Mahavir Purva Jain Dharm Ki Parampara Atmanusandhan Ki Yatra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Purva Jain Dharm ki Parampara Atmanusandhan ki Yatra" (The Tradition of Jainism Before Mahavir: A Journey of Self-Inquiry) by Dr. Mahaveer Saran Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Mahavir Purva Jain Dharm ki Parampara Atmanusandhan ki Yatra" by Dr. Mahaveer Saran Jain, argues that Lord Mahavir was not the founder of Jainism but the 24th Tirthankara of the current descending era (Avsarpini Kaal). The text emphasizes that Jainism has a much older tradition, predating Mahavir, and the author's intention is to trace this historical lineage through a journey of self-inquiry.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Cycle of Time and Tirthankaras: Jain cosmology posits a cyclical view of time, divided into ascending (Utsarpini) and descending (Avsarpini) eras, each with six stages of progressive development or decline. Lord Mahavir, along with the other 23 Tirthankaras of the current era, emerged during the descending period. The first Tirthankara, Adinath or Rishabhdev, is considered the originator of the tradition in this epoch.

• Challenging the "Founder" Narrative: The author addresses the misconception that Mahavir was the founder. This misunderstanding often arises because the terms "Jina" and "Jain" become more prominent in texts from the post-Mahavir era. The author clarifies that the meaning of words evolves with culture and time, and the absence of these specific terms in earlier texts doesn't negate the existence of the tradition.

• The Pre-Mahavir Tradition (Atmanusandhan): The core of the book is dedicated to exploring the history and nomenclature of Jainism before Mahavir. The author highlights:

  • "Nata-Putta" and "Nigrantha": Gautam Buddha, Mahavir's contemporary, referred to Mahavir as "Nigrantha Nataputta" in the Tripitaka. This indicates the existence of the "Nigrantha" (meaning "one who is unbound" or "free from worldly ties") tradition prior to Mahavir.
  • "Arhat Dharma": The text connects the concept of "Arhat" (a perfected soul) to Jainism. The derivation of "Arhat" from the root "Arh" (meaning worthy of worship) is explained. The author points to the Rigveda mentioning "Arhata" as evidence of this ancient tradition.
  • "Shraman Tradition": The term "Shraman" is central to the pre-Mahavir lineage. It signifies one who practices austerity ("shram" meaning labor or austerity) and embodies equanimity ("sam" meaning balanced or equal). The Shraman tradition is described as one that emphasizes human effort, karma, and self-reliance, rather than fatalism or hedonism. The author cites scholars like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar who suggest the Shraman culture predates the arrival of Aryans in India and was generally anti-Vedic in its rejection of elaborate sacrifices.
  • "Nigranthas" and their Practices: Jain monks are referred to as "Nigranthas." The text notes that the Tripitaka mentions the ascetic practices of these Nigranthas. Jain scriptures identify five types of Shramanas: Nirgrantha, Shakya, Tapas, Gerua, and Ajivaka, with Nirgrantha being specifically associated with Jainism. The term "Nirgrantha" is also found in Vedic literature.
  • "Vatrasana" Rishis: The text highlights the ancient mention of "Vatrasana" (wind-clad) Rishis and Munis in the Rigveda, describing them as austere and celibate (urdhvareta). This aligns with the ascetic nature of the Shraman tradition.

• Historical Acceptance of Pre-Mahavir Tirthankaras: The author asserts that history generally acknowledges the historical existence of the first Tirthankara Rishabhdev (Adinath), the 22nd Tirthankara Neminath, and the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath.

  • Rishabhdev: Considered the promulgator of the Vatrasana Shramanas' dharma, Rishabhdev is recognized by scholars like Dr. Hermann Jacobi as the "first Tirthankar and the founder." His lineage is linked to the pre-Vedic tradition of Ahimsa (non-violence).
  • Neminath: Identified as a cousin of Lord Krishna, Neminath's historical or mythological status is compared to that of Krishna.
  • Parshvanath: The historicity of Parshvanath is deemed "undoubted." He is said to have attained nirvana 250 years before Mahavir's birth, living for 100 years (circa 877-777 BCE). His tradition had a significant influence during the time of Mahavir and Buddha. Texts describe disciples of Parshvanath's lineage existing alongside Mahavir. Mahavir's parents are also considered followers of the Parshva tradition. It's mentioned that Parshvanath preached "Chaturyama Dharma" (four vows: abstaining from violence, falsehood, theft, and possession).
  • Buddha and Parshvanath's Tradition: The text cites evidence from Buddhist scriptures suggesting that Buddha himself, before his enlightenment, might have followed practices associated with Parshvanath's tradition, such as self-mortification and asceticism. Scholars like Dr. Dharmanand Kosambi and Pandit Sukh Lalji support this view.

• Mahavir's Contribution: While not the founder, Lord Mahavir's significance lies in his reinterpretation and systematization of the existing dharma for his times.

  • He emphasized Brahmacharya (celibacy) as a distinct vow.
  • He introduced "Chhedopasthaniya Charitra" (a system of conduct divided into parts). Pujyapad described Mahavir's Charitra as having thirteen divisions: five Mahavratas (great vows), five Samitis (careful actions), and three Guptis (controls). These divisions were not present in the same form before him.
  • Mahavir established a benchmark for enduring hardships through intense penance and made the path to self-conquest accessible to the common person through his own efforts and conduct. His life is presented as an embodiment of spiritual contemplation, self-discipline, and a means to realize the soul through self-endeavor.

• The Meaning of "Ahimsa": Parshvanath's contribution to Ahimsa is highlighted as bringing it from the realm of ascetics' practice into the everyday practical sphere of the common people by linking it with truth, non-stealing, and non-possession.

In essence, the book aims to demonstrate that Jainism is an ancient tradition with deep roots, and while Lord Mahavir was a pivotal figure who revitalized and organized its teachings, the fundamental principles and spiritual quest of self-realization existed long before his advent, nurtured by a lineage of Tirthankaras and the Shraman tradition.