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liberated, dasha should be interpreted specifically as the process of change of state from the mundane to the liberated. In other words, the movement from the state of mundane indulgence to the state of spiritual indulgence or to try to progress from the maligned state to the state of purity. It will be proper here to accept this meaning of the word dusha.
Another meaning of dasha is the Anga which has ten chapters is called dasha. As the first section of this Sutra contains ten chapters, its name is Antakriddasha Sutra', this meaning has been accepted in Samvayanga (Prakirnaka Samvaya 96), Nundi Churni by Jinadas Gani Mahattar (leaf 68) and Nandi Vritti by Haribhadra Suri (leaf 83).
Of the eight sections of this Sutra, first, fifth and eighth have ten chapters each. With reference to its beginning, middle and end also, this second meaning is acceptable. 3. Anga
The third word in the name of Antakriddashu Sutra is Anga. It is a popular belief that the tenets propagated by Tirthankars were compiled into 12 Angas by Ganadhars. Each one of them is known as Anga. As it is a part of the knowledge directly given by Tirthankar this Sutra is also called Anga. 4. Sutra
The fourth word in the name of Antakriddushanga Sutra is Sutru. Sutra is that which has a small number of words but conveys a wide meaning. A voluminous or profound message condensed in a text formation using a few words is termed as Sutra (aphorism).
It is known to all that the sermon of a Tirthankar envelopes a wide range of meanings and the Ganadhars compile it in a few words. In this context the use of the word Sutra for this Agam is appropriate.
In brief the title of this Agam is made up of these four words Antakrit + Dashu + Anga + Sutra. The name is appropriate and conveys the theme of the work. The properiety of the name becomes all the more clear by study of its subject matter.
INTRODUCTION OF THE AGAM For the introduction of any book it is necessary to know about its important constituents
(1) Subject matter, (2) The number of sections or chapters it contains and their themes, (3) The size of the work, (4) The references and their sources, (5) Language of the book, (6) Style, (7) Subjects discussed, (8) Lessons and inspirations it imparts, and (9) Its importance. A proper study of these parts provides a comprehensive introduction of any work.
I present a brief introduction of this Antakriddasha Sutra accordingly.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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