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PUSHPIKA (Meaning with Commentary)
INTRODUCTION:
The name of the fifth section of this Upanga is Vahnidasa or Vrushnidasha.Nowa-days this Aagam is known as twelth upang. In the commentary (Churni) of Nandi Sutra it is mentioned as Andhak Vrushnidasha. It contains stories of twelve princes of the Vrushni clan. The first and second sections of this Upanga contain stories of princes born during the period of Bhagavan Mahavir. The third and fourth sections contain stories of princes born during the period of Purushadaniya Arhat Parshvanaath. And this fifth section contains the stories of the aspirants of the period of Arhat Arishtanemi.
In the stories of all the five sections there is an evidence of a progressive ascent. In Niryavaliya, the first section, there are stories of ten souls reincarnating in the infernal world. This is followed by stories of souls reincarnating in the Saudharm Kalp and Jyotishk Vimans in Kalpavatansika, Pushpika and Pushpachulika sections. In the fifth section titled Vrishnidasha are the stories of souls reincarnating in the Sarvarth Siddha Viman of Anuttar dimension. Thus the stories of progressive development and ascent provide inspiration to pursue the path of progressive purity and ascent of soul.
Chapter (Adhyayan) -1- Nishadh
[1] Meaning- (Jambu Swami asked Sudharma Swami-) "Bhante! When aforesaid is the text and meaning of the fourth section of the Upanga named Pushpachulika as given by Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir, who has attained nirvana, what is the text and meaning of the fifth section of the Upanga named Vrishnidasha?"
In reply, Sudharma Swami told
"Jambu Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir, who has attained nirvana, has preached twelve chapters of Vrishnidasha, the fifth Upanga. They are
[2] Meaning- (1) Nishadh, (2) Maatali, (3) Vaha, (4) Vahe, (5) Pagata, (6) Jyoti, (7) Dasharath, (8) Dridharath, (9) Mahadhanva, (10) Saptadhanva, (11) Dashadhanva, and (12) Shatadhanva.
[3] Meaning- Jambu "Bhante! If there are twelve chapters in Vrishnidasha, the fifth Upanga (section), as given by Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir, what is the text and meaning of its first chapter?"
Jambu ! During that period of time (when Bhagavan Arishtanemi lived) there was a city called Dwaravati (Dwarka). It was spread in an area measuring twelve Yojan (an ancient measure of distance) east-west and nine Yojan north-south. In other words it was nine Yojan wide and twelve Yojan long. Its inhabitants were rich and charming. Like a divine city it was delightful, beautiful and unique in architecture and sculpture.
There was a lofty mountain range with sky-high peaks outside Dvaravati city in the north-east direction. It's enchanting lush greenery included a variety of trees, shrubs, bushes, vines, creepers, etc. The mountain resonated with the sounds of a variety of animals and birds including swans, deer, peacocks, Kraunch (Demoiselle crane), Sarus
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
Aagam 23 Vrushnidasha
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