King Samprati

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "King Samprati" by the JAINA Education Committee:

The text introduces King Samprati, a significant Jain monarch who reigned in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. He was the grandson of the famous Emperor Ashoka and the son of King Kunäl. His existence is corroborated by Jain historical accounts, mentions in Buddhist literature (as Sampadi), and even some Hindu Purāṇas where he appears under variations of his name. Crucially, the discovery of coins bearing his name and the Jain symbols of a crescent (representing Siddhashilä) and a swastika, along with three dots (symbolizing Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct), provides conclusive evidence of his Jain faith.

Samprati was raised and educated in Avanti and ascended the throne of Avanti in 232 BC. A pivotal moment in his life occurred when, as a prince, he encountered a grand Jain procession led by Acharya Suhastigiri. He felt a strong sense of recognition, which the Acharya confirmed by recalling Samprati as his disciple in a previous lifetime.

The text highlights a significant episode illustrating the transformative power of Jain practices. During a severe famine, Jain monks struggled to receive alms. A starving poor man, witnessing the monks being fed, approached Acharya Suhastigiri for food. The Acharya, recognizing the man's potential for a great future in Jainism, offered him food if he became a monk. The man agreed, was initiated, but overate due to prolonged hunger, leading to severe stomach pain. He endured this pain patiently while regretting his gluttony. Despite the care of other monks, he died that night from the pain. However, due to his adoption of monkhood and his patient endurance, he was reborn as King Samprati. The Acharya recounted this story to Samprati, who was deeply moved and recognized the immense benefits of even brief adherence to Jainism. This led him to formally adopt Jainism as his faith and accept Acharya Suhastigiri as his Guru.

Upon becoming king, Samprati offered his kingdom to his Guru, but Acharya Suhastigiri declined, emphasizing that as a Jain monk, he desired no possessions. Instead, he urged Samprati to dedicate his reign to promoting Jainism. Samprati wholeheartedly embraced this advice. He became a devout follower of Jain principles, a brave king who expanded his kingdom significantly, and a fervent promoter of Jainism. He is credited with:

• Constructing and renovating numerous Jain temples throughout his dominion and encouraging other rulers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to do the same.
• Arranging the installation of over 100,000 Tirthankar idols and the construction or renovation of 36,000 temples during his lifetime.
• Dispatching missionaries abroad to countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, and China to spread the teachings of Jainism.

His dedication to spreading Jainism earned him the title "Jain Ashoka" from historian Vincent Smith, drawing a parallel to Ashoka's promotion of Buddhism. Samprati also extended profound compassion to his subjects, particularly the poor, remembering his own past suffering. He established 700 charitable dharamshalas offering free food to all, ensuring no one starved.

The text notes that Samprati had no children, which he accepted as a consequence of his past karma, and continued to observe his religious duties scrupulously. After a reign of 53 years, he died in 179 BC and is believed by Jain tradition to have been reborn as a heavenly being.

The summary concludes by highlighting Samprati's exemplary service to others, demonstrating that religious deeds, even if brief, yield significant and lasting benefits, creating a positive ripple effect. The story encourages readers to emulate his spirit of service and compassion.