Jain Legend Vol 1

The book "Jain Legend Vol 1" by Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, edited by Shugan C. Jain and P. S. Surana, is an abridged English translation of the Hindi series "Jain Dharma k Maulika Itih sa." It aims to present an authentic history of Jainism, focusing on the era of the Tirthankaras, or ford-makers, who are seen as rejuvenators of the Jain creed.

The editorial team emphasizes their carefulness in maintaining the original content without any additions, preserving the scholarship and research of Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, who dedicated over twenty years to this work. The text uses diacritical marks and includes a glossary of frequently used Jain definitive terms to aid reader comprehension.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Importance of History: The book underscores history's role as a mirror for understanding a nation, religion, culture, or society, acting as a guide for future generations. Ignorance of history is likened to blindness.
• Jain Historical Preservation: It highlights the efforts of Jain acharyas throughout history in preserving Jain history through various texts, genres like Niryuktis, Charis, Puranas, Charitras, and Sthaviravalies. Mention is made of texts like Paumacariyam, Kahvali, and Harivamshapurana, as well as inscriptions like the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela.
• The Tirthankara Era: The primary focus is on the glorious period of Jainism during the time of the Tirthankaras. The text acknowledges the challenges in reconstructing the history of the period following Devardhigani Kshamashramana until the seventh century AD, describing it as "concealed, disorderly and in relative darkness."
• The Initiative to Write Jain History: The book details the decision made at an Ajmer conference in 1933 to undertake the monumental task of writing Jain history, a task eventually taken up by Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj in 1965.
• The Tirthankaras: The volume systematically introduces each of the 24 Tirthankaras. For each, it provides:
  • Previous Lives and Spiritual Practices: Accounts of their past lives, the practices and reflections that led them to attain the Tirthankara status, and the Tirthankara namakarma.
  • Birth and Naming: Details about their conception, auspicious dreams seen by their mothers, birth details, and the reasons behind their names.
  • Marriage and Kingship (if applicable): Information on their married life, rule as kings or emperors, and eventual renunciation.
  • Initiation and Penance: The process of their initiation into monkhood and their subsequent austerities.
  • Omniscience (Kevala) and Sermon: The attainment of omniscience and the founding of the religious order (Tirthas).
  • Congregation: Details about their principal disciples (Gadhara), monks, female-monks, lay followers, etc.
  • Parinirvana (Liberation): The circumstances of their final liberation.
  • Kalyankas: The five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life.
  • Extraordinary Signs (Atishayas): Special characteristics distinguishing them from ordinary omniscient beings.
  • Historical Context and Other Traditions: Comparisons and connections with Vedic and Buddhist literature, and discussions on the historicity of Tirthankaras like Rishabhanatha and Parshvanatha.
• Prominent Figures: The book details the lives of key figures such as:
  • Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinatha): The first Tirthankara, considered the founder of human society and Jainism in this cycle. His life covers the transition from the era of enjoyment (bhogabhumi) to the era of action (karmabhumi), the establishment of social order, and the institution of castes.
  • Emperor Bharata: Rishabhanatha's eldest son, the first Cakravart (world emperor), after whom India is believed to be named. His life illustrates conquest, administration, and eventual renunciation.
  • Lord Ajitanatha: The second Tirthankara, detailing his past lives and the attainment of Tirthankara status.
  • Lord Sambhavanatha, Lord Abhinandana, Lord Sumatinatha, Lord Padmaprabha, Lord Suparshvanatha, Lord Chandraprabha Swamy, Lord Suvidhinatha, Lord Shreyamsanatha, Lord Vasupujya, Lord Vimalanatha, Lord Anantanatha, Lord Dharmanatha: The subsequent Tirthankaras are presented with similar biographical details.
  • Cakravartins: The lives of various Cakravartins like Sagara, Maghav, Sanatkumara, Mahapadma, Jayasena, Hari shesha, and Brahmadatta are described, highlighting their reigns, conquests, and sometimes, their eventual renunciation or downfall.
  • Lord Parshvanatha: The 23rd Tirthankara, his life, teachings, opposition to sacrificial violence, and the differences between his tradition (Chaturmas) and Mahavira's (Panchamahavratas) are discussed. His historicity is also supported by external evidence.
  • Lord Mahavira: The 24th Tirthankara, his birth, childhood incidents, renunciation, austerities, attainment of omniscience, establishment of the four-fold Jain order (monks, female-monks, laymen, laywomen), his teachings on non-violence, compassion, and the K lacsakra (cycle of time), and the historical context of his time are comprehensively covered. The book also discusses the controversial womb-stealing event and the differing views between Svetambara and Digambara traditions.
• The K lacsakra (Cycle of Time): A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the Jain concept of time cycles (Avasarpi and Utsarpi), their divisions (Rakas), and the gradual degeneration or progress of human society, lifespan, physical attributes, and the emergence of Tirthankaras and Cakravartins within these cycles.
• Historical Analysis and Dating: The book addresses historical debates, particularly concerning the dating of Tirthankaras like Parshvanatha and Mahavira, comparing Jain accounts with Vedic, Buddhist, and historical research. It emphasizes the historicity of Mahavira and Parshvanatha.
• The Jain Tradition and its Principles: Throughout the narrative of the Tirthankaras, fundamental Jain principles like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, penance, detachment, and the importance of right knowledge, right belief, and right conduct are implicitly and explicitly conveyed.

"Jain Legend Vol 1" serves as a foundational text for understanding the lineage and lives of the Tirthankaras, offering a detailed historical and spiritual narrative of Jainism's origins and development during its most revered era.