Indrabhuti Gautam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Indrabhuti Gautam" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The text is a biographical and philosophical exploration of Indrabhuti Gautam, the chief disciple and first Ganadhar (apostle) of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar in Jainism. It highlights his profound knowledge, deep devotion, and significant role in establishing and propagating the Jain teachings.

Key Aspects of Indrabhuti Gautam's Life and Teachings:

• Pre-eminence and Devotion: Gautam is described as a repository of all virtues, possessing immense spiritual powers (labdhis, siddhis, nidhis), and being the creator of the twelve Angas of Jain scripture. He is considered the epitome of Guru-bhakti (devotion to the teacher), so much so that his name is used as an example. The text emphasizes that no other disciple in world literature has been as frequently and intimately mentioned by their guru as Gautam was by Mahavir. Mahavir's constant mention of "Goyama! Gautam!" underscores their unique spiritual bond.

• Embodiment of Anekanta: Gautam is presented as a living embodiment of Anekanta (the Jain doctrine of manifold aspects), both in his thoughts and actions, and in his leadership of the spiritual community (Sangha). His profound wisdom and immense compassion ensured that no aspect of Mahavir's spiritual garden remained undeveloped.

• Scholarly Background and Renunciation:

  • Birth and Early Life: Born Indrabhuti in the village of Guvvar near Nalanda in Magadh, he belonged to the Bhardwaj Gotra and was the eldest son of Vasubhuti, a learned Brahmin. His birth name was Indrabhuti, reflecting his immense knowledge and spiritual wealth, akin to Lord Indra. He had two younger brothers, Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti, who also became disciples.
  • Education: After his Upanayana ceremony, Indrabhuti received a comprehensive education, mastering the four Vedas, six Vedangas, and four Upangas (totaling fourteen Vidyas or knowledge domains). He was a renowned scholar and an expert in Mimamsa.
  • Professions: Before his spiritual journey, Indrabhuti was engaged in three main activities:
    • Teaching: He taught 500 students (disciples), training them to be accomplished Vedic scholars, ritualists, and debaters.
    • Debate: He traveled extensively throughout North India, engaging in philosophical debates with contemporary scholars and emerging victorious.
    • Yajñācārya (Ritual Master): Primarily a Mimamsaka, he performed and conducted grand sacrifices (yajnas) daily. His fame as a ritual master spread far and wide, attracting large crowds.
  • Marriage and Family Life: The text notes the silence of Jain scriptures regarding his marriage or progeny. It's assumed he lived as a Brahmachari until the age of 50, dedicating his life to study, teaching, debate, and rituals.
  • Physical Description: According to the Bhagavati Sutra, Gautam was seven hands tall, possessed a symmetrical body, a strong physique (Vajra-rishabha-naracha samhanana), a radiant complexion like gold or lotus stamens, a broad forehead, and lotus-like captivating eyes.

• Encounter with Lord Mahavir and Initiation:

  • The Grand Sacrifice: Indrabhuti and ten other prominent ritual masters were invited to a grand sacrifice organized by Somil, a wealthy Brahmin in Apapa. These eleven scholars, along with their collective 4400 disciples, were renowned for their expertise in Vedic rituals.
  • Mahavir's Omniscience: At the same time, Lord Mahavir attained Kevala Gyana (omniscience) near Apapa. The gods created a Samavasarana (divine preaching assembly) for him. The people of Apapa, drawn by the news of Mahavir's omniscience and the divine spectacle, flocked to the Samavasarana.
  • The Challenge: Indrabhuti, confident in his immense scholarship and the efficacy of Vedic rituals, saw the celestial vehicles descending towards the Samavasarana. He perceived this as a challenge to his own pre-eminence and declared that no other omniscient being could exist alongside him. Fueled by pride and envy, he resolved to confront Mahavir and dismantle his claims of omniscience.
  • The Encounter and Doubt: Upon reaching the Samavasarana, Indrabhuti was awe-struck by Mahavir's radiant presence and serene demeanor. He was confused, questioning Mahavir's identity and source of knowledge, as Mahavir did not fit the descriptions of known celestial beings. He pondered if Mahavir was a magician using illusion.
  • The Resolution of Doubt: Mahavir, knowing Indrabhuti's inner turmoil, addressed him by name. This further astonished Indrabhuti. Mahavir then addressed Indrabhuti's lingering doubt about the nature of the soul (the "science-aggregate" arising from the material elements and perishing with them, as suggested by some Vedic texts). Mahavir clarified the true meaning of the Vedic verses, explaining the concept of continuous transformation of soul-states (paryayas) while the soul (dravy) itself remains eternal. He established the existence of the soul through the very act of doubting one's existence.
  • Initiation: Convinced of Mahavir's omniscience by this logical and profound explanation, Indrabhuti, along with his 500 disciples, surrendered to Mahavir and requested initiation. Mahavir granted them initiation, declaring Indrabhuti as his first disciple and the first Ganadhar.

• The Eleven Ganadhars and the Twelve Angas: Following Indrabhuti's initiation, his ten fellow ritualists, driven by curiosity and the desire for clarification, also approached Mahavir, resolved their doubts, and accepted initiation with their disciples. Thus, the eleven Ganadhars were established. Indrabhuti, as the chief Ganadhar, along with the others, structured Mahavir's teachings into the twelve Angas (sections) of the Jain scriptures (Ganadharipadam). The text explains the genesis of the concept of "Tatvam" (essence) as "Utpanna" (born), "Vigaya" (perishes), and "Dhruva" (eternal), which forms the core of their scriptural composition.

