108 Attributes Of The Five Supreme Beings

Here's a comprehensive summary of "108 Attributes of the Five Supreme Beings" by Pravin K. Shah, published by the JAINA Education Committee:

This book, "108 Attributes of the Five Supreme Beings," explores the core of Jain worship, which focuses on venerating the qualities and virtues of five supreme beings known as Pancha Paramesthi. These beings are Arihanta (Tirthankar), Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhu/Sadhvi (ascetics). Jains do not worship these individuals by name but rather the attributes they embody. The total number of these attributes across all five is 108, a number mirrored in the 108 beads of a Jain mala (rosary). While both Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions acknowledge 108 attributes, there are some variations in their specific definitions.

The book then details the attributes associated with each of the Pancha Paramesthi:

1. Arihanta (Tirthankar): Arihantas, or Tirthankars, are those who have conquered all passions and attained omniscience, thereby guiding others to liberation. They are characterized by 12 unique attributes, divided into:

• Four Main Attributes (Atishaya): These are inherent qualities. While some literature lists them as extraordinary sermon delivery, universal understanding of the sermon, universal worship, and the absence of calamities, other sources consider the Four Anant Chatushtay (Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Perception, Perfect Conduct, and Infinite Energy) as the main attributes.
• Eight Attributes Endowed by Heavenly Beings (Pratihärya): These are celestial signs that accompany an Arihanta after attaining Keval-jnana (omniscience). They include a divine seat (Simhasan), a halo (Bhämandal), waving fans (Chämar), a three-tiered umbrella (Chhatra Traya) signifying their universal sovereignty, the Ashok tree under which they preach, a shower of flowers (Pushpa Vristi), divine announcement of their sermons (Deva Dundubhi), and celestial music (Divya Dhvani).

The book further elaborates on the 34 attributes of Tirthankars, with distinctions between the Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions:

• Shvetämbar Tradition: Lists 4 attributes present at birth (healthy, fragrant body, fragrant breath, pure blood, invisible food intake), 11 attained at omniscience (including absence of diseases, calamities, and widespread understanding of their sermons), and 19 created by heavenly gods (including the Dharma-chakra, divine throne, golden lotuses, Samavasaran, face visible from all directions, bowing trees, etc.).
• Digambar Tradition: Lists 10 attributes present at birth (beautiful body, fragrant body, devoid of perspiration, devoid of excretion, peaceful voice, strength, milk-like blood, compassion, obstacle-free life, birthmarks), 10 acquired upon omniscience (including perfect knowledge, no blinking, walking without touching ground, visibility from all directions, no need for food, no hair/nail growth), and 14 created by heavenly gods (including universal language, clear skies, flourishing fruits, clean grounds, Dharma-chakra, embellishments like Chhatra, Chamar, etc., enabling harmony among beings, and clean air).

2. Siddha: Siddhas are liberated souls who have completely broken free from the cycle of birth and death, having destroyed all karmas. They manifest 8 unique attributes resulting from the destruction of the four Ghäti Karmas (Karmas that obstruct spiritual progress) and four Aghäti Karmas (Karmas related to the physical body and worldly existence):

• From Ghäti Karmas: Infinite Knowledge (Anant-jnän), Infinite Perception (Anant-darshan), Perfect Conduct (Anant-charitra), and Infinite Energy (Anant-virya).
• From Aghäti Karmas: Eternal happiness (Avyäbädha-sukha), Immortality (Akshaya-Sthiti), Formlessness (Arupitva), and Equality among all (Aguru-Laghutva).

3. Acharya: Acharyas are spiritual leaders who guide the Jain congregation. They possess 36 qualities, with variations between the traditions:

• Shvetämbar Tradition: Outlines 36 attributes related to the elimination of 18 impurities (e.g., self-control over senses, observance of celibacy restrictions, avoidance of passions) and 18 qualities to acquire (e.g., following the five great vows, five codes of conduct, five carefulness practices, control over mind, speech, and body).
• Digambar Tradition: Lists 36 attributes encompassing 6 external austerities (fasting, eating less, restricting food intake, abstaining from tasty food, enduring pain, minimal living), 6 internal austerities (repentance, humility, service, study, meditation, detachment), 10 religious virtues (forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truth, self-control, austerities, renunciation, non-possessiveness, celibacy), 5 Ächär (codes of conduct for perception, knowledge, conduct, austerities, and vigor), 6 Ävashyaks (essential duties like prayer, guru service, study, self-restraint, penance, charity), and 3 Guptis (control over mind, speech, and body).

4. Upadhyay: Upadhyays are ascetics who have mastered Jain scriptures and philosophy and teach them to others. They possess 25 attributes, symbolizing the 25 Jain scriptures they study.

• Shvetämbar Tradition: Lists 11 Anga Agamas, 12 Upangas, one scripture of proper conduct, and one scripture of proper practice.
• Digambar Tradition: Lists 11 Anga Agamas and 14 Purva Agamas.

5. Sadhu and Sadhvi (Ascetics): Ascetics, or Sadhu (monks) and Sadhvi (nuns), renounce worldly life to pursue spiritual upliftment. They follow the five great vows (Mahavratas): Ahimsa (Nonviolence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), and Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness). Jain literature defines 27 attributes for ascetics, with some variations between traditions:

• Shvetämbar Tradition (Group 1): Includes the 5 Mahavratas, control over the 5 senses, control over mind, speech, and body (3 Guptis), protection of 6 types of souls (stationary and mobile beings), observance of restraints (e.g., not eating before sunrise/after sunset), practice of forgiveness, avoidance of greed, endurance of hardship and suffering, introspection, and maintaining a pure heart.
• Shvetämbar Tradition (Group 2): Also includes the 5 Mahavratas, control over senses and activities, avoidance of 4 passions, 3 attributes related to right conviction, knowledge, and conduct, 2 types of meditation, and 5 practices and regulations (yoga, total forgiveness, disinterest in worldly affairs, conquering hardships, and fearlessness towards death/acceptance of voluntary death).
• Digambar Tradition: Lists the 5 Mahavratas, 5 Samitis (carefulness in walking, talking, receiving alms, handling objects, disposing of waste), control over 5 senses, 6 Ävashyaks (identical to those of Digambar Acharyas), and 6 other attributes (plucking hair, no bathing, sleeping on floor, no teeth brushing, eating in standing posture, eating one meal a day). Some schools consider the sky-clad nature of male monks as an additional attribute, leading to 28 for monks.

In essence, the book provides a structured overview of the foundational principles of Jain worship by elaborating on the specific virtues and attributes associated with each of the five supreme beings, highlighting the spiritual ideals that Jains strive to emulate.