Prabhu Veer Ki Shraman Parmpara

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prabhu Veer Ki Shraman Parampara" by Bhushan Shah:

The book "Prabhu Veer Ki Shraman Parampara" (The Ascetic Tradition of Lord Mahavir) by Bhushan Shah, published by Mission Jainatva Jagaran, traces the historical lineage of the Jain ascetic tradition originating from Lord Mahavir. The author aims to provide a concise history to answer common curiosities among Jains about the origin and antiquity of various gacchs (lineages or orders), particularly the TapaGacch. The book emphasizes that the history of the TapaGacch is intrinsically linked to the history of Lord Mahavir's own ascetic tradition.

The book begins by highlighting the importance of history in understanding and fostering devotion towards one's religion, culture, and the great souls who protected and advanced them. It addresses the lack of historical knowledge among some Jains, leading to questions about the origins of the TapaGacch and its antiquity compared to other gacchs. The author asserts that the TapaGacch's history begins with Lord Mahavir's tradition, implying no distinction.

The evolution of the Shraman Tradition is presented through several names:

1. Nirgrantha Gacch (The Root of the Ascetic Tradition):

   • This was the initial name of the tradition originating from Sudharmaswami, the successor of Lord Mahavir.
   • "Nirgrantha" signifies freedom from both external (possessions like wealth, land) and internal (kashayas, passions) attachments.
   • This tradition also encompassed the lineage of Lord Parshvanath.
   • Historical events like a severe famine (Vir Nirvana Samvat 148-160) and Emperor Samprati's patronage (Vir Nirvana Samvat 240-290) led to the spread and diversification of ascetics into various sub-lineages. Notable disciples like Bhadrabahuswami and Aryamaha-giri were instrumental in this.

2. Koti Gacch (The Million-Fold Lineage):

   • This lineage emerged around Vir Nirvana Samvat 300 from the disciples of Aryasuhasti Suri, who reportedly chanted the Surimantra a crore (koti) times on Udayagiri mountain.
   • Alternatively, it's suggested the name derived from Aryasuhasti's originating from Kotivarsha city.
   • The Koti Gacch became so influential that it absorbed many other branches, becoming the dominant stream of the ascetic flow. It had various sub-branches and gotras (clans).
   • During this period, there was no doctrinal or disciplinary difference among the gacchs, and diverse interpretations were accepted respectfully.

3. Chandra Gacch (The Moon Lineage):

   • This lineage was established by Acharya Chandrasuri, a disciple of Vajraswami (the last known Dashpurvdhar), during a severe famine in the 10th century Vikram era.
   • The lineage branched from the Vajri branch and was named after Chandrasuri.
   • This period saw the emergence of several important Acharyas from different branches, including Nagendra, Nivritti, and Vidyadhar, leading to the establishment of various gacchs.
   • The Chandrakul (Chandra Gacch) proved to be the most enduring among these.

4. Vanavasi Gacch (The Forest Dweller Lineage):

   • Following Chandrasuri, Aryasamantabhadra Suri, known for his intense austerity and living primarily in forests and sacred sites, led this tradition.
   • Even the Digambara sect respected his teachings.
   • Due to his forest dwelling, his followers became known as the Vanavasi Gacch around Vir Nirvana 700. However, the Chandrakul remained more prominent.

5. Bad Gacch (The Banyan Tree Lineage):

   • Under Acharya Udyotanasuri (35th Pata), he established eight chief disciples as Acharyas under a large banyan tree on Mount Abu during a favorable planetary alignment (Vikram Samvat 994).
   • This event led to his disciples and their followers being known as the "Bad Gacch" (Banyan Tree Gacch).
   • This lineage, also known as Brihad Gacch, became very prominent and influential, overshadowing previous branches.
   • The book notes that doctrinal and disciplinary differences began to emerge among gacchs after the 11th century Vikram era.

