Mahayogi Sthulabhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 043 - Book Summary

This text, "Mahayogi Sthulabhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 043," is a part of a comic book series presenting the life story of the Jain ascetic Sthulabhadra, a significant figure in Jain tradition. This specific volume, "Part-2," continues his narrative, focusing on his spiritual journey, adherence to ascetic principles, and his role in preserving Jain canonical knowledge.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Introduction and Sthulabhadra's Background:

Sthulabhadra is presented as a prominent figure in Jainism, highly esteemed for his intelligence, serenity, humility, and remarkable ability to conquer carnal desires.
He was a classmate and childhood friend of Chanakya, the renowned prime minister of the Mauryan Empire.
He was deeply attracted to Rupakosha, a royal courtesan and descendant of the famous dancer Amrapali. Despite being enchanted by her for twelve years, a profound internal change at the age of 30 led him to renounce worldly life.
He became an ascetic disciple of Arya Sambhutivijaya, a scholar of fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures).

Spiritual Trials and Ascetic Discipline:

The Monsoon Retreat (Chaturmasa): The narrative details a spiritual test proposed by Arya Sambhutivijaya to his disciples during the Chaturmasa (monsoon retreat). Three disciples chose extreme ascetic practices: meditating near a serpent's hole with poison, near a lion's lair, and on the brink of a well.
Sthulabhadra's Test: Sthulabhadra requested permission to spend his Chaturmasa in the mansion of Kosha, the former courtesan, and engage in a four-month practice of disciplining his perversions.
Kosha's Mansion: Kosha's mansion was opulent and decorated with themes of music, dance, eroticism, and health. Sthulabhadra, however, insisted on using only a simple wooden bench, rejecting luxurious comforts and rich food, adhering strictly to his ascetic discipline.
Kosha's Seduction Attempts: Kosha, initially surprised and then determined to win Sthulabhadra back, employed various tactics. She used music, dance, alluring attire, and even a divine aphrodisiac given by Baba Bhairavanath. Despite these intense efforts, Sthulabhadra remained unwavering in his meditation and detachment.
Kosha's Transformation: Witnessing Sthulabhadra's unshakeable resolve, Kosha realized her defeat. She shed her courtesan persona, adopted a simple appearance, and expressed her admiration for his purity. Sthulabhadra declared that in this "fire-test of victory over sex," both had won, as his victory had also purified her mind. He then taught her the fundamentals of Jainism, and she became a shramanopasika (a female lay follower).

The Other Ascetics' Tests and Jealousy:

The other three ascetics who undertook arduous penances also returned to their guru. The one who meditated near the lion's lair was praised for his fearlessness, and the one near the serpent was lauded for making poison ineffective.
However, when Sthulabhadra returned, he was met with jealousy from the other disciples. They mocked his "healthy body," attributing it to comfortable living rather than rigorous asceticism, and accused the guru of favoritism.
The guru advised them that resolve driven by jealousy and anger destroys spiritual attainments and that their jealousy made them incapable of right decisions.

Another Ascetic's Attempt and Failure:

Another ascetic, inspired by Sthulabhadra's success, requested to spend his Chaturmasa at Kosha's mansion. Despite the guru's warning that this resolve was unsuitable, the ascetic proceeded.
At Kosha's mansion, this ascetic was distracted by erotic paintings. Kosha, observing his inner lust, subtly encouraged him. He fell prey to his desires, seeking Kosha's affection and then demanding a gem-studded blanket from Nepal as a price for her love.
After a perilous journey, the ascetic returned with the blanket, only for Kosha to mockingly tear it and throw it into a sewerage canal. She rebuked him for throwing away the "invaluable gem of his ascetic discipline into the gutter of carnality."
This chastening experience led the ascetic to repent, atone for his mistake, and seek forgiveness from both Arya Sambhutivijaya and Sthulabhadra, recognizing Sthulabhadra's superior spiritual stature.

Sthulabhadra's Ascent and the Preservation of Knowledge:

Taking over as Acharya: Upon Arya Sambhutivijaya's death, Sthulabhadra became the head (Acharya) of the Jain religious organization, a role he held for 45 years.
The Drought and the Scattering of Knowledge: During a severe three-year drought in Magadh, the ascetic organization disintegrated, and many senior scholars perished, leading to a scattering of canonical knowledge.
The First Compilation of Agams: After the drought, Sthulabhadra regrouped the scattered ascetics and initiated the first compilation of Agams (Jain scriptures) in Pataliputra. He discovered that much of the voluminous knowledge of Drishtivad (the twelfth Anga Sutra containing the 14 Purvas) had been lost.
Seeking Knowledge from Arya Bhadrabahu: Recognizing Arya Bhadrabahu as the sole living scholar of the 14 Purvas, a deputation was sent to him in Nepal. Bhadrabahu agreed to teach if able ascetics were sent. Sthulabhadra himself led 499 ascetics to Nepal for this purpose.
Sthulabhadra's Diligence: While most ascetics found the complex knowledge difficult and returned, Sthulabhadra persevered for eight years, diligently studying under Arya Bhadrabahu.
Pride and Misuse of Knowledge: Despite his dedication, Sthulabhadra succumbed to pride when he used his newfound miraculous powers to transform into a lion, surprising his sister Yakshaa. Arya Bhadrabahu rebuked him for misusing knowledge for display, stating that the knowledge of Agams was for self-realization, not entertainment.
Limited Acquisition of Purvas: As a consequence of his pride and display of powers, Sthulabhadra was only able to acquire the complete knowledge of two chapters less ten Purvas. The meaning of the remaining four Purvas was withheld, and only the textual knowledge was imparted, as per the Sangh's plea to avoid further misuse of such potent knowledge.

Later Life and Legacy:

Acharya of the Sangh: After Arya Bhadrabahu's death, Sthulabhadra officially became the head of the order, a position he held for 35 years.
Encounter with Dhanadeva: During his tenure, Sthulabhadra visited his childhood friend, the merchant Dhanadeva, who had fallen into poverty. By looking at a pillar in Dhanadeva's house, Sthulabhadra's gaze indirectly revealed hidden treasure, restoring Dhanadeva's wealth. This event highlighted the power of divine association and the influence of one's destiny shaped by karma.
Final Renunciation and Nirvana: In his 100th year, Sthulabhadra handed over the leadership of the order to Arya Mahagiri and took the ultimate vow of fasting (Santhara) on Vaibharagiri hill, peacefully attaining Nirvana.

The narrative emphasizes Sthulabhadra's profound spiritual strength, his unwavering commitment to asceticism even in the face of temptation, and his crucial role in preserving Jain scriptural knowledge against immense odds. The story also underscores the Jain principles of detachment, the consequences of pride, and the transformative power of true renunciation.