Parshwanath Ki Virasat - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Parshwanath ki Virasat" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided pages:

The book "Parshwanath ki Virasat" (The Legacy of Parshwanath) by Sukhlal Sanghavi is a historical study exploring the spiritual heritage of Lord Mahavir and tracing its roots back to the previous Tirthankara, Parshwanath. The author aims to establish that the practices, teachings, and organizational structures of Mahavir's Jainism were not entirely his own creation but were largely inherited from the tradition established by Parshwanath.

Historical Context and the Question of Parshwanath's Historicity:

The text begins by acknowledging that while the influence of Mahavir on current Jain tradition is undeniable, Western scholars raised questions about whether Mahavir's teachings were an original creation or a continuation of a prior ascetic lineage. Specifically, they questioned the historical existence of Tirthankaras prior to Mahavir, such as Parshwanath. Initially, Jain scholars struggled to provide concrete historical evidence to satisfy this skepticism. However, Western scholars like Dr. Jacobi eventually provided compelling evidence, drawing from both Jain Agamas and Buddhist Pitakas, to confirm the historical existence of Parshwanath. This confirmation then led to a renewed scholarly interest in the Jain Agamas, recognizing their potential as sources of historical information.

The Spiritual Heritage of Mahavir from Parshwanath:

Sanghavi posits that Mahavir inherited his spiritual legacy from Parshwanath, which he categorizes into three main areas:

Sangha (Community/Organization): The text argues that the organizational structure of the Jain community, the Sangha, can be traced back to Parshwanath. Evidence for this is found in various Agamas where disciples and followers of Parshwanath (referred to as "Pashvapatik") are mentioned as existing and active in regions where Mahavir later preached. Examples include encounters between Mahavir's disciples (like Indrabhuti Gautama) and Pashvapatik monks in Sravasti, as well as the mention of Mahavir's own parents being Pashvapatik. The text highlights instances where Pashvapatik monks met Mahavir, engaged in theological discussions, and eventually joined his Sangha after being convinced of his teachings. This integration of Pashvapatik followers into Mahavir's Sangha demonstrates a continuity of tradition.
Achar (Conduct/Practice): The text delves into the ethical and ascetic practices inherited from Parshwanath. It notes that both external practices (like enduring hardships, fasting, begging rules) and internal practices (like equanimity, renunciation, sense control, suppression of passions, discrimination, detachment, and abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, and possession) were part of the Pashvapatik tradition. The author draws parallels between the ascetic practices described for Buddha before his enlightenment (which included adopting aspects of the Nirgrantha way of life) and the practices attributed to Parshwanath's followers. This suggests that Mahavir adopted and perhaps refined these ascetic principles.
- The Four Vows (Chaturyama) vs. Five Great Vows (Panch Mahavrata): A key point of discussion is the difference between Parshwanath's "Chaturyama" (four vows) and Mahavir's "Panch Mahavrata" (five great vows). While some Buddhist texts mistakenly attribute the Chaturyama to Mahavir, the text clarifies that Mahavir introduced the fifth vow. The author suggests this was not a radical departure but a refinement, possibly due to changing times and understanding. The five vows, particularly Ahimsa (non-violence), are seen as a development or clarification of the broader principles of the four vows of Parshwanath, especially concerning the vow of non-possession.
- Attire (Sachal vs. Achel): The text also addresses the difference in attire. The Buddhist texts refer to Nirgranthas as "Ekashatak," implying the wearing of a single garment. This is contrasted with Mahavir's practice of absolute nudity (Achela). Sanghavi suggests that Mahavir's adoption of Achela was a personal choice or a response to circumstances, and that his tradition allowed for both the wearing and not wearing of clothes, seeing spiritual essence beyond external appearances, a concept that could be seen as a refinement of Parshwanath's tradition.
Shrut (Scriptural Knowledge): The third aspect of the legacy concerns the scriptural tradition. The Jain canon is traditionally understood as the Dvadasanga (Twelve Limbs). The text discusses the concept of "Purva" (anterior scriptures) that existed before Mahavir. It acknowledges that while the eleven Angas were composed by Mahavir's disciples, the "Purva" scriptures are considered the foundational knowledge that preceded Mahavir and was passed down through the Pashvapatik tradition. The author argues that Mahavir's teachings and the content of the Angas are fundamentally aligned with the principles found in the Purva scriptures, indicating a direct inheritance. The word "Purva" itself signifies "former" or "earlier," supporting the idea of a preceding canon.

Key Conclusions:

Parshwanath's Historical Existence: The book establishes the historical reality of Parshwanath, supported by both Jain and Buddhist sources.
Mahavir's Inheritance: Mahavir's spiritual teachings, organizational structure (Sangha), and ascetic practices (Achar) were largely inherited from the tradition established by Parshwanath.
Continuity and Refinement: Mahavir did not create a new religion but rather refined and elaborated upon the existing traditions of Parshwanath. The introduction of the fifth vow and the emphasis on internal purification through Pratrikraman (confession of faults) are seen as significant developments.
The Role of the Purvas: The ancient "Purva" scriptures formed the basis of Mahavir's knowledge and were central to the Pashvapatik tradition. The current Jain canon (Angas) are seen as elaborations and continuations of the themes present in the Purvas.
Respect for Predecessors: Mahavir consistently showed respect for Parshwanath, referring to him with honorific titles like "Purushadaniya" (worthy among men), and his disciples also engaged in respectful dialogue and integration with Pashvapatik followers.

In essence, "Parshwanath ki Virasat" argues for a strong historical and doctrinal continuity between Parshwanath and Mahavir, positioning Mahavir as a prominent inheritor and expander of a pre-existing rich Jain tradition. The author uses textual evidence from Agamas and Buddhist Pitakas to build this case, emphasizing that Mahavir's spiritual leadership was rooted in the legacy of his predecessor.