Bhadrabahu Swami

The book "Shree Bhadrabahu Swami" by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah is part of a series called "Bal Granthavali" (Children's Books) intended for private and personal use. This particular volume is the first book in the third series and focuses on the life and teachings of Shree Bhadrabahu Swami.

The book begins with an introduction by the author, Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, expressing his joy in releasing the third series after repeated demands. He highlights that this series maintains the standard of language and thought established in the previous two series, aiming to gradually explain Jain principles to young readers by generating interest. He thanks the Jain community for their warm reception of the series and expresses hope for continued cooperation.

The author mentions the prize examinations held for the first series in 1986 (V.S.) for children up to fourteen years of age, where 110 prizes worth Rs. 126 were distributed. He explains that due to the second series' books being out of stock, they are now organizing examinations for the third series. Examination centers have been established across India, and a list of these centers and the rules are provided with this volume.

The book then delves into the life of Shree Bhadrabahu Swami:

• Early Life and Education: Bhadrabahu Swami and his brother Varahamihira were Brahmins from Pratikayanapura. Their family's profession was teaching, and both brothers received a good education. They were not materialistic, prioritizing knowledge acquisition above all else. Their passion for learning led them to become proficient in religious scriptures, logic, grammar, and astrology.

• Meeting Acharya Yashobhadrasuri: They encountered the immensely knowledgeable Acharya Yashobhadrasuri, a disciple of Shyyavashrita Chandrapurva, the composer of Dash Vaikalik Sutra. Realizing that true knowledge lay with the Acharya, both brothers took initiation (diksha) and began studying Jain scriptures.

• Mastery of the 12 Angas: The Jain scriptures, called Agams, are considered highly sacred. Lord Mahavir's teachings were compiled by Ganadhar Shree Gautam Swami and others into 12 texts called Dwadasangi. Bhadrabahu Swami mastered the first eleven Angas, including Acharang, Suyagadaang, Sthanang, Samvayang, Bhagvatiji, Jnatadharmakatha, Upasakadashaang, Antakritadashaang, Anuttaravaya, Prashna Vyakaran, and Vipakashrut. He then dedicated himself to mastering the twelfth and most extensive Anga, Drishtivada. While Varahamihira stopped after the initial Angas, Bhadrabahu Swami diligently studied Drishtivada, including its first part Parikar, its 88 sub-divisions, and the complex Pugat, comprising 14 great sections. He also learned Anuyog and Chalika, becoming known as a Chodapurvadhaari (one who holds 14 Purvas).

• Niyukti and Acharya Priesthood: To make the complex scriptures accessible, Bhadrabahu Swami wrote simplified explanations called Niyukti, composing ten such Niyuktis for various Sutras. Recognizing his worthiness, his Guru conferred upon him the title of Acharya.

• Varahamihira's Envy and Renunciation: His brother, Varahamihira, also sought the Acharya's position. However, Bhadrabahu Swami pointed out Varahamihira's lack of humility and respect towards the Guru. Feeling insulted, Varahamihira renounced his monastic life.

• Varahamihira's Downfall: Driven by envy, Varahamihira vowed to surpass Bhadrabahu Swami. He stayed in Patliputra, spreading his fame and making various efforts. He concocted a story about seeing a divine vision of a lion, which bestowed upon him the gift of astrology. He then became the priest of King Nand of Patliputra. When Nand's son was born, Varahamihira predicted he would live for 100 years. However, he subtly manipulated the king, suggesting that the Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu had not come to offer congratulations, thereby inciting the king's anger.

• The Famine and Bhadrabahu Swami's Prophecy: Bhadrabahu Swami, understanding the king's displeasure was instigated by Varahamihira, advised the minister Shakadal to inform the king that the prince would die on the seventh day from a cat's mouth. This prophecy, however, was misinterpreted. The prince died not from a cat but from an accidental fall of a wooden plank carved with a cat's face. The king, devastated, sought Bhadrabahu Swami's guidance on how he knew the prince's lifespan. The Swami explained that his knowledge came from his scriptures, and Varahamihira had made errors in his astrological calculations.

• Varahamihira's Continued Enmity and Demise: Varahamihira, deeply regretful and ashamed of his failed predictions, was about to burn his astrological texts. However, the Swami advised him against it, stating that the scriptures were correct but required proper guidance. Though pacified, Varahamihira harbored resentment towards the Swami. He died with ill thoughts and was reborn as a Vyanter (a type of celestial being), causing disturbances in the Jain community. Bhadrabahu Swami countered these disturbances by composing the 'Uvasaggaharam' Sutra, which proved highly effective.

• The Great Famine and the Migration: Foreseeing a 12-year famine, Bhadrabahu Swami led his followers to Nepal, commencing a great meditation. During the famine, monks had to travel south for sustenance, facing difficulties in remembering scriptures.

• The Compilation of the Agams: After the 12-year famine, the monks returned to Patliputra. A council was convened to compile the lost scriptures. While eleven Angas were recovered, the twelfth, Drishtivada, remained missing. The monks remembered Bhadrabahu Swami possessed this knowledge. Two monks were sent to Nepal, where they found him deep in meditation. Upon waking, he was informed of the Sangha's order. He explained that his 12-year meditation would be completed soon, after which he could recite the sutras and their meanings in a short period. However, he stated he could not come immediately.

• The Conflict with the Sangha and the Transmission of Knowledge: The Sangha, upon hearing this, sent two more monks to ask Bhadrabahu Swami about the punishment for disobeying the Sangha's command. He replied, "Outside the Sangha." When the monks conveyed this, Bhadrabahu Swami requested the Sangha to show him leniency and send intelligent monks to study under him, promising to teach them seven times a day. The Sangha sent 500 monks, including Sthulibhadra, the son of Shakadal minister.

• Sthulibhadra's Dedication: Bhadrabahu Swami began teaching, but many monks found the lessons too brief and returned. Only Sthulibhadra remained, diligently studying for eight years and mastering eight Purvas. When asked about his dedication, he replied that he had learned only a drop compared to the ocean of knowledge yet to be acquired.

• Bhadrabahu Swami's Final Teachings and Passing: After completing his great meditation, Bhadrabahu Swami returned from Nepal with Sthulibhadra. With the passing of Acharya Sambhutvijaya, Bhadrabahu Swami became the Yugpradhan (leader of the era). He passed away peacefully while meditating, leaving Sthulibhadra as his successor.

• Legacy: Bhadrabahu Swami's name is still revered today, invoked in devotional songs like the 'Bhadrabahu-Bahubali Sajhay'. He also compiled the Kalsutra, extracting one Sutra to create a separate text. He is credited with composing other texts in Tibet. The book concludes with salutations to the great Mahashrut Kevali Bhadrabahu Swami.

The book also includes sections promoting other books by the author and publisher, such as "Yelura Caves" and "Sundar Chitrakam," and lists other titles available in the "Bal Granthavali" series. The latter part of the provided text details the life of Acharya Hemchandracharya, followed by Shree Haribhadrasuri, Shree Siddhasen Diwakar, Shree Bappabhatt Suri, Shree Hiravijaysuri, and Upadhyay Shree Yashovijayji. It also covers the life of Mahasati Sita and Draupadi, and the story of Nala-Damayanti, and Dhanaya Ahimsa. Finally, it provides a list of books in the series.