Narrative Tale In Jain Literature

This document is a compilation of articles focusing on narrative tales within Jain literature, presented as a monograph by the Asiatic Society in Kolkata, published in February 2008. The book, edited by Satya Ranjan Banerjee, aims to explore the rich tradition of Jain storytelling.

Here's a breakdown of the content and key themes:

Overall Scope: The book serves as a comprehensive overview of the diverse narrative forms found in Jain literature, spanning from canonical texts to later compilations. It highlights the pedagogical purpose of these stories, which were primarily used for religious instruction and moral edification. The collection also acknowledges the significant contributions of Orientalists in studying and translating these Jain narratives.

Key Sections and Themes:

• Foreword by Ramakanta Chakrabarty: Emphasizes the value of the collected Jain tales in understanding the Jain perspective on life's problems and the Jainas' engagement with worldly life for proselytization, despite their ascetic practices. It notes the didactic nature of the stories told in popular language and their importance in the continuity of the Jain faith.
• Introduction by Satya Ranjan Banerjee:
  • Historical Context: Highlights Bengal's historical connection to Jainism, dating back to Mahāvīra's preachings, and the Asiatic Society's long-standing role in promoting Jain studies through publications. It mentions key Orientalists like Sir William Jones and Henry Thomas Colebrooke who pioneered the study of Prakrit and Jainism in the West.
  • Jain Literature and Narrative: Emphasizes that Jain literature, across various secular sciences, is a "store-house of stories, fairytales, legends, anecdotes." It quotes Winternitz extensively on the didactic purpose of Jain narratives, stating they are "never intended for mere entertainment, but always serve the purpose of religious instruction and edification."
  • Sources of Jain Stories: Identifies various sources, including the Jain Āgamas (like Acārānga, Uttarādhyayana-sūtra), Niryuktis (explanatory literature), commentaries on Agama texts, lives of Tirthankaras and Salākāpuruṣas, and later literature like Kathākosas and Dharmakathās. It also points out Jain adaptations of Hindu epics like the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata.
  • Purpose of Stories: Jain monks and authors used stories as a means to instruct the common people, making abstract doctrines accessible and relatable.
  • Winternitz's Observations: The introduction heavily relies on Moritz Winternitz's insights into Jain narrative literature, noting its unique value in portraying the lives of ordinary people and its didactic purpose.
• Chapter 1: Jaina Narrative Literature by Adinath Neminath Upadhye:
  • Canonical Stratum: Discusses narrative elements in the earliest Jain canons (Ardhamāgadhi), including biographies of religious figures, similes, parables, and didactic tales. Examples like the stories of Ārdraka, Prince Meha, Merchant Dhanna, King Selaga, and Malli are cited.
  • Post- and Pro-canonical Strata: Examines narrative content in Niryuktis and commentaries, which expanded upon canonical stories, and highlights the contributions of both Svetambara and Digambara traditions. It mentions the importance of works like the Bhagavati Ārādhanā, Mūlācāra, and Païņņas.
  • Later Tendencies and Types: Categorizes later narrative literature into:
    • Biographies of the 63 Śalakāpuruṣas (Tirthankaras, Cakravartins, etc.).
    • Biographies of individual Tirthankaras and celebrated personalities.
    • Religious tales presented in a romantic form.
    • Semi-historical Prabandhas.
    • Compilations of stories (Kathākośas).
  • Common Traits: Identifies recurring themes such as the meticulous law of Karma, detailed accounts of past and future lives, religious exhortations interwoven with dogmatic details, stories-within-stories, and the pervasive spirit of asceticism.
• Chapter 2: Orientalists on the Jaina Narrative Literature by Adinath Neminath Upadhye:
  • This section focuses on the scholarly work of Orientalists like Bühler and Winternitz on Jain literature. It reiterates Winternitz's views on the didactic nature of Jain stories and their value in understanding Indian life and culture.
  • It also cites Dr. Hertel's work on medieval Jain narrative texts, emphasizing the "migration of stories" and linguistic aspects, as well as the crucial role of the Karma doctrine in these tales. Hertel's comparison of Jain narrative sermons with Buddhist Jātakas is a significant point.
• Chapters 3-8: Specific Stories and Their Analysis: These chapters present translations and analyses of specific Jain narrative texts and stories, often attributed to prominent scholars:
  • The Story of Ānanda (A.F. Rudolf Hoernle): A detailed translation from the Uvāsagadasāo, depicting Ānanda's conversion to Jainism and his adherence to the lay vows.
  • The Story of Kāmadeva (A.F. Rudolf Hoernle): Another translation from Uvāsagadasāo, illustrating Kāmadeva's steadfastness in his vows when tested by a powerful deva in various fearsome forms.
  • The Story of Saddālaputta vis-à-vis Gosāla Mankhaliputta (A.F. Rudolf Hoernle): This chapter contrasts Saddālaputta's adherence to Mahāvīra's teachings with Gosāla Mankhaliputta's doctrine of fatalism, highlighting the former's conversion from Ājīvika to Jainism.
  • The Story of Padma (Rāma) (Maurice Winterntiz): Discusses the Jain version of the Rāmāyaṇa, focusing on the Paümacariya of Vimala Sūri, and its differences from the Brahmanical tradition, particularly in its religious framework and realistic interpretations of characters and events.
  • The Story of Jivandhara (Maurice Winternitz): Describes Jivandhara's life, his wisdom, bravery, and adherence to Jain principles, as told in the Uttarapurāṇa.
  • Stories and Anecdotes from Jain Literature compiled by Satya Ranjan Banerjee: This section provides various short excerpts and summaries of didactic sermons, aphorisms, and illustrative tales from Jain texts like Ācārānga-sūtra, Sūtrakṛtānga, Bhagavati-sūtra, Nāyādhammakahā, Uttarādhyayana-sūtra, and more. These include themes like non-killing, the ascetic life, the plight of men, the nature of samsara and karma, and various parables.
• Appendices: The book includes chronological lists of Jain narrative literature, such as:
  • Chronological Development of the Jaina Rāmāyaṇa Story
  • Chronological Development of the Jaina Mahābhārata Story
  • Chronological Development of the Biographies of the 63 Great Men
  • The Caritāvalis of the Tīrthankaras
  • Chronological Development of the Jaina Dharmakathā Literature
  • Chronological Development of the Kathānaka Literature

Key Takeaways:

• Didacticism: The overriding purpose of Jain narratives is to educate and inspire followers towards righteous conduct, asceticism, and the attainment of liberation.
• Popular Appeal: Jain stories are deeply rooted in popular Indian traditions, drawing from folklore and everyday life to make religious teachings accessible.
• Karma and Rebirth: The doctrine of Karma and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) are central themes, explaining the consequences of actions in this life and in future existences.
• Asceticism: The ideal of asceticism and renunciation is consistently promoted through the lives and experiences of the characters.
• Scholarly Foundation: The book draws heavily on the work of leading Indologists, providing a scholarly framework for understanding Jain narrative traditions.
• Vastness of Literature: The compilation underscores the immense volume and variety of Jain narrative literature, highlighting its importance in understanding Indian culture and history.

In essence, "Narrative Tale in Jain Literature" is a scholarly exploration into the rich tapestry of Jain storytelling, showcasing its diverse forms, its profound didactic purpose, and its enduring connection to the spiritual and social life of the Jain community and broader Indian society.