jambu, Acharanga is the first of the 12 Anga Sutras.
Bhante, what is the subject detailed in that?
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V
Jambu, listen carefully. I will recite all the Angas as told by Bhagavan Mahavir,
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA Jambu, Acharanga Sutra mainly contains details about religious conduct such as
ahimsa, discipline, austerities, nonpossession, and celibacy. The biography of Bhagavan Mahavir is also a part of it.
DISCIPLINE
K
AHIMSA
AUSTERITIES
NON-POSSESSION
CELIBACY
In the third Anga named Sthananga subjects with numerical types from one to ten are included. For example four types of trees, etc."
The second Anga, Sutrakritanga, contains philosophical discussions. With the example of white Pundarik lotus it is shown that like this lotus the philosophy of Bhagavan Mahavir is filled with the fragrance of truth. Only he can avail it who is untouched by the slime of this world. Th
SSING
Samvayanga, the fourth Anga has miscellaneous subjects like mountains, rivers, the sun, the moon, planets, etc.
5
1. Only with shade, 2. With shade and fruits, 3. Only fruits and no shade, 4. Neither shade 23 nor fruits.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA HT
The name of the fifth Anga is Vyakhyaprajnapti." It contains thousands of questions asked by Ganadhar Indrabhuti and their answers given by Bhagavan Mahavir
636D
#It is also known as Bhagavati Sutra.
The sixth Anga is Jnatadharmakatha. It contains many examples and incidents that vivify the fundamentals of religion. For example the fruits of compassion shown for a rabbit by Megh Kumar in his incarnation as an elephant.
Sch
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24 alinibne ebarterWS.aborare vint
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS: ARYA SUDHARMA
In Upasak Dasha, the seventh Anga, are given details about the spiritual practices of ten important householder disciples of Bhagavan Mahavir. For example the story of Anand and his cattle etc.
when
Eurore?
The
Botan
ANAND GATHAPATI
Antakriddasha is the eighth Anga. It has details about austerities of 90 individuals who got liberated. For example ascetic Gajasukumal got liberated just by rigorous practices lasting just a day.
2.
GAJASUKUMAL, APOSTLE OF FORGIVENESS
111)
In the ninth Anga named Anuttaraupapatik are touching descriptions of practices of highly austere ascetics like Dhanna who observed fasts at Vipulachal and reincarnated in the Anuttar dimension of gods.
ASCETIC DHANNA MUNI
612
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
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In Prashna Vyakaran, the tenth Anga, are given details of Himsa, Untruth five Asravas and Ahimsa, Truth etc. five Sanvaras.
Himsa is equated with Vaitarini river. Ahimsa has been presented as a goddess,
NON-POSSESSION POSSESSION
(CELIBACY NON-CELIBACY
NON-STEALING STEALING SACHCHAM KHU
NATHI - BHAGAVAM TRUTH UNTRUTH
ERI
SOPASO AHIMSA HIMSA Truth and celibacy are presented as Bhagavan.
Possession is strongest bondage.
The eleventh Anga is Vipakashrut. Good karmas bring in good fruits (vipak) and bad karmas bring bad fruits. This has been explained with several examples.
FRUITS OF BAD KARMAS FRUITS OF GOOD KARMAS
In Drishtivad, the twelfth Anga, are given
details of subjects like mantra, special powers, astrology, knowledge,
karma, soul, etc
This way Sudharma Swami recited the details about all Angas to Jambu Swami. Of these, eleven Angas are still available.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA
After propagating religion for 12 years Arya Sudharma attained Keval-jnana in 458 BV Thousands of gods and men joined to celebrate the occasion.
He moved about as an omniscient for eight years to reach an age of 100 years. knowing that his last moment is approaching Arya Sudharma thought
Before the Sangh he declared Jambu Muni as his successor
Now my life is coming to an end. I should prepare to abandon the
earthly body
Since this day Mahamuni Jambu Kumar will be the driver of this great chariot of religious organization. To him I hand over the responsibility of the care of the wish-granting tree of
the tenets of the Jina.
# He was 92 years old then.
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THE FIRST PROPAGATOR OF AGAMS : ARYA SUDHARMA After making Jambu Muni the head of the order, Arya Sudharma went to Vaibhar mountain with many ascetics and commenced observing fasts.
