________________
As its title suggests, the second section deals with Upapat or who is born where. In reply to the questions of Ganadhar Gautam information about the nature, character, and conduct of different kinds of people has been given along with the destinations of their future birth. This covers a wide range of topics and information. It contains interesting historical information about different sects and branches of Parivrajaks (mendicants) existing during that period and their different types of penances. It reveals details about the conduct of a variety of hermits moving around as Parivrajaks in those days and what kinds of spiritual practices they were involved in. Such detailed description of different branches of Parivrajaks is not available even in the ancient scriptures of the Vedic tradition to which the Parivrajaks originally belonged.
On reading the details about the praxis of Ambad Parivrajak and his seven hundred disciples, it becomes evident that this branch of Parivrajaks had affinity and close association with the Shraman tradition. Although there were some variations in their conduct, they still considered Bhagavan Mahavir as the object of their worship. They took refuge unto him and strictly followed many of the codes of conduct propagated by him.
Bhagavan Mahavir has also recognized Ambad Parivrajak as an accomplished hermit and announced that he will attain liberation after some births. Ambad had immense respect for and unwavering faith in Bhagavan Mahavir. He was endowed with numerous miraculous powers. He possessed Avadhi-jnana (extrasensory perception of the physical dimension, something akin to clairvoyance) and he did not accept food specifically prepared for him.
These evidences indicate that the Parivrajak tradition was some long lost link between the Nirgranth (Jain) tradition and the Vedic tradition. Although it is almost extinct now, it was highly influential and wide spread during that period.
Besides this, Aupapatik contains very interesting details about Ajivak sect, Nihnavas, Kevali Samudghat, and Siddhas.
STYLE OF DESCRIPTION
This Sutra has a unique style of description, very different from almost all other Agams. It contains realistic description of every topic it touches. Some examples are the physical excellence of Bhagavan Mahavir's body, Champa city, garden, king Kunik's procession, etc. Such elaborate description, so many metaphors, and such lucid language is
Jain Education International
(12)
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
