Bhagavana Mahavira Ek Anushilan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagavan Mahavira: Ek Anushilan" by Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhagavana Mahavira Ek Anushilan Author: Devendramuni Shastri Publisher: Shri Lakshmi Pustak Bhandar, Ahmedabad

Overall Focus: This book, "Bhagavan Mahavira: Ek Anushilan" (Lord Mahavira: A Study), is a detailed exploration and analysis of the life, teachings, and historical context of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The book aims to provide an authentic and comprehensive understanding of Mahavira's life, drawing upon ancient Jain texts and scholarly research. It also delves into the socio-cultural and religious milieu of Mahavira's time to provide a richer context for his life and mission.

Key Themes and Sections:

1. Bhagavan Mahavira's Antecedent Existence (Pūrva-bhava):

   • The book extensively discusses Mahavira's past lives, tracing his spiritual journey through various existences leading up to his final birth. It analyzes the concept of "Nāma-karma" (karmic actions that lead to Tirthankara status) and how Mahavira accumulated virtues through numerous lives.
   • It compares and contrasts the narratives of Mahavira's past lives as described in Shvetambara and Digambara Jain traditions, noting differences in the number of lives and specific events.
   • Key figures like Marichi (who later became Mahavira), Pururava, Naysar, and Vishwabhuti are discussed in relation to their karmic connections with Mahavira.
   • The influence of the concept of "Samudgata" (transmigration) and the accumulation of Tirthankara-nama-karma through virtuous actions are highlighted.

2. Mahavira's Early Life and Context:

   • Pre-birth Circumstances: The text touches upon the socio-cultural and religious conditions prevailing in India during the 6th century BCE, describing an era of religious upheaval, philosophical diversity, and social challenges like the caste system and rampant violence.
   • Birthplace: It discusses the location of Mahavira's birthplace, Kundalpur, exploring its geographical context relative to Vaishali and differentiating between Brahman Kundalpur and Kshatriya Kundalpur, concluding that Kshatriya Kundalpur near Vaishali was the actual birthplace.
   • Trishala's Dreams: The book details the auspicious fourteen dreams experienced by Mahavira's mother, Trishala, signifying the divine nature of the child to come. It interprets these dreams in the context of Tirthankara characteristics.
   • The Naming Ceremony (Namkaran): The book explains the origin of the name "Vardhaman" due to the prosperity that increased in the Ikshvaku dynasty after his conception. It also discusses other names attributed to Mahavira, such as Jnatiputra and Vir, and their significance.
   • Mahavira's Celestial Transfer: The text describes the celestial ceremony of Mahavira's birth, including the transfer of the embryo by Indra's chief Indra, Jayanta, from Trishala's womb to Devananda's womb, and then back to Trishala's womb, highlighting the divine planning behind his advent. It also mentions the celestial bath and adornment.

3. The Society and Culture of Mahavira's Time:

   • Social Structure: The book elaborates on the prevalent Varna system, the dominant position of Brahmins, the degraded status of Shudras, and the existence of various sub-castes and professions (e.g., charioteers, blacksmiths, potters, traders). It also touches upon the practices of family organization, marriage customs (including Swayamvara and Gandharva marriage), and the issue of dowry.
   • Religious and Philosophical Landscape: It describes the religious milieu characterized by the dominance of Brahmanism and ritualistic sacrifices, alongside the rise of Shramanic traditions (Jainism and Buddhism) that emphasized asceticism, non-violence, and self-discipline. It also mentions various philosophical schools like Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Vinayavada, and Ajnanavada, and their respective proponents.
   • Art, Science, and Governance: The book provides insights into the practices of art (painting, sculpture), sciences (mathematics, Ayurveda, archery), and governance (kingdoms, republics, administrative systems, justice, taxation).

