Agam 30 Mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Sthanakvasi

SR No.: 002912
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Atmagyan Pith
Total Pages: 652
Language: Hindi, English
Classification: Book_Devnagari, Book_English, Agam, Canon, Conduct, & agam_uttaradhyayan
File Size: 21 MB

Page 11

FOREWORD
Jain Agama literature is divided in four divisions-(1) Anga (2) Upanga (3), Mūla and (4) Cheda. Uttaradhyayana Sutra is one of the four Müla Sūtras.
According to Kalpasūtra (Reading 146) it is accepted that Bhagawana Mahavira precepted this holy scripture in his religious assembly gathered in Pāvāpuri, at the last moments of his life, just before his salvation. The last couplet (36/268) also shows the same that Bhagawana Mahāvīra obtained salvation while precepting this holy text. By this viewpoint, this scripture is told by Bhagawana himself and so it should be enumerated in Anga texts; but it is enumerated in Anga-bahya Mula Sūtras. Thus it seems that in this last pious precept of Bhagawana Mahavira, some contribution of old experienced sages also amalgamated.
Some scholars presume that the previous 18 chapters of this Sūtra are old and later 18 chapters are compiled later. But for this presumption, there is no solid proof. Analytical study of subject matter, style, language etc., also brings forth many opinion differences. It is more possible that some chapters may be compiled by some old sages and preceptors. But it does not effect any way the importance of this Sutra because the style and subject matter are very much helpful in alround development and upgrading of spiritual life.
Uttaradhyayana Sutra is the cream of thoughts of Bhagawāna Mahāvīra, regarding practical, behavioural and spiritual life.
One thousand years after Bhagawana Mahavira, the form of Uttaradhyayana, decided by Devardhigani Kṣamāśramaṇa, that is still with us in the form of 36 chapters and it is our most valuable asset.
The discussion about the importance of Uttaradhyayana is like to describe the greatness of sun; because sun is the life of whole world. In the same way Uttaradhyayana is the sun of spiritual world, without its shining, life will be desolate.
First four chapters of this Sutra inspire the man to remain disciplined, self-controlled, tolerant and ever cautious in his behavioural life. The real technique of living a worthy life taught by these chapters.
But Uttaradhyayana is not the holy text, which gives teachings about only behavioural But we find sermons regarding spiritual life, sayings which flow the current of isinclination and apathy and the teachings inspiring to be ever cautious, wakeful and
(7)