Bhadrabahuswami

This Jain text, "Bhadrabahuswami" by Nandlal B Devluk, is a hagiographical account focusing on the life and teachings of Acharya Shrimad Bhadrabahuswami, a prominent figure in Jainism. The text highlights his immense knowledge, his role in preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures, and his spiritual prowess.

Key Points from the Text:

• Early Life and Renunciation: The text begins with a moving anecdote about Shriyak, a sensitive individual whose rigorous spiritual practice, including fasting, led to his demise during a period of religious observance. His sister, the nun Yaksha, was deeply affected and sought atonement for what she perceived as her role in his death. This led to a divine intervention where Shrimadhar Swami in Mahavideha Ksetra reassured Yaksha of her innocence and bestowed upon her four "chulikas" (commentaries or additions) which became integral to the Dashavaikalika Sutra.
• Acharya Sambhutivijaya: The text briefly mentions Acharya Sambhutivijaya, under whom many influential monks and nuns flourished. He passed away at the age of 90, serving as the "Yugapradhan" (leader of the epoch) for the last 8 years of his 48-year monastic life.
• Introduction to Acharya Bhadrabahuswami: The narrative then shifts to Acharya Shrimad Bhadrabahuswami, described as an "Agam Rachnakar" (composer of Agamas), "Niryukti Nirmata" (creator of Niryuktis - commentaries on Agamas), and a man of profound foresight. He was the last holder of the "Purva Shruta" (ancient scriptures) and the author of the famous "Uvasaggahara Stotra."
• Lineage and Succession: Bhadrabahuswami's spiritual preceptors were Acharya Yashobhadrasuri and then Acharya Sambhutivijaya. He became the successor to Acharya Sambhutivijaya, holding the 7th position in the lineage of spiritual leaders after Bhagwan Mahavir.
• Bhadrabahuswami's Life and Teachings: Born in Vir Nirvan Samvat 94, Bhadrabahuswami possessed excellent physical attributes, including long and strong arms, indicative of a great soul. He received initiation in Vir Nirvan Samvat 139 from Acharya Yashobhadrasuri and diligently studied the Agamas for 17 years, mastering the entire "Purva Shruta."
• The Succession of Leadership: While Acharya Sambhutivijaya was the spiritual leader for 8 years, his disciple was Sthulibhadra. However, due to Bhadrabahuswami's superior spiritual maturity and greater knowledge of the Agamas and Purva Shruta, he was appointed as the "Shraman Nayak" (leader of ascetics) in Vir Nirvan Samvat 156.
• Disciples and Their Devotion: The text mentions four principal disciples of Bhadrabahuswami: Gadadasa, Agnidatta, Bhattadatta, and Somadatta. It also recounts an episode where four other disciples, who had taken initiation at Rajagriha, demonstrated extreme adherence to monastic discipline. Despite facing harsh winter conditions, they remained steadfast in their vows, even to the point of death, exemplifying the highest ideals of a monk's conduct.
• The Great Famine and the Preservation of Knowledge: The text describes a severe 12-year famine in the mid-second century of the Vir Nirvan era, which brought many calamities to the Jain tradition. Due to the lack of proper alms, many ascetics perished. At this critical juncture, only Bhadrabahuswami, who possessed the knowledge of the fourteen Purvas, remained. He was engaged in intense meditation in the mountains of Nepal.
• The Quest for Dristivada: The Jain Sangha (community) was concerned about the preservation of their sacred knowledge, especially the "Dristivada" (the 12th Anga of the Agamas), which only Bhadrabahuswami knew. They sent a group of monks to Nepal to request him to return and impart this knowledge. Bhadrabahuswami initially declined, citing his deep meditation.
• The Question of Excommunication and Bhadrabahuswami's Response: The Sangha then posed a theological question: what is the penance for a monk who disobeys the Sangha? Bhadrabahuswami, after deep contemplation, declared that a monk who disobeys the Sangha should be excommunicated. When the monks pointed out that he himself was disobeying, he explained that his meditation prevented him from traveling. However, he proposed that the Sangha send capable monks to Nepal, and he would provide them with daily recitations of the Agamas.
• Sthulibhadra's Dedication: Following this, 500 monks, led by the intelligent and industrious Sthulibhadra, were sent to Nepal to learn the Dristivada from Bhadrabahuswami. Bhadrabahuswami provided seven recitations daily. However, the vastness and complexity of Dristivada made the learning process slow and challenging. 49 monks eventually left, unable to cope with the rigorous study. Only Sthulibhadra remained, demonstrating immense patience and dedication.
