Ashtapratiharya Ka Sandesh - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Ashtapratiharya ka Sandesh" by Sadhvi Maniprabha Shree, based on the provided pages:

This text, "The Message of the Ashtapratiharya," authored by Sadhvi Maniprabha Shree, a disciple of Mahattarika Guruni Shree Lalit Shree, delves into the profound spiritual significance of the eight auspicious emblems (Ashtapratiharya) that adorn a Tirthankara (Jain spiritual leader). The author emphasizes that these are not mere decorative elements but rather symbolic representations conveying vital messages to the world.

The Core Message:

The central theme is that the divine proclamation (divyadhvani) of a Tirthankara, filled with extreme detachment (Vitaraga bhava) and profound renunciation, is like divine nectar. Just as nectar born from the ocean bestows immortality, the Tirthankara's words, emanating from the deep ocean of their heart, grant those who partake of them the state of being free from aging and death – liberation (moksha). The Ashtapratiharya are described as unique and wonderful creations of celestial beings (Devas) drawn by the Tirthankara's immense merit, offering diverse inspiration to the world.

The Message of Each Ashtapratiharya:

The text, referencing the "Kalyanmandir Stotra" by Siddhasen Divakar, elaborates on the message of each of the eight auspicious emblems:

Ashoka Tree Pratiharya: A twelve-fold taller Ashok tree arises from the Tirthankara's body. Its message is: "O humans! Understand the Lord's influence. Just as I am free from sorrow by being near the Lord, you too will be free from sorrow by remaining in His presence. That is, the suffering of worldly beings will cease. Just as humans, trees, and flowers bloom and shed their sleep with the sun's rise, you, O conscious beings, will also become completely sorrow-free through the Lord's influence. Therefore, accept the refuge of the Tirthankara."
Lion Throne Pratiharya: A luminous throne made of gold and gems, colored like a dark cloud, from which the Tirthankara delivers their teachings with a deep sound like thunder. The message is: "Just as peacocks joyfully gaze at the dark clouds thundering over Mount Meru, so too do beings eagerly behold the Lord seated on this throne. Accept the Lord's refuge."
Bhamandal (Halo) Pratiharya: The radiance of the Tirthankara's face is so intense, even more than the sun, that it cannot be viewed directly. The halo reflects and contains this brilliance, making the face visible. The text explains that the radiance of the Tirthankara, by its upward spread, causes the leaves of the Ashok tree to lose their color, making them appear detached from passion. The Bhamandal's message is: "O Vitaraga! Upon attaining Your proximity, not only the Ashok tree but any sentient being will shed their passions and bonds. Similarly, if you remain in the Lord's presence, your karmic bonds and the cycle of worldly existence will break and fall away, and your soul will ascend towards liberation."
Chamar Pratiharya: Eight pairs of celestial beings fan the Tirthankara with whisk-like instruments (chamars). The way the chamars are moved downwards and then upwards signifies that souls that bow their heads with devotion at the Lord's feet, filled with pure intentions, will attain upward movement.
Divine Drum Pratiharya: The celestial drums resounding in the Samavasarana (the Tirthankara's divine assembly) convey a message to all three worlds: "O awakened beings! Abandon negligence and come to the Lord like merchants to a thriving port to serve them and journey to the city of liberation."
Shower of Divine Flowers Pratiharya: Hundreds of Devas shower flowers in the Samavasarana. When asked why they fall straight, the flowers reply: "This is the Lord's influence. The tendrils that once bound us to the trees have broken and fallen downwards, making us face upwards. Similarly, if you remain in the Lord's presence, your karmic bonds will be broken and fall away, and your soul will ascend towards liberation."
Umbrella Pratiharya: The moon proclaims: "When the Lord Himself illuminates the three worlds, what right do I have to shine in the sky? Therefore, along with the constellations, I have presented myself in three forms (referencing the three umbrellas) through the brilliance of pearls." The message here is that souls attain oneness with the Tirthankara. Even celestial bodies like the moon are rendered powerless and dedicate themselves to the Lord's service.
The Three Pillars (Gadh) of the Tirthankara: The Tirthankara's radiance, power, and fame fill the three worlds. To ensure these qualities are not diminished, they have manifested as three pillars of ruby, gold, and silver.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by stating that meditating upon the Tirthankara adorned with the Ashtapratiharya, with closed eyes, and internalizing their messages, leads to the soul attaining an inseparable state with the Lord, achieving a form of transcendence. The profound influence of the Tirthankara is such that even celestial bodies are drawn to serve them.