Dhan Dhan Shasana Mandan Munivara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhan Dhan Shasana Mandan Munivara" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Dhan Dhan Shasana Mandan Munivara (Praiseworthy Ascetics who adorn the Jain Faith)

Author: Acharya Vijayshilchandrasuri

Publisher: Shri Nemi-Vigyan-Kastur-Smarak Trust, Ahmedabad

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001799/1

Overview:

This book is a collection of biographical sketches of prominent Jain monks and Acharyas, highlighting their lives, teachings, and significant contributions to Jainism. The aim is to inspire readers, particularly students, by showcasing the exemplary lives of these spiritual leaders. The book presents their stories in a concise and engaging manner, accompanied by illustrations.

Key Figures and Their Stories:

The book profiles a remarkable array of Jain spiritual luminaries, emphasizing their unique journeys and spiritual achievements:

Kuragdamuni: Originally Prince Nagdatt, he was known for his struggle with a strong appetite, earning him the name "Kuragdu" (one who eats a lot). Despite criticism from fellow monks for his weakness, his humility, self-reproach, and service to ascetics led him to attain Kevalgyan (omniscience) during his meal on the Samvatsari festival, after being publicly humiliated by another monk. This highlights the power of forgiveness and self-awareness.
Kshullak Muni: This story illustrates the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures. A Jain monk, attracted by the sensual atmosphere of a king's court, initially renounced his monastic life. However, a simple saying from a dancer's aunt ("Much has gone, little remains!") triggered a profound realization of his wasted life. He understood the futility of returning to worldly pursuits for a short duration and ultimately returned to his monastic path, gifted his valuable blanket to the dancer as a gesture of understanding.
Chandarudracharya: Known for his fiery temper, he was also highly learned. At an old age, he passed on the leadership of his monastic order to a worthy disciple. He once, in anger, initiated a young man who mocked him. During the initiation process, he struck the disciple with his staff, causing him to bleed. Despite this harshness, the disciple's unwavering devotion and remorse led him to attain Kevalgyan. In turn, the Acharya, witnessing this, felt remorse for his own actions and also attained Kevalgyan. This emphasizes that the outcome (Kevalgyan) is achieved through pure intention and devotion, even amidst perceived flaws.
Kapil Kevli: Originally a Brahmin's son named Kapil, he became a monk due to a profound realization of worldly vanity and greed triggered by a desire for wealth to impress a woman. He attained Kevalgyan and demonstrated his spiritual power by converting 500 thieves through dance and discourse, who then became his disciples.
Prasannachandra Rajarshi: Initially engrossed in thoughts of violent warfare against an usurper of his son's kingdom, he was on the verge of falling into a lower realm of existence (Naraka). However, a sudden realization of his spiritual duty and the inappropriateness of his violent thoughts brought him immense remorse. This repentance and the subsequent intensification of his meditation led him to attain Kevalgyan, much to the surprise of King Shrenik, who initially inquired about his fate. This highlights the importance of pure intent and the ability to shift focus from worldly grievances to spiritual practice.
Anathi Muni: A handsome young man who, after suffering from a painful eye ailment and realizing the helplessness of worldly attachments, renounced his life. He explained to King Shrenik Bimbisar that he became a monk because he felt "Anath" (helpless/without a master) in the world of suffering, not because he lacked worldly possessions. This profound understanding of the innate suffering in the world led to his spiritual liberation.
Shashthabhavaswami: The successor to Jambuswami, he was initially a Brahmin named Shashthabhav. He was converted to Jainism by two monks while performing a animal sacrifice. Upon understanding the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), he renounced his worldly life, including his pregnant wife and family, and became a monk. He later became a prominent Acharya and composed the Dashavaikalika Sutra for his dying son.
Bhadra Bahuswami: Along with his brother Varahamihira, he was a scholar who became a monk under Shrutakevali Yashobhadra. He became the successor Acharya and was known for his profound knowledge of the 14 Purvas. His brother, out of jealousy, left the order and later caused trouble for the Jain Sangha. Bhadra Bahuswami is credited with composing the "Uvasaggaharam Stotra" to alleviate a plague spread by his envious brother.
Kalikasuri: A significant Acharya known for his sibling love. He and his sister Saraswati, both renouncing worldly life, were deeply devoted to each other. When Saraswati, a nun, was abducted by King Gardabhilla, Kalikasuri, after failed attempts at diplomacy, sought the help of the Shak king. He trained 108 Shak warriors and, with their help, rescued his sister and defeated the king. This exemplifies a brother's protective love and his prowess in upholding righteousness.
Vajraswami: His life demonstrated the influence of past life impressions. Even as an infant, he displayed unusual traits, including continuous crying for six months. This behavior was interpreted as a sign of his renunciation. He eventually became a great Acharya, attained miraculous powers, and even transported the Jain Sangha to safety during a famine. He is also credited with bringing lotus flowers for worship from a divine lake.
