Lilavati Sara

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Lilavati Sara" based on the provided document:

Book Title: Lilavati Sara Author: Jinaratnasuri Original Text: Prakrit Lilavai-Kaha by Jineśvara-Suri Publisher: L. D. Indology Ahmedabad Language: Sanskrit abridgement Completion Date: 1285 A.D. (Jinaratnasuri's abridgement)

Overview: "Lilavati Sara" (LS.) is a Sanskrit abridgement of Jineśvara-Sūri's "Nirvana-Lilavai-Kaha" (NL.) in Prakrit. Unfortunately, the original Prakrit text, NL., is lost to us. Jinaratnasuri, who completed LS. in 1285 A.D., aimed to present the core narrative of the larger work, omitting much of the poetic description and embellishment found in the original. The work is structured into twenty-one "Utsahas" (cantos), each detailing a specific aspect of Jain teachings, primarily through illustrative stories that demonstrate the consequences of various actions and attachments.

Key Figures:

• Jineśvara-Sūri: The author of the lost original Prakrit work, NL. He was a prominent Jain Ācārya of the 10th-11th century A.D., known for his reformist movement and scholarship.
• Jinaratnasuri: The author of the present Sanskrit abridgement, LS. He lived in the 13th century A.D. and was a disciple of Jineśvara-Sūri.
• Sudharmasvamin: A prominent Jain preceptor who acts as a narrator and teacher in the stories, guiding King Vijayasena and his companions.

Structure and Content: The "Lilavati Sara" meticulously outlines the consequences of various negative traits and attachments, illustrating them through a series of narratives that often span multiple lifetimes. These consequences are primarily linked to the Kashayas (passions) and the senses.

The text is divided into twenty-one Utsahas:

1. Birth of King Simha, His Coronation, Religious Debate, and Arrival of Samarasena-Sūri: Introduces King Simha, his benevolent rule, and his quest for true religion, leading to his encounter with the sage Samarasena-Sūri.
2. Story of Prince Ramadeva and the Consequences of Anger, Violence etc.: Depicts the tragic downfall of Ramadeva due to his uncontrolled anger and violence, highlighting the devastating effects of these passions.
3. The Nature of Pride and Falsehood: Explores the ruinous path of pride and deceit through stories like those of Vasundhara and Sulakshana, showing how these traits lead to suffering and degradation.
4. The Consequences of Hypocrisy Coupled With Theft: Illustrates the destructive cycle of hypocrisy and theft through the tales of Dhana and Devadinna, emphasizing their ultimate downfall and punishment.
5. The Consequences of Addiction to Delusion and Non-Chastity: Details the severe repercussions of delusion and sensuality through the stories of Padmaratha and Vajrasimha, showing how these lead to immense suffering and rebirth in lower forms.
6. The Consequences of Greed Coupled With Acquisitiveness: Focuses on the destructive nature of greed and possessiveness through the narratives of Yasoravi and Vasunanda, demonstrating how these vices lead to ruin.
7. The Consequences of Addiction to the Pleasures of the Sense of Touch: Explores the binding nature of the sense of touch through the story of Vimalavahana, showing how excessive indulgence leads to a cycle of suffering.
8. The Consequences of Addiction to the Pleasures of the Sense of Taste: Highlights the difficulty in conquering the sense of taste and its negative consequences through the stories of Jitari and Jayaśāsana, illustrating the perils of gluttony and indulgence.
9. The Consequences of Addiction to the Pleasures of the Sense of Smell: Demonstrates how addiction to pleasant smells can lead to delusion and sin through the story of Purandara, whose life is a testament to the negative impacts of olfactory indulgence.
10. The Consequences of Addiction to the Pleasures of the Sense of Sight: Explains the dangers of visual indulgence through the story of Ghanavahana and Dhanadeva, showing how fascination with beauty can lead to downfall.
11. The Consequences of Addiction to the Pleasures of Hearing: Illustrates the detrimental effects of unchecked auditory indulgence through the story of Madanamañjūshā and Sūra, showing how attachment to music and sound can lead to ruin.
12. Acceptance of the Vows by King Vijayasena and His Four Friends; Jayasasana's Rebirth, Initiation and Preceptorship: Narrates the spiritual journey of King Vijayasena and his companions, their acceptance of Jain vows, and their eventual attainment of higher realms. It also traces the rebirth and spiritual progression of Jayasasana.
13. Rebirth of Ramadeva as Prince Vimalasena; His Enlightenment: Details the reincarnation of Ramadeva as Vimalasena and his eventual enlightenment, highlighting the transformative power of spiritual guidance.
14. Initiation of Surandhara and Kusumasekhara (i.e., Purandara and Sulakshana of Earlier Births): Describes the spiritual initiation of Surandhara and Kusumasekhara, tracing their past lives and their path towards liberation.
15. Rebirth of Kanakaratha as Kulamrganka; His Initiation: Chronicles the rebirth of Kanakaratha as Kulamrganka and his eventual initiation, emphasizing the cycle of karma and the possibility of spiritual redemption.
16. Rebirth of Vairisimha as Susena; His Initiation: Follows the story of Vairisimha's rebirth as Susena and his initiation, showcasing the path to spiritual awakening.
17. Initiation of King Simha; His Promotion: Details King Simha's initiation and his eventual promotion to preceptorship, marking a significant spiritual milestone.
18. Samarasenasuri and Vimala Maharshi Attain Absolute Knowledge: Chronicles the ultimate spiritual achievement of Samarasenasuri and Vimalasena – attaining Kevalajñana (absolute knowledge) and liberation.
19. Surandhara and Kusumasekhara Attain Absolute Knowledge: Narrates the liberation of Surandhara and Kusumasekhara after their attainment of Kevalajñana.
20. Kulamrganka and Susena Attain Absolute Knowledge: Describes the attainment of Kevalajñana and liberation by Kulamrganka and Susena.
21. Simha, Padmakesara, Lilavati, Surasundari, Ramanamati and Kartavirya Attain Absolute Knowledge: Concludes the narrative with the spiritual liberation of several key characters, including Simha, Padmakesara, and others, signifying the ultimate goal of Jainism.

Sources and Influences: Jineśvara-Suri's original work, NL., was significantly influenced by Uddyotana's "Kuvalayamala" (KM.). Jineśvara elaborated on KM.'s framework by incorporating more sins (asravas), the consequences of sensual pleasures, and detailing five consecutive births for the characters. LS. also draws from the rich tradition of Jain Dharma-kathas (religious tales), with some stories having possible origins in earlier Buddhist Jataka tales.

Style and Literary Qualities: The LS. is written in a mixed Sanskrit, characteristic of Jain Sanskrit literature. Jinaratnasuri demonstrates considerable linguistic and literary skill, employing a vivid narrative style, well-developed characters, and diverse vocabulary. The text utilizes various Alamkaras (figures of speech), alliteration, yamaka, and prose-stylistic devices like dialogues and descriptive passages to engage the reader. The title "Lilavati Sara," however, is noted as perhaps inappropriate, given Lilavati's marginal role in the overall narrative.

Overall Theme: The "Lilavati Sara" serves as a didactic work, aiming to guide readers towards righteousness and liberation by illustrating the severe consequences of worldly attachments, sensory indulgence, and negative emotions, while also showcasing the transformative power of spiritual discipline and adherence to Jain principles. The stories collectively emphasize the cyclical nature of karma and the importance of renunciation for ultimate salvation.