Chandraprabhu Swami Charitra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandraprabhu Swami Charitra," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chandraprabhu Swami Charitra (Narrative of Lord Chandraprabhu) Author(a): Jain Atmanand Sabha Publisher: Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022672/1

Overall Purpose and Theme: This text is a biography of the eighth Jain Tirthankar, Lord Chandraprabhu. It aims to provide spiritual education and inspiration through the life story of the Tirthankar and the exemplary conduct of various individuals. The book emphasizes the importance of good conduct, detachment, righteousness, and the pursuit of liberation (moksha) through virtuous actions. It highlights how great souls overcome adversities and achieve spiritual heights through their unwavering devotion and adherence to Jain principles.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Introduction and Publisher's Note (Pages 2-3):

   • The book is published by the Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.
   • It details the Tirthankar's lives across three births, the previous life of his first Ganadhar (chief disciple) Datt, descriptions of celestial celebrations during the Tirthankar's birth, his profound sermons, and inspiring stories with moral teachings.
   • The publication was made possible by the financial support of Seth Harjivandas Deepchand.
   • The text includes a verse praising Lord Chandraprabhu, comparing him to the moon, and noting his auspicious nature despite being the eighth Tirthankar.

2. The Importance of Biographies (Pages 6-8):

   • The preface highlights that biographies of great souls are exceptionally beneficial. Reading them purifies the soul, brings new life and strengthens faith, and inspires ambition.
   • It emphasizes that engaging with the lives of these pure souls is equivalent to their direct association.
   • Biographies are considered a crucial step in religious education, especially effective when presented through stories, making complex spiritual concepts accessible, particularly to children.
   • The text mentions that Jain scriptures contain numerous biographies of great men and that the stories of the Tirthankaras and other significant figures are highly satisfying and purifying.
   • It notes previous publications by the Sabha, including the biographies of Lord Neminath, Lord Suparshvanath, and Lord Vimalnath, and expresses the intention to publish the biography of Lord Mahavir.

3. The Author and Text (Pages 8-9):

   • The original author is identified as Shri Devendracharya Maharaj of the Nagendragachha, a disciple of Shri Dhaneswarsuri.
   • The work is based on Sanskrit-Prakrit languages and originally comprised 5325 verses.
   • It was composed in Samvat 1264 (Vikram Samvat 598), and the author passed away in Vikram Samvat 1327.
   • The text is presented in Gujarati.

4. First Chapter: Recounting Tirthankar's Greatness and the Story of Ajatputra (First Birth of Tirthankar and the Story of Ajatputra related to Sattva) (Pages 9-44):

   • Tirthankar's Greatness: The chapter begins by acknowledging the binding nature of karma that traps souls in the cycle of reincarnation. It describes the soul's journey through various life forms, eventually reaching human birth, but still subject to passions leading to hellish realms. It discusses the limitations of virtues like charity, discipline, and penance without inner strength (sattva). The Tirthankar's greatness lies in their ability to overcome these passions and guide all souls towards liberation.
   • The Story of Ajatputra (First Birth):
     • The narrative begins in the city of Champaka in Bharatkshetra, ruled by King Chandrapida. A Brahmin scholar named Dharmopadhyaya, with his wife Ganga, had a son whose birth chart predicted he would become king and bring ruin to the Brahmin lineage. Fearing this, the Brahmin ordered his wife to abandon the infant.
     • The abandoned child was found by a shepherd and raised as "Ajatputra" (son of no one known).
     • A divine prophecy revealed that Ajatputra would kill King Chandrapida in twelve years. This led to attempts to eliminate Ajatputra.
     • Despite attempts to kill him, Ajatputra's destiny and divine intervention protected him.
     • The story details Ajatputra's miraculous deeds and acts of altruism, including:
       • Entering a fiery pit to obtain fruits from the Vaishvanara tree to cure someone.
       • Visiting a city inhabited by suffering people and helping their king, who had been transformed into an elephant after drinking from a lake.
       • Being lifted by an elephant into a lake and shown the hellish realms by a Yaksha (celestial being).
       • Surviving various supernatural encounters, including being carried by a Yaksha, and experiencing divine realms and hellish punishments.
       • Eventually encountering celestial beings and learning about Indra's ascension through good deeds, self-control, and charity.
     • The prophecy of Ajatputra killing King Chandrapida is fulfilled, and Ajatputra assumes the throne. He then seeks out and reunites with his mother.
   • Comparison with Other Virtuous Characters: The chapter also includes stories of other virtuous individuals like Jimutavahana (from Buddhist tradition, highlighting self-sacrifice) and King Harishchandra (renowned for his truthfulness and adherence to vows), comparing their acts of 'sattva' (virtue/strength).
   • The Tale of Vajrayudha: The story of Vajrayudha is presented, highlighting his immense strength and courage when he crushed a mountain thrown at him by a divine being. It also narrates his act of immense self-sacrifice, cutting off his own flesh to satisfy a hungry bird (possibly a pigeon being hunted by a falcon), demonstrating extreme compassion and detachment.

