Arihantna Atishayo

This Jain text, titled "Arihantna Atishayo" (The Mirac es of the Arihant) and authored by P. P. Munishri Tattvanandvijayji Maharaj, published by Sanmarg Prakashan, is a comprehensive exploration of the extraordinary attributes and divine manifestations of the Arihant, particularly focusing on Lord Mahavir as a representative example.

Key Themes and Content:

The book delves into the concept of "Atishayo" (miracles or extraordinary qualities) associated with the Arihants, the liberated souls who have conquered all internal enemies and attained omniscience. The text elaborates on:

• The Eight Great Auspicious Signs (Ashta Mahapratihaarya): The book details these eight divine emblems that adorn the Arihants, highlighting their celestial nature and their role in signifying the Arihant's supreme status.
• The Thirty-Four Miracles (Chaturtriṃśat Atiśaya): The text systematically enumerates and explains the thirty-four miraculous qualities attributed to the Arihants. These are categorized into:
  • Four Natural Miracles (Sahaja Atishayo): Qualities inherent from birth, such as the perfect and divine nature of the Arihant's body, its inherent fragrance, freedom from disease, and the invisibility of their bodily functions (eating, excretion) to the naked eye.
  • Eleven Miracles Arising from the Destruction of Karmas (Karma Kshaya Atishayo): These are manifestations that occur due to the complete eradication of the four destructive karmas (Ghatiya Karma), leading to omniscience and omnipotence. Examples include the vastness of the Samavasarana (divine assembly hall) accommodating infinite beings, the universality of the Arihant's speech (understood in all languages), the absence of disease, conflict, and calamities within a certain radius of the Arihant, and the illuminating presence of the Bhamandal (aura).
  • Nineteen Miracles Created by Devas (Devakrita Atishayo): These are divine interventions and arrangements made by celestial beings to honor and serve the Arihant. This includes the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma), divine umbrellas, chowries, celestial music (Dundubhi), divine trees (Ashoka), fragrant flowers raining down, the inability of thorns to prick the feet, the auspiciousness of the wind, the bowing of trees, the presence of auspicious birds, the purity of the environment, and the constant presence of millions of celestials.
• The Twelve Guṇas: The text connects the thirty-four miracles with the twelve fundamental qualities of an Arihant. It explains how the eight great auspicious signs and four core miracles are integral to these twelve qualities.
• The Importance of Faith and Devotion: The book emphasizes that understanding and experiencing the true nature of the Arihant's qualities requires deep faith and unwavering devotion (Bhakti). It suggests that these qualities are not mere imaginations but manifest realities resulting from profound spiritual practices and the unfolding of supreme merit.
• Focus on Lord Mahavir: While discussing the universal qualities of all Tirthankaras, the book draws specific examples and references from the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir.
• Scholarly Approach: The text cites numerous ancient Jain scriptures like the Samavayaanga Sutra, Abhidhana Chintamani, Vitraag Stotra, Yogashastra, Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, Pravachana Saroddhara, and others, demonstrating a deep engagement with Jain philosophical and doctrinal texts.
• The Purpose of Miracles: The book explains that these miracles are not mere displays of power but are integral to the Arihant's role as a guide and saviour, attracting beings towards the path of liberation and demonstrating the ultimate potential of the soul. They serve as tangible proofs of the Arihant's perfected state.
• Spiritual Practice: The text suggests that meditating on these thirty-four miracles and eight auspicious signs is a profound spiritual practice that can lead to spiritual progress and the experience of the divine.

Overall Message:

"Arihantna Atishayo" aims to instill a deeper understanding and reverence for the Arihant by elucidating their unparalleled virtues and divine manifestations. It serves as a guide for spiritual seekers to contemplate these qualities, thereby strengthening their faith and paving the way for spiritual realization. The book highlights the profound significance of these attributes in the Jain path to liberation and encourages readers to cultivate devotion and understanding towards the Arihants.