Gnatadharmkathanga Sutram Part 03

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gnatadharmkathanga Sutram Part 03" (Part 3) by Ghasilal Maharaj:

Overall Introduction:

The provided text is the third part of the Shree Gnatadharmkathanaga Sutram, authored by Acharya Ghilsalji Maharaj and published by the Akhil Bharat Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. It is a commentary titled "Angaradharmamritavarshini." The catalog link points to a collection of Jain scriptures. The text itself details the commentary and translation of the Gnatadharmkathanaga Sutram, specifically focusing on the fourteenth and fifteenth chapters, and introducing the sixteenth.

Key Figures and Contributors:

• Acharya Ghilsalji Maharaj: The primary author of the commentary.
• Pandit Muni Shri Kanahaiyalalji Maharaj: The compiler/editor who organized the Sanskrit and Prakrit texts and provided Hindi and Gujarati translations.
• Seth Tarachandji Saheb Gelda (late): A prominent Jain leader from South India, a philanthropist whose financial assistance made the publication of this part possible. His life is described as dedicated to simplicity, educational and medical institutions, and social reform.
• Seth Shantilal Mangaldas: The head of the Shastroddhar Samiti, acknowledging the contribution of Seth Tarachandji Saheb Gelda.
• Seth T. C. Gelda & Sons: Mentioned as a business firm.
• Shri Akhil Bharat Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, Rajkot: The publisher.

Content Summary of the Chapters Covered:

The text contains commentaries and explanations for the following chapters of the Gnatadharmkathanaga Sutram:

• Chapter 14 (Chaturdasha Adhyayan):

  • Introduction: This chapter establishes a connection with the previous one, which discussed the loss of virtues due to the absence of a guiding guru's teachings. This chapter will explain how the presence of such guidance leads to the increase of virtues.
  • Narrative Begins: The chapter begins with Jambu Swami asking Bhagwan Mahavir about the meaning of the fourteenth chapter, following the explanation of the thirteenth.
  • Setting: The narrative unfolds in the city of Tetali.
  • Characters: Key characters introduced include King Kanakrath of Tetali, his queen Padmavati, and his minister Tetliputra, who is skilled in politics (Saam, Daan, Bhed, Dand). It also introduces Kalad, a goldsmith's son, his wife Bhadra, and their beautiful daughter Pohila.
  • Plot Point: Pohila, adorned and surrounded by her maids, is playing with a golden ball on the palace terrace. Minister Tetliputra, passing by the goldsmith's house, sees her and is struck by her beauty, becoming infatuated. He summons his trusted men and instructs them to bring Pohila to him as his wife.
  • The Proposal: Tetliputra's men approach Kalad, the goldsmith, and propose marriage with his daughter Pohila. Kalad, considering the proposal favorable, agrees.
  • The Marriage: The narrative describes the auspicious time chosen for the wedding, the rituals performed, including fire worship and the actual marriage ceremony, and the subsequent joyous celebrations with relatives and friends.
  • King Kanakrath's Cruelty: The chapter shifts to King Kanakrath, who has become obsessed with his kingdom and is described as losing his senses. He mutilates his own children, cutting off their fingers, thumbs, toes, ears, and noses.
  • Queen Padmavati's Distress: Queen Padmavati is deeply disturbed by the king's actions. She resolves to conceive a child and protect it from the king's cruelty, even if it means keeping the pregnancy secret and entrusting the child's upbringing to the minister Tetliputra.
  • The Births: Padmavati conceives and gives birth to a son. The same night, Bhadra, wife of Kalad and mother of Pohila, also gives birth to a daughter, but she is stillborn.
  • The Exchange: Padmavati summons her midwife and instructs her to secretly bring Tetliputra. She reveals the king's madness and her own pregnancy. She entrusts her newborn son to Tetliputra, asking him to raise the child in secret, stating that it will become their sustenance. Tetliputra agrees and brings the child home, entrusting it to his daughter Pohila.
  • Pohila's Role: Pohila raises the child.
  • The Minister's Plot: The text then details Tetliputra's manipulative actions. He manipulates the citizens to get them to demand that the king's son (the child he is raising) be made king. He is portrayed as a cunning politician who uses the people's sentiment for his own gain.
  • The Conclusion of the Chapter: The chapter concludes with the minister's successful plot to have the child he is raising (who is secretly the king's son) placed on the throne, while the actual prince is presumed dead. The chapter emphasizes the importance of divine grace and the consequences of actions.

