Apbhramsa Bhasha Baddha Vajrasami Charit

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apbhramsa Bhasha Baddha Vajrasami Charit" by Ramnik Shah, based on the provided pages:

Title: Apbhramsa Bhasha Baddha Vajrasami Charit (The Life Story of Vajraswami in Apabhramsa Language)

Author: Acharya Jinaprabhasuri

Editor: Ramnik Shah

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Context:

This work is an Apabhramsa poem detailing the life of Acharya Vajraswami, a significant figure in Jainism. It was composed by Acharya Jinaprabhasuri, who lived in the latter half of the 13th century CE and was a prominent figure of the Agamagachchha (a lineage of Jain monks). The text is published for private and personal use.

Historical and Linguistic Significance:

• Author: Acharya Jinaprabhasuri was a disciple of Devabhadrasuri. Devabhadrasuri had left the Anchalgachchha in Samvat 1250 (CE 1194) and established a new lineage known as Agam or Tristutika. Jinaprabhasuri is known to have composed numerous small works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and ancient Gurjar languages. His works primarily reflect his activities in Gujarat, with some noted to have been composed on Shatrunjaya mountain. While some of his compositions have been published, many remain unpublished. Information about his life is scarce.
• Language: The poem is written in a simple Apabhramsa language, with a strong influence of contemporary Gujarati evident.
• Manuscript: The text is based on a palm-leaf manuscript from the Jain Jnanabhandar in Patan. Specifically, it is the 17th work within manuscript No. 311 of the Sanghavi Patak Bhandar in Patan, found on folios 124 to 129. The editor, Ramnik Shah, created this edition based on a copy he made approximately twenty years prior, as no other manuscripts of this work have been found.

Content Summary of the Life of Vajraswami:

The poem narrates the life story of Vajraswami, presented in a devotional and edifying manner.

1. Invocation and Dedication: The poem begins with invocations to Jinavar (victorious ones), the thirty-six virtues, and the guru. It highlights the importance of Dharma (righteous conduct) with compassion and the fourfold Jain community. The purpose is to narrate the auspicious life of Vajraswami for the benefit of devotees.

2. Birth and Early Life:

   • Vajraswami was born in the city of Tumbavana in the Avanti region. His parents were the wealthy merchant Dhanagiri and Sunanda.
   • A prophecy or event during his birth indicated his spiritual destiny.
   • Sunanda, his mother, initially had a desire for him to experience worldly pleasures, but after experiencing his early adherence to asceticism (sanyama), she felt proud and accepted his path.
   • Dhanagiri, his father, initially wanted to keep him in worldly life but eventually understood his son's spiritual inclination.
   • Vajraswami demonstrated an inclination towards spiritual discipline (sanyama) from a young age.

3. Renunciation and Asceticism:

   • He renounced the world and embraced asceticism. The text describes his deep commitment to the path.
   • His mother, Sunanda, deeply misses him and expresses her grief, but ultimately respects his spiritual path. The poem emphasizes the deep love and sacrifices of a mother.
   • Vajraswami's renunciation is presented as a significant event, leading to joy and acceptance by his family and community. He is seen as a beacon of spiritual light.

4. Spiritual Growth and Dissemination of Dharma:

   • He attained great spiritual knowledge and insight.
   • He traveled extensively, preaching and spreading the Jain teachings. His presence brought spiritual awakening to many.
   • He is depicted as a powerful spiritual leader who dispelled ignorance and brought enlightenment to people.
   • The poem mentions his arrival in various cities like Ujjain, Kusumpur, and Mahespuri, where he attracted large followings and enlightened kings and queens.
   • He demonstrated miraculous powers and divine abilities.
   • A notable event is described where he converted a queen, persuading her to abandon materialistic pursuits and embrace the spiritual path.
   • He emphasized the suffering caused by worldly attachments and the bliss of spiritual liberation.
   • He guided his disciples, imparting crucial spiritual lessons and ensuring the continuation of his lineage.

5. Confrontation with Misguided Beliefs and Actions:

   • The text alludes to instances where Vajraswami countered false doctrines and practices.
   • He is shown to have navigated challenging situations, including famines and the disapproval of certain rulers, with unwavering faith and spiritual prowess.
   • He advocated for the principles of sādharmikavatsalya (fellowship among followers of Dharma) and the importance of virtuous conduct and study.

6. Final Years and Liberation:

   • As his life span drew to a close, Vajraswami imparted final instructions and blessings to his disciples.
   • He undertook a fast unto death (Anashan) on a mountain, accompanied by his five hundred disciples, achieving liberation (moksha).
   • The poem concludes by praying for the auspiciousness of reading and hearing the life of Vajraswami, associating it with spiritual merit and ultimate liberation.

Overall Theme:

The "Vajrasami Charit" is a devotional work that extols the virtues and spiritual accomplishments of Acharya Vajraswami. It serves as an inspiration for devotees, highlighting the importance of renunciation, spiritual discipline, and adherence to the Jain path to achieve ultimate happiness and liberation. The narrative emphasizes the profound impact of a spiritual leader on society and the path to spiritual enlightenment.