Siddhasen Divakar Suri: A learned Brahmin who, after being defeated in debates, became a disciple of Acharya Vridhvadisuri. He attained many Siddhis and played a crucial role in saving King Devpal. He composed the "Battisi Battisi" stotra, leading to the discovery of a statue of Lord Parshvanath, which inspired King Vikram and many others to embrace Jainism.
Durdhadhigani Kshamasraman: Considered a pivotal figure in Jain history, he was the last known exponent of the Dvadasanga (twelve limbs of Jain scripture) in its oral tradition. Previously, he was a divine being named Harinaigameshi. He consciously chose to be reborn as a human to guide the Jain Sangha. He played a crucial role in the compilation and writing of the Jain Agamas at the Valabhi council.
Mallavadisuri Kshamasraman: A brilliant scholar and monk, he was the son of Durlabhadevi, who sacrificed her worldly life for her three sons' spiritual growth. As a young monk, Mallayuni bravely defeated Buddhist scholars in a debate, restoring the prestige of Jainism. He composed the renowned "Dvadashar Nayachakra."
Mandevsuriji: Famous for composing the "Laghu Shanti Stotra." He became an Acharya at a young age and demonstrated his detachment and spiritual prowess by renouncing six types of refined foods. He also played a vital role in averting a plague in Takshashila by composing a powerful mantra-infused stotra.
Mantunga Suri: The author of the revered "Bhaktamara Stotra." He was invited by King Bhoja and, to prove his intellect, skillfully responded to a riddle posed by scholars. He composed the Bhaktamara Stotra while imprisoned, which, through the intervention of the goddess Chakreshwari, freed him and impressed the king and populace, leading to a resurgence of Jainism.
Haribhadra Suri: A former Brahmin priest who, after breaking his vow not to enter a Jain temple, and then failing to understand a Jain scripture, humbly became a disciple of a Jain nun. He then became a great Acharya, composed numerous texts, and advocated for compassion and non-violence.
Bappabhatt Suri: A Kshatriya prince initiated at a young age. He attained great spiritual powers and became an Acharya. He was known for his unwavering celibacy, even resisting the advances of a courtesan sent by a king. He also won debates against Buddhists and helped resolve conflicts between kingdoms.
Padaliptasuri: The creator of the famous Prakrit epic "Tarangavati." He was a prodigy who became an Acharya at 11. He possessed miraculous powers, including the ability to fly, which he used to visit holy sites. He renounced worldly wealth and emphasized self-realization over material Siddhis.
Suracharya: A highly learned and poetic Acharya from Gujarat. He was known for his strictness with disciples and his intellectual prowess. He successfully defended Gujarat's honor in intellectual debates with King Bhoja's court and even outwitted scholars by exposing their deceptive tactics.
Abhaydev Suri: A commentator on nine Jain Agamas. He faced accusations of heresy when afflicted with leprosy but was vindicated by divine intervention. He discovered an ancient idol of Lord Stambhanak Parshvanath and, by touching it with blessed water, was cured of his illness. He established the practice of writing and preserving Jain scriptures.
Hemchandracharya: A towering figure in Jain history, known as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Knower of all ages). He was a great scholar, poet, and reformer. He authored the "Siddha-Hema-Vyakarana," a comprehensive grammar, and was instrumental in promoting Ahimsa and eradicating vices in Gujarat under King Kumarpala.
Jindattasuri: A highly influential Acharya who eradicated laxity within the monastic order. He initiated a large number of followers and was revered for his purity, scholarship, and unique abilities, including the power to revive the deceased.
Dharmaghoshasuri: A master of mantras, he used his spiritual powers for the protection and upliftment of the Jain Sangha. He composed hymns, converted non-Jains, and demonstrated his spiritual might against those who threatened Jain monks.
Hiravijayasuri: A globally recognized Acharya who gained the respect of Emperor Akbar for his profound knowledge and practice of Ahimsa. He influenced Akbar to implement policies of compassion and non-violence, including the observance of periods of animal protection.
Yashovijay Vacaka: A prolific scholar and writer, considered a pioneer of modern Jain historiography. His extensive writings, though a fraction of his total work, have enriched Jain literature and scholarship. He was known for his sharp intellect and ability to defeat scholars in debate.
Udayaratna: A great poet and monk, revered for his devotion to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath. He composed the famous hymn "Paas Shankheshwara Saar Kar Sevaka," which, according to legend, caused the temple doors to open miraculously.
Vijaya Nemisuri: A highly revered Acharya known for his purity and celibacy. He revived the practices of Yoga and scriptural study within the Jain order. He was a champion of animal welfare, establishing animal shelters and working for the welfare of those affected by natural calamities. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to the propagation and preservation of Jainism.

Overall Theme:

The book emphasizes the spiritual strength, intellectual brilliance, unwavering devotion, and profound impact of these Jain monks. Their lives serve as examples of dedication to Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa, detachment, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, inspiring readers to embrace a virtuous and meaningful life.