Jain Agam Sahitya Me Shravasti - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Agam Sahitya me Shravasti" by Sagarmal Jain:

Shravasti in Jain Agam Literature

This text explores the significance of the city of Shravasti as depicted in Jain Agam literature.

Shravasti as a Prominent City:

Capital City: Shravasti is repeatedly mentioned in Jain Agams as the capital of the Aryakshetra region.
Geographical Location: It was situated near the city of Krutangala and by the river Achiravati. The Tinduk Udhyan (garden) and Koshthak Van (forest) in Shravasti are frequently referenced.
Major Capital: The Sthanangasutra lists Shravasti among the ten major capitals of Bharatavarsha, alongside places like Saket (Ayodhya), Hastinapur, Mithila, and Rajagriha. This suggests that during the composition of the Sthanangasutra, Jain tradition was primarily familiar with cities in North India.
Alternative Name: Shravasti also had the name Kunala.
Distance from Saket: Jain literature states Shravasti was seven yojanas (approximately 90 km) away from Saket. Modern identification of Shravasti with the Sahet-Mahet villages in the Bahraich district aligns with this, as the distance between Saket and Sahet-Mahet is comparable. The presence of the Rapti River near Sahet-Mahet also corroborates the Agamic description, as Rapti is a shortened and corrupted form of Achiravati.
Surrounding Regions: The Kikeya region was believed to be to the northeast of Shravasti, with its capital being Seyavia (Shwetambika). The northern part of Kikeya was considered Aryakshetra, implying that beyond this lay areas inhabited by wild tribes.

Shravasti as a Royal Seat and Birthplace:

Royal Capital: Shravasti is identified as the capital of Chakravarti Magha, King Jitshatru, Paseniy (Prasenjit), and Ruppi.
Birthplace of Tirthankara Sambhavanatha: Historically, Shravasti is considered the birthplace of the third Tirthankara, Sambhavanatha, and the place of his first alms-giving.
Capital of King Prasenjit: From a historical perspective, Jain Agam literature indicates Shravasti was the capital of King Prasenjit. The Rajaprashniya Sutra mentions that Aryakesshi, a disciple of Parshva, initiated Prasenjit into the Nirgranth tradition. Prasenjit had doubts about the existence of the soul and reincarnation, which Aryakesshi resolved.

Shravasti and the Teachings of Parshva:

Influence of Parshva: The Gyatadharmakatha and Niryaavalika mention that Parshva visited Shravasti and initiated many women, including Kali, Padmavati, Shiva, and Vasuputra, into the ascetic order. The influence of the Parshva sect (Parshvapatyas) in Shravasti is confirmed by numerous Agamic references.

Shravasti as a Hub of Diverse Religious and Philosophical Activity:

Coexistence of Sects: Jain Agam literature suggests that in addition to the Nirgranths (Jains), Shravasti was also significantly influenced by the Ajivikas, Buddhists, and Hindu mendicants.
Buddhist Presence: Buddhist literature clearly indicates that the Buddha visited Shravasti multiple times and performed miracles there. This suggests that the populace of Shravasti during that era was enlightened and tolerant, providing opportunities for various religious communities to present their doctrines.
Significance for Jain Tradition: Shravasti held considerable importance for the Jain tradition.

Shravasti and Internal Jain Disagreements:

First Sangha Bheda (Schism): According to the Bhagavati Sutra, the first schism in the Jain Sangha occurred in Shravasti. Jamali, the son-in-law of Mahavira, established the doctrine of "Kriyamana Akrita" (that which is not completely finished cannot be called done) and separated from Mahavira's Sangha with 500 disciples. Mahavira believed that a work in progress could be considered "done" in a relative sense, as a part of it had already been completed. Thus, the first rebellion in Mahavira's Sangha originated in Shravasti.
Confrontation with Goshalaka: The climax of the dispute between Mahavira and Mankhaliputra Goshalaka (founder of the Ajivika sect) also took place in Shravasti. The Bhagavati Sutra's 15th Shatak details that Goshalaka spent his 24th Chaturmasa (four-month rainy season retreat) at the shop of a potter named Halahala in Shravasti. Lord Mahavira was residing in the Koshthak Chaitya in Shravasti for his Chaturmasa. Goshalaka criticized Mahavira on the streets and later confronted Mahavira in the Koshthak forest, projecting a fiery energy (Tejo-leshya). This caused the death of two of Mahavira's disciples, Sarvanubhuti and Sunakshatra, and Mahavira himself fell ill. The Bhagavati Sutra provides a detailed account of this entire event. Historically, it is confirmed that the peak of the conflict between Mahavira and Goshalaka occurred in Shravasti.

Shravasti as a Site of Convergence and Philosophical Discourse:

Meeting Point of Traditions: While Shravasti witnessed conflicts between different religious sects, it also served as a meeting point for the traditions of Mahavira and Parshva. Aryakesshi of the Parshva tradition resided in the Tinduk Udhyan, while Indrabhuti Gautama, Mahavira's chief disciple, resided in the Koshthak Udhyan. When disciples from both traditions met, they discussed their differing views on the same ultimate goal. To resolve these doubts and build a bridge between the traditions of Mahavira and Parshva, Kesshi and Gautama decided to meet. Considering Gautama's seniority, he went to meet Aryakesshi. Kesshi respectfully offered Gautama a seat, and many people of Shravasti gathered to listen to their discussion. They openly debated differences in conduct and various problems of spiritual practice. This cordial meeting became a bridge of coordination between the traditions of Parshva and Mahavira.
Philosophical Debates: Shravasti was also a venue for the meeting between the mendicant Skandaka and Lord Mahavira, and for discussions on philosophical questions related to the world, soul, and liberation. According to the Bhagavati Sutra, the mendicant Skandaka, a disciple of Acharya Gardabhilla, resided in Shravasti. Pingala, a lay follower of Mahavira (Nirgranth Vaishalik), also lived there. Pingala and Skandaka engaged in discussions about the finite and infinite nature of the world, soul, and liberation. To resolve these discussions, Skandaka visited Krutmangalanagar, near Shravasti, where Lord Mahavira and Gautama resided. On Mahavira's instruction, Gautama welcomed Skandaka and brought him to Mahavira. They then had an extensive discussion on these topics, after which Skandaka expressed his faith in Mahavira's views.

Conclusion:

Duality of Shravasti: Shravasti is thus seen as a city where internal rebellions within Mahavira's tradition occurred, but also as a witness to the harmonious interactions between Mahavira's tradition and other traditions.
Environment of Intellectual Freedom: The environment of Shravasti fostered freedom of thought and mutual harmony. The citizens of the city were generous in their respect for proponents of different ideologies and participated in their discussions.
Center of Religious Convergence: Shravasti can be described as a place where various religious traditions converged.
River Achiravati: The Achiravati river flowing outside the city had shallow water, allowing Jain monks to cross for alms, though it would flood during the monsoon.
Comparison with Buddhism: While many important events in Jainism are linked to Shravasti, a comparative study with Buddhist literature suggests a stronger Buddhist influence and a special attraction for the Buddha towards this city, similar to Mahavira's inclination towards Rajagriha. The Buddha spent many Chaturmaßas here and often roamed in its vicinity, whereas Mahavira spent most of his Chaturmaßas in Rajagriha and its suburbs like Nalanda.
Enduring Jain Connection: Despite the greater Buddhist presence, the study of Jain Agam literature clearly indicates a close relationship between Shravasti and the Jain tradition, and its recognition as the land of the four auspicious events of the third Tirthankara, Sambhavanatha.