Jain Ratna Khand 01 Ya Choubis Tirthankar Charitra - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Ratna Khand 01 ya Choubis Tirthankar Charitra" by Krushnalal Varma:

Book Title: Jain Ratna (First Volume) or The Lives of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras Author: Krushnalal Varma Publisher: Granth Bhandar, Matunga (Bombay) Introduction by: Muni Shri Charitravijayji Maharaj (disciple of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabh Suriiji Maharaj) Publication Year: 1935

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book is the first volume of a larger series titled "Jain Ratna." Its primary purpose is to present the biographies of the twenty-four Tirthankaras in Hindi, making this essential Jain literature accessible to a wider audience, especially those who do not read Sanskrit or Prakrit. The author, Krushnalal Varma, drew heavily from the renowned "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" by Acharya Shri Hemchandracharya, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the narratives.

Key Sections and Themes:

Introduction (Bhumika): The book begins with an introduction by Muni Shri Charitravijayji Maharaj. This section highlights the importance of such literature in the current era of printing, emphasizing the need for making ancient religious texts accessible. It also touches upon the historical context of language evolution in religious literature, from Sanskrit and Prakrit to contemporary languages like Hindi. The introduction also discusses the role of "Nimit" (causative factors or influences) in spiritual development, citing the example of fish being influenced by the image of Jinendranath in the ocean.
Nivedan (Author's Note): Krushnalal Varma explains his motivation for undertaking this work, acknowledging the lack of Jain historical and biographical literature in Hindi. He details his long-standing desire to compile such a work and the challenges he faced due to limitations in his own capacity and resources. He clarifies his intention to present the lives of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, drawing from established Jain scriptures, particularly the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra." He also mentions the plan for future volumes to cover other significant figures in Jainism.
Tirthankar Charitra-Bhumika (Introduction to Tirthankara Biographies): This section lays out common elements found in the lives of all Tirthankaras, which are then elaborated in the introduction to avoid repetition in each individual biography. These include:
- The Fourteen Dreams of Tirthankara Mothers: Details the auspicious dreams interpreted as signs of the birth of a Tirthankara.
- Panch Kalyanaka (Five Auspicious Events): Explains the five significant life events of a Tirthankara: Garbh Kalyanaka (conception), Janma Kalyanaka (birth), Diksha Kalyanaka (initiation), Kevalgyan Kalyanaka (omniscience), and Nirvana Kalyanaka (liberation). It also mentions the names of the sixty-four Indras who participate in these events.
- Atishay (Miraculous Powers/Attributes): Describes the thirty-four unique characteristics and powers possessed by Tirthankaras from birth or acquired through spiritual attainment.
- Aare (Eras): An explanation of the concept of "Aare" (cosmic cycles or eras) within Jain cosmology, detailing the six Aare of Avsarpiṇī (descending cycle) and Utsarpiṇī (ascending cycle) and how they influence human lifespan, physique, and societal conditions. It notes that Tirthankaras typically appear in the third and fourth Aare.
Biographies of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: The core of the book comprises the detailed life stories of each of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, starting from Shri Adinath (the first Tirthankara) to Shri Mahavir Swami (the last). Each biography covers their previous lives (multiple bhavas), birth, childhood, youth, spiritual life, attainment of omniscience (Kevalgyan), preaching, and final liberation (Nirvana). The lives of prominent Tirthankaras like Adinath, Shantinath, Nemnath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami are given more detailed treatment, while others are presented more concisely. The text provides extensive details about Lord Mahavir Swami's life, including numerous incidents of his tapasya, his interactions with various individuals, and the challenges (upasargas) he faced.
Key Jain Principles and Concepts: The book also includes sections that explain fundamental Jain philosophical concepts, such as:
- Jain Darshan (Jain Philosophy): An overview of the core tenets of Jainism, including the nature of soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa), influx of karma (Asrava), stoppage of karma (Samvara), bondage of karma (Bandha), shedding of karma (Nirjara), liberation (Moksha), the path to Moksha (Darshan, Gyan, Charitra), the concept of stages of spiritual progress (Gunashreni or Gunasthan), spiritual practices (Adhyatma), Jain conduct (Jainachar), logic and reasoning (Nyaya Paribhasha), the doctrine of conditional existence (Syadvada), and the theory of standpoints (Naya).
- The 63 Shalaka Purushas: While the book focuses on the 24 Tirthankaras, it acknowledges that their lives are part of a larger narrative involving 63 prominent individuals in Jainism, including Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Baladevas, and other great souls.
Notable Mentions and Explanations:
- Clarification on Rishabhadeva's Marriage: The book explicitly refutes the misconception that Rishabhadeva (Adinath) remarried a widow, explaining the historical context of Yugaliya society and the divine intervention in arranging marriages, citing scriptural sources for authenticity.
- The role of Nimitta (Causality/Influence): The importance of external factors (Nimitta) in spiritual progress is discussed.
- The concept of "Aare" and its influence: The cyclical nature of time and its impact on human life is explained.
- The 24 Tirthankaras: The book systematically details the lives of all 24 Tirthankaras, providing their names, previous births, lineage, key life events, and spiritual achievements.
- Jain Philosophy Sections: The concluding part of the book delves into core Jain philosophical concepts, providing explanations for terms like Jiva, Ajiva, Karma, Bandha, Moksha, and the path to liberation, aiming to educate readers on the fundamental principles of Jainism.