After completing a month long fast, sitting still on a large rock, destroying the bondage of all karmas he got liberated.'
6 Acharya Sthulibhadra 5 Acharya Bhadrabahu 4 Arya Sambhuti Vijaya
3 Arya Yashobhadra 2 Arya Shayyambhavi SHRUT 1 Arya Prabhav
KEVALI KEVALI
2 Arya Jambu Swami 1 Arya Sudharma Swami
SANGH KALPATARU It is believed that all the extant shramans today belong to the disciple lineage of the fifth Ganadhar Arya Sudharma. THE END
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FACTS OF AND ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL ABUSE
les borult mi Dear friends,
The information in this article will help you minimize the daily suffering and exploitation of living creatures. Most people increase their intake of eggs and milk when they start a vegetarian diet. Many vegetarians do not realize the gross exploitation involved in supporting the dairy industry, as well as the wool, leathergoods and fur industries. Here are some of the facts and alternatives for you to consider. This information is compiled by Jain Meditation Center, New York.
de Sa
nta (FACTS) S O
ODSTO Seit am scos ETHICS OF AHIMSA (NON-VIOLENCE) JOB S
Factory Farming is the method of intensive breeding used today which employs assemblyline technology and reduces mammals and birds to production units confined under the most inhumane conditions. Stress, disease, pain and suffering for the animals is the inevitable result. Cows
The cow, a naturally docile animal, has been turned into a flesh and blood milk machine, drugged and injected with hormones and antibiotics. She ultimately suffers the horrors of the slaughterhouse when she is no longer profitable as a producer of milk and veal. et Cows are artificially forced into a continuous state of pregnancy and made to produce 400 times their normal amount of milk. This results in widespread infectious diseases unknown to them under natural conditions and necessitates the use of various antibiotics.
Newborn calves are taken from their mothers so that we can drink the milk intended for them. They are placed in lightless wooden crates, fed an anaemia-inducing liquid diet, all to produce white veal.
Rennet, used to curdle most cheeses, is obtained from the stomach of a freshly killed very young calf. Chickens
Factory farm bred layer hens are confined 4-5 per 1-2 feet square wire mesh cages arranged in tiers. Over 90% of all eggs produced come from factory farms.
A broiler chicken's lifespan is from 8-10 weeks. The average space allotted them is about 1/2 square foot per bird.
This overcrowding produces such stress and neurotic behavior in the
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birds that they resort to feather-pecking, scratching and cannibalism. The solution to this is to remove half of the upper and lower beaks of all the birds by putting them through a hotknife machine, to clip their toes, constant dim lighting and anti-stress chemicals added to their water and food.
"Free-range" hens are ultimately slaughtered when their productivity drops off. Sheep
Sheep, by nature, do not have "too much" wool. Scientific breeding, under factory farm conditions, creates an excessive amount of wool.
Sheep are shorn continuously in all seasons. Every year, hundreds of thousands of sheep die from exposure to cold. A closely shorn sheep is more sensitive to cold than a naked human. Sheep are not shorn by "experts" as we see in educational films. The
s that sheep are pinned down violently and shorn quickly while blood-staunchers stand by to cover the cuts with tar.
Old sheep are ultimately shipped to the slaughterhouse in abominable conditions and without food or water.
If people were to stop eating lamb and mutton, sheep would still be raised for their wool alone. Buying woollen products supports this cruelty. Bees
Bees are bred commercially, their honey and combs taken from them, and given a cheap sugar subtitute on which they cannot survive. Thousands upon thousands die. Honey also contains toxins harmful to us which the bees produce as a preservative. Fur-Bearing Animals
Most often, trapping does not result in a quick death. Trapped animals, especially with the steel leghold traps most commonly used, often are caught for days until the traps are checked. Many chew their limbs off to escape.
Trapping results not only in painful anguish for the trapped animal, but starvation for its young.
