Jambuchariyam

This document is a collection of pages from the Jain text "Jambuchariyam" by Munivar Gunapal, with a new edition compiled by Sadhvi Chandanbalashri and edited by Acharya Jinvijay Muni. Published by Bhadrankar Prakashan in Ahmedabad in 2010.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Key Information and Structure:

• Title: Jambuchariyam (जंबुचरियम्)
• Author: Munivar Gunapal (मुणिवरगुणपालविरइयं)
• Compiler (New Edition): Sadhvi Chandanbalashri (साध्वी चन्दनबालाश्री)
• Editor (New Edition): Acharya Jinvijay Muni (आचार्य जिनविजयमुनि)
• Publisher: Bhadrankar Prakashan, Ahmedabad (भद्रंकर प्रकाशन, अहमदाबाद)
• Publication Year (New Edition): 2010 (specifically, page 1 mentions 2010_02, and page 5 states the new edition is from Veer Samvat 2535, Vikram Samvat 2065, i.e., 2009 AD).
• First Edition Publisher: Singhi Jain Shastra Shikshapith, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay (सिंघीजैनशास्त्रशिक्षापीठ भारतीय विद्याभवन, बम्बई) in Veer Samvat 2014 (1959 AD).
• Language: Prakrit (प्राकृतभाषानिबद्ध)
• Subject: The life and teachings of Jambu Swami (जम्बूमुनिचरितम्).

Content Highlights:

1. Pages 1-6 (Introduction and Publication Details):

   • These pages contain the title page, publisher information, acknowledgments to the compilers, editors, and inspirers (various Acharyas and Sadhvis), and details about the first and new editions.
   • It mentions that the text is based on a rare palm-leaf manuscript found in the Jain Granth Bhandar in Jaisalmer fort.
   • The "Prakashakiy" (Publishing Note) and "Prastavana" (Foreword) highlight the significance of Jambu Swami's life story in Jain literature and its presence in various languages. It also discusses the lineage of the author, Gunapal Muni, and his possible connection to Utodhyotansuri, the author of Kuvalayamala.
   • The "Sampadkiy" (Editorial Note) provides a list of numerous works on Jambu Swami in different languages and an overview of the content of this specific "Jambuchariyam." It also details the historical context of Jambu Swami.

2. Page 7 (Invocation and Introduction to the Text):

   • It begins with an invocation to the Jinas (Jineshvara Bhagwanto) and a statement by the author that he will narrate the life of Jambu Swami (Jambunachariyam) which is interwoven with religious discourse (Dharmakatha-pratibaddham).

3. Pages 8-19 (Prakashakiy and Prastavana by Munishri Jinvijay):

   • Prakashakiy (Publisher's Note): This section reiterates that the text by Gunapal Muni, originally in Prakrit, is based on a unique palm-leaf manuscript from Jaisalmer. It mentions the first edition published by Singhi Jain Shastra Shikshapith in 1959. It emphasizes the distinct place of Gunapal Muni's "Jambuchariyam" among the numerous lives of Jambu Swami in Jain literature. It also expresses gratitude to Sadhvi Chandanbalashri for her diligent work on the new edition despite health challenges and to the Mulund Jain Sangh for sponsoring the publication.
   • Prastavana (Foreword by Munishri Jinvijay): This is a detailed introduction to the work.
     • It explains the discovery of the sole ancient palm-leaf manuscript in Jaisalmer in 1942-43.
     • It emphasizes the fame of Jambu Muni and the vast amount of literature dedicated to his life in various languages (Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, Gujarati, Hindi, Rajasthani, Kannada, Tamil).
     • It provides historical context, identifying Jambu Muni as a prominent disciple and successor of Sudharma Swami, who was the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. Jambu Muni is noted as the last Kevali (omniscient being) in Jain tradition, after whom no one attained Nirvana in that manner.
     • It discusses the schism in Jainism into Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, noting that Jambu Muni holds a respected position in both.
     • It details Jambu Muni's spiritual lineage, his connection to Sudharma Swami, and his role in preserving and transmitting Lord Mahavir's teachings.
     • It outlines the timeline of events after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, including the leadership of Sudharma Swami and then Jambu Swami.
     • It estimates Jambu Swami's lifespan and leadership duration.
     • It mentions other ancient Jain works related to Jambu Muni, like 'Vasudevahindi' and 'Jambūajjhayanam', and provides an analysis of Gunapal Muni's work, suggesting a composition period around the 11th century or earlier, based on linguistic style and the manuscript's age.
     • It notes the stylistic similarities with Udyotansuri's 'Kuvalayamala', suggesting influence. It delves into the possible identity of the preceptor Veerabhadra, common to both Udyotansuri and Gunapal Muni.
     • It introduces another work by Gunapal Muni, 'Rishidattacharyam', and provides a transcription of its beginning and end, highlighting its unique narrative structure and the author's affiliations.
     • It discusses the manuscript of 'Jambuchariyam' itself, its condition, and the efforts made for its transcription and collation.
     • It mentions the contributions of Pandit Shri Amritlal Mohanlal in preparing the errata for the first edition.
     • It briefly touches upon the comparative studies of Jambu Muni's stories by scholars like Dr. Hermann Jacobi and Prof. Johannes Hertel.
     • It concludes by highlighting the simple and accessible language and engaging narrative style of the "Jambuchariyam," rich with Jain principles and ethical teachings.

4. Pages 19-33 (Sampadkiy and Subject Index):

   • Sampadkiy (Editorial Note by Sadhvi Chandanbalashri): This note highlights Jambu Swami as the last Gandhara of Bhagwan Mahavir and the final Kamadeva. It lists over 100 compositions on Jambu Swami's life. It provides a chronological list of significant works on Jambu Swami. It details the first publication of this "Jambuchariyam" and the efforts made for its accuracy. It also shares her personal spiritual experience while working on the text.
   • Subject Index (Vishayanukramanika): This is a detailed table of contents outlining the 16 chapters (Uddeshas) of the "Jambuchariyam" and their respective topics, covering Jambu Swami's past lives, birth, youth, renunciation, marriage, interactions with Prabha, his spiritual development, and eventual liberation.

5. Pages 34 onwards (Text of the "Jambuchariyam"):

   • These pages begin the actual text of the "Jambuchariyam," starting with the invocation and the first chapter (Uddesha).
   • The text is in Maharashtri Prakrit, divided into 16 chapters.
   • The content seems to follow the life story of Jambu Swami, including mythological elements, ethical teachings, and philosophical discussions, presented in a narrative style interspersed with verses.

Overall Summary:

"Jambuchariyam" is a significant Jain text in Prakrit that recounts the life story of Jambu Swami, a revered figure in Jainism, who was a prominent disciple of Lord Mahavir and the last Kevali. The new edition, meticulously compiled and edited, makes this ancient work accessible to modern readers. The text details Jambu Swami's spiritual journey, his past lives, his eventual renunciation from a wealthy life, his interactions with various individuals including his wives and the notorious thief Prabha, and his attainment of liberation (Moksha). The work is lauded for its simple yet profound language, its rich narrative, and its incorporation of Jain philosophical and ethical principles, serving as a guide for spiritual seekers. The publication also acknowledges the efforts of scholars and institutions in preserving and disseminating this valuable Jain literature.