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## The Upasakadasanga Sutra
## First Study
## Summary
This event took place during the time when Lord Mahavira was physically present, spreading spirituality through his teachings. In a part of North Bihar, where the Lichchhavi republic was located, there was a city called Vanijyagram. It was near the Lichchhavi capital, Vaishali. Even today, a village called "Baniya-Gaon" exists in that region. It is likely a remnant of Vanijyagram.
In Vanijyagram, a righteous householder named Anand resided. He was very wealthy, prosperous, and opulent. In Jain scriptures, the term "Gaathapati" is used for such individuals. Anand possessed immense wealth, including crores of gold coins, riches, money, grain, land, and cattle. Based on today's valuation, he would be considered a billionaire. Agriculture was his primary occupation. He had four cattle farms, each with ten thousand cows.
Gaathapati Anand, besides being prosperous, was highly respected in society and honored by people from all walks of life. He was intelligent, skilled in social interactions, and sociable. Therefore, people sought his advice in their matters. Everyone had immense faith in him, and no one hesitated to reveal their secrets to him. Thus, he lived a life of happiness, prosperity, wealth, and prestige.
His wife's name was Shivananda. She was beautiful, virtuous, and devoted to her husband. She had immense love, devotion, and dedication towards him. Anand's family members were also prosperous and happy. Everyone respected and honored Anand.
A new turn came in Anand's life. By chance, the Shraman Bhagwan Mahavira arrived in Vanijyagram during his foot journey. The king of that place, Jitashatru, went to see the Bhagwan with his ministers, officials, and family members. Other prominent citizens and devout people also arrived. Anand also came to know about this. He felt a desire to see the Bhagwan. He went to the Koollaka Sannivesh, where the Bhagwan was seated, located in the suburb of Vanijyagram. Anand respectfully bowed to the Bhagwan.
The Bhagwan gave his teachings. He imparted knowledge about the principles of Jiva, Ajeeva, etc., and explained the path of the Asanga Shraman Dharma and the Agaar Grihi Dharma or Shravak Dharma.
Anand was impressed. He requested the Bhagwan to teach him the five Anuvratas and the seven Shikshavrata - the twelve vows of a Shravak.