Commercially bred fur-bearing animals (such as mink) are raised in cramped anxiety provoking pens and do not live to reach 1 year. The methods of killing them are painful, in order to avoid scarring the valuable coats. Cosmetics and Experimental Use of Animals
Cosmetics include toothpaste, shampoo, mouth-wash, talcum, hand lotions, lipsticks, eye cosmetics, face creams, hair conditioners, perfumes
போல
Yorg
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and colognes. Most cosmetics contain animal products and are tested on animals in laboratories. Though the FDA does not require such testing, they endorse the Gillette procedures for tests on animals.
Common tests on animals are the LD/50 test which induces death in 50% of the animals used (rats, mice, guinea pigs and dogs) to determine the lethal dose of a product; the Draize test, used to measure eye irritancy in cosmetics and other products by restraining rabbits and administering increasing amounts of the product directly to the cornea; the Acute Dermal Toxicity test which presses the substance on the shaved skin of an animal after abrasions have been made on its skin and there are still other tests.
Soaps usually contain animal fats like tallow (stearic acid and related salts). Shampoos can contain tallows, animal glycerine, placenta collagen, animal proteins and fish liver oil. Many commercial toothpastes contain glycerine.
Expensive perfumes commonly contain musk, a secretion scraped from the genitals of male civet cats in Ethiopia. These cats undergo hundreds of such painful scrapings during their lifetime.
NYDO 20 MOVIES Entertainment : Circuses, Zoos, Rodios, Horse Racing etc.
Animals for the most part are put through painful training and forced to perform and live an existence totally alien to their natural way of life. Countless animals are killed before a good specimen is captured to fill the many zoos and circuses. Many die in transport. Their young ones are left behind to starve. Electric prods are used in rodios, and the gentle domesticated steers and horses are made to "buck" by a leather belt tightened around their abdomens pressing against their genitals. Horns are broken, animals are strangled while being roped, kicked and abused. Circus animals are forced to perform as freaks. The training is very unpleasant. Horses bred for racing are genetically bred by humans for swiftness, but suffer constantly from weak and sprained ankles, broken bones and drug abuse, often, they must be "destroyed”. Health
Meat, cheese and eggs are extremely high in saturated fats and the cholesterol that accumulates on the arterial walls is the major factor of heart attacks.
Large amounts of antibiotics and chemicals are readily used to control the vast amounts of diseases that meat animals, cows and chickens are prone to get due to their unnatural living and breeding conditions. These drugs are present in the animals' meat, milk and eggs.
Jain Education Interation
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Even the diet of a moderate meat eater works the kidneys three times harder than the diet of a vegetarian, due to the excess toxic wastes in meat which the kidneys try to eliminate.
Lard, the white rendered fat of a hog is not readily digestible. It is used widely in commercially baked goods, many name brands.
Less radioactive fallout is found in vegetable milks (cow's milk generally shows a count of 98 of the element Strontium 90 compared to a count of 2.1 in vegetable-based milk).
Cow's milk has a different constitution from human's milk. Cow's milk is made of elements developing animal, whereas human milk helps build the nerves and brain faster than the bulk of the body.
Cow's milk is not the only source of calcium. It's content in cow's milk is 120 mg per 100 grams; Erazil nuts have 176-186 mg.; almonds have 234-247 mg.; kale has 179-200 mg.; sea kelp has over 1,000 mg.; and unhulled sesame seeds have 1,160 mg.: just to name a few other sources.
ECONOMICS, ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The waste and fecal matter, chemicals, grease etc. from the meat packing industry empties into our sewer systems and then into our rivers. Slaughterhouses and feedlots are some of the worst polluters of land, water and air. SWISS
A diet including meat and dairy products requires the daily consumption of 8 times more gallons of water than that needed to produce non-animal foods.
Non-animal diets require 1/4 acre per person, whereas meat and dairy eaters require over 2 acres.
One half of the world's population is hungry or malnourished. There is a shortage of over 8 million tons of food, rising to an estimated 100 million tons by the year 2000. A total-vegetarian diet would END the world hunger crisis.
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________________ nou ARSHIK MOHAN 0562-260532 Jealous god Sangama tests Mahavira's endurance and courage by twenty severe tests; Mahavira is victorious. -Picture taken from ILLUSTRATED KALPA SUTRA, Editor: Shri Amar Muni Jain Fouca