5. Second Chapter: Lord Chandraprabhu's Birth and Enlightenment (Pages 19-30):

   • Birth and Celestial Celebration: The chapter details the birth of Lord Chandraprabhu in the city of Chandranana to King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana. It describes the auspicious signs, the fourteen dreams of the queen, and the celestial celebrations by various divine beings.
   • Life and Renunciation: The narrative covers Lord Chandraprabhu's youth, his attainment of Avadhijnana (clairvoyance), his marriage to Sukanya, his coronation as king, and his long reign.
   • The Call to Renunciation: Upon the arrival of Lokantika deities, he is urged to initiate his spiritual mission and begin the propagation of the Dharma.
   • The Great Charity (Samvatsarik Dan): Lord Chandraprabhu performs immense charity, distributing vast wealth to the needy.
   • Attainment of Kevala Jnana (Omniscience): After years of penance and spiritual discipline, he attains Kevala Jnana under the Punnanaga tree in Sahastramra forest.
   • Sermon and Establishment of the Sangha: The text describes his profound sermon, focusing on the five types of Samyaktva (right faith), the nature of Yashas (fame), the importance of proper conduct for householders and ascetics, and the ways to overcome delusion and karma. He establishes the fourfold Jain community (Sangha) comprising monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
   • Previous Births and Teachings: Lord Chandraprabhu recounts his previous births to his chief disciple Datt, including his life as King Padma. The teachings cover various ethical principles, including compassion, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. The importance of sincerity (bhava) in religious practices is emphasized.
   • The Influence of Jain Teachings: The text highlights how Jain scriptures incorporate examples from other traditions to illustrate their principles, showcasing the broad-mindedness of Jain scholars.

