Rai Paseniya Suttam Part 01 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided English text, focusing on the content of the Jain text "Rai Paseniya Suttam Part 01" as presented in the digitized document:

Overview:

The document is the first part of the "Rai Paseniya Suttam" (also referred to as Rajapraśnīya Sūtra), edited and translated by Hiralal B. Gandhi. Published in 1938, this edition includes an introduction, translation, exhaustive notes, and model questions with answers, aiming to serve students of Ardhamāgadhī literature. The editor acknowledges the lack of an authoritative text and his reliance on existing publications, while striving for accuracy despite limitations of time and resources.

Content of Part 1:

The provided text focuses on the initial sections of the Sutra, detailing a celestial event and the initial interactions related to it.

Setting the Scene:
- The narrative begins by describing the city of Amalkappa, a prosperous, peaceful, and beautiful city.
- Outside the city, to the north-east, lies the Ambsalvana (Ambasthala Grove), an ancient sanctuary.
- A brief mention is made of the descriptions of an Ashoka tree and a stone slab, referencing the "Ovvaiya-Sutta" for further details.
- The presence of King Seya and Queen Dharini is noted, indicating that Lord Mahavira had arrived and a congregation was present, with the King waiting upon the Lord.
The Divine Being Suriyabha:
- The story then shifts to the Sohamma heaven, specifically the Suriyabha abode and the Suriyabha palace.
- The celestial being Suriyabha is described in detail: seated on his throne, surrounded by four thousand Sāmāniya gods, four chief queens with their retinues, three congregations, seven military forces, seven commanders, sixteen thousand body-guards, and many other gods and goddesses.
- Suriyabha is depicted enjoying divine pleasures, surrounded by music and dance, and observing the entire Jambudvipa continent using his divine knowledge (Ohināna).
Suriyabha's Devotion to Lord Mahavira:
- Suriyabha sees Lord Mahavira residing in the Ambsalvana sanctuary, having accepted a suitable place and purifying his soul through self-control.
- Upon seeing Lord Mahavira, Suriyabha is filled with delight and reverence. He descends from his throne, pays elaborate homage to Lord Mahavira, and expresses his devotion.
- He contemplates the great spiritual benefit of merely hearing the name of such prophets and desires to approach, honor, and wait upon Lord Mahavira. He believes this will lead to his future welfare and happiness.
The Servile Gods' Task:
- Suriyabha summons his servile gods and orders them to go to Lord Mahavira.
- Their task is to circumambulate Lord Mahavira thrice, pay homage, narrate their names, and then meticulously cleanse the surrounding area (within a Yojana circumference).
- This cleansing involves removing all impurities, showering fragrant water, pacifying dust, and creating a divine atmosphere befitting the arrival of celestial beings, using various means like creating water-clouds, showering flowers, and spreading perfumes.
The Servile Gods' Actions and Lord Mahavira's Response:
- The servile gods, with great joy and obedience, transform their forms (using their Vaikriyik power) and travel to Lord Mahavira.
- They perform the prescribed tasks with utmost precision and devotion.
- Lord Mahavira acknowledges their actions, stating that this is an ancient and approved practice for various types of celestial beings.
Suriyabha's Inquiry and Lord Mahavira's Guidance:
- Suriyabha, after receiving religious discourse from Lord Mahavira, inquires about his spiritual status – whether he is a Bhavya (one capable of liberation) or Abhavya (one incapable of liberation), possessing right or wrong faith, having a limited or infinite cycle of rebirth, and so on.
- Lord Mahavira assures him that he is a Bhavya and destined for a final incarnation, indicating a positive spiritual trajectory.
Suriyabha's Offer to Display Divine Splendor:
- Suriyabha, filled with reverence for Lord Mahavira's omniscience, offers to display his divine splendor, celestial brilliance, and glory through a special dancing performance involving thirty-two types of dramas.
- Lord Mahavira, however, does not immediately consent to this display, remaining silent.
- Despite the lack of an immediate affirmative response, Suriyabha proceeds to erect a divine theatre and prepares for the performance, later producing celestial beings and musical instruments.
The Celestial Performance:
- The detailed description of Suriyabha god's divine vehicle (a celestial chariot) begins, highlighting its immense size (one lac Yojanas in expanse), its construction from numerous pillars and precious stones, its intricate decorations with varied jewels, paintings of mythical creatures, altars, stages, and thrones.
- The narrative then elaborates on the specific arrangements for the performance: the creation of a theatre, an arena, a throne, and the production of celestial youths and maidens for dancing and music. It also details the types of musical instruments and their sounds.
- The performance itself is described extensively, covering numerous types of dances, gestures, and dramatic representations, including those depicting historical events related to Lord Mahavira's life.
The Coronation of Suriyabha:
- The text then describes the elaborate installation and coronation ceremony of Suriyabha god. This involves bringing celestial materials like water from sacred rivers, sacred earth, lotuses, medicinal herbs, and fragrant substances from various holy places and mountains, and using them in the bathing and anointing rituals.
- The process includes extensive cleansing, application of sandalwood paste, adorning with divine garments and jewels, and offering prayers and praises to the divine figures.
Suriyabha's Duties:
- Suriyabha god, after his coronation, is advised by his Sāmāniya gods about his duties, which include paying homage to the idols of Jinas (Prophets) in temples, and taking care of the scriptures.
- The description of the Suriyabha abode, its various palaces, mansions, bowers, lotus-ponds, assembly halls, and temples is provided in minute detail, emphasizing the use of jewels and precious stones in their construction and decoration.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Jain Cosmology: The text provides descriptions of celestial abodes (heavens like Sohamma), divine beings (Suriyabha, Sāmāniya gods, etc.), and their powers (Ohināna, Vaikriyik power).
Rituals and Devotion: The text highlights the importance of rituals, homage, and devotion towards Tirthankaras and sacred places.
Divine Splendor and Power: The descriptions of Suriyabha's abode, his vehicle, and the performance emphasize the immense power, wealth, and beauty of celestial beings.
Spiritual Path: The dialogue between Suriyabha and Lord Mahavira touches upon concepts of the soul's journey, liberation, and the importance of right faith and conduct.
Ardhamāgadhī Language: The text serves as a significant source for studying the Ardhamāgadhī language, with its specific vocabulary and grammatical structures noted in the commentary.

Overall Purpose:

The "Rai Paseniya Suttam Part 01," as presented, aims to educate readers on Jain cosmology, the lives of celestial beings, the reverence shown to prophets, and the meticulous nature of religious and divine rituals, all within the framework of Ardhamāgadhī literature.