Acharya Kundakund From A Cow Herder To The Greatest Acharya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Kundakund From a Cow Herder to the Greatest Acharya" by Jayantilal Jain, based on the provided pages:

This book chronicles the extraordinary spiritual journey of Acharya Kundakund, a pivotal figure in Jainism, tracing his transformation from a humble cow herder to one of the most revered Acharyas.

The Cow Herder's Awakening:

The narrative begins with a simple cow herder who, while tending his master's cows in the jungle, encounters a Jain Muni. Fascinated by the Muni's discourse on the inherent divinity of all creatures and the potential for self-realization to attain godhood, the herder is deeply moved. Despite his humble status and the world's perception of him as a "fool," the Muni's words resonate profoundly. This encounter sparks an internal quest for understanding. A subsequent incident involving a forest fire and a miraculously saved tree reinforces his belief in the Muni's teachings about the independent nature of events and the immortality of the soul. He tries to decipher a message on a leaf found in the tree but, being illiterate, entrusts it to the Muni. The Muni recognizes the herder's pure intentions and praises him for preserving a sacred text and propagating the Arihant's teachings. This incident marks a turning point, fostering kindness and a deeper contemplation of life. A near-death experience while saving a cow leads him to embrace Samadhi maran (meditation and fast unto death), remembering the Muni's teachings on the soul's divine nature.

Rebirth as Padmaprabh:

After his death, the cow herder is reborn as Padmaprabh, the son of a wealthy couple, Gunakirti and Shantaladevi, in Kaund Kundpur. Even as a child, Padmaprabh displays extraordinary characteristics, including a sharp intellect and a profound connection to spiritual themes. His mother's lullabies, incorporating spiritual concepts like purity and detachment, calm him. His advanced cognitive abilities and short sleep cycles are attributed to his sharp mind. His thirst for knowledge surpasses his mother's ability to teach him, prompting her to learn in secret to provide him with new lessons.

Renunciation and the Path to Acharya:

At the age of eleven, inspired by a sermon from Acharyas Anantakirti and Jinachandra, Padmaprabh expresses his desire to renounce worldly life and become a Jain monk. Despite his mother's initial wish for him to become the town's Mayor, his unwavering determination leads her to accept his spiritual calling.

He becomes a Jain muni named Padmanandi and is later known as Kundakund due to his birthplace, Kaund Kundpur. Both names, Padma and Kunda, share the meaning of "lotus," symbolizing purity and spiritual growth. His asceticism and purity earn him widespread admiration, and he is declared an Acharya at the age of 44. Even a king, Shivaskandha of the Pallava dynasty, renounces his royal life to join his Sangh. Kundakund's penance is so profound that his followers observe his physical body to be incredibly strong, almost as if he walks without touching the ground.

Divine Encounters and Profound Knowledge:

Driven by a desire to understand subtle scriptural truths, Kundakund seeks the guidance of Thirthankar Simandhar, who resides in the Mahavideh region, millions of miles away. Miraculously, Simandhar blesses him, and the event is witnessed by heavenly beings. These beings transport Kundakund to Mahavideh, where he has a darshan of Simandhar and the Samosharan (a gathering of noble souls). In Mahavideh, he meets beings with gigantic bodies, dwarfing his own. He is referred to as Elaacharya due to being held on the palm of a colossal hand. After spending eight days there, he gains profound knowledge of the pure soul and the path to moksha.

Upon his return, his peacock pichhika (a broom used by Jain monks) falls, and he temporarily uses a vulture's pichhika, earning him the name Griddhapichha Acharya. His return is a significant event, with disciples observing an eight-day fast in anticipation. His body shines like gold upon his return, a phenomenon associated with the place named "Ponnur Malai" (golden hill). A resounding chant of well-wishes for Bhagwan Viro, Gautam Ganadhar, and Kundakund echoes.

Literary Contributions and Legacy:

Back at Ponnur Malai, Kundakund composes numerous scriptures, laying a strong foundation for Jain literature in line with Thirthankar teachings. He is hailed as "kalikal sarvajna" (the omniscient of the present era) and ranked third after Bhagwan Mahavir and Gautam Ganadhar. He attains Samadhi at the age of 96 in Kundradri, Karnataka.

Historical Importance and Works:

The book emphasizes that Jainism is not founded by a single person but is an eternal religion revealed by Thirthankaras. Kundakund Acharya is highlighted as the most prominent figure after Bhagwan Mahavir and Gautam Ganadhar. Approximately 600 years after Mahavir's nirvana, Kundakund revitalized Jain teachings with their original depth and spirit. His name is inscribed on idols in the Digambar tradition, underscoring his immense influence.

The text quotes Devsen Acharya and an inscription on Chandragiri Mountain, both praising Kundakund for his divine knowledge and role in preserving and propagating the true path of Jainism. His scriptures are considered as authentic as the teachings of Ganadhar. His five major works—Samayasar, Pravachansar, Panchastikay, Niyamasar, and Ashtapahud—are renowned for their depth and ability to guide readers towards self-realization and moksha. Other works mentioned include Parikarm, Moolachar, Rayanasar, Dasabhakti, Barasanuvekkha, and Kural. He is also known as Vakragriva due to a slight neck posture change from prolonged scripture writing.

The summary then provides brief introductions to his major works:

• Panchastikay: Deals with the five substances (soul, atom, dharma, adharma, space) and their properties, helping to understand the soul's place in the universe.
• Pravachanasar: Focuses on the essence of Arihant teachings, emphasizing right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct leading to equanimity and detachment.
• Niyamasar: Explains the rules and laws governing moksha, detailing the cause-and-effect relationship leading to right conduct and the concept of paramparinamika bhav.
• Ashtapahud: A collection of eight chapters clarifying misunderstandings in Jain principles to revive eternal values.
• Samayasar: Considered "God in words," it unravels the secrets of the pure soul and Jain philosophy, offering profound insights and an indelible impression on the reader.

The book concludes by reiterating how the cow herder's sincere desire to learn and preserve sacred knowledge ultimately led him to a Thirthankar's teachings and the composition of scriptures. Acharya Kundakund is considered unparalleled in the present era, and his teachings are destined to be remembered alongside Bhagwan Mahavir for a significant period. The author, Dr. Jayanti Lal Jain, a distinguished Jain scholar and academic, is introduced at the end, highlighting his extensive knowledge and contributions to Jain studies.