6. The Teachings of Lord Chandraprabhu (Pages 21-30):

   • Samyaktva: The Tirthankar's sermon begins with an explanation of the five types of Samyaktva (right faith) and their characteristics.
   • Ethical Virtues: The teachings delve into the importance of Daya (compassion), Satya (truthfulness), Adattadan Viramana (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Parigraha Parimana (limitation of possessions). Each virtue is illustrated with stories.
   • The Story of Kamketu: This story illustrates the consequences of attachment and the importance of detachment and virtuous conduct.
   • The Story of the Virtuous Merchant's Son: This narrative highlights the merits of good deeds and the role of piety in acquiring wealth and achieving spiritual goals.
   • The Story of Kurang: This story emphasizes the negative consequences of withholding charity and the importance of giving, illustrating how the lack of it leads to misfortune.
   • The Story of the Minister's Daughter: This tale focuses on the virtue of chastity and the protection it provides, demonstrating how it can overcome obstacles and lead to a righteous path.
   • The Story of Shrikantha: This contrasts the importance of chastity with the downfall that results from its violation, highlighting the severe consequences in this life and the next.
   • The Story of Nagketu: This illustrates the power and significance of Tapasya (austerity) in overcoming obstacles, achieving desires, and attaining eternal peace.
   • The Story of Manpunja: This highlights the misfortune that befalls those who possess the capacity for austerity but fail to practice it.
   • The Story of Asammat: This emphasizes the importance of Bhavana (contemplation/meditation) in achieving peace and spiritual realization, contrasting it with the futility of actions without proper inner disposition.
   • The Story of Siddha: This narrative stresses the significance of Dharma Aradhana (devotion to Dharma) during the rainy season.
   • The Story of Ajatputra's Past Life: This connects back to the initial part of the book, detailing Ajatputra's past lives and the karmic reasons behind his present circumstances, culminating in his rebirth as the first Ganadhar of Lord Chandraprabhu.
   • The Story of Shakuntala: This ancient Indian tale is recounted to illustrate the complexities of human relationships and the potential for misunderstandings.
   • The Tale of Vajrayudha: This story, recounted by an Acharya, showcases the extraordinary strength and immense sacrifice of Vajrayudha, emphasizing his selfless devotion and courage.
   • The Story of Aramnandan: This narrative exemplifies the virtue of Samyaktva (right faith) and how faith can lead to prosperity and spiritual growth. It highlights the importance of proper conduct in daily life, including devotion, the merits of right faith, and the impact of one's actions.
   • The Story of Harin-Shresen: This tale emphasizes the virtue of Vinaya (humility and respect) and how it leads to spiritual progress and ultimate liberation.
   • The Story of Manpunja: This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of lacking Vinaya, showing how pride and arrogance lead to downfall and disrespect.
   • The Story of Kamketu: This story illustrates the significance of Dan (charity) and its transformative power, showing how righteous giving leads to heavenly pleasures and eventual liberation.
   • The Story of Kuraṅg: This narrative underscores the pitfalls of withholding charity, highlighting the negative consequences of miserliness and greed.
   • The Story of the Minister's Daughter: This tale emphasizes the virtue of Brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity) and its protective power.
   • The Story of Shrikantha: This story illustrates the destructive consequences of violating chastity, showing the downfall it brings in this life and the next.
   • The Story of Nagketu: This highlights the immense benefits of Tapasya (austerity) in overcoming obstacles and achieving spiritual goals.
   • The Story of Manpunja: This serves as a cautionary tale for those who possess the capacity for austerity but fail to practice it.
   • The Story of Asammat: This emphasizes the importance of Bhavana (contemplation) for inner peace and spiritual realization.
   • The Story of Varun: This illustrates the futility of religious practices without genuine inner disposition (bhava).
   • The Story of Siddha: This narrative stresses the importance of religious observance, especially during the rainy season, and how righteous actions can lead to desired happiness.

7. Conclusion and Acknowledgements (Pages 30-33):

   • The text concludes with a summary of the Tirthankar's life, his vast spiritual and worldly lifespan, and his final liberation.
   • The importance of studying such biographies for spiritual progress is reiterated.
   • Thanks are extended to Shri Krutchandra Jaiveerbhai for reviewing the text.
   • An apology is offered for any errors due to oversight or printing issues.

8. Benefactor's Profile (Pages 34-36):

   • A brief biography of Seth Deepchand Gandabhai of Bhavnagar is provided. He was a respected businessman and a devotee of Jainism.
   • His sons, Prabhu Das and Harjivandas, continued his legacy, with Harjivandas serving as the Secretary of the Sabha.
   • Harjivandas's contribution in publishing this biography in memory of his father is acknowledged, emphasizing the value of spending wealth in the service of Jain literature and knowledge.

In essence, the "Chandraprabhu Swami Charitra" serves as a guide to ethical living and spiritual pursuit, using the life of the Tirthankar and numerous illustrative stories to impart timeless Jain wisdom.