• Sthulibhadra's Progress and Bhadrabahuswami's Assessment: After eight years, Sthulibhadra had studied eight Purvas. Bhadrabahuswami then assessed his progress, stating that he had grasped only a "mustard seed" of knowledge while the "Meru mountain" of knowledge remained. Sthulibhadra expressed concern about the limited time and the immense amount of knowledge yet to be acquired. Bhadrabahuswami reassured him that he would dedicate his full time to teaching once his meditation was complete.
• Sthulibhadra's Test and Consequences: As Bhadrabahuswami's meditation neared its end, Sthulibhadra had learned ten Purvas and was studying the eleventh. Upon his return, Sthulibhadra, to showcase his spiritual powers, transformed into a lion when his sister Yaksha and other nuns visited him. Frightened, they reported this to Bhadrabahuswami. He revealed Sthulibhadra's identity and sent them back. When they met Sthulibhadra, he admitted to his transformation. Upon learning of his brother Shriyak's peaceful death, Sthulibhadra felt regret. When he returned to Bhadrabahuswami for further recitations, Bhadrabahuswami rebuked him, stating that displaying spiritual powers made him unqualified to receive further knowledge.
• Sthulibhadra's Plea and Bhadrabahuswami's Decision: Sthulibhadra expressed deep remorse and pleaded for forgiveness and further instruction. The Sangha also intervened. Bhadrabahuswami explained that his decision was not solely due to Sthulibhadra's mistake but also because he believed that even exceptionally talented individuals like Sthulibhadra could succumb to pride and vanity. He felt that imparting knowledge to those not fully prepared would be a disrespect to the knowledge itself. He cited Sthulibhadra's earlier rejection of a high ministerial position and his entanglement with the courtesan Kesa as examples of his potential for downfall. He concluded that withholding further recitations would serve as a lesson to Sthulibhadra and guide future monks.
• Conditional Teaching and Sthulibhadra's Achievement: Despite the reservations, due to Sthulibhadra's persistent plea and the Sangha's request, Bhadrabahuswami agreed to teach him the remaining four Purvas, but with certain conditions. Consequently, Sthulibhadra received the ten Purvas with their meanings from Bhadrabahuswami and the remaining four Purvas in their original form.
• Legacy and Contributions: The text notes that after the passing of Bhadrabahuswami's four disciples, his lineage did not continue. The expansion of the disciple lineage resumed with Sthulibhadra. Bhadrabahuswami, being a Shruta-kevli (one who knows the entire Shruta), played a crucial role in disseminating Jain scriptures. The text specifically mentions his authorship of the "Chhed Sutras" (such as Dashashrutaskandha, Brihatkalpa, Vyavaharasutra, and Nishitha), which deal with monastic conduct and penance. Bhadrabahuswami lived as a householder for 45 years, as a monk for 17 years, and as a Yugapradhan for 14 years. He attained liberation in Vir Nirvan Samvat 170. With his demise, the tradition of knowing the meaning of the fourteen Purvas came to an end.
• Acharya Sthulibhadra's Esteem: The text concludes by highlighting the esteemed position of Acharya Sthulibhadra, the "Kama-vijeta" (conqueror of desires), in the Shvetambara tradition. He is considered the 8th successor after Bhagwan Mahavir. His keen intellect is credited with preserving the continuity of the scriptures during the great famine. Sthulibhadra studied 11 Angas under Acharya Sambhutivijaya and the 12th Anga, Dristivada, under Acharya Bhadrabahuswami. He was born in Vir Nirvan Samvat 116 in Pataliputra, the capital of Magadha. His father was Sakatal, a chief minister to King Nanda, and his mother was Lakshmi, a virtuous woman. Sthulibhadra had two brothers and seven sisters, all of whom were intelligent.

In essence, the book "Bhadrabahuswami" by Nandlal B Devluk is a detailed account of the profound spiritual and intellectual contributions of Acharya Bhadrabahuswami, emphasizing his role as a preserver of Jain scriptures, a guide for the monastic order, and a formidable spiritual figure whose life and teachings continue to inspire. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by the Jain tradition during times of adversity and the dedication of its practitioners in upholding its principles.