Gautam Sudharm Gandhar Bhas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Gautam Sudharm Gandhar Bhas," based on the given pages:

Book Title: Gautam Sudharm Gandhar Bhas (Discourses of Gautam and Sudharm Gandhar)

Author: Munishri Jinshienvijayji (He is the editor/compiler, not the original composer as his name isn't explicitly stated as the author of the discourses themselves.)

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Source Manuscript: Based on a single-page manuscript from the Limbdi Gyanbhandar, manuscript number 323.

Estimated Age: Approximately the 17th century, based on the condition of the manuscript.

Content Structure: The text presents the discourse of Shri Sudharm Gandhar first, followed by the discourse of Shri Gautam Gandhar.

Overall Tone: The compilation is described as "very heartfelt" (भाववाही).

Summary of Shri Sudharm Gandhar's Discourse (Pages 1-2, verses 1-9):

This section describes the venerable Sudharm Gandhar, a chief disciple (Gandhar) of Lord Mahavir.

Verse 1: Sudharm Swami, the foremost among the Gandharas, is described as possessing all virtues like knowledge (Jnana). He is in Rajagrihi's garden, having attained enlightenment.
Verse 2: His physical appearance is described as golden-hued (Kanchangaur sharir), and his voice flows like the waters of the Ganges (vani Ganganeer). His teachings (Gautam) spread everywhere.
Verse 3: He explains the eighteenfold categories of Jain scriptures (Anga 11, Upanga 12) and the ten types of faith or disposition (dasvidh ruchino dhar). He imparts six types of knowledge and instruction (dugvidh shiksha).
Verse 4: He details the thirteen types of actions or conduct (terah kriya), twelve vows (barah vrat), and eleven stages of spiritual progress for lay followers (gahi padima agiyaras). He also mentions twenty-one virtues of lay followers (shravakgun) and fifteen types of perfected souls (siddhna bhed).
Verse 5: He outlines ten types of respectful service (vaiyavach), ten types of permissible conduct (kalp), ten qualities of forbearance (dherai dasvidh), and six types of impermissible conduct (akalp). He advises abandoning 32 types of offenses in veneration (vandandosh) and four types of pointless gossip or frivolous talk (vigatha).
Verse 6: The text mentions the ritualistic use of saffron (kumkum rol), certain garments (kachol), and red colors (rangmarol) along with unbroken rice grains (akshat) and fruits (shri phal).
Verse 7: The queen of Magadha is depicted, adorned with sixteen types of adornments, and engaging in the act of adorning herself (lallal karti lunchana).
Verse 8: She receives divine blessings and ultimate joy (jyoti gurumukhchand pamati paramanand) like a deer-like beautiful doe (chatur chikori goradi).
Verse 9: Even celestial and human maidens, numbering in the crores, are compared to her, singing praises of the Lord of the Jain dispensation (gavae Jinshasan dhani).

End of Sudharm Gandhar's Discourse.

Summary of Shri Gautam Gandhar's Discourse (Pages 2, verses 1-5):

This section shifts to the discourse of Gautam Gandhar, another prominent disciple of Lord Mahavir.

Verse 1: It begins with the beauty of Rajagrihi, a city filled with virtues and character. The speaker invites others to come and meet the great preceptor (savai guru) to eradicate karmic impurities (metva karma kathor). It mentions that Munigan, like the moon among stars, has arrived – referring to the esteemed Gautam Swami.
Verse 2: Gautam Swami teaches to control the five senses (panch indriya vasi kare) and to uphold the five cardinal vows (palai panch aachar). He emphasizes the importance of firm control over the mind (sumati gupthi dhori par vahai) and the great burden of the five Mahavratas (panch mahavrat bhaar).
Verse 3: He advocates for maintaining chastity (navvadi brahm dharai sada) and abandoning the four passions (parihare char kashay). He is described as possessing the twenty-eightfold spiritual powers (labdhi aththavisno dhani) and being victorious as one of the eight principal propagators of Dharma (jayyo aath prabhavkaray).
Verse 4: The verse describes the attire: a yellow silk garment (pahirni peet patoladi) with a nine-colored pattern (navrango ghat). It mentions adorning oneself with saffron (kumkum gholsum sathio) and filling the auspicious marking (akshat pur sughat).
Verse 5: The discourse encourages actions like adorning oneself (lallal kiji lunchana) with silver and golden flowers (leii rajat kanaknam phool). It calls for promoting the Jain Dharma (karo Jinshasan parabhavana) and sounding auspicious bells or trumpets (vajdavvo mangal tur).

End of Gautam Gandhar's Discourse.

Contact Information:

The text concludes with contact information for "Nalin K. Shah Hemant Electrics, Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad-380001."

Overall Significance:

The "Gautam Sudharm Gandhar Bhas" serves as a devotional text that highlights the virtues, teachings, and spiritual practices associated with two of Lord Mahavir's most important disciples. It provides insights into Jain scriptural knowledge, ethical conduct, the importance of renunciation, and the devotional practices within the Jain tradition. The descriptions of their physical attributes and the rituals mentioned offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious context of the time.