Gautamswami Ras Parichayatmaka Bhumika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gautamswami Ras Parichayatmaka Bhumika" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Gautamswami Ras Parichayatmaka Bhumika (Introduction to the Gautamswami Ras) Author: Shilchandrasuri Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229544/1

Overall Purpose: This text serves as an introductory explanation and presentation of a newly discovered Gautamswami Ras (a devotional poem dedicated to Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir) authored by Acharya Ratnashekhar Suri. The author, Shilchandrasuri, highlights its significance in comparison to the more widely known "Gautamras" by Acharya Vinayaprabh.

Key Points and Discoveries:

Discovery of a Pre-Predecessor Ras: The primary revelation is the discovery of a Ras composed by Acharya Ratnashekhar Suri, dated V.S. 1405 (1348 CE). This is significant because it predates the well-known "Gautamras" by Acharya Vinayaprabh, which was composed in V.S. 1412 (1355 CE), by seven years.
Rarity and Limited Circulation: This newly found Ras by Ratnashekhar Suri has remained unknown and uncirculated within the Jain Sangha. This lack of tradition explains why, unlike Vinayaprabh's Ras which has many manuscript copies found across various collections, only a single manuscript of Ratnashekhar Suri's Ras has been discovered to date. Shilchandrasuri expresses hope that if other scholars are aware of additional copies, they will share this information.
Source of the Manuscript: Shilchandrasuri received a Xerox copy of this manuscript from his friend, Muniraj Shri Dhundharvijayji. Muniraj Dhundharvijayji found the manuscript during his travels in a collection at Vallabhipur and promptly made a copy. Shilchandrasuri expresses gratitude for this discovery.
Manuscript Condition and Dating: The manuscript consists of two pages, with a portion of both pages being cut off due to damage, resulting in some missing text. The handwriting is described as clear and pure. While no specific colophon or closing remarks are present, the manuscript is estimated to be from the 15th century (15th century CE).
Author and Place of Composition: According to the last (75th) verse, the Ras was composed by Acharya Ratnashekhar Suri in Thirpur-Tharad in the year V.S. 1405. The author does not mention his sect or guru. Shilchandrasuri speculates that this Ratnashekhar Suri might be the same as the author of "Sirisirivalkaha."
Comparison with Vinayaprabh's Ras: The discovered Ras shows similarities in certain aspects with Vinayaprabh's Gautamras, suggesting that Vinayaprabh's work might have been influenced by Ratnashekhar Suri's composition. A detailed comparison between the two is deemed interesting.
Linguistic and Stylistic Aspects: Shilchandrasuri acknowledges that experts like Dr. Bhayani would be better equipped to analyze the language, meter (dhal), and other stylistic features of the Ras. For this introduction, Shilchandrasuri presents only the work itself and a small glossary of some difficult and technical terms.
Content of the Ras (as excerpted):
- Opening Verses: The Ras begins with salutations and praise for Lord Mahavir and then proceeds to praise Gautam Swami. It mentions the well-known story of Gautam Swami's origin, being born to Vasubhuti and Subhaga in the city of Gudbara in Magadha. His brothers are mentioned as Indrabhuti, Agnibhuti, and Vayubhuti.
- Early Life and Education: The Ras describes Gautam Swami's intellectual prowess, his mastery of 14 Vidyas (branches of knowledge), and his role as a teacher to 500 students. It recounts his upbringing by the king and queen and his connection to Vishwamitra and Somila in Pavapuri.
- Encounter with Lord Mahavir: The text details how Gautam Swami, along with other learned Brahmins, was invited to a grand sacrifice. It narrates Lord Mahavir's arrival at the scene, the description of the Samavasarana (the divine preaching assembly), and the celestial retinue.
- Gautam Swami's Doubt and Enlightenment: The Ras depicts Gautam Swami's initial disbelief and intellectual pride, questioning if Lord Mahavir was truly omniscient. Lord Mahavir then addresses his doubts, leading to Gautam Swami's acceptance of the faith and his eventual renunciation.
- Gautam Swami's Superiority and Enlightenment: The text emphasizes Gautam Swami's prominent position among the disciples, his profound knowledge, and his unwavering devotion. It describes how he achieved Kevala Gyan (omniscience) and his significant role in guiding others, including his disciples like Saliputra and others who also attained Kevala Gyan.
- Various Stages of Enlightenment: The Ras is divided into sections (referred to as languages or phases) detailing different aspects of Gautam Swami's spiritual journey, including his austerities, his interactions with ascetics, and his final Nirvana.
- Devotional Aspects: The later verses focus on the glory of Gautam Swami's Kevala Gyan, the reverence shown to him by gods and humans, and the auspiciousness of reciting his Ras.
- Concluding Verses: The final verses reiterate the benefits of reading and reciting the "Gautam Ras" of Ratnashekhar Suri, mentioning the attainment of great Siddhis (powers) and wealth. It confirms the composition in Thiraura-Tharad in 1405 V.S. and wishes well-being to those who read and recite it.

Significance of the Work: This "Gautamswami Ras" by Ratnashekhar Suri is a valuable addition to Jain literature. Its discovery provides a deeper understanding of the devotional traditions surrounding Gautam Swami and offers a historical perspective on Jain literary development by predating a previously established seminal work. The introductory booklet aims to bring this significant manuscript to the attention of the Jain scholarly community.