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

Page 295

( 183 ) 159T 37872477
सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
SHODASH ADHYAYAN : BRAHMACHARYA SAMADHI STHAAN
Foreview
This chapter is titled Brahmacharya Samadhi Sthaan (Conditions of Perfect Celibacy). It is composed in prose and verses both. The maxims are elaborated and confirmed in verses.
In the preceding chapter attributes and praxis of an ascetic subsisting on faultless alms were described. This goes a step further and informs him about conditions of attaining serenity (Samadhi).
The common meaning of brahmacharya is taken to be celibacy or renouncing sexual activity or restrain of the sense of touch; but this meaning is not comprehensive. On deeper deliberation it becomes clear that brahmacharya denotes restraining all the five senses; but this too is incomplete. The wider meaning includes restrain of all mental, vocal and physical indulgences.
In the spiritual field brahmacharya (perfect celibacy) denotes exclusive involvement with Brahma or soul or self. Soul is the abode of eternal, infinite, imperishable bliss and peace. But a person who is unable to reach this depth of the inner self (soul) becomes extrovert searching happiness in physical means of comforts enticing to sensual organs. Practice of brahmacharya (perfect celibacy) commences with the effort of shattering this delusion of man.
The ten conditions (sthaan or places) of brahmacharya (perfect celibacy) mentioned in this chapter are, in fact, nine restraints (guptis) or nine protective fences of perfect celibacy and the tenth being the protective fort that secures these nine restraints.
On their own these ten conditions including nine fences are not perfect celibacy. These are just guards or means of the practice of celibacy. They provide help in practicing perfect celibacy.
As such the importance of these means is no less. They are essential for an aspirant. Any slip in these and the possibility of fall from perfect celibacy increases.
This is also evident in the style of this chapter. On one hand the benefits of perfect celibacy and these restrains are asserted and on the other hand the harms caused by transgression are also mentioned.
The chapter has 12 maxims and 17 verses.