Chariya Pitakam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chariya Pitakam," based on the provided pages:

Title: Chariya Pitakam (चरियापिटकं) Editors/Compilers: Rahul Sankrityayan, Anand Kausalyayan, Jagdish Kashyap Publisher: Uttam Bhikkhu Publication Year: 2481 Buddha Year (1937 A.C.) Collection: Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat

Overall Purpose and Context:

The Chariya Pitakam, as presented in this Jain context, appears to be a compilation and adaptation of stories that illustrate the development of virtues (paramitas) through past lives. While the text itself is in Pali, the introduction notes the importance of making Pali literature accessible in Nagari script for those familiar with Sanskrit. The editors express a desire to include new textual variations but did so only in the Dhammapada section due to time constraints, with other variations noted in footnotes, often referencing Pali Text Society editions. The work is presented as a way to aid understanding and is dedicated to spiritual growth.

Structure and Content:

The Chariya Pitakam is divided into several "Paricchedas" (chapters), each dedicated to a specific virtue or "paramita." The text then details various "chariyas" (conducts or life stories) from the Buddha's previous existences, showcasing how he cultivated these virtues.

Key Virtues (Paramitas) and Associated Stories:

1. Danaparamita (Perfection of Generosity): This section (Pathamo Paricchēdō) focuses on the virtue of giving. It includes ten stories:

Akittichariya: The Bodhisattva as a hermit, Akitti, who gave alms unflinchingly.
Sankhachariya: The Bodhisattva as Sankha, a Brahmin, who gave his sandals and umbrella to a deserving person.
Kurudharmachariya: The Bodhisattva as King Kurudharma, who gave his magnificent elephant to Brahmins during a famine.
Mahāsudassana-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Emperor Mahāsudassana, who made widespread public donations and announced anyone could receive what they desired.
Mahāgovinda-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Mahāgovinda, a Brahmin priest to seven kings, who made immense donations.
Nimichariya: The Bodhisattva as King Nimi, who established a four-faced almshouse and offered continuous charity.
Chandakumara-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Chandakumara, who renounced the world and practiced great charity, refusing to eat until he had given alms.
Siviraja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as King Sivi, who, when asked by Sakka (disguised as a blind man) for one of his eyes, unflinchingly gave one.
Vessantarachariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Vessantara, famous for his ultimate generosity, including giving away his children and wife, and his beloved elephant, to fulfill the perfection of giving.
Sasapandita-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a rabbit, who sacrificed its own body by jumping into a fire to offer food to a Brahmin (who was Sakka in disguise).

2. Silaparamita (Perfection of Morality/Virtue): This section (Dutiyo Paricchēdō) highlights the practice of ethical conduct. It includes ten stories:

Silavanaga-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a virtuous elephant, Silavanaga, who, despite being captured and threatened, adhered to his principles.
Bhuridatta-chariya: The Bodhisattva as the Naga king Bhuridatta, who, even when subjected to cruel treatment by a snake charmer, maintained his moral conduct.
Champeyyanaga-chariya: The Bodhisattva as the Naga king Champeyya, who remained steadfast in his virtue even when his life was threatened.
Chullabodhi-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Chullabodhi, who, despite facing the king's wrath and threats, maintained his moral integrity.
Mahisa-raja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a buffalo, Mahisa, who endured mistreatment from a monkey rather than compromise his virtue.
Rururaja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as King Ruru, who, after saving a merchant, was betrayed but still protected the merchant's secret to uphold his virtue.
Matanga-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Matanga, an ascetic, who endured insults and curses from a Brahmin without retaliating, thus preserving his virtue.
Dhammādhamma-devaputta-chariya: The Bodhisattva as the Yaksha Dhamma, who advocated for righteousness and, despite a conflict with a wicked Yaksha, maintained his moral stance.
Jayadisa-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Jayadisa, who sacrificed himself to protect his father and uphold his virtue.
Sankhapala-chariya: The Bodhisattva as King Sankhapala, a Nāga, who endured immense suffering and torture rather than break his vows.

3. Nekkhamma Paramita (Perfection of Renunciation): This section (Tatiyo Paricchēdō) focuses on renouncing worldly desires and pleasures. It includes several stories:

Yudhanjaya-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Yudhanjaya, who renounced his kingdom and royal life after observing a drop of water evaporating.
Somanassa-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Somanassa, who renounced worldly pleasures and his kingdom for a virtuous life.
Ayōghara-chariya: The Bodhisattva, born into suffering, renounced the idea of ruling a kingdom to seek liberation from worldly miseries.
Bhisa-chariya: The Bodhisattva, after seeing the suffering of birth and family life, renounced worldly attachments along with his family.
Sona-pandita-chariya: The Bodhisattva Sona and his brother Nanda renounced all worldly pleasures and went to the forest for a spiritual life.

4. Adhittana Paramita (Perfection of Resolution/Determination): This section (Chatutho Paricchēdō) highlights unwavering resolve. It includes:

Temiyachariya: The Bodhisattva as Prince Temiya, who feigned being mute, blind, and crippled for sixteen years to avoid becoming king and facing the consequences of his actions, demonstrating immense determination to uphold his resolve.

5. Sacca Paramita (Perfection of Truthfulness): This section (Panchamo Paricchēdō) focuses on the power of truth. It includes stories where truthfulness played a pivotal role:

Kapiraja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a monkey king, who spoke the truth to a crocodile, saving himself.
Sacchassavhaya Pandita-chariya: The Bodhisattva as the sage Sacchassavhaya, who governed the world with truth.
Vattapotaka-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a young bird, who used the power of truth to overcome fire.
Maccharaja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as a fish king, who invoked truth to bring rain during a drought.
Kanhadipayana-chariya: The Bodhisattva as the sage Kanhadipayana, who used the power of truth to heal a poisoned child.
Sut Soma-chariya: The Bodhisattva as King Sut Soma, who pledged his life to uphold a promise to a Brahmin, demonstrating the power of truthful commitment.

6. Metta Paramita (Perfection of Loving-Kindness): This section (Sathamo Paricchēdō) focuses on universal love and well-being. It includes:

Suvannasāma-chariya: The Bodhisattva as Sāma, who lived in the forest surrounded by loving-kindness towards all creatures, including predators.
Ekaraja-chariya: The Bodhisattva as King Ekaraja, who ruled with loving-kindness and impartiality.

7. Upekkha Paramita (Perfection of Equanimity): This section (Upekkha Parimita) focuses on maintaining mental balance and impartiality. It includes:

Mahalomahamsa-chariya: The Bodhisattva, who lived in a cremation ground, demonstrated equanimity towards both those who offered food and those who caused him suffering.

Concluding Remarks:

The text concludes by reiterating that the Bodhisattva achieved Buddhahood through these paramitas and various trials. It emphasizes the importance of diligence, non-disputing, and mindful practice of the Noble Eightfold Path. The Chariya Pitakam serves as an inspirational collection of past lives demonstrating the profound ethical and spiritual journey towards enlightenment.

Overall Significance:

This compilation is valuable for understanding the development of the Bodhisattva's virtues over countless lifetimes, providing moral lessons and illustrating the profound dedication required to achieve Buddhahood. The focus on the "chariyas" (conduct) highlights the practical application of these virtues in various life circumstances.