Agam 21 Upang 10 Pushpika Sutra English Translation

Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
Publisher: Deepratnasagar

Page 14

Pushpika -Upang-10- Chapter-3
Commantary- This aphorism describes the great journey of Somil Brahmarshi, the journey preparatory to death. There is a mention of entering the Ganges and taking bath like Shiva Rajarshi. The detailed story of Shiva Rajarshi is narrated in Bhagavati,. He was ruler of Hastinapur. Like Somil he too renounced his kingdom and got initiated as a Dishaprokshik hermit. While performing aforesaid practices he acquired Vibhanga Jnana (pervert knowledge). With the help of this Vibhanga Jnana his vision expand up to oceans. He then approached Bhagavan Mahavir to remove his doubts. Once his doubts were removed he got initiated as an ascetic and after destroying all karmas through intense austerities attained nirvana.
The technical terms used here have been explained by the commentator (Tikakar) as follows
Kaasth Mudra- it is a small strip of wood having tie-holes at both ends It is tied on the face with strings passing through holes to cover mouth. Tc cover one's mouth with it indicates that he has taken a vow of strict silence
Sharak- This is a type of wood which when rubbed with arani (anothel type of wood) gives sparks to make fire.
Mahaprasthan- the vow of rigorous conduct accepted with the purposf of embracing death is called mahaprasthan path or the great journey.
Meaning- Then one midnight a god appeared before &mil Brahrriarshi and said to him- "O Somil Brahmin! The praxis you have accepted is a bad praxis?' The god uttered these Words a second and a third tine also. But Somil Brahmarshi gave no heed to his words and remained silent. Realizing it to be neglect and disrespect the god returned in the direction from which he came.
Next morning at dawn bark-garment clad Somil took his baskets and pole as well as other possessions, covered his mouth with wooden strip, moved towards north.
While walking he arrived near a Saptaparna tree in the afternoon (third quarter of the day). He placed his basket and pole under that Saptaparna tree. Then he made a clean platform and plastered it with purifying pastes. After that he performed all what he had done imder the Ashoka tree and finally after offerings to fire he covered his mouth with a strip of wood and sat down.
Then at midnight a god appeared before Somil Brahmarshi and, as done earlier under Ashoka tree, said to him—"O Somil Brahmin ! The praxis you have accepted is a bad praxis." But Somil Brahmarshi gave no heed to his words and remained silent. Once again the god left.
Next morning (the third day) at dawn bark-garment clad Somil took his baskets and pole as well as other possessions, covered his mouth with the wooden strip and moved towards north.
Thus on the third day while walking he arrived near an excellent Ashoka tree in the afternoon (third quarter of the day). He placed his basket and pole under that Ashoka tree. Then he made a clean platform. After that he took the grass and a pitcher, walked to the Ganges and took his bath and performed other rituals. He then came out and returned to the Ashoka tree. Back there, he prepared a sacrificial platform. After offerings to fire he covered his mouth with a strip of wood, took the vow of silence and sat down.
Then at midnight the same god appeared once again before Somil Brahmarshi and, as earlier, said to him,"O Somil Brahmin ! The praxis you have accepted is a bad praxis." But Somil Brahmarshi remained silent and the god left.
arter of the day). After that he took the then came or
Aagam -21 - Pushpika
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
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