Agam 30 mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Sthanakvasi

SR No.: 002494
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarmuni
Publisher: Padma Prakashan
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 726
Language: Hindi, Prakrit, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari & agam_uttaradhyayan
File Size: 28 MB

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FOREWORD
The corpus of Jain canonical literature has four divisions-(1) Anga, (2) Upanga, (3) Mool, and (4) Chheda. Uttaradhyayan Sutra is one of the four Mool Sutras.
According to Kalpa Sutra (Reading 146) it is believed that Bhagavan Mahavir gave a discourse in his last religious assembly just before his nirvana in Pavapuri and it was compiled as this canon. The last verse (36/268) also expresses this view that Bhagavan Mahavir attained nirvana while giving this discourse (Uttaradhyayan). From this angle this scripture is a direct utterance of the Jina and all the exclusive direct utterances of the Jina are incorporated in Anga literature as a rule; as such it should have been included in the Anga literature. But it is listed as a Mool Sutra among Anga-bahya (other than Anga) literature. This indicates that in this presumed last pious discourse of Bhagavan Mahavir also includes contributions of scholarly senior ascetics (sthavir). Some scholars believe that the first 18 chapters of Uttaradhyayan Sutra are ancient and last 18 chapters are creations of a later period. But even for this assumption there is no solid évidence. Analytical study from various angles including themes, style and language reveals many variant opinions. It is quite possible that some of the chapters of this work could have been compiled by later senior ascetics and acharyas but this does not make any dent in the importance of Uttaradhyayan Sutra. This is because the themes and the style of exposition of this Agam are extremely helpful in the all-round development of life and its spiritual uplift. Uttaradhyayan Sutra is the essence of Bhagavan Mahavir's thoughts regarding social and spiritual life of man.
The final reading of Uttaradhyayan Sutra decided by Devardhigani Kshamashramana, one thousand years after Bhagavan Mahavir, is still safe with us in the form of 36 chapters and it is a very important inheritance.
To discuss the importance of Uttaradhyayan is like describing greatness of the sun because it is the life-source of the whole world. Uttaradhyayan is the sun of the spiritual world, without its light in the yard of life, life will become a void.
The first chapter of Uttaradhyayan is about modesty and the second is about afflictions. The third and fourth chapters inspire man to remain disciplined, restrained, tolerant and ever alert in his social life. These chapters, in fact, teach the art of life to every human being.
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