• Gautam's Virtues and Conduct:

  • Asceticism: After initiation, Gautam took a vow of perpetual asceticism, observing specific fasting and single-meal patterns (Shastha Bhakta Tap).
  • Preaching and Discipleship: He dedicated a part of his time to listening to Mahavir's sermons and then would preach for an hour himself in the Samavasarana. He sat at the foot of Mahavir's throne, maintaining a posture of deep reverence.
  • Qualities: Gautam is described as a powerful ascetic, a strict celibate, devoid of physical adornments, possessing immense inner radiance (Tejoleshya), knowledge of fourteen Purvas, and four types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, and Manah-paryaya), and possessing 28 specific spiritual powers. He was renowned for his wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion.
  • Daily Routine: His routine included studying in the first prahar (three-hour period), preaching or meditating in the second, and then going for alms (bhiksha-charya) in the third prahar. He would meticulously inspect his mouth-cloth and robes before begging and accept alms from any household without discrimination.

• Gautam's Questions and Their Significance:

  • Purpose of Questions: Despite being a great scholar himself, Gautam consistently sought clarification from Mahavir. The text suggests this wasn't out of ignorance but to address the doubts and curiosities of the wider audience who might not be able to ask questions themselves. His questions served as a vehicle for disseminating spiritual knowledge to all.
  • Categorization of Questions: Gautam's questions are broadly categorized into four areas:
    1. Adhyatma (Spirituality): Covering topics like the soul, its nature, karma, desire, states of spiritual practice, knowledge, liberation, etc. (including dialogues with Keshi Shraman and Udakpedha).
    2. Karma-Phala (Results of Karma): Understanding the reasons for suffering or prosperity of beings.
    3. Loka (Cosmology): Pertaining to the structure of the universe, atoms, celestial beings, hellish beings, the six-fold classification of living beings, language, body, and planetary movements.
    4. Sphuta (Miscellaneous): Various specific queries about spiritual practices and their outcomes.
  • Examples: Two sample questions illustrate his inquiry into the auspiciousness of detachment and the attainment of liberation upon the eradication of desires.

• Gautam's Interactions and Humility:

  • Interaction with Ananda Shravaka: A detailed account describes an interaction with Ananda Shravaka, a devoted layman. Ananda claimed to have attained Avadhi Gyan (clairvoyance) and described a vast vision. Gautam, initially questioning the extent of Ananda's vision, was corrected by Mahavir and humbly sought forgiveness from Ananda, showcasing his profound humility and respect for truth.
  • The Ashṭāpada Pilgrimage: The text narrates how Gautam, concerned about his own spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation (Charam Shariri), sought permission from Mahavir to undertake a pilgrimage to the sacred Ashṭāpada mountain. Mahavir granted permission, and Gautam, along with five ascetics who achieved Kevala Gyan en route, reached Ashṭāpada. There, he encountered three ascetics (Kaushilya, Din, and Shaival) and their disciples who were struggling to ascend the mountain due to their ascetic practices. Gautam, through his miraculous powers, reached the summit instantly, demonstrating the superiority of his spiritual attainment and imparting knowledge about the true nature of asceticism.

• Gautam's Enlightenment and Role After Mahavir's Nirvana:

  • Mahavir's Nirvana: The text describes the passing of Lord Mahavir at Pawapuri. Gautam, initially distraught and disbelieving, eventually understood that Mahavir's departure was an act of profound grace to help him overcome his excessive attachment and attain Kevala Gyan.
  • Gautam's Kevala Gyan: Mahavir's final sermon, a deep exposition on the fruits of karma and virtue, occurred when Gautam was away. Upon returning and hearing about Mahavir's Nirvana, Gautam was overcome with grief. However, through introspection and realizing his own attachment was a hindrance, his intense devotion transformed into a catalyst for achieving Kevala Gyan. The text marks the dawn of Kartik Shukla Pratipada in 527 BCE as the day Gautam became omniscient.
  • Spreading Mahavir's Teachings: As an omniscient being, Gautam dedicated the remaining 12 years of his life (totaling 92 years of spiritual practice) to spreading Mahavir's teachings, guiding thousands of souls towards liberation. He served as the sole authority and propagator of Mahavir's doctrine, ensuring its continuity.
  • Succession: Though the first and chief Ganadhar, Gautam recognized the importance of the lineage and handed over the leadership to his younger brother, Ary Sudharma, before his own Nirvana.

• Gautam's Legacy and Significance:

  • Name and Attributes: Gautam's name itself is symbolic, representing a wish-fulfilling cow (Go), a wish-fulfilling tree (Tar), and a wish-fulfilling jewel (Mani). He is revered as a spiritual guide, a remover of obstacles, and an object of meditation.
  • Spiritual Practices: Various devotional practices and fasts are associated with his name in Jain tradition, highlighting his enduring influence.
  • Worship: Gautam is revered with chants and prayers, acknowledging his profound spiritual achievements and his role in preserving and propagating the Jain Dharma. His life serves as an inspiration and an ideal for spiritual seekers.

In essence, the text portrays Indrabhuti Gautam as a paramount figure in Jainism, whose intellectual brilliance, unwavering devotion, spiritual powers, and profound humility made him the ideal chief disciple and compiler of Lord Mahavir's divine teachings. His journey from a Vedic scholar to an omniscient Jain saint exemplifies the transformative power of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.