Agam 09 Ang 09 Anuttaropapatikdasha Sutra English Translation

Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
Publisher: Deepratnasagar

Page 14

AnuttaropapaatikDasha-Ang-09 - varga-3, Chapter 1
Even then he showed no signs of helplessness; he was happy and devoid of pain, sadness,fatigue. He always remained in a state of equanimity. Observing discrimination required in ascetic order he had accepted and making efforts in still higher state of ascetic conduct he had not yet achieved, he followed pure and stainless conduct. He accepted in Bhiksha the food that was available and conformed to the restraints and left Kakandi with that food. He came to Bhagavan Mahavir and showed him what hehad got following the code practised by Gautam Swami.
Thereafter he, after getting the permission of Bhagavan Mahavir, took that food in a detached manner without having any feeling of like or dislike in a state of complete equanimity. He put the morsel of food in his mouth and passed it down throughing his throat in the same manner as a snake does without touch the two sides while going into a hole and just follows the central path. He took meals without any attachment for taste. After taking food, he again engaged himself in restraints.
Commentary: -- In this Sutra, the firm determination (vow) of Dhanya Anagar and his great care in following it in letter and spirit has been mentioned. When he went for Bhiksha after accepting his vow (restraint), he went to high, medium and low families for food and water. He accepted food only from that house where it was suitable for Ayambil and where it was fit to be discarded by others. He went in a courageous manner after seeking permission of the Guru. In Bhiksha sometimes he got only food and no water and sometime only water but no food. However, he never showed any signs of helplessness, disgust, anger, meanness or sadness. But always remaining in a state of equanimity, increasing his efforts in the accepted code and seriously trying to gain still higher code of conduct, he accepted whatever he got in Bhiksha provided it was according to the restraints he had undertaken.
He took the tasteless food worthy to be thrown in a detached manner just as a snake enters his place of stay. He was never looking for the taste of meals but his only consideration was to look after his body to the extent he was able to continue the ascetic practices. This conduct of ignoring taste refers to the words 'Bill-miv Pannag bhootenam'—which mean as under-Just as a snake enters the hole straight without touching the sides of the hole, he devoured the morsel of tasteless and dry food without any feeling of attachment for its taste.
Meaning- Thereafter one day Bhagavan Mahavir left Sahasraamra-Van garden of Kakandi in order to move in other areas. Then Dhanya Anagar learnt Samayik (practice forattaining state of equanimity) and eleven Anga Sutra fromthe learned monks in the order of Mahavir. He then moved purifying his self with restraint and austerities. That Dhanya Anagar was looking bright like a fire to which ghee is added from time to time as had been in case of Skandak. This was all due to his hard austerities.
Commentary: -- In the present Sutra, it is mentioned that Dhanya Anagar studied eleven Anga Sutras after starting the austerities (tap). In other Sutras, it is mentioned that the ascetic first studied the scriptures and then started practicing austerities (tap). This fact indicates that Dhanya Anagar started hard austerities immediately after his initiation and it was during his austerities that he studied Samayik and eleven Anga Sutras from the learned monks (Sthavirs).
In Agams, Sthavirs are of three categories
Aagam - 09 - Anuttaropapaatik
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
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