Atit Ki Kuch Sthankwasi Aryaye

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atit ki Kuch Sthankwasi Aryaye" by Bhanvarlal Nahta:

Overview:

The book "Atit ki Kuch Sthankwasi Aryaye" (Some Sthankwasi Nuns of the Past) by Bhanvarlal Nahta aims to bring to light the contributions and lives of prominent nuns within the Sthankwasi tradition of Jainism. The author emphasizes that while historical material about Jain nuns is scarce, especially for the Sthankwasi sect, existing works focus on their ascetic practices and dedication. The text intends to shed light on the often-overlooked spiritual achievements of these women.

Historical Context and Nuns' Role:

The author begins by referencing Lord Mahavir's empowerment of women, granting them the right to pursue moksha (liberation) and establishing female ascetics (sadhvis) and lay followers (shravikas) as equals to their male counterparts within the Chaturvidh Sangh (four-fold community). Over the past 2,500 years, countless women have achieved spiritual progress. The text highlights early examples like Sadhvi Chandanbala and Mrigavati, who attained Kevalgyan (omniscience). It also mentions the significant role of nuns in inspiring and guiding prominent male acharyas (spiritual leaders), such as Aryarakshit, Haribhadrasuri, and Jintatsuri. Nuns are credited with widespread religious propagation, instilling religious values in women who would become mothers of future Jain leaders, and their contributions to the Sangh's welfare, asceticism, and religious observances are deemed worthy of golden script. The author notes that even in the present day, Sthankwasi nuns are numerous, learned, discourse speakers, and litterateurs, holding a proud place in the Jain community.

The Need for Historical Revelation:

The author expresses the necessity of revealing the less-explored history of Jain nuns in the modern era. He mentions that his uncle, Agarchandji, has published several articles on this subject. Specifically, the rise of the Sthankwasi community in the last three to four centuries saw many significant nuns. While material detailing their intellectual contributions is lacking, numerous works highlighting their ascetic practices and dedication are available in various libraries and private collections. The author cites a "Historical Poetry Collection" edited by Agarchandji in 1966, which includes five works related to nuns. He states that this article is written to provide a concise summary of these and other unpublished works.

Specific Nuns and Their Stories:

The book then delves into the lives and spiritual journeys of several Sthankwasi nuns, based on available poetic and historical accounts. It's important to note the author's disclaimer that these texts are often not written by highly literate individuals and may contain errors, thus the focus is on gleaning the essence of the nuns' devotion and historical facts rather than linguistic or poetic beauty.

The summarized lives include:

• Sati Padman (Padmanala): Celebrated for her devotion, she left her in-laws' home to join the Sangh, demonstrating immense faith and courage in overcoming obstacles and ultimately achieving spiritual renown.
• Hastuji: Admired for her devotion to the Jinavara (Jinas) through meditation. She became a spiritual successor after her guru, practiced rigorous asceticism, renounced specific delicacies, and followed strict vows of conduct.
• Amraji: Born into a respectable family, she displayed deep affection for her family. Influenced by Mahasati Ajwaji, she developed a strong desire for asceticism. Despite family opposition, her resolve for renunciation remained steadfast.
• Mayakunvarji: At the young age of fourteen, she took diksha. She practiced intense asceticism, including fasting, and demonstrated remarkable equanimity. She completed a 55-day period of intense fasting (tivihar and chouivihar) and attained heaven.
• Pema Ji: Described as a leader among nuns, she faced physical decline and pain. She embraced the vow of santhara (voluntary fasting until death), a testament to her unwavering spiritual commitment.
• Maya Ji: Hailing from the Dhundhad region, she experienced worldly life and separation from her husband. Under the guidance of Sambhaji, she took diksha and engaged in rigorous study and meditation, writing extensively. She also practiced intense austerities and lived a life of pure conduct for thirty-two years before undertaking santhara.
• Mulaji: Born under the Mul constellation, she served her guru for four months and then took diksha. Despite facing challenges like a brother abroad and in-laws of a different faith, she pursued her spiritual path. She traveled extensively, endured illness through her asceticism, and ultimately completed a period of fasting, attaining heaven.
• Vasantoji: Born into a Brahmin family, she took diksha and practiced significant austerities. She renounced worldly life and ultimately passed away, bringing glory to her family.
• Chatruji: From a young age, she was imbued with religious sentiments. After taking diksha and extensive study, she dedicated herself to spiritual practice, including fasting and meditation. She eventually undertook santhara, fulfilling 53 years of life and 34 years of ascetic practice.
• Goraji: Born into a Khatri family, she renounced worldly life in her youth. Inspired by Guru Lalchandji, she embraced the path of asceticism under the guidance of Anandaji. The account of her life is incomplete.
• Giga Satī: Her life is known through a travelogue, detailing her diksha in Jodhpur. The text lists her Chaturmas (annual monsoon retreats) in various locations, along with details of other initiations and retreats.
• Dahi Satī: A biographical sketch of Dahi Satī is presented. She was married but, driven by strong spiritual inclination, took diksha at a young age. She led a life of asceticism for 42 years and was known for her knowledge and her dedicated disciples. She completed her santhara, and her passing was marked by community celebrations.

Call for Preservation and Further Research:

The author concludes by highlighting the scarcity of historical material related to the Sthankwasi community and urges for the prompt publication of available resources from various Jain knowledge repositories (Gyan Bhandars). He also appeals for any complete works of the thirteen Mahasatis (great enlightened nuns) that might be found, as only partial poems and couplets have been discovered.

In essence, "Atit ki Kuch Sthankwasi Aryaye" is a significant effort to preserve and disseminate the spiritual legacy of Sthankwasi Jain nuns, emphasizing their asceticism, devotion, and contributions to the broader Jain tradition, while acknowledging the challenges in accessing and fully understanding their historical narratives.