Parshwanath Ka Lokavyapi Vyaktitva Aur Chintan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Parshwanath ka Lokavyapi Vyaktitva aur Chintan" by Fulchandra Jain Shatri:

The book, "Parshwanath ka Lokavyapi Vyaktitva aur Chintan" (The Universal Personality and Philosophy of Parshvanath), authored by Dr. Phoolchand Jain Premi, delves into the widespread influence and profound teachings of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath, who preceded Lord Mahavir.

Key Points from the Summary:

• Predecessor to Mahavir: Tirthankara Parshvanath was born in Kashi in the 9th century BCE and was a significant proponent of the Shraman tradition.
• Limited Direct Literature: While there isn't extensive systematic literature directly attributed to Parshvanath, his existence as a historical figure and his ideals are well-established through various ancient, authentic sources.
• Universal Influence: Parshvanath's exemplary life and philosophy have left an indelible mark on the entire Indian culture, deeply influencing Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist religions, as well as the concepts of non-violence (ahimsa) and spirituality.
• Followers and Adherents: The text highlights that various groups such as the Vratya, Pani, and Naga communities were clear followers of Parshvanath. Tribes like Sarak, Sadgop, and Rangiya, residing in eastern India (Bengal, Bihar, Odisha), have a direct and deep connection to Parshvanath's tradition, with his philosophy influencing their daily lives and rituals. Many non-Jain communities also revere him as their family deity.
• Historical Evidence: The famous Jain follower King Kharvel of Kalinga (2nd-3rd century BCE) was a prominent adherent. Numerous regions and countries mentioned in the Agamas, including Anga, Banga, Kalinga, Kuru, Kosal, Kashi, Avanti, Magadha, and Saurashtra, were places where Parshvanath traveled, delivering beneficial sermons and awakening people.
• Emphasis on Ahimsa: Parshvanath's teachings were practical and accessible. In an era dominated by ritualistic sacrifices and practices causing violence for worldly desires (son, wealth, fame), he actively promoted Ahimsa.
• "Pasavachchijja" and "Pasatth": The terms "Pasavachchijja" (followers of Parshva) and "Pasatth" (associated with Parshva) are frequently used in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit literature, signifying his widespread popularity and the existence of his followers.
• Symbolic Incident: The well-known story of Prince Kamatha performing five fires (Panchagni Tapas) at the Ganga Ghat in Kashi and the salvation of the Naga couple through the Namokar Mantra symbolizes Parshvanath's opposition to violence and ignorance in religion and his establishment of non-violence and discernment.
• Naga Tribe and Parshvanath: The text asserts that Parshvanath's acceptance among the Naga and Dravida communities was undisputed. The Naga tribe was a powerful community of the Shraman culture, with centers like Taxila, Ahichhatra, Mathura, Padmavati, and Kanchipuri. Many Naga royal dynasties and republics were followers of Parshvanath.
• Kehi-Gautam Dialogue: The 23rd chapter of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, the dialogue between Kehi and Gautam, is a notable instance showcasing the influence of Parshvanath's tradition. Shraman Keshi Kumara of Shravasti was also a practitioner from Parshvanath's lineage. The entire Rajagriha was also a follower of Parshvanath.
• Mahavir's Family and Followers: Lord Mahavir's parents and relatives were "Pasavachchijja" Shramanopasak (lay devotees). The text quotes the Acharanga Sutra stating this explicitly. Lord Mahavir himself often praised the knowledge and discourses of Parshvanath's followers.
• Mahavir's Admiration: Mahavir referred to Parshvanath with honorific titles such as Arhat, Jeevant, and Purushadaniya (leader of men or public figure).
• Bhagavati Sutra References: The Bhagavati Sutra mentions five hundred Paschapatya Sthaviras (elder monks) in Tungiaypuri who preached the 'Chaturyama Dharma' (fourfold path) to Shramanopasakas. When this information reached Lord Mahavir through his disciple Indrabhuti Gautam, Mahavir confirmed that the Sthaviras' explanations were correct and that they possessed profound knowledge. Mahavir stated that he also gave the same answers and that listening to such monks brought truth.
• Continuity of Tradition: These references clearly demonstrate that Parshvanath's spiritual, intellectual, ethical, and ascetic tradition was robust and highly regarded during Lord Mahavir's time, and Mahavir himself was an admirer of it.
• Connection to Buddhism: The Pali literature mentions a Shravaka named Vappa Shakya, an uncle of Lord Buddha, who belonged to the Nirgranthas. This indicates that Buddha's paternal lineage was Paschapatya. Some accounts suggest that Lord Buddha was initially initiated into Parshvanath's Nirgranth tradition before establishing his own distinct path.
• Buddha's Practices: A life incident of Lord Buddha reveals his connection to the Parshvanath tradition during his spiritual pursuit. He confessed to his disciple Sariputra that before attaining enlightenment, he practiced austerities like plucking hair, standing penance, sitting penance, nudity, and renouncing worldly practices. These practices are characteristic of Jain monks, suggesting Buddha may have been initiated into a Shraman Sangha of the Parshvanath tradition and gained significant wisdom there.
• Devasenacharya's Account: Devashanacharya (8th century) also mentions Buddha's initial Jain initiation, stating that he was initiated into the Sangha of Lord Parshvanath in Palasha village by a monk named Pipitashrava, and was named Muni Buddhakirti. However, he later adopted different practices.
• Influence on Vedic Thought: Some historians believe that Parshvanath's philosophy significantly influenced the Upanishadic emphasis on spiritual contemplation after the Vedic emphasis on rituals. This suggests a valuable spiritual contribution of Parshvanath to the Vedic tradition.
• Chaturyama Dharma vs. Pancha Mahavrata: The Pali text Samannaphala Sutta discusses the views of six Tirthankaras, including Nigganthanata (Mahavir), and their 'Chaturyama Samvara' (fourfold restraint). While the Ardhamagadhi tradition attributes the 'Chaturyama Dharma' (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession) to Parshvanath, the Digambara tradition states that all Tirthankaras preached the 'Pancha Mahavrata' (five great vows) equally. However, this confirms that Parshvanath's philosophy had a considerable influence on Buddha and that Buddha was well-acquainted with the Paschapatyas.
• Profound Impact: In conclusion, Tirthankara Parshvanath's influential personality and teachings were so universally pervasive that anyone who came into contact with him or his tradition became a devoted follower. The author emphasizes that it is impossible to fully capture the grandeur of his personality in a few words or pages but presents the known aspects with reverence to encourage further exploration.

The book, through Dr. Phoolchand Jain Premi's research and dedication, aims to illuminate the immense and enduring impact of Tirthankara Parshvanath on Indian religious, social, and cultural history, underscoring his foundational role in shaping these aspects.