Bhagavana Adinath

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagavan Adinath" by Vasant Jain Shastri, based on the provided PDF content:

This book, "Bhagavan Adinath," authored by P. Vasant Kumar Jain Shastri and published by Anil Pocket Books, is dedicated to the life and teachings of the first Tirthankara of Jainism, Bhagavan Adinath, also known as Rishabhdev. The text aims to explain the qualities of great souls and how one can achieve greatness through righteous actions.

Key Themes and Content:

• Deity and Divinity: The book establishes Bhagavan Adinath as the primordial creator, the first avatar on Earth, the Adi-Brahma, and equates him with divine figures like Shiv and Baba Adam in different traditions, highlighting his universal significance.
• Scriptural References: The text draws upon various ancient Indian scriptures to support its narrative about Adinath.
  • Rigveda: Mentions Rishabhdev as a king who pleases people with wealth and Indra as the lord of agriculturalists.
  • Shrimad Bhagvat Mahapuran: States that Lord Vishnu himself incarnated as Rishabhdev at the request of the sages in the womb of Marudevi, the wife of King Nabhi, with the primary purpose of establishing the path of ascetics.
  • Brahmand Purana: Narrates the lineage from Priyavrata to Agnidhra, then to Nabhi, and finally to Rishabhdev, mentioning Rishabhdev as the ancestor of all Kshatriyas and the father of one hundred sons, with Bharat being the eldest.
  • Shiv Purana: Cites Shiva himself calling Rishabhdev an avatar.
• Birth and Early Life: The book vividly describes the divine conception and birth of Rishabhdev. It details the prosperity of Ayodhya, the capital of King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi. Queen Marudevi's dreams of sixteen auspicious symbols are interpreted by King Nabhi as signifying the birth of a great soul who would bring immense prosperity and enlightenment. The text describes the divine child's beauty, the care he received, and the joy his birth brought to the entire realm.
• The Advent of Time and Social Structure: The text explains the transition from the idyllic "Bhogbhoomi" (Era of Enjoyment) to "Karma-bhoomi" (Era of Action). It describes the gradual disappearance of Kalpavrikshas (wish-fulfilling trees) and the emergence of human needs like hunger and thirst. The introduction of the sun and moon marks the beginning of day and night, leading to the development of time cycles and social structures.
• The Fourteen Kulakaras: The book introduces the concept of Kulakaras, who guided humanity through different stages of societal development. It highlights the roles of the first Kulakara, Pratishruti, who dispelled fear of the sun and moon, and the fourteenth Kulakara, Nabhiraj, whose time saw the beginnings of human suffering and the lack of organized living.
• Adinath's Role as the First Human and Social Architect: The text emphasizes Adinath's pivotal role in establishing the foundations of human civilization in the Karma-bhoomi.
  • Marriage and Family: It describes his marriages to Yashovati and Sunanda, marking the beginning of the householder tradition.
  • Establishment of Social Orders: Adinath is credited with introducing the six crucial occupations for human livelihood: Assi (arms), Masi (writing), Krishi (agriculture), Vidya (knowledge), Vanijya (trade), and Shilpa (craftsmanship). He categorized people into Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras based on their roles, emphasizing their interdependence.
  • Civilization and Governance: He established the concepts of villages, cities, capitals, and kings, laying the groundwork for organized society and governance.
  • The Name "Bharat": His eldest son, Bharat, was named so due to his immense merit and the prosperity he brought, leading to the land being known as Bharatvarsha.
• Renunciation and Spiritual Path: The narrative shifts to Adinath's spiritual journey. Witnessing the impermanence of life (symbolized by the sudden death of an Apsara named Nilanjana during a dance performance), he recognized the transient nature of worldly pleasures and decided to renounce his kingdom. He crowned his son Bharat as the emperor and his son Bahubali as the prince of Podanpur, before embarking on his ascetic path.
• Adinath's Asceticism and Enlightenment: The book details Adinath's rigorous penance, his practice of the twenty-eight basic observances for monks, and his deep meditation. It describes the challenges he faced, including the neglect from his former followers who couldn't understand his state of detachment and the lack of proper understanding of monastic conduct. The intervention of the forest deity (Vanadev) highlights the importance of adhering to spiritual discipline.
• The First Alms-Giving: The text recounts the historic first instance of alms-giving in the Karma-bhoomi, where King Shreyans of Hastinapur, guided by his divine insight and remembering his past connection, offered sugarcane juice (Ikshurasa) to Adinath, establishing the tradition of Akshay Tritiya.
• Adinath's Enlightenment (Keval Gyan): After a long period of penance, Adinath attained Keval Gyan (omniscience). The description of his Samavsaran (divine assembly) illustrates the spiritual hierarchy and the universality of his teachings, which were accessible to all beings – gods, humans, animals, etc. His teachings emphasized compassion, non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-possession, and detachment, guiding humanity towards spiritual liberation.
• Bharat's Reign and Social Reforms: The book details Emperor Bharat's conquest of the known world, his establishment of a just and prosperous empire, and his efforts to instill righteousness and order. It highlights his wisdom in governance, his emphasis on dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, and his establishment of social systems like the caste system and the Brahmanical order based on spiritual merit and conduct.
• The Story of Bahubali and Bharata's Conflict: A significant part of the narrative is the conflict between Bharat and Bahubali. Bharat's pride and desire for absolute dominion led to a confrontation. The story emphasizes the spiritual superiority of Bahubali, who ultimately renounced his claim to power after a symbolic confrontation and attained omniscience.
• The Story of Sulochana: The book includes a detailed account of Princess Sulochana of Varanasi, her choice of a husband through a Swayamvara (self-choice ceremony), and her eventual marriage to Jayakumar, who was a loyal follower and commander of Bharat. This segment illustrates the importance of righteousness, good conduct, and the potential for spiritual growth even within worldly life.
• The Cycle of Time and the Decline of Morality: The text touches upon the cyclical nature of time in Jain cosmology, describing the descent through six stages (Shasham-Shasham to Dusham-Dusham) during the Avsarpini period, marked by a decline in human lifespan, strength, and morality. It explains how spiritual knowledge diminishes with each passing stage, leading to the need for Tirthankaras to re-establish the spiritual path.
• Legacy of Adinath: The book concludes by reiterating Adinath's profound impact on humanity, his role as the source of civilization, his teachings that transcend religious boundaries, and his ultimate attainment of Moksha (liberation). His life serves as a guide for aspiring individuals to live a righteous and meaningful existence, aiming for spiritual upliftment.

In essence, "Bhagavan Adinath" is an inspirational work that delves into the life and teachings of the first Tirthankara, presenting him as a foundational figure for human civilization, morality, and spiritual progress, drawing upon rich scriptural traditions to illuminate his divine mission.