Arya Vajraswami

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Arya Vajraswami" by Taraben R Shah, based on the provided PDF pages:

Arya Vajraswami: A Great Luminary of Jainism

This text details the life and significance of Arya Vajraswami, a revered figure in Jain history. He is recognized as one of the last ten Dashpurvidhar (holders of ten Purva) of the Jain tradition, a lineage tracing back to Lord Mahavir Swami. He was the thirteenth successor in the Arya Sukriti Gachha (sect).

Understanding the Purva and the Role of a Purvidhar

The text begins by explaining the concept of Purva (literally "previous" or "that which was done before"). In Jainism, Purva refers to the sacred knowledge or literature that has been passed down from the teachings of previous Tirthankaras, with the current Tirthankara's teachings being added. This body of knowledge is vast and meticulously structured, divided into fourteen categories called Purva.

The text emphasizes the immense scale of this knowledge. It's stated that the first Purva alone would require the ink equivalent to the weight of an elephant to write. The cumulative ink required for all fourteen Purva would be equivalent to the weight of 16,383 elephants. To be a Purvidhar, a monk must have the extraordinary capacity to retain and comprehend this vast scriptural knowledge, numbering in the crores of verses. This requires exceptional grasping power, memory, and retention abilities. Such individuals are rare, even within large monastic communities.

The Qualifications of a Purvidhar

The text highlights that becoming a Purvidhar demands more than just intellectual prowess. It requires spiritual knowledge that purifies the soul, achieved through monasticism (munipana) and impeccable conduct (niravichari charitra). Key qualities include a compassionate heart towards all living beings and the practice of celibacy in thought, word, and deed.

Arya Vajraswami's Birth and Early Life

Arya Vajraswami was born in the year 26 BCE (Vir Samvat 496) in the village of Tumbavan in Avanti Nagari, India. He received diksha (initiation) at a very young age, a rare occurrence, but his life demonstrated exceptional qualities even in childhood.

The Karmic Journey: The Story of Kandriki and Pundriki

A significant portion of the text delves into the previous life of Arya Vajraswami, explaining his exceptional nature. During Gautam Swami's pilgrimage to Ashtapad mountain, a celestial being (deva) named Vaishramana Jumbhakadeva, accompanied by a divine friend, visited. The friend, upon seeing Gautam Swami's radiant and well-nourished physique, questioned if ascetics always had such bodies, as they are generally perceived to be thin from austerities.

Gautam Swami, possessing manahparyavagyan (the power to know others' thoughts), understood the deva's confusion. Instead of a direct explanation, Gautam Swami narrated the story of two princely brothers, Kandriki and Pundriki. Both desired diksha, but upon their father's death, Kandriki convinced his elder brother Pundriki to become king while he took diksha. Kandriki endured severe austerities but contracted an incurable illness. He visited Pundriki's kingdom, where Pundriki nursed him back to health. However, the comforts of the palace led Kandriki to become complacent, and his resolve for monastic life wavered. He grew envious of Pundriki's comfortable life. Pundriki, understanding his brother's feelings and remembering his own unfulfilled desire for diksha, abdicated his throne and became a monk. Pundriki then attained kevalgyan (omniscience) within just one day of his monastic life through intense contemplation and the shedding of his karmas.

Gautam Swami used this story to illustrate that a monk's physique is not always indicative of their austerity; Pundriki, despite his regal appearance, was a pure soul. This narrative dispelled the deva's doubt. The deva was so inspired by the story and Gautam Swami's brilliance that he contemplated it 500 times daily in the celestial realm. This intense devotion and contemplation fueled his desire for a human birth where he could practice diksha.

The Rebirth of the Deva as Vajraswami

This divine being was reborn as Dhanagiri, a pious young man. Dhanagiri, despite pressure to marry, desired diksha. He agreed to marry Sunanda, a virtuous maiden with similar inclinations, with the understanding that they would both take diksha after marriage. Sunanda conceived, and it was this divine being who entered her womb. The presence of this soul brought immense joy to Dhanagiri's household.

Dhanagiri, fulfilling his promise, took diksha with his brother-in-law Samit. Sunanda, now pregnant, gave birth to a son, Vajrakumar. Upon hearing the word 'diksha' spoken by the women around him, Vajrakumar, due to his advanced karmic state (jnanavaraniya karmas removal), attained ati smaran gyan (memory of past lives). He decided to take diksha as soon as possible, realizing it was the path to his and his mother's liberation. He intentionally cried to make his mother Sunanda consider handing him over to his father, the monk Dhanagiri, for diksha.

