ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 319

B.6.0.a
Uttarādhyayana-sūtra Dr. Priyadarshana Jain
Introduction The Uttarādhyayana-sutra occupies an important place in Jaina canonical literature; it is a representative work of Śramanic current of thought. It is important for its spiritual fervor, ethical notes, historical references, interesting stories, striking metaphors, inspiring dialogues, besides rituals and code of conduct of an aspirant treading on the path of emancipation. We find in the Uttarādhyayana-sūtra an in-depth analysis of almost all matters relating to life and living, particularly art of right living. It makes a thorough analysis of the internal mind, which is a storehouse of energy as well as of the external world, which is the work place of all mundane souls. In a way it is the 'Gitā' of the Jains, hence its importance is non-debatable. The content of the Uttarādhyayana-sūtra is relevant in all times and is for all people. It is a mini encyclopedia of Jaina faith and practices spread over thirty-six chapters. The depth of Jaina Philosophy and the vastness of contents are two unique features of the Uttarādhyayana-sūtra. Jaina Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Sociology, Psychology are some of the heads under which the Uttarādhyayana-sūtra can be studied.
The agamas (scriptures) are the sacred texts of the Jains. They are revealed by Apta i.e. an omniscient considered as an authoritative personages and compiled by the ganadharas i.e. principal disciples of the fordmaker / tīrthamkaras and practiced by ascetics [ă + ma + mal. They had been handed down through an oral tradition and were documented nearly 1000 years after Lord Mahāvīra's nirvana (emancipation). We get four classifications of the āgamas: 1
Classification
14 Pūrvas and 12 Angas.
Classification II
Four Anüyogas.
Classification III Arga-pravista and Anga-bāhya
Classification IV Anga, Upānga, Mūla and Cheda Sutras.
The Uttaradhyayana-sūtra is an Angabāhya Müla-agama and is not compiled by the ganadharas but revealed by Lord Mahāvīra before his nirvāṇa. Mula means fundamental or
Uttaraijhayanāni - Introduction by Mahaprajňa, p. 4
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