Significance and Target Audience:

The book is written in clear and accessible Hindi, making it suitable for a broad audience, including laypersons, students, and scholars interested in Jainism. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the lives of the Tirthankaras, which are central to Jain teachings and inspiration. The introduction and author's note emphasize the importance of this work in disseminating Jain knowledge in the vernacular language.

Overall Contribution:

"Jain Ratna Khand 01" is a significant contribution to Jain literature in Hindi. By presenting the lives of the Tirthankaras based on authoritative texts and in an engaging narrative style, Krushnalal Varma aimed to instill faith, virtue, and spiritual understanding in his readers. The inclusion of philosophical explanations further enhances its value as an educational and devotional text.The book "Jain Ratna Khand 01 ya Choubis Tirthankar Charitra" by Krushnalal Varma, published in 1935 by Granth Bhandar, is the first volume of a series aiming to make Jain literature accessible in Hindi. The book provides detailed biographies of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, drawing heavily from the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" by Acharya Hemchandracharya, ensuring its scriptural basis and authenticity.

Key Contents and Themes:

Purpose: The primary goal is to present the lives of the Tirthankaras in Hindi for a wider audience.
Introduction: Muni Shri Charitravijayji Maharaj highlights the importance of this literature in the age of printing and discusses the evolution of religious language.
Author's Note (Nivedan): Krushnalal Varma explains his motivation to compile these biographies due to the lack of such resources in Hindi, detailing his efforts and inspirations.
Tirthankara Characteristics: The introduction to the biographies outlines common elements in Tirthankara lives:
- Fourteen Dreams: Auspicious dreams of Tirthankara mothers.
- Panch Kalyanaka: The five major life events (conception, birth, initiation, omniscience, liberation) celebrated by deities.
- Atishay: The thirty-four special qualities and powers of Tirthankaras.
- Aare: The cyclical concept of time in Jainism and its impact on human life, noting Tirthankaras appear in the third and fourth eras.
Tirthankara Biographies: The main body of the book details the lives of all twenty-four Tirthankaras, covering their past lives, birth, childhood, spiritual journey, attainment of omniscience, preaching, and final liberation. The lives of Adinath, Shantinath, Nemnath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami are elaborated upon. The text offers extensive details on Lord Mahavir Swami's life, including his tapasya, interactions, and overcoming obstacles (upasargas).
Misconceptions Clarified: The book specifically addresses and corrects the misconception that Rishabhadeva (Adinath) remarried a widow, explaining the historical and cultural context within Jain scriptures.
Jain Philosophy: The latter part of the book introduces core Jain philosophical concepts such as Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (karma influx), Samvara (karma stoppage), Bandha (karma bondage), Nirjara (karma shedding), Moksha (liberation), the path to Moksha, the spiritual progress stages (Gunashreni/Gunasthan), Jain conduct (Jainachar), logic (Nyaya Paribhasha), the doctrine of conditional reality (Syadvada), and standpoints (Naya).

Significance:

The book aims to provide spiritual and historical knowledge of the Tirthankaras in an accessible Hindi narrative. It is considered a valuable contribution to Jain literature, enriching the understanding of Jain principles and the exemplary lives of its spiritual leaders for a wider audience.