Rishabhdev Ek Parishilan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rishabhdev: Ek Parishilan" by Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Rishabhdev: Ek Parishilan (Rishabhdev: A Study) Author: Devendramuni Shastri 'Sahityaratna' (disciple of Pandit Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj) Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith, Agra Publication Date: April 1967 (First Edition) Foreword: Upadhyay Amar Muni

Core Focus:

The book is a detailed study of the life and teachings of Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar of Jainism. It aims to present his multifaceted personality and contributions to human civilization from various perspectives, drawing heavily from Jain scriptures and also acknowledging his presence in other traditions like Vedic and Buddhist literature.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Lord Rishabhdev as the Originator of Aryan Culture: The book highlights Rishabhdev as the progenitor of Aryan culture. At a time when life was succumbing to inertia (akarma) and hedonism (bhogasakti), Rishabhdev introduced the principles of action (karma), refined enjoyment through discipline (yoga), awakened human endeavor, fostered the development of arts, established social structures, laid the foundation for governance, and shaped the principles of religion and culture.

2. Universality and Cross-Cultural Recognition: The foreword emphasizes that Rishabhdev's significance is recognized across Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic traditions. This shared recognition is presented as a testament to the underlying unity of Aryan culture. Just as different perspectives on a mountain don't diminish its greatness, different traditions viewing Rishabhdev do not diminish his universal stature.

3. Historical and Spiritual Significance:

   • Pre-Historical Existence: Rishabhdev's timeline falls outside recorded Indian history. His existence is validated by Jain scriptures (Agam) and other ancient Eastern literature. In Jain tradition, he lived at the end of the third era (Tritiya Aara) of the current descending cycle (Avasarpini). The time between Rishabhdev and Lord Mahavir (the 24th Tirthankar) is countless years.
   • Vedic Perspective: Vedic traditions also place Rishabhdev at the end of the first Satya Yuga, before the avatars of Rama and Krishna.
   • Buddhist Parallels: The tradition of Kulakars in Jainism, which includes Nabhi and Rishabh, is paralleled by the Mahasamanta in Buddhist tradition, with similar societal contexts. The possibility of Mahasamanta being another name for Rishabhdev is explored.
   • Buddhism and Rishabhdev: While Buddhist literature doesn't detail Rishabhdev's life as much as Jain and Vedic texts, mentions exist, such as in the Dhammapada ("Usabham pavaram veeram") and by scholars like Dharmakirti and Aryadeva who cite Rishabh as an example of an omniscient being and the initial propagator of Jainism.
   • Modern Scholarly Acceptance: Modern thinkers like Dr. Hermann Jacobi and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan are cited, acknowledging Rishabhdev's role as the founder of Jainism and confirming that the tradition originates from him, with evidence of his worship in the first century BCE. The Yājurveda and Bhāgavata Purāṇa are mentioned as supporting his role as the founder of Jainism.

4. Author's Motivation and Acknowledgments: Devendramuni expresses his inability to write a more extensive treatise due to time and spiritual limitations. He dedicates the work to his guru, Puskar Muni Ji Maharaj, and expresses gratitude to Upadhyay Amar Muni for the foreword. He also thanks his fellow monks and all those who provided support.

5. Detailed Exploration of Pre-births (Purvabhav): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to tracing Rishabhdev's soul's journey through numerous past lives. This section details his spiritual evolution, starting with his first liberation from delusion (mithyatva) as Dhanna Sarthavaha. The text lists and describes several of his significant births, including:

   • Dhanna Sarthavaha: Engaging in trade, demonstrating generosity, and developing the virtue of proper conduct (samaktva).
   • Man in Uttar Kuru: Experiencing life in a paradise-like land.
   • Deva in Saudharma Kalpa: Experiencing celestial bliss.
   • Mahabal: A king in West Mahavideha, where his minister Swayambuddha debated atheistic views, showcasing the philosophical depth of the time.
   • Lalitanga Deva: Experiencing celestial life and attachment, highlighting the persistent nature of passions.
   • Vajrajangha: A king who married Shrimati, experiencing the cycle of birth and rebirth.
   • Yugala: Born as a couple in Uttar Kuru, experiencing celestial bliss.
   • Souharma Kalpa (Deva): Further celestial experiences.
   • Jivananda Vaidya: A physician whose compassion leads to miraculous healing, demonstrating the development of therapeutic skills and ethical conduct.
   • Achut Deva Loka: Yet another celestial existence.
   • Vajranabha: A Chakravarthi Emperor who renounces worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuit, demonstrating renunciation and the attainment of higher spiritual states.
   • Sarvartha Siddha (Deva): The highest celestial realm before birth as a Tirthankar.

   These past lives illustrate his progressive purification and the gradual development of virtues necessary for becoming a Tirthankar.

