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 84

सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
TRITIYA ADHYAYAN : FOUR LIMBS
तृतीय अध्ययन [ 34 ]
Foreview
This chapter deals with the four essential limbs (of spiritual practice) for attaining liberation. These limbs are-1. Manhood (manushyatva)-birth as a, human. 2. Listening (shruti)-listening to the righteous religion, 3. Faith (shraddha)-firm belief on the said righteous religion, and 4. Vitality in discipline (samyam-virya) - to show vitality or vigour or application in (religious) discipline.
The preceding chapter describes the possible troubles faced in ascetic life. But the subjectmatter of this chapter is wider as compared to the preceding chapter. The preceding chapter dealt only with the ascetic praxis while this chapter deals with the whole life of an aspirant.
If a man intimidated by the difficulties, obstacles, impediments and adversities of life, embraces escapism, he leads himself to his down-fall. He is left with no option but to be reborn in a lower genus.
Here four essential limbs prescribed for liberation have been described. The first one is manhood.
Infernal beings remain ever oppressed by extreme tortures and divine beings are engulfed in sensual pleasures. As such, extremes of pain and sensual pleasures leave them hardly any time even to think of religion. Sentient five-sensed animals may undergo a little spiritual uplift if they get conducive conditions due to fruition of meritorious karmus; but they are not capable enough to endeavour for liberation.
Only humans have that potential. However, it is not enough to be born as a human. being. Some humans are deprived of fully developed sense organs, some have short life span, some are cruel by nature and some fallacious. Therefore, manhood or humanity is the first essential for liberation.
Many humans have no interest in listening to the right religion. Some of them cannot deposit faith and unwavering firm belief in the right religion, though they do listen to it. Their faith on right religion wavers when they listen to and study views of different creeds, sects and thinkers. That is why it is said that it is very difficult to acquire faith.
Even if faith is acquired then endeavour on the right path or following the ascetic religion is much more difficult. Mundane affairs and many other reasons create obstructions on the path of right religious conduct.
The theme of this chapter is that acceptance and right practice of these four essentials leads to liberation.
This chapter has 20 verses.
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