Vajraswami's Childhood Virtues and Early Tests

Sunanda, overwhelmed by Vajrakumar's constant crying, eventually agreed to hand him over to Dhanagiri when he visited. Vajrakumar, upon being placed in his father's lap, became calm, astonishing everyone. His preternatural calm and detachment were evident. His pre-birth memories allowed him to understand monastic conduct even as an infant. He would eat only if it was pure, and his movements and needs were expressed with subtle signs. He showed a preference for monastic tools over toys. His exceptional nature was recognized, and he was named Vajrakumar, signifying his strength and unwavering nature.

Tests by Devas and the Gift of Vaikriya Labdhi

The celestial beings, testing Vajraswami's character, created a lavish encampment on his path. Despite the temptation of fine food and comforts, Vajraswami, recognizing them as divine trickery, refused their offerings, especially kushmandapak (pumpkin pudding), as it was out of season. Impressed by his unwavering resolve and strict adherence to achar (conduct), the devas revealed themselves and bestowed upon him vaikriya labdhi (the power to change forms).

Mastery of the Eleven Angas and the Role of Padanusari Labdhi

Vajraswami, through his padanusari labdhi (the ability to understand the entire scripture from just a single word), quickly mastered the eleven Angas of Jain scripture by listening to his fellow monks. This ability, which he kept private, led others to perceive him as lazy. However, his guru, recognizing his potential, orchestrated a situation where Vajraswami had to teach the other monks. His exceptional teaching abilities, clarity, and understanding astonished everyone, and they began to regard him with the same respect as their guru.

The Guru's Recognition and the Importance of Drishtivada

His guru, acknowledging his profound knowledge and character, appointed Vajraswami as the Vachanaacharya (master of scripture recitation). Although Vajraswami hadn't formally learned Drishtivada (the twelfth Anga), which was then in decline, his guru taught him what he knew of it. Vajraswami's padanusari labdhi even helped resolve textual discrepancies in his guru's own scriptural knowledge.

The Quest for the Ten Purva: A Journey to Bhadra Gupta Acharya

Recognizing the imminent loss of the knowledge of the Ten Purva, Arya Singhgiri, Vajraswami's guru, sent him to Bhadra Gupta Acharya in Ujjain, who was the sole living exponent of the Ten Purva. Bhadra Gupta Acharya, anticipating Vajraswami's arrival through a dream, welcomed him with great affection. Vajraswami, dedicating himself to the task, quickly absorbed the vast knowledge.

The Significance of Vajraswami's Diksha and Renunciation

Vajraswami's diksha at the age of three is highlighted as an extraordinary event, showcasing his innate spiritual maturity and dedication. He demonstrated a profound understanding of monastic vows and the detachment from worldly desires, even when tested by his own mother.

The Test of Wealth and Attachment: The Story of Rukmini

When Vajraswami visited Patliputra, the wealthy merchant Dhan's daughter, Rukmini, fell in love with him. Despite Vajraswami's efforts to appear unattractive and his repeated rejections, Rukmini's infatuation persisted. She even offered immense wealth for marriage. Vajraswami, through his vaikriya labdhi, displayed his divine radiance, further captivating her. However, he firmly explained the principles of monasticism and urged her towards diksha. Rukmini, inspired by his teachings, eventually took diksha.

Noble Deeds and Social Service

During a severe drought, Vajraswami utilized his powers to create a miraculous flying chariot (vimana) to transport people to safety, demonstrating his commitment to alleviating suffering. He also ensured the availability of flowers for Jain rituals during festivals.

The Restoration of Shatrunjaya: A Monumental Achievement

One of Vajraswami's most significant contributions was the restoration of the Shatrunjaya pilgrimage site. The site had fallen into disrepair and was plagued by demonic influences. With the help of the virtuous merchant Javadsha and his wife Sushila, and the divine intervention of the Yaksha Jumbhakadeva, Vajraswami overcame obstacles posed by the demonic Kadrūpa. He consecrated new idols and oversaw the rebuilding of the temples, restoring the sanctity of this holy site.

The Final Days and Legacy

As Vajraswami's health declined, he, along with his disciples and followers, undertook a fasting Anashan on Shatrunjaya. He was a witness to the kaladharma (passing away) of his disciples, who attained celestial births. His own passing was marked by a divine procession led by King Indra.

The Disappearance of the Ten Purva

With Vajraswami's passing, the knowledge of the Ten Purva was lost, marking the end of this significant lineage. The text concludes by emphasizing the immense respect and reverence due to Arya Vajraswami, a beacon of knowledge, penance, and spiritual devotion in Jainism.