Kummaputta Chariam

The provided text is an introduction and partial transcription of the Jain text "Kummaputta Chariam" (The Story of Kurmiputra), edited by K. V. Abhyankar and published in 1933. Here's a comprehensive summary of the English content:

1. Introduction and Editorial Context:

• Purpose of the Edition: The book is published because no printed copies were readily available for students, especially those preparing for university examinations.
• Importance of the Subject: The text provides an outline of the life of an ancient Jain Kevali (omniscient being) in simple Prakrit, making it important for Jain religious study.
• Manuscript Basis: The editor collected ten manuscripts for the edition. He notes that two manuscripts from the "Dehla Upashraya" are very old and possibly close to the author's time, helping to establish the genuine text.
• Manuscript Details (Critical Note):
  • Several manuscripts were used, originating from Ahmedabad, Surat, and Limdi.
  • Dates range from the 16th century (1539 A.D.) to the 19th century (1916 A.D.).
  • Some manuscripts are legibly written and correct, while others contain clerical errors.
  • Gujarati glosses and translations accompany some manuscripts.
  • The editor notes differences in readings due to scribal ignorance or provincial pronunciation, which were generally ignored in the printed edition to avoid a long list of miswritten words.
  • The principle of majority readings was not followed; instead, readings were chosen based on critical assessment and the reliability of older manuscripts.
• Author and Date:
  • The author is identified as Jinamanikya, with his preceptor being Hemavimala.
  • The earliest manuscript dates to 1539 A.D., fixing the latest limit for composition.
  • Internal evidence suggests the author knew texts like the Das'avaikalikasutra and Sthanangasutra.
  • Hemavimala is likely the Acharya of the Tapagaccha (1492-1512 A.D.), suggesting Jinamanikya lived around the early 16th century.
  • The name Anantahamsa is also mentioned as a possible author, based on colophons of some manuscripts. He might have been a further pupil of Jinamanikya. Anantahamsa is also credited with Gujarati works.
  • The language, style, and method point to the 16th century A.D. as the most likely period.
• The Story's Source: The story is considered ancient and mythological, not found in Jain canonical books. The earliest references are in commentary literature. The author likely drew from the Sanskrit commentary of Shubhavardhana on Rishimandala, which mentions Kurmaputra briefly. Shubhavardhana's narrative is brief, while the author's version includes poetic embellishments and digressions. Harshanandana's version is considered later and possibly based on this author's work.
• Form and Style:
  • The book is styled as a "Kathanaka" (narration).
  • It's written in simple, beautiful, and unassuming Maharashtri Prakrit, with a few Sanskrit passages and an Ardha-Magadhi passage at the beginning (likely a quotation from Sutra literature).
  • The language is described as chaste, pure, and free from forced metaphors or puns.
  • The author imitates the style and diction of epic literature, creating a serene and dignified atmosphere.
  • The author's scholarship in scriptures and theology is evident, with occasional quotations and learned arguments woven into the narrative.
• Narrative Embellishments and Themes:
  • The author adds descriptive passages and dialogues (like the Yakshini and the prince, or the sermon of Kevali Jagaduttama) to enhance the story.
  • A central teaching emphasized is the supreme importance of "thought" (Bhava) over other aspects of religion (charity, penance, conduct). This is presented as the core message, illustrated by the hero.
  • The introduction of Mahavira Swami as the narrator to Gautama is an intentional innovation to create an atmosphere of antiquity and highlight the importance of pure thought.
• Conclusion and Acknowledgements: The editor expresses gratitude to manuscript lenders, friends, and the printing press. He hopes students will benefit from the book's "golden lesson."

2. Textual Content (Partial Transcription):

The provided pages include the Prakrit text of the "Kummaputtachariam" starting with an invocation. Key points from the transcribed verses:

• Invocation: Bows to Vardhamana, the Lord, whose feet are adored by gods and demons.
• Setting: Vardhamana Jina arrives in the city of Rajagriha, in a garden called Guna-Silpaka. A divine assembly hall (Samosarana) is described.
• Sermon Theme: Vardhamana expounds on the four constituents of religion: charity, austerity, character, and thought, emphasizing the paramount importance of "thought" (Bhava).
• Kurmiputra's Example: Kurmiputra is cited as an example of someone who achieved Omniscience (Kevala Jnana) through pure thought (Bhava) while still living as a householder.
• Introduction of Gautama: The narrative then shifts to the dialogue between Mahavira and his chief disciple, Gautama (Indrabhuti), who inquires about Kurmiputra.
• Kurmiputra's Origin and Early Life:
  • The story begins in Durgamapura, ruled by King Drona and Queen Drumā.
  • Their son is Durlabha, a delicate prince.
  • The prince is described playing with other princes.
  • The sage Sulochana arrives in the garden.
  • Bhadramukhi, a Yakshini, approaches Sulochana to ask about her deceased husband.
  • Sulochana informs her that her husband has been reborn as Durlabha, the son of King Drona.
  • Bhadramukhi, transformed into her former human guise (Manavati), approaches Prince Durlabha.
  • She takes him to a celestial palace in the netherworld.
  • Durlabha is amazed and wonders how he got there.
  • Bhadramukhi explains he is there due to her previous merit.
  • Durlabha remembers his past life and recognizes her as his former wife.
  • He is reunited with her and enjoys worldly pleasures.
• Reunion with Parents: Durlabha's parents, who were searching for him, are told by Sulochana that their son was taken by a Yakshini. They become distressed. Sulochana explains the parents' reunion with their son, who is now with the Yakshini. The parents, overcome with grief and philosophical insight, decide to become monks.
• Kurmiputra's Fate and the Story of the Merchant: The narrative then details the Yakshini's and the prince's eventual virtuous lives and rebirths. The sermon then transitions to the story of a merchant seeking a wish-fulfilling gem, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining it and the importance of faith and auspicious actions.
• Kurmiputra's Birth as Dharmadeva: The story returns to the parents, King Mahendrasimha and Queen Kurma, who have a son named Dharmadeva, later known as Kurmaputra. Due to his past life karma, he is born as a dwarf.
• Achieving Omniscience: The narrative follows Kurmaputra's life, his indifference to worldly pleasures, his remembrance of past lives, and his eventual attainment of Omniscience through pure thought, even while living as a householder and caring for his parents.
• The Four Charanas: The story also includes the rebirth of other characters (Kamala, Bhramara, Drona, Drumā) who become Charana sages and attain Omniscience through Kurmaputra's teachings.
• The Path to Omniscience: The text details the progressive destruction of Karmas (Kshapakashreni) required to achieve Omniscience, outlining the stages of eliminating different types of Karma potencies.
• Final Teachings and Conclusion: Kurmaputra, as an omniscient being, preaches about the importance of pure thought and right conduct. His parents and others achieve enlightenment. The text concludes with the auspicious outcomes of hearing Kurmaputra's story and the attribution of the work to Jinamanikya and Hemavimala.

3. Glossary:

• The glossary provides explanations for numerous Prakrit words used in the text, often with Sanskrit equivalents. This is a crucial component for understanding the nuances of the ancient language.

In essence, "Kummaputta Chariam" is a Jain narrative that emphasizes the power of pure thought (Bhava) as the key to spiritual attainment, even for householders. It intertwines the life story of Kurmiputra with teachings on Jain philosophy, karma, and the path to Omniscience, drawing from ancient legends and philosophical principles. The edition aims to make this valuable text accessible to a wider audience.