Jain Dharm Tatha Darshan Ke Sandarbh Me Uttarpuran Ki Ramkatha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Dharm tatha Darshan ke Sandarbh me Uttarpuran ki Ramkatha" by Veenakumari, focusing on the Ramkatha within the context of Jain Dharma and Philosophy:

The article discusses the profound popularity and pervasive influence of the Ramkatha across India, tracing its origins back to pre-Valmiki narratives found in Buddhist Tripitaka and Mahabharata. It highlights Valmiki's role in compiling these ancient tales into the "Adi Ramayana," which then spread through the efforts of singers (Kushilavas) and disciples. The text notes Valmiki's depiction of Rama's noble character as a key factor in its widespread appeal, making it a foundational heroic saga that inspired later epics.

The Ramkatha's journey is traced through various religious traditions:

Brahmanical Tradition: Rama is revered as an avatar of Vishnu.
Buddhist Tradition: Rama is recognized as a Bodhisattva, as seen in the "Dasharatha Jataka," where characters are depicted as earlier incarnations of Buddhist figures. However, the popularity of Ramkatha within Buddhism waned over time.
Jain Tradition: Jainism adopted the Ramkatha later but its popularity persisted for centuries, resulting in a rich Jain Ramkatha literature. Crucially, Jainism identifies Rama, Lakshmana, and Ravana as figures within the Trishashthi Shalaka Purushas (sixty-three great men), who are central to Jain hagiography. Rama is considered the eighth Baladeva, Lakshmana the eighth Vasudeva (or Narayana), and Ravana the eighth Pratibhasudeva.

Jain Interpretation of Ramkatha in Uttarpurana:

The article specifically focuses on Acharya Gunabhadra's "Uttarpurana" and how it reinterprets the Ramkatha to align with Jain philosophical and religious tenets.

Trishashthi Shalaka Purushas: Jainism posits that each cosmic cycle features sixty-three great individuals: 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, 8 Baladevas, 8 Vasudevas, and 8 Pratibhasudevas. These figures are considered exemplars, and their lives are documented in Jain Puranas. Baladevas and Vasudevas are always brothers and have distinct characteristics.
Rama and Lakshmana's Origins: Jain tradition describes the previous lives of Rama and Lakshmana. Rama's soul was formerly a minister's son named Vijay, then a celestial being named Kanakachula, before being born as Rama. Lakshmana's soul was a wicked prince named Chandrachula, then a celestial being named Sanatkumara, before becoming Lakshmana.
Characteristics of Baladeva and Vasudeva:
- Baladeva (Rama): Always the elder brother, typically white in complexion, embodying a calm and virtuous nature. He possesses immense strength and is a master of four precious gems (symbols of his powers). Baladevas are considered "Ardha-Chakravartis" (half-universal emperors) ruling three parts of Bharatavarsha.
- Vasudeva (Lakshmana): The younger brother, usually blue-complexioned, possessing an aggressive nature. Vasudevas also wield great power.
- Prativaisudeva (Ravana): The antagonist who fights against the Baladeva-Vasudeva duo and is ultimately slain by Vasudeva.
Lifespans and Stature: Jain figures like Rama and Lakshmana are described with incredibly long lifespans (Rama: 13,000 years; Lakshmana: 12,000 years) and great height (15 bows).
The Cycle of Birth and Rebirth: The text emphasizes the Jain doctrine of karma. Actions lead to consequences, influencing rebirths and the experiences in various hells and heavens. Lakshmana, due to his karma, is described as descending to the fourth hell (Pankaprabha) after his death, while Rama attains the ultimate liberation. Ravana, as a sinner, also faces the consequence of being reborn in the seventh hell.

Jain Rituals and Philosophy in the Ramkatha:

The article highlights how the Ramkatha in Uttarpurana illustrates key Jain principles:

Acceptance of Lay Vows (Shravak Vrata): Rama, after seeking spiritual guidance, embraces the vows of a lay follower (Shravaka), worshipping Jinendra (Jain Tirthankaras).
Taking Initiation (Diksha): Following Lakshmana's demise, Rama, overcome with grief, renounces the worldly life, becomes a monk, and eventually attains omniscience (Kevala-jnana) and liberation (Siddha-kshetra) at Sammeta-Shikhara. Other characters like Hanuman and Sugriva also take initiation and attain high spiritual states.
Rejection of Vedic Authority and Rituals: Acharya Gunabhadra strongly criticizes the Vedas, deeming their pronouncements contradictory and deeming them non-authoritative. He also denounces Vedic sacrifices (Yajnas), particularly those involving animal sacrifice, labeling them as unethical and a perversion of true dharma. The Jain concept of 'Yajna' is reinterpreted as acts of devotion, charity, and worship of Jain deities.
Anekantavada (Syadvada): The principle of non-absolutism, which posits that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from multiple perspectives, is exemplified through the story of Parvata and Narada. Narada's adherence to the truth (seeing the divine presence everywhere) and his Guru's critique of "ekantavada" (one-sided views) illustrate the Jain emphasis on acknowledging the relative and conditional nature of truth.

Conclusion:

The article concludes that Acharya Gunabhadra, through the Jain reinterpretation of the Ramkatha in Uttarpurana, aimed to propagate Jain dharma and philosophy. He used the exemplary characters of the Ramkatha to convey core Jain teachings: the law of karma, the consequences of actions, the invalidity of Vedic authority and rituals, the refutation of absolutism (ekantavada), the establishment of non-absolutism (syadvada/anekantavada), the supremacy of Tirthankaras, and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation through the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). The Jain tradition views figures like Rama as ideals to inspire followers to pursue the ultimate aim of Nirvana. The text also briefly touches upon the tradition of Jain Ramkatha literature in Gujarat, noting the distinct Jain adaptations of the Ramkatha, such as those by Vimalasuri and Ravishana.