6. Household Life (Grihastha Jeevan):

   • The Need for Governance: The book describes the transition from a community-living (Yaugalkia) era where basic needs were met by nature to a phase of increasing population and diminishing resources. This led to conflict, necessitating leadership and governance.
   • The Role of Kulakars: In the absence of kings, the most intelligent and influential individuals, called Kulakars, emerged to manage societal affairs. The text discusses the lineage and number of Kulakars, noting variations in counts across different traditions.
   • Evolution of Punishment: The text traces the development of social order through the introduction of disciplinary measures like "Hakar," "Makar," and "Dhikar" (verbal reprimands and prohibitions) evolving into stricter forms of punishment.
   • The Birth of Rishabhdev: The conception and birth of Rishabhdev are described, including the auspicious dreams of his mother, Marudevi, signifying his divine nature. The naming of Rishabh is attributed to the "bull" (vrishabh) motif in dreams and the characteristic mark on his body.
   • Establishment of Social Order: Rishabhdev is credited with establishing crucial societal structures: family systems, societal norms, governance, and political systems.
   • The First King and Administration: Rishabhdev was crowned the first king, marking the end of the Kulakar system. He established administrative departments, including a security force ('Ugra'), a council ('Bhoga'), advisors ('Rajanya'), and a military ('Kshatriya').
   • The Arts and Sciences: He introduced the 72 arts and sciences, including script development (Brahmilipi), mathematics, music, governance, warfare, and metallurgy, to his sons and daughters, fostering civilization and progress.
   • The Caste System (Varna): Rishabhdev is described as having established the varna system based on occupation and aptitude, not birth. He created the Kshatriya (warriors/protectors), Vaishya (traders/farmers), and Shudra (service providers) based on their duties. The Brahmanical varna system, originating from scriptural interpretations, is contrasted with the functional classification introduced by Rishabhdev.
   • Brotherly Relations and Conflict: The narrative details the conflict between Bharat and Bahubali, highlighting the challenges of managing family dynamics amidst political ambitions. It describes their symbolic combat and Bahubali's eventual renunciation and attainment of omniscience due to his brother's advice and his own innate spiritual inclination.
   • The Significance of Bharat: Bharat's rule and the subsequent naming of India as "Bharatvarsha" are discussed.

7. Ascetic Life (Sadhak Jeevan):

   • Renunciation: After establishing a stable kingdom and societal order, Rishabhdev renounced his worldly life at the age of one year less than 100 crore years. He embarked on the path of asceticism, undertaking rigorous penances and meditation.
   • The First Preaching and the Formation of the Sangha: Rishabhdev's first sermon after attaining omniscience (Keval Gyan) established the Jain Sangha, comprising monks (Shramanas), nuns (Shramanis), male lay followers (Shravakas), and female lay followers (Shravikas).
   • Mariyachi's Deviation: The text recounts the story of Mariyachi, Rishabhdev's grandson, who deviated from the path of asceticism due to his pride and desire for personal distinction, eventually becoming the last Tirthankar (as Vir in a future time cycle). This serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of ego in spiritual practice.
   • The Story of Shreyans: The narrative of Shreyans, who offered Rishabhdev his first alms (ikshu juice) after a year of fasting, is detailed. This event led to the observance of Akshaya Tritiya and the establishment of the practice of offering proper alms.

8. Omniscience and Nirvana:

   • Attainment of Keval Gyan: Rishabhdev attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) under a banyan tree at Purimetal city. This event is described as the culmination of his spiritual practices.
   • Bahubali's Enlightenment: The story of Bahubali's deep meditation and eventual attainment of Keval Gyan after overcoming his ego, spurred by his sisters' message, is narrated.
   • Spiritual Legacy: Rishabhdev's teachings laid the foundation for spiritual liberation, emphasizing detachment, self-control, and the pursuit of inner knowledge.
   • Nirvana: Rishabhdev attained Nirvana (Moksha) on the Ashtapad mountain with ten thousand of his enlightened disciples. His Nirvana date is noted as Magha Krishna Trayodashi or Chaturdashi, celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya or Shivratri.
   • Impact and Legacy: The book concludes by reiterating Rishabhdev's role as the foundational figure of both Shraman and Brahman traditions, and a pivotal architect of human civilization. His life exemplified a synthesis of spiritual pursuit and societal contribution, leaving an indelible mark on Indian and global culture.

Overall Significance:

"Rishabhdev: Ek Parishilan" is presented as a scholarly and devotional work that delves into the profound life and teachings of Lord Rishabhdev. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to societal, political, ethical, and spiritual development, establishing him as a universally significant figure who laid the groundwork for civilization and spiritual liberation. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and pre-historical context of his life to grasp his true impact.