• Chapter 15 (Panchadasha Adhyayan):

  • Introduction: This chapter is named "Nandiphala ka Swaroop Nirupan" (Description of the nature of Nandiphala). It follows the chapter on disgrace leading to renunciation and discusses how renunciation, when guided by proper teachings, leads to spiritual wealth, while without it, it leads to ruin.
  • Narrative Setup: The story begins in the city of Champå, ruled by King Jitshatru. The wealthy merchant Dhanya lives there. In the northeast direction of Champå lies the city of Ahhichhatra, ruled by King Kanakketu.
  • Dhanya's Resolve: Dhanya, the merchant, decides to travel to Ahhichhatra for trade. He makes preparations, gathers his goods, and announces a public declaration through his men.
  • The Public Announcement: The announcement is directed at various types of people in Champå, including charaks, cheeriks, chamkhadiks, bhikshuks, pandurangs, goutams, govratiks, grihasthadharmachintaks, and even those who are contradictory in their beliefs or renunciates. It promises that Dhanya will provide them with essentials: umbrellas for those without them, footwear for those without, water pots for those without water, and provisions for travelers. He also promises to care for the sick and injured, and ensure their safe arrival in Ahhichhatra. The announcement is to be made repeatedly.
  • The Outcome: Many people, hearing the announcement and understanding Dhanya's generosity, decide to travel with him. Those who have no umbrellas receive them; those without provisions are supplied. They are all safely escorted to Ahhichhatra.
  • Dhanya's Generosity: Dhanya's actions highlight the importance of generosity and fulfilling one's promises, even to those with negative intentions.
  • The Moral: The chapter emphasizes the positive outcomes of righteous conduct and the importance of following the advice of virtuous individuals.

• Chapter 16 (Shodasha Adhyayan):

  • Introduction: This chapter follows the completion of the fifteenth chapter, which discussed the cause of misfortune and the importance of renunciation. This chapter will focus on the "cause of misfortune" itself.
  • Narrative Setup: The story begins in the city of Champå, outside which in the northeast, there is a garden named Subhumibhaga. Three Brahmin brothers named Soma, Somadatta, and Somabhuti reside in Champå. They are learned in the Vedas. Each has a wife: Nagashri, Bhutashri, and Yakshashri.
  • The Brahmin's Complacency: The Brahmin brothers are described as rich, influential, and accustomed to luxury. They are so engrossed in their worldly pleasures that they have become complacent and have neglected their spiritual duties.
  • The Arrival of the Ascetic: One day, an ascetic (anagar) named Dharmaruchi, who was a disciple of Ther Ther Dharmaghosh, arrives in Champå. He is described as radiant, possessing great spiritual power, and practicing severe penances, including monthly fasting.
  • Nagashri's Scheme: One of the Brahmin brothers' wives, Nagashri, is particularly proud of her beauty and wealth. She feels neglected by her husband, who is engrossed in spiritual practices and has little interest in worldly comforts. Nagashri, wanting to regain her husband's attention, hatches a plan.
  • The Poisoned Dish: Nagashri prepares a special dish, a bitter gourd preparation with many spices and ghee, which she secretly poisons. Her intention is to offer this dish to the ascetic Dharmaruchi, knowing that he practices severe austerities and might accept offerings from anyone. She believes that if he dies, her husband will be freed from his spiritual practices and return to worldly pleasures.
  • Dharmaruchi's Intent: Dharmaruchi, sensing the situation through his divine insight, understands Nagashri's malicious intent. He knows that the poisoned dish is meant to cause harm.
  • The Ascetic's Renunciation: Instead of accepting the poisoned dish, Dharmaruchi chooses to renounce his physical body. He decides to end his life through self-immolation (Jal Samadhi or Agni Samadhi, depending on interpretation but implying a voluntary death due to the circumstances). He does this to avoid the sin of accepting a poisoned offering and to demonstrate his detachment from worldly life and his commitment to non-violence.
  • The Outcome: Dharmaruchi's asceticism and his ultimate act of self-sacrifice are presented as a testament to his spiritual purity and adherence to Jain principles. The narrative likely concludes with the consequences for Nagashri and the Brahmin family, highlighting the karma associated with their actions.

Overall Themes and Teachings:

• The Importance of Guru and Guidance: The text, through its commentary on Chapter 14, emphasizes the role of a spiritual guide in the path of virtue.
• The Nature of Karma and Renunciation: Chapter 15 highlights how righteous conduct and generosity lead to positive outcomes, while Chapter 16 delves into the nature of misfortune, its causes (like complacency and attachment to worldly pleasures), and the consequences of harmful actions.
• The Path of Asceticism and Detachment: Dharmaruchi's story in Chapter 16 illustrates the extreme path of asceticism and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
• The Principles of Jain Dharma: The commentaries touch upon fundamental Jain principles like non-violence (Ahimsa), the importance of virtuous conduct, the consequences of negative actions (karma), and the ultimate goal of liberation.
• The Limitations of Ritualistic Practices: Chapter 16, through the example of Nagashri and the critique of idol worship in relation to Jain principles, subtly points towards the limitations of external rituals when divorced from the core tenets of non-violence and spiritual purity.

Summary of the Commentary's Approach:

The commentary by Acharya Ghilsalji Maharaj, as presented in this volume, aims to elucidate the profound teachings of the Gnatadharmkathanaga Sutram. It provides explanations of the narratives, character motivations, and the underlying spiritual and ethical lessons, making the ancient Jain scripture accessible through Hindi and Gujarati translations. The emphasis is on understanding the actions and their karmic consequences, guiding the reader towards righteous living and spiritual progress.