Anandsiddhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anandsiddhi" by Ramnikvijay Gani, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Title: Anandsiddhi (Meaning "Attainment of Bliss" or "Completion of Joy")

Author: Vinayachandra, disciple of Shri Ratnasinh Suri.

Context: The text is an Apabhramsa poem, meaning it's written in a transitional language between older Prakrit and modern Indian languages, specifically Joon Gujarati (Old Gujarati). It dates back to the 14th century Vikram era. The editor of this edition is Pūjya Pandit Shri Ramnikvijayji Maharaj.

Significance of the Author and his Works:

• Shri Vinayachandra is known for other works such as "Nemnath Chaturpadika" and "Uveshamalakahan Chhappa," which were published in the "Prachin Gurjar Kavya Sangrah."
• He also composed "Munisuvrataswami Charitra."
• The dates mentioned in his works "Kalpanirukt" (Samvat 1335) and "Deepalikakalp" (Samvat 1345) confirm his presence in the first half of the 14th century Vikram era.
• It's important to note that this Vinayachandra is distinct from the Vinayachandra who wrote "Kavyashiksha" and "Mahilswami Charitra." The author of "Anandsiddhi" was a contemporary of the "Kavyashiksha" author, and both were Jain scholars from Gujarat.

Subject Matter of "Anandsiddhi": As the title suggests, the poem narrates the story and virtues of Anand, a devout lay follower (Shravaka) of Lord Mahavir. The text primarily focuses on Anand's spiritual journey, his vows, and his ultimate attainment of a celestial state.

Key Events and Teachings Depicted:

1. Anand's Devotion and Vows: The poem begins with an invocation to Lord Mahavir and his chief disciple, Gautam Ganadhar. It then introduces Anand, a commendable Shravaka. Anand approaches Lord Mahavir and expresses his intention to follow the path of Dharma. He lists the strict vows he will observe, which include:

   • Abstaining from harming living beings.
   • Avoiding falsehood and theft.
   • Restricting himself to one's own spouse.
   • Possessing significant wealth (mentioning 40 million gold coins) and a large number of cattle.
   • Possessing many carts and bullocks.
   • Detailed descriptions of his luxurious lifestyle and adherence to cleanliness and adornment.
   • Renouncing worldly pleasures and mental attachments.

2. Anand's Spiritual Progress:

   • Anand adheres to his vows meticulously. He dedicates himself to the practice of Dharma, ensuring that his actions align with the teachings of the Jina (Lord Mahavir).
   • He undertakes various religious observances, including:
     • Observing the vow of "Samayika" (equanimity) twice a day.
     • Taking specific vows like "Sabbaha" and "Pūjya" for three months.
     • Observing the "Posaha" (fasting) vow for four months.
     • Taking "Kausagga" (standing in meditation) for five months.
     • Practicing celibacy for six months.
     • Avoiding "Sachitta" (unprocessed food) for seven months.
     • Abstaining from starting new ventures and consuming certain foods for specific periods.
     • Not eating for ten months in a particular year.
     • Following the practices of a monk (Samana) for eleven months, including using a mouth-cloth (Muhapatti).
   • He practices austerities, lives a simple life, and contemplates Dharma.

3. Anand's Renunciation and Death:

   • Anand, while contemplating the path of Dharma and the transient nature of the body, decides to undertake a fast unto death (Anashana).
   • He makes arrangements for his wealth, dedicating it to religious activities and the community.
   • He seeks forgiveness from all living beings, confessing his transgressions and seeking their pardon. This includes seeking forgiveness from deities, humans, and even minute organisms, acknowledging his past actions.
   • He meticulously confesses his sins related to knowledge, perception, conduct, austerities, and energy.
   • He expresses remorse for all his misdeeds, committed through mind, speech, and body.

4. Anand's Celestial Rebirth:

   • Upon the completion of his fast, Anand's soul, free from karmic bonds, attains the Sowdhamma (Sauras) heaven.
   • He is born as Arunaprabha in a celestial abode and lives for a period of one antarmuhurta (an immeasurable period of time, less than a muhurta).
   • He is described as a youthful being with seven radiant qualities.
   • His celestial attendants rejoice and worship him. He experiences divine pleasures, lives in beautiful celestial gardens, and engages in various forms of entertainment.

5. Gautam Ganadhar's Enquiry and Anand's Testimony:

   • When Lord Mahavir is present in the city, Gautam Ganadhar enquires about Anand. A person informs him that Anand is undertaking a fast.
   • Gautam Ganadhar then visits Anand, who is in a celestial form. Anand explains that he has attained this state due to the grace of Lord Mahavir and the practice of Dharma.
   • Gautam Ganadhar asks a profound question about whether a layperson can attain such a high state. Anand, with his celestial vision, confirms that he can see immense distances and confirms the truth of his attainment.
   • Gautam Ganadhar, in the presence of Lord Mahavir, asks who is truthful (Anand or himself). Lord Mahavir declares Anand to be truthful and Gautam Ganadhar as truthful, implying their respective domains of truth. This dialogue highlights the sincerity and spiritual depth of Anand.

6. Final Attainment:

   • Having attained this celestial state, Anand continues to enjoy divine pleasures.
   • The poem concludes by stating that this is the first chapter of the "Sandhi Bandh," written with devotion.
   • It expresses a prayer for forgiveness from the scribe (if any mistakes were made) and wishes that those who read, contemplate, or listen to this poem attain liberation.
   • The poem ends with the concluding verse, signifying the completion of the story of Anand, the first foremost lay follower of Lord Vardhaman (Mahavir).

Editorial Notes: The editor mentions that three manuscripts were used for the compilation of this edition, highlighting the scholarly effort involved in presenting this ancient text. The hope is that this edition will be useful for scholars of Apabhramsa and the ancient forms of new Indian languages.

In essence, "Anandsiddhi" is a devotional narrative celebrating the exemplary life of Shravaka Anand, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Jain principles, his rigorous vows, and his ultimate journey to a heavenly realm, serving as an inspiration for spiritual aspirants.