4. Mahavira's Contemporaries and Religious Leaders:

   • The book identifies and discusses key contemporaries and leaders of other religious and philosophical schools during Mahavira's time, including:
     • Purna Kashyapa: Known for his Akriyavada (actionlessness) philosophy.
     • Makkhali Gosala: The founder of Ajivikaism, a determinist school of thought, and Mahavira's contemporary and initially a fellow ascetic.
     • Ajita Kesakambali: A proponent of materialist and nihilist views.
     • Pakudha Katyayana: Known for his theory of eternalism and the sevenfold classification of existence.
     • Sanjaya Belatthiputta: Known for his skepticism and doctrine of "Anekanta-vada" (non-absolutism), though this comparison is made from a Jain perspective on the nature of truth.
     • Nigantha Nataputta (Mahavira): The book focuses on his life and teachings as the central theme.
   • The book notes the prevalence of diverse philosophical viewpoints and debates during that era, highlighting Mahavira's unique approach to addressing these intellectual currents.

5. Mahavira's Life as a Sadhak (Practitioner of Asceticism):

   • The text details Mahavira's ascetic practices, including his severe austerities, endurance of extreme conditions, his non-violent approach, and his profound meditation.
   • Charity and Renunciation: His exemplary act of donating his divine garment and his unwavering detachment from worldly possessions are highlighted.
   • Endurance of Upsarga: The book provides vivid accounts of the physical and mental hardships, insults, and tortures (upasarga) Mahavira faced during his ascetic journey and his remarkable equanimity in enduring them. The story of his encounter with the serpent Chandakaushika and its subjugation through his spiritual power is a notable example.
   • The concept of "Tapasya" (Austerities): The extreme nature of Mahavira's tapasya, including prolonged fasts and standing meditation, is emphasized, showcasing his dedication to spiritual liberation.

6. Ganhara-Vada (Theological Debates and Disciples):

   • The book discusses the intellectual prowess of Mahavira's disciples, particularly the eleven Gandharas, who were highly learned scholars and philosophers.
   • It describes the philosophical dialogues and debates Mahavira engaged in with various thinkers of his time, including his interactions with prominent Brahmins like Indrabhuti Gautam, Agnibhuti, Vayu-bhuti, Vyakt, Sudharma, Mandik, Mauryaputra, Akampita, Atalbrahmana, Maitreya and Prabhaska. These dialogues aimed at clarifying spiritual truths, refuting erroneous philosophies, and establishing the Jain doctrine.
   • The process of their intellectual transformation and eventual acceptance of Mahavira's teachings leading to their becoming Gandharas is detailed.

7. Tirthankara-Jeevan (The Life of a Tirthankara):

   • This section explains the unique role of a Tirthankara as a spiritual guide and founder of a spiritual order (Tirtha). It details the rigorous path of accumulation of Tirthankara-nama-karma through countless lives.
   • It outlines the divine signs (Atishaya) associated with Tirthankaras and the celestial ceremonies that accompany their birth.

8. Mahavira in Indian Literature:

   • The book surveys the presence of Mahavira and Jain traditions in various ancient and medieval Indian literary traditions, including:
     • Agam Literature: The foundational Jain scriptures.
     • Niyukti, Bhashya, and Churni Literature: Commentaries and elaborations on the Agamas.
     • Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsha Literature: Discussing Mahavira's life and teachings in these languages.
     • Rajasthani and Hindi Literature: Highlighting later works inspired by Mahavira's life.
     • Buddhist Literature: Examining mentions of Mahavira and Jainism in Buddhist texts, often from a comparative or critical perspective. The book addresses the claims of some scholars regarding potential influences or parallel developments.

Overall Significance: "Bhagavan Mahavira: Ek Anushilan" is presented as a scholarly and devotional work that aims to illuminate the multifaceted personality of Lord Mahavira. It emphasizes his role as a reformer, a spiritual guide, and a profound philosopher who offered timeless solutions to the existential and societal challenges of his time. The book also serves as a repository of Jain literary tradition related to Mahavira's life, providing valuable insights for researchers and devotees alike. The extensive list of referenced books and works suggests a deep engagement with source materials and secondary scholarship.