Bhartiya Sahitya Main Bhagwan Mahavir

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bhartiya Sahitya Main Bhagwan Mahavir" (Lord Mahavir in Indian Literature) by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain:

This book explores the presence and significance of Lord Mahavir within the vast landscape of Indian literature, history, philosophy, and religion. The authors argue that Jainism, one of the world's oldest religions, has a profound and enduring connection with India's cultural heritage, evident in ancient texts, historical figures, and philosophical discourse.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Jainism's Ancient Roots and Influence: The text asserts that Jainism has always attracted people in India. It highlights the significant role of Jain kings and ministers throughout Indian history, naming figures like Bimbisar, Chandragupta, and Kharavela who patronized Jain traditions. Thousands of scholars and ascetics have contributed to Jain literature, resulting in the widespread presence of Jain archaeological sites, temples, statues, and libraries across India.

• Language and Literature: A significant point is made about Jain Tirthankaras and Acharyas consistently using the vernacular languages of the common people for their preachings. This is why Jain literature is found not only in Sanskrit and Prakrit but also in Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, and Apabhramsa. Jain Acharyas are considered the originators of Apabhramsa, Kannada, and Hindi languages.

• The Concept of Tirthankaras: The text explains the Jain concept of Tirthankaras as spiritual guides who establish and re-establish the Jain dharma when it weakens. It describes the cyclical nature of Tirthankaras appearing in the Bharata region (24 in a cycle) and the continuous presence of Tirthankaras in the Mahavideha region (20 always). Lord Rishabh Dev is presented as the first Tirthankara of this era, and Lord Mahavir as the last.

• Mahavir in Jainism: The text delves into the significance of the term "Tirth" within Jainism, differentiating between "Sthavar Tirth" (places associated with Tirthankara's life events) and "Jangam Tirth" (the spiritual community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). Tirthankaras establish the latter type of Tirth.

• Influence of Jain Tirthankara Tradition: The Jain tradition of Tirthankaras has significantly influenced Vedic and Buddhist traditions. For instance, the Vedic tradition considers the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabh Dev, and Mahatma Buddha as avatars of Lord Vishnu, drawing parallels in their role of eradicating unrighteousness and establishing righteousness.

• Mahavir's Life and Teachings: Lord Mahavir is described as a multifaceted personality of Indian history. Born in the republic of Vaishali, he renounced his royal life at the age of 30 for the welfare of the world, seeking self-knowledge. After 30 years of preaching the true way of living, he attained Nirvana (liberation) at the age of 72, a goal he had pursued for countless lifetimes.

• Extensive Jain Literature on Mahavir: The book provides an extensive list of Jain scriptures that document Lord Mahavir's life and teachings. These include:

  • Agam Literature: Texts like Acharya Sutra, Sutar Krita, Sthananga, Samavayang, Bhagvati Sutra, etc., dating from Mahavir's time and compiled by his chief disciples (Ganadharas). These texts contain brief accounts of Mahavir, events from his life, his principal disciples, philosophical discussions, and doctrines.
  • Niryukti Literature: Later works that expand upon the Agam literature, with Acharya Bhadrabahu being a prominent Niryukti writer. Texts like "Aavashyak Niryukti" detail Mahavir's previous 27 births, his enlightenment, and his interactions with his disciples.
  • Churṇi Literature: Works with a mixed language of Sanskrit and Prakrit, offering detailed descriptions of Mahavir's asceticism and hardships.
  • Prakrit Literature: Books like "Chaupanna Mahapurush Charitam" and "Mahavir Charai" by authors like Shilaakacharya and Nemichand Suri.
  • Sanskrit Literature: Works by renowned scholars like Acharya Hem Chand, detailing Mahavir's life.
  • Apabhramsa Literature: Emphasized as a bridge between old Prakrit and modern Hindi, considered the mother of Hindi, and primarily a language of Jain Acharyas.
  • Rajasthani Literature: Numerous poets have written about Lord Mahavir, propagating his life and teachings in their mother tongue.
  • Modern Literature: The book acknowledges the vast number of biographies and works on Mahavir in modern languages like Hindi, Gujarati, and English, especially around the 25th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.

• Mahavir's Birthplace and Nirvana Place: The text addresses historical debates regarding Mahavir's birthplace, noting the differing views of Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. However, it concludes, citing scriptures like Uttaradhyayan Sutra, that Vaishali, specifically Kundgram, is the historically accepted birthplace, emphasizing its republican nature. Regarding his Nirvana, the book firmly establishes Pawapuri in Bihar as the universally accepted site, refuting some Buddhist accounts that place it elsewhere and showing contradictions in Buddhist texts.

• Mahavir in Vedic Literature: A significant observation is made that while Vedic literature extensively mentions other Tirthankaras like Rishabh Dev and Arishtanemi, there is a complete absence of any mention of Lord Mahavir. The authors propose several reasons for this:

  1. Vedic tradition considered those who deviated from the Vedas as "Nastika" (atheists).
  2. Mahavir directly confronted and challenged Vedic practices like the caste system, untouchability, and the use of animal sacrifice and polytheism in Yagnas. He gave equal status to all castes, which may have led to opposition.
  3. His strong condemnation of violence in sacrifices and idol worship might have caused a rift.
  4. The dominant role of Brahmins in Vedic tradition may have made it difficult to accept teachings from a Kshatriya like Mahavir.

• Mahavir and Buddha: The text acknowledges the 6th century BCE as a period of religious upheaval in India and Asia, with the emergence of great thinkers. It discusses the existence of 363 Śramaṇa traditions mentioned in Jain scriptures, categorizing them into Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnanavada, and Vinayavada.

  • It highlights that while both Jain and Buddhist traditions are near, they are distinct.
  • The book refutes the idea that Buddhism is a branch of Jainism or vice-versa, or that Mahavir and Buddha were the same person.
  • It notes that Buddhist scriptures frequently mention "Nirgranth" (a name for Mahavir's followers) and sometimes Mahavir himself, but often with a bias to elevate Buddha.
  • The text provides a comparative table of Mahavir and Buddha, detailing their family names, birthplaces, parents, disciples, age at Nirvana, and Nirvana places.
  • It acknowledges that Jainism has influenced Buddhism, but Jainism is an independent and ancient religion.
  • The book points out key differences: While both believe in Nirvana, Buddhism does not consider the soul as eternal and immortal as Jainism does. Jainism places a much stronger emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) than Buddhism. Jainism's "Anekantavada" (manifold aspects) is a unique philosophical principle not found in other religions.

In essence, "Bhartiya Sahitya Main Bhagwan Mahavir" is a scholarly exploration of Lord Mahavir's profound presence and impact on Indian literature and thought. It showcases the vast literary heritage dedicated to him within Jainism and analyzes his unique position in the broader context of Indian religious and philosophical history.