Agam 23 Upang 12 Vrushnidasa Sutra English Translation - Book Summary

This document is an English translation and commentary of Vrushnidasha Sutra, which is identified as Agam 23, Upang 12 in the Jain canon. Compiled by Jain Muni Deepratnasagar, this publication aims to make Jain Agam literature accessible in English for a wider audience, particularly the new generation and those living abroad.

Key Information about the Publication:

Publisher: Deepratnasagar
Author/Compiler: Jain Muni Deepratnasagar (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D.)
Purpose: To provide English translations and commentaries of Jain Agams, starting with Nandi Sutra and then moving to the Niraayavalika panchak, from which Vrushnidasha is presented.
Format: Initially a net publication, with the possibility of future book publication. It is provided in a Microsoft Word format for easy cutting, pasting, and editing.
Target Audience: New generation, people living abroad, and those who can benefit from English translations of authentic Jain literature.

Content of Vrushnidasha Sutra (Chapter 1 - Nishadh):

The Vrushnidasha Sutra is an "Ang-bahya Aagam," now known as an "Upang." It is stated to have a commentary (Vrutti) written by Shree Chandra-Suri. This particular publication is a compilation of a translation by Surendra Bothara, originally edited in Hindi by Shree Amar-Muni and Shree Chandra Surana.

The Vrushnidasha Sutra is the fifth section of a larger work and is known as the twelfth Upang. It is also referred to as "Andhak Vrushnidasha" in the commentary of the Nandi Sutra. This Upang contains stories of twelve princes of the Vrushni clan, illustrating a progressive ascent in spiritual development. The sections cover princes born during the times of Mahavir Bhagavan, Arhat Parshvanath, and Arhat Arishtanemi, with the fifth section (Vrushnidasha) focusing on aspirants destined for the highest celestial realms (Sarvarth Siddha Viman).

Summary of Chapter 1: Nishadh

The chapter begins with Jambu Swami asking Sudharma Swami about the Vrushnidasha Sutra, the fifth Upanga. Sudharma Swami explains that it was preached by Bhagavan Mahavir and consists of twelve chapters, the first of which is "Nishadh."

Key narrative points from Chapter 1:

Setting: The story takes place in Dvaravati city (Dwarka), a prosperous and beautifully architected city, ruled by Krishna Vasudev. A majestic Raivatak mountain is described nearby, filled with lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and natural beauty. The city's population is vast and includes various classes of people, from kings and princes to merchants and courtesans. Krishna Vasudev's empire is extensive.
Introduction of Prince Nishadh: Prince Nishadh is the son of King Baldev (elder brother of Krishna Vasudev) and Queen Revati Devi. His birth is preceded by Queen Revati's dream of a lion, interpreted as a sign of a powerful son. Nishadh is depicted as well-educated and enjoying worldly pleasures.
Arrival of Arhat Arishtanemi: Arhat Arishtanemi, a Tirthankar, arrives in Dvaravati, drawing a large gathering of people to his discourse. Krishna Vasudev, upon hearing this, instructs his attendants to gather the populace. The descriptions of the kings, queens, and prominent individuals preparing to meet Arhat Arishtanemi and the process of Krishna Vasudev proceeding to meet him are detailed, echoing similar descriptions from the Aupapatik Sutra concerning King Kunik.
Prince Nishadh's Curiosity and Initiation: Prince Nishadh, witnessing the commotion, becomes curious and also goes to the Samavasaran (assembly of the Tirthankar). He pays homage, listens to the discourse, and expresses his faith in the Tirthankar's teachings, accepting the Shravak Dharma (lay follower's code of conduct).
Varadatt Anagar's Inquiry: Varadatt Anagar, a principal disciple of Arhat Arishtanemi, observes Prince Nishadh and inquires from the Bhagavan about how Nishadh attained such human opulence.
The Past Life of Prince Nishadh (as Virangad): Arhat Arishtanemi explains Nishadh's past life. In the city of Rohitak, King Mahabal and Queen Padmavati had a son named Virangad. Virangad, like Nishadh, enjoyed worldly pleasures after marrying multiple princesses. He later encountered Acharya Siddharth, was inspired by his discourse, and became an initiated ascetic. After forty-five years of ascetic life and observing various austerities, Virangad died through sallekhana (a vow of spiritual preparation for death) and was reborn as a god in the Manoram Viman in Brahmalok, with a lifespan of ten Sagaropam.
Nishadh's Spiritual Journey and Future: The narrative connects Virangad's divine life to Nishadh's current birth. Arhat Arishtanemi confirms that Prince Nishadh has the potential for initiation. After Arhat Arishtanemi leaves Dvaravati, Nishadh becomes a Shramanopasak (devotee of ascetics). He later takes a paushadh vow and meditates, expressing a desire to pay homage to Arhat Arishtanemi if he visits the Nandanvan garden.
Nishadh's Initiation and Liberation: Arhat Arishtanemi, aware of Nishadh's thoughts, travels to the Nandanvan garden. Nishadh, pleased, goes to meet him, takes permission from his parents, and becomes a completely celibate ascetic. He studies the eleven Angas and leads an ascetic life for nine years. He eventually undergoes sallekhana for twenty-one days and dies meditatively.
Nishadh's Reincarnation and Ultimate Liberation: Arhat Arishtanemi informs Varadatt Anagar that ascetic Nishadh has reincarnated as a god in the Sarvarthasiddha Viman (the highest celestial abode), with a lifespan of thirty-three Sagaropam. Upon completing his divine life, he will be born as a prince in Unnak city in the Mahavideh area. There, he will eventually renounce his worldly life, become an ascetic, practice severe austerities, and ultimately achieve Siddhahood (liberation) and become a Buddha (enlightened).

Conclusion of Chapter 1 and the Sutra:

The chapter concludes with Sudharma Swami's affirmation of the text and meaning. The remaining chapters (2 to 12) are stated to follow a similar pattern. The entire text marks the end of the Shrutskandh titled Niryavalika and concludes the narration of the five Upangas within it. The Niryavalika has a total of fifty-two chapters across its five sections.

In essence, the Vrushnidasha Sutra, as presented in this first chapter, narrates the life and spiritual journey of Prince Nishadh, highlighting his past lives, his interactions with the Tirthankar Arhat Arishtanemi, his path of asceticism, and his ultimate destiny of liberation, illustrating the Jain principles of karma, reincarnation, and spiritual ascent.