6. Tapa Gacch (The Austerity Lineage):

   • This lineage, the sixth significant name for the tradition, originated with Acharya Jagadchandra Suri in Vikram Samvat 1273.
   • Observing laxity in his own Gacch, Jagadchandra Suri, with the guidance of Upadhyay Devabhadragani, embraced strict ascetic practices.
   • He performed a rigorous "krioddhar" (revival of strict practices).
   • In Vikram Samvat 1285, Rana Jaitrasinh of Mewar, impressed by Jagadchandra Suri's severe penances, bestowed upon him the title "Tapa" (Austerity).
   • From this title, his disciples and lineage became known as the "Tapa Gacch."
   • The book clarifies that TapaGacch is not a new origin but a renaming of the ancient tradition due to the significant austerity of Jagadchandra Suri. It emphasizes continuity rather than a break from the past.
   • The author refutes the notion that TapaGacch originated in 1285 or is younger than other Gacchs, asserting it's a continuation and renaming of the established tradition, particularly the Bad Gacch.

Key points and chapters discussed:

• "Hridaya Ki Baat" (Heartfelt Word): The editor's introductory note on the importance of history for faith and cultural understanding.
• "Prabhu Veer Ki Shraman Parampara": The core historical overview.
• "Nirgrantha Gacch," "Koti Gacch," "Chandra Gacch," "Vanavasi Gacch," "Bad Gacch," "Tapa Gacch": Detailed explanations of the six main names and their historical development.
• "Nihnav" (Heretics/Schismatics): The book also touches upon individuals who deviated from the core principles of the Jain Sangh, mentioning Jamali, Tishyagupta, and others who introduced heretical views. It states that such schisms did not occur in the dispensations of other Tirthankaras.
• "TapaGacch Ke Chamakte Sitare" (Shining Stars of TapaGacch): This section highlights the contributions of prominent Acharyas and scholars within the TapaGacch, such as Devendrasuri, Somatilak Suri, Somapra Suri, Munisundar Suri, Ratnashekhar Suri, Hiravijaya Suri, Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji, and Avadhoot Yogi Anandghanji, in literature, temple consecrations, social reform, and spiritual propagation.
• "TapaGacch Ke Abhyuday Soochak Bhinna-Bhinna Deva Vaaniyaan" (Various Divine Pronouncements Indicating the Rise of TapaGacch): This section cites divine visions and prophecies (e.g., from Goddess Padmavati) foretelling the future rise and longevity of the TapaGacch.
• "Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji Ke Vachan" (Words of Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji): This section includes verses from Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji that corroborate the six names of the lineage and praise the TapaGacch's adherence to scriptural principles, its policy of accepting correct interpretations, and its loyalty to previous Acharyas.
• Appendices:
  • "Shasan Ekta" (Unity of the Faith): Discusses the possibility of reunification among different Shvetambara gacchs like Kharatar, Anchal, and TapaGacch, as many past differences in practices are no longer significant. It calls for shedding pride and focusing on shared principles.
  • "Chaitra Gacch Aur Bad Gacch" (Chaitra Gacch and Bad Gacch): Explains that the Chaitra Gacch was a branch of the Bad Gacch, originating from Acharya Dhaneshwar Suri.
  • "Kranti Kaarak TapaGacch Ke Acharya Jagadchandra Suri Ji M.S.": This appendix delves into the "revolutionary" changes introduced by Acharya Jagadchandra Suri in consecration rituals (pratishtha vidhi), advocating for the separation of monastic duties from certain worldly rituals, which were then to be performed by lay devotees. It criticizes earlier Acharyas who completely removed monks from the process and discusses the importance of proper scriptural adherence, skilled officiants, auspicious timing, and positive omens for successful consecrations.

In essence, the book meticulously traces the continuity of the Jain ascetic tradition from Lord Mahavir through its various organizational names, culminating in the TapaGacch. It aims to establish the TapaGacch's deep historical roots and its integral connection to the foundational principles and lineage of Lord Mahavir's teachings, countering any perception of it being a recent or separate development.