Gautam Ras Parishilan

This book, "Gautam Ras Parishilan" by Vinaysagar, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, is a comprehensive study and Hindi translation of the ancient Jain text "Gautam Ras" by Vinayaprabh. The book aims to fulfill the need for an accessible and meaningful interpretation of the original text, which was originally composed in "Maru-Gurjar Bhasha" (an older form of Gujarati and Rajasthani).

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects presented in the provided pages:

Significance of Gautam Swami:

• The book emphasizes the supreme position of Indrabhuti Gautam, the chief disciple (Ganadhar) of Tirthankar Mahavir, in Jain tradition.
• He is revered as the holder of all attainments (labdhi), perfections (siddhi), and methods, the creator of the Twelve Limbs of Jain scripture (Dwadashangi), the destroyer of obstacles, and the granter of desired fruits.
• His name is a constant invocation for well-being and the fulfillment of desires, even by ascetics during their alms rounds.

The "Gautam Ras" and its Importance:

• "Gautam Ras" by Mahopadhyaya Vinayaprabh is highlighted as the oldest work in Maru-Gurjar language that elucidates the greatness of Gautam Swami.
• Despite its popularity, a simple and engaging Hindi translation was lacking, which this book by Vinaysagar aims to provide.
• The book also offers an authentic biography of Gautam Swami.
• Many Jain readers who begin their day with the recitation of "Gautam Ras" can now understand its full meaning.

About the Author and Publication:

• Author: Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar is described as a highly learned scholar of Jain Agamas, Jain literature, and Prakrit language. He has been honored by the Rajasthan Government's Education Department and currently serves as the Director and Joint Secretary of Prakrit Bharti Academy.
• Publisher: The book is a joint publication by Prakrit Bharti Academy (Jaipur), Shri Jain Shvetamber Nakoda Parshvanath Tirth (Mevanagar), and Suresh Kumar Jain (Jamshedpur).
• First Edition: October 1987.

Content and Structure (from the Table of Contents): The book is structured to provide a deep understanding of Gautam Swami and his significance. The main sections include:

1. Ganadhar Gautam: Parishilan (Detailed Study of Ganadhar Gautam):

   • Life story: Birth, education, becoming a teacher, student numbers, marriage (or lack thereof), physical appearance, the final sacrifice (yajna), encountering Mahavir's Samavasarana (divine assembly), dispelling the illusions of the sacrificial priests.
   • Dispelling illusions, attaining omniscient knowledge, resolving doubts, initiation, initiation of ten other sacrificial priests, the position of Ganadhar, composition of the Dwadashangi.
   • Personality of Indrabhuti.
   • Questions and Answers.
   • References to Gautam in Agamas: Anand Shravak, Shraman Keshikumar, Atimukta, Udak Pedhal Putra, Skandak Parivrajak, Mahashatak Shravak.
   • Previous lives of Gautam with Lord Mahavir: Kapil, the Charioteer, Gautam, the Farmer.
   • Background of the Ashtapad pilgrimage, doubtful minds, journey to Ashtapad, enlightening Vajraswami's soul, initiation of ascetics, omniscience, assurance to Gautam.
   • Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, Gautam's lament, change of thought and omniscience, Gautam's Nirvana.

2. The Glory of Gautam Swami's Name:

   • The glory of Gautam Swami's name.
   • Invocations and worship of Gautam Swami.
   • Gautam Swami's idols.
   • Literature named after Gautam.

3. Gautam Rasakar Mahopadhyaya Vinayaprabh:

   • A literary analysis of "Gautam Guru Rasau".

4. Gautam Ras: Parishilan - Gautam Ras (with Hindi Translation):

   • This section contains the actual Hindi translation of the "Gautam Ras" text.

5. Appendices:

   • Auxiliary Books.

Key Themes and Narratives Covered in the Text (based on page content):

• Gautam's Intellectual Prowess and Ego: Gautam was a highly respected Brahmin scholar, an expert in the four Vedas and six Vedangas, and a renowned ritualist who conducted large sacrifices. He had a massive following of 500 students and was proud of his intellect, believing no one could match him.
• Encounter with Lord Mahavir: During a grand sacrifice, Gautam and his fellow scholars witnessed the divine assembly (Samavasarana) of Lord Mahavir. Initially, they were filled with pride and intended to debate Mahavir, believing him to be a mere human or an illusionist.
• Dispelling Doubts and Initiation: Mahavir, with his divine knowledge, called Gautam by name and resolved his deepest philosophical doubts regarding the nature of the soul and existence, using Vedic references. This encounter led Gautam and his 500 disciples, followed by ten other prominent scholars and their disciples (totaling 4400), to renounce their worldly lives and join Mahavir's order.
• Composition of the Dwadashangi: As the chief Ganadhar, Gautam played a crucial role in structuring and compiling Mahavir's teachings into the twelve-part canon (Dwadashangi).
• Gautam's Devotion and Humility: The text highlights Gautam's unwavering devotion to Mahavir, even to the point of accepting correction from a lay follower (Anand Shravak) and seeking forgiveness, demonstrating his humility.
• The Dialogue with Keshikumar: The book details the significant debate between Gautam Swami and Keshikumar Shraman from the lineage of Tirthankar Parshvanath, which led to the eventual integration of the Parshvanath tradition into Mahavir's teachings.
• The Ashtapad Pilgrimage and Attaining Kevalgyan: Gautam's personal quest for liberation and his journey to Ashtapad to venerate the Tirthankaras' idols is described. It also recounts how Mahavir's teachings and compassion helped him overcome his attachment to Mahavir, which was hindering his own attainment of Kevalgyan. Mahavir's departure (Nirvana) indirectly facilitated Gautam's attainment of Kevalgyan.
• Previous Lives: The book touches upon Gautam's previous lives shared with Mahavir, emphasizing their deep spiritual connection spanning many lifetimes.
• The Glory of Gautam's Name: The text expounds on the immense spiritual power and benefits associated with the remembrance and chanting of Gautam Swami's name.
• Gautam's Idols and Literature: It discusses the historical development and prevalence of idols and statues of Gautam Swami in Jain temples and the rich literary tradition dedicated to him.

In essence, "Gautam Ras Parishilan" serves as a scholarly endeavor to make the profound life and teachings of Ganadhar Gautam Swami accessible to a wider audience, highlighting his intellectual brilliance, spiritual devotion, and pivotal role in the dissemination of Jain philosophy.