Gautam Swamina Purvbhavo - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Gautam Swamina Purvbhavo" by Kanakratnasuri:

Book Title: Gautam Swamina Purvbhavo (Past Lives of Gautam Swami) Author: Kanakratnasuri Publisher: Kanakratnasuri

This book, "Gautam Swamina Purvbhavo," authored by Acharya Shri Kanakratnasuri, delves into the past lives of Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. The text is presented as an elaborate account, detailing the spiritual journey and significant events that shaped Gautam Swami's soul towards achieving its ultimate destiny.

The book begins with a humble tribute to virtuous souls and emphasizes that even the most accomplished beings, like Tirthankar Devs, achieve their complete virtues through immense, unceasing spiritual practice and the purification of karma over countless lifetimes. It highlights the rarity and profound impact of Tirthankars and their chief disciples (Ganadhars) who guide the world towards liberation.

The narrative focuses on the profound spiritual qualities and rigorous austerities undertaken by Gautam Swami. It describes him as possessing seven-cubit stature, excellent physical constitution, golden complexion, and the ability to burn away infinite karmas through his intense penance. He is depicted as someone free from worldly desires, capable of subduing enemies like senses and afflictions, and practicing unparalleled chastity. He is also described as a holder of fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures), possessing advanced knowledge (Avadhi and Manahparyav Gnan), and engrossed in pure contemplation (Shukla Dhyan).

The text then proceeds to narrate six significant past lives of Gautam Swami, illustrating the karmic journey and the development of his spiritual merit:

The Story of Mangal Seth (Lives 1-43): This is the most detailed account. Mangal Seth was a wealthy and devout merchant in Brahmapur, married to Brahmadevi and son of King Brahmachandra and Queen Brahmadevi. He was a firm believer in Jain principles, performing daily rituals and charity. However, due to intense thirst during a fast unto death (Anashan) and a moment of despondency, he fell into lower spiritual states and was reborn as a crocodile in a river. Even in this form, a chance encounter with a Jineshwar idol triggered memory of his past devotion, leading him to abandon harming other creatures and practice the Navkar Mahamantra.
The Life of Jyotirmali Deva (Lives 43-61): After his crocodile existence, Mangal Seth's soul, due to his continued devotion to the Navkar Mantra, was reborn as Jyotirmali, a celestial being in Saudharma Heaven. He enjoyed divine pleasures and engaged in pious activities.
The Life of Vegavan (Lives 77-136): This life details the journey of Mangal, now a celestial being, as Vegavan, the son of King Suveg in the city of Vegavati. Vegavan mastered various arts and sciences and performed intense austerities to attain great Vidya (magical powers). He faced challenges with a woman named Dhanmala, a consequence of which led him to renounce his kingdom and become a monk. His loyal minister, Ghasakha, also renounced the world with him. Both attained high spiritual merit, leading them to be reborn as Indra and a Samanika deva in the eighth heaven, respectively.
The Life of Dhanmala (Lives 93-138): Dhanmala, who was indirectly involved in Vegavan's life, was reborn in the eighth heaven as a celestial being, a Samanika deva, alongside Vegavan and Ghasakha, due to her own spiritual merits.
The Birth of Indrabhuti and his Friends (Lives 140-158): The narrative then transitions to the final life leading up to his current existence as Gautam Swami. In the Magadh country, in the Gobbar village, Vasubhuti, a Brahmin, and his wife Prithvi had a son named Indrabhuti. Simultaneously, King Siddha and Queen Samruddhi of Susamvar city had a son named Skandak, and Tilak Seth and Shilabati in Champak village had a son named Pingal. These three, Indrabhuti, Skandak, and Pingal, were the same souls from the previous lives (Vegavan, Ghasakha, and Dhanmala, respectively).

Indrabhuti became a renowned scholar, performing Vedic rituals and considering himself omniscient. Skandak became a disciple of a different ascetic sect, while Pingal also renounced the world. A significant event occurred when Pingal Muni met Skandak, who couldn't answer his philosophical questions. They both approached Lord Mahavir. Lord Mahavir addressed Indrabhuti as "Gautam" and revealed that his friends Skandak and Pingal were coming. Indrabhuti then welcomed them, and under Lord Mahavir's guidance, both Skandak and Pingal renounced their former ways and became disciples of Lord Mahavir. Indrabhuti, upon hearing Lord Mahavir explain the true meaning of Vedic texts, recognized the ultimate truth and became the first Ganadhar, Gautam Swami.

The book concludes with the composer's humble request for forgiveness for any inaccuracies in the rendition, attributing the text's creation to devotion and adherence to ancient scriptures. It also acknowledges those who assisted in its research and publication, emphasizing the auspicious occasion of its release during a Chaturmas.

In essence, "Gautam Swamina Purvbhavo" is a testament to the Jain concept of karma and reincarnation, illustrating how a soul, through a long and arduous journey of spiritual evolution, purification of karmas, and unwavering devotion, can ultimately attain supreme liberation, exemplified by the spiritual prowess of Gautam Swami.