Bhadrabahu Aur Kalpasutra Sankshipta Jain Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Bhadrabahu aur Kalpasutra Sankshipta Jain Itihas" by Munishri Manik, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhadrabahu aur Kalpasutra Sankshipta Jain Itihas (Bhadrabahu and Kalpasutra: A Concise Jain History) Author: Munishri Manik Publisher: Biharilal Girilal Jaini

This book serves as a concise historical overview of Jainism, with a particular focus on the significance of Bhadrabahu and the Kalpasutra. The author, Munishri Manik, presents this work with the intention of enlightening those who might be less familiar with the core tenets and historical figures of Jainism, aiming to encourage further study of these important texts.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction to Jainism and its Sects: The text begins by acknowledging the two main divisions within Jainism: Shvetambara and Digambara. It notes the prevalence of Jains in business and their philanthropic activities, highlighting wealthy patrons like Seth Premchand Rai Chand and Rai Badridaas Bahadur. Historical examples of significant Jain contributions, such as the construction of temples and support during difficult times, are cited.

• The Kalpasutra:

  • Centrality and Reverence: The Kalpasutra is presented as a highly revered text within Jainism, comparable in importance to the Bible for Christians and the Quran for Muslims.
  • Content: The Kalpasutra primarily deals with the conduct and rules for ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis). It details how to observe spiritual discipline, with specific emphasis on the practices of those who have achieved high levels of penance.
  • Audience and Transmission: Initially, only ascetics who had undergone significant penance had the right to read or hear the Kalpasutra. Later, it became acceptable for lay Jains to listen to it, particularly during the Paryushana period. The text explains that the meaning of the original Magadhi language is often difficult for modern Jains, hence the need for commentaries.
  • Historical Context: The Kalpasutra is highlighted as crucial for understanding the historical position of Jains. Its original Magadhi language is noted as being less prevalent now, leading to the creation of Sanskrit commentaries. The text mentions the work of Herman Jacobi on the Kalpasutra.
  • Paryushana and Reading: The Kalpasutra is recited during the Paryushana festival, a period of retreat for Shvetambara ascetics, typically spanning 50 days from Ashadh Shukla 14-15. The actual recitation occurs during the eight days of Paryushana from Bhadrapada Krishna 12-13.

• Bhadrabahu:

  • Prominent Figure: Bhadrabahu is presented as a significant figure, particularly within the Shvetambara tradition, alongside the Kalpasutra.
  • Authorship: The book asserts that Bhadrabahu compiled the Kalpasutra.
  • Influence: The text states that Bhadrabahu lived about 2,250 years ago, and the language of the Kalpasutra has remained unchanged, being understandable even to those who know Sanskrit grammar.
  • Connection to Astrology: Bhadrabahu is also credited with an astrological text called the Bhadrabahu Samhita. He is said to have resided in Nepal, a place conducive to spiritual practice.
  • Dispute with Varahamihira: The text mentions that Bhadrabahu's brother, Varahamihira, became antagonistic to Jainism after not receiving an Acharya title, causing trouble even after his death. Bhadrabahu composed the Uvāsagadasão-stotra to alleviate this.

• Key Jain Historical and Doctrinal Points:

  • The 24 Tirthankaras: The book lists all 24 Tirthankaras of the current era, including Rishabhadeva (Adinath), Ajitnath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir. It states that the Kalpasutra explains the intervals between them and provides their brief biographies.
  • Mahavir Swami: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life of Mahavir Swami. It covers:
    • His birth in Kshatriyakund, his parents (Siddharth and Trishala Devi), and his given name Vardhaman, later known as Mahavir due to his bravery.
    • His renunciation at age 30, his wife, daughter, and brother, and his public renunciation ceremony.
    • His core vow: "Karemi saamaim, saavajja, jogam pacchakhami..." (I renounce all sinful actions of mind, speech, and body...). This vow signifies detachment from the material world and equanimity towards all beings.
    • His period of intense penance (12 years, 6 months, with only 36 days of food intake), leading to the destruction of his ignorance and attachment, and his attainment of Keval Gyana (omniscience).
    • His life of patience and endurance, exemplified by the story of Chanda Koushik the serpent, where Mahavir Swami displayed immense compassion and forbearance.
    • His attainment of Keval Gyana on Vaishakha Shukla Dashami at the banks of the Rajoo valika river.
    • His Nirvana at the age of 72 in Pawapuri on Kartik Amavasya (Diwali).
    • His concept of "Choumasas" (monsoon retreats) and the 42 such retreats he observed.
  • The Twelve Rishis (Ganadharas): The book mentions the 12 primary disciples (Ganadharas) of Mahavir Swami, with Indrabhuti Gautam being the chief. It explains their role in spreading Mahavir's teachings and how most of them attained Nirvana during Mahavir's lifetime, with Sudharma Swami surviving him.
  • The Concept of "Sthavir": The text defines three types of Sthavirs (elders/senior ascetics): those aged 60, those who have completed 20 years of initiation, and scholars who have mastered the scriptures.
  • The Agamas: The book refers to the Agamas, the Jain scriptures, including the 11 Angas, with Drishtivada being the last and most comprehensive. It notes that the Kalpasutra is an extract from parts of Dashashrutaskandha.
  • Jain Chronology and History:
    • The Kalpasutra is presented as the source for determining the timelines of significant events and figures, including the periods of Parshvanath and Neminath, and even Ram and Krishna.
    • It provides a framework for understanding Jain cosmology and the cycles of time (aares), placing Rishabhadeva in the third era and Mahavir in the fourth.
    • The text disputes the idea that Aryans migrated into India, stating that their origin is from Ayodhya (Vinita), established by Rishabhadeva, and that the concept of "Arya" is based on virtues rather than geographical origin.
    • It explains that Jainism is a very ancient religion, predating many other known traditions.
  • Jain Practices and Beliefs:
    • The 27 virtues of an ascetic are mentioned.
    • The "Das Kalpa" (ten principles of conduct for ascetics) are detailed, including Achheluk (non-possession of worn-out clothes), Uddeshik (not taking food prepared for oneself), Shyyatar (not accepting food from the house where one resides), and the five Mahavratas (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession).
    • The text addresses the origins of the Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva concepts, suggesting a connection to Jain figures.
    • It discusses the role of Brahmins in Jain society and the conflict that arose when animal sacrifice was introduced into Vedic rituals.
    • The text clarifies that the Kalpasutra does not mention Buddhism, indicating a lack of direct relationship or influence at the time of its compilation. It suggests that early Indian religious landscape primarily consisted of Vedic and Jain traditions.
    • It notes that the Digambara and Shvetambara distinctions were not apparent for centuries after Mahavir's Nirvana, arising later due to a decline in spiritual knowledge and worldly influences.

• Language and Preservation: The book emphasizes the importance of the Magadhi language in which the original scriptures were composed and the subsequent creation of Sanskrit commentaries and Gujarati translations due to the decline in Magadhi's prevalence. It also mentions an English translation.

• Purpose and Call to Action: The author expresses a desire to see more people engage with the Kalpasutra and Bhadrabahu's teachings. The publisher's note indicates a request for financial assistance to print simplified Hindi versions of these texts to further their dissemination.

In essence, this book is an introductory guide to the Kalpasutra and the historical context of Jainism, highlighting the profound impact of Bhadrabahu and emphasizing the Kalpasutra's role in defining ascetic conduct, preserving historical lineage, and providing a framework for understanding Jain philosophy and practices. It underscores the antiquity and richness of Jain tradition.