________________
Acharanga Sutra is the first Anga and its Upanga is Uvavaiya Sutta (Aupapatik Sutra). On a cursory glance the subject matter of Acharanga is related to profound themes like spiritualism (adhyatma), ahimsa, ascetic-discipline (samyam), and righteousness (samyaktva) whereas Aupapatik contains elaborate descriptions of a number of varied things. Acharanga is in aphoristic style (sutratmak shaili) with short structured and non-descriptive sentences whereas Aupapatik Sutra contains extremely long and descriptive sentences. But on a serious contemplation we find that the introductory theme of Acharanga is -
'Some people are not aware of the fact : Is my soul destined to reincarnate (upapat)? Or is my soul not destined to reincarnate ?
The elaboration of this introductory aphorism can be seen in the whole Aupapatik Sutra. The title Aupapatik itself informs about the connection of this Upanga with Acharanga. Acharya Abhayadev Suri writes in his commentary (Vritti)
"Upapat means origination or birth. The birth of a god, an infernal being, a human being and others as also the passage of soul to the status of Siddha (liberated soul), all these are covered by the term upapat. Therefore, that which deals with the subject of upapat is called Aupapatik Sutra."
Thus on deeper analysis of the subject matter contained, the direct relationship between Acharanga, the first Anga, and this Upanga (Aupapatik Sutra) becomes evident. THE CONTENTS
Aupapatik Sutra has two sections the first is Samavasaran and the second is Upapat.
The first section titled Samavasaran contains detailed description of Bhagavan Mahavir, his great devotee king Kunik, Champa city, Kunik's going in procession to behold Bhagavan, the Shraman disciples of Bhagavan, and the twelve kinds of austerities (tap) prescribed in Bhagavan's sermon. This description is in a lucid style and ornamental terminology.
Besides Aupapatik Sutra the description of king Kunik, the ruler of Champa city, is also available in Niryavalika Sutra. We have included additional information about king Shrenik and king Kunik as appendix in Niryavalika. Therefore, detailed elaboration on that topic is not appended here.
( 11 )
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
