Rishi Bhashit Sutra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rishi Bhashit Sutra," based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Rishi Bhashit Sutra Author(s): Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009425/1

Overview:

The "Rishi Bhashit Sutra" is a significant Jain text that compiles the teachings and preachings of various ancient Rishis (sages). What makes it particularly noteworthy, as highlighted by the translators, is that it includes the wisdom not only of Jain Rishis but also of Brahmins and Buddhist traditions. This inclusion is presented as a living example of the Jain principle of Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects or relative pluralism), emphasizing that truth is multifaceted and not solely derived from one perspective.

Key Themes and Content:

The text is written in ancient Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, similar to the older Agam Sutras. It is said to contain 44 chapters, with a potential 45th chapter added later by Western scholars. The Agamkar (compiler) meticulously mentions each Rishi by name and often provides details about their lineage or tradition. The book features the historical names of figures like Mahatma Buddha, Makkhali Putra, Ambapali Pravarjak, Vardhaman (Lord Mahavir), and Parshva.

According to the Sangrahani Sutra, the "Rishi Bhashit Sutra" contains the teachings of 45 Pratyeka Buddhas (enlightened beings who attain enlightenment individually). These sages lived during the times of the 22nd Tirthankara Arishtanemi, Lord Parshvanath, and Lord Mahavir. The text is considered ancient, with references found not only in the Sthana Sutra but also extensively detailed in the Nandi Sutra.

Translators' Perspective and Gratitude:

The translators, Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, express their motivation for undertaking the Punjabi translation due to the lack of recent translations. They acknowledge their reliance on the Hindi/Gujarati commentary by Shri Manohar Muni Shastriji, based on the work of Muni Jin Vijay and Dr. Schubring. They humbly seek forgiveness for any errors in their translation and welcome suggestions for future editions.

The translators extend their gratitude to:

Shri Vinod Daryapur (Jain World) for providing a platform for Punjabi Jain literature online.
Sunil Deshmukh Solapur for his support.
Their brother, Shri Muhammad Shabbir (Junaira Computers, Maler Kotla), for his significant assistance in publication.

They also express receiving blessings from numerous esteemed Acharyas and Sadhvis of the Jain tradition, including Acharya Anand Rishiji, Acharya Devendra Muniji, Acharya Sushil Kumarji, Acharya Tulsi, Acharya Maha Gyaji, Acharya Vijayindr Din Suri, Acharya Nitya Nand Suri, Dr. Shiv Muni Ji, Late Shri Vardhmanji, Shri Jai Chandji, Sadhvi Shvarnakanta Ji Maharaj, Sadhvi Sudha Ji Maharaj, and Sadhvi Dr. Sadhna Ji.

Dedication:

The book is dedicated with love and respect to Shri Purushottam Jain, Mandi Gobindgarh, on his birthday, by Ravindra Jain.

Content of the Chapters (as per the provided pages):

The text is divided into chapters, each attributed to a specific Rishi, offering profound spiritual and ethical guidance. Here's a brief overview of the themes covered in the initial chapters provided:

Chapter 1 (Dev Narada Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Emphasizes the importance of listening and its role in purifying the soul and liberating it from suffering. It outlines the characteristics of good listening, which include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, and renunciation of worldly possessions and desires. The commentary suggests this chapter might reflect an earlier stage of Jainism, with a mention of four major vows instead of five, potentially relating to the teachings of earlier Tirthankaras.
Chapter 2 (Vajjia Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the soul trapped in karma, the fear of suffering, and the cycle of birth and death. It uses the analogy of seeds and sprouts to explain how karma perpetuates this cycle. The core message is that attachment (Moh) is the root cause of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Chapter 3 (Devala Arhat Ribhashit): Focuses on the liberation from attachments and desires. It highlights that the soul, free from attachments, attains the eternal and unmoving abode (Moksha). The chapter details how anger, pride, deceit, and greed are impurities that bind the soul. It emphasizes shedding worldly desires and living a virtuous life.
Chapter 4 (Bhardwaj Gotra Angirishi Rishi Bhashit): Explores the nature of humans, their hidden intentions, and the importance of self-awareness. It criticizes hypocrisy and emphasizes that true knowledge comes from understanding oneself. The chapter highlights the deceptive nature of humans and the fleeting nature of worldly praise and criticism.
Chapter 5 (Pushpasal Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Teaches humility and the importance of maintaining purity of the soul. It stresses detachment from sensory pleasures and the practice of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession.
Chapter 6 (Balakal Chiri Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Compares the untrained mind and senses to an elephant without a goad or a horse without reins. It warns against sensual indulgence, especially with women, calling it a self-created enemy. The chapter uses analogies of a boat without a sailor or a bird tied to a string to illustrate how uncontrolled desires lead to spiritual ruin.
Chapter 7 (Kurma Putra Rishi Bhashit): Emphasizes the inherent suffering in the world and the need for diligent effort (tapasya and sanyam) to overcome it. It highlights that laziness and negligence lead to spiritual downfall, while sincere effort leads to success. The importance of conquering lust (kama) is also stressed.
Chapter 8 (Ketali Namak Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Defines knowledge and character as the essential qualities of a person. It uses the analogy of a silkworm emerging from its cocoon to describe the soul's liberation from karmic bondage. The chapter concludes that by eradicating inner impurities and practicing restraint, one can attain the ultimate blissful state.
Chapter 9 (Maha Kashyap Arhat Rishi Bhashit): This is an extensive chapter detailing the karmic cycle and the suffering it entails. It describes various forms of punishment and suffering experienced in different births due to past karma. The central theme is that karma is the root cause of birth, death, and all suffering. It stresses the importance of detachment, righteous conduct (sammyak charitra), and austerities (tapasya) for the annihilation of karma and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The chapter also discusses concepts like Samvara (restraint) and Nirjara (annihilation of karma).
Chapter 10 (Totali Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): This chapter presents a unique perspective, with Totali Putra stating that one should not have faith. The Rishi recounts his seemingly contradictory statements (e.g., being with family but claiming to be without one) and the disbelief they evoke. The chapter includes a vivid, metaphorical description of suffering and destruction, potentially illustrating the intensity of worldly illusion.
Chapter 11 (Mankhali Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Differentiates between worldly knowledge and spiritual knowledge. It emphasizes that true renunciation and monasticism come from abandoning worldly pursuits to gain spiritual insight. The chapter defines an "authentic Muni" as one who remains steadfast and unaffected by hardships, internal or external conflicts, and temptations.
Chapter 12 (Yagyavalkya Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advises monks to renounce worldly desires and the craving for fame and wealth. It uses the analogy of a cow's path to suggest a simple, honest, and non-greedy way of life, emphasizing acceptance of whatever alms are received without praise or resentment.
Chapter 13 (Maitraya Bhiali Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Addresses the nature of reality, the self, and karma. It discusses the concept of presence and absence, causality, and the karmic consequences of actions. The chapter reiterates the principle that the root causes of effects must be addressed for lasting change.
Chapter 14 (Vahuk Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Focuses on the importance of correct perspective and the futility of incorrect views. It contrasts the actions and outcomes of kings and merchants with renunciates. The chapter critiques those who perform austerities with worldly desires and emphasizes that true renunciation leads to ultimate liberation.
Chapter 15 (Madhuraj Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Explores the nature of suffering and happiness. It distinguishes between different types of suffering and their causes, emphasizing that true happiness lies in contentment and liberation from desires. The chapter reiterates the idea that karma is the root of suffering.
Chapter 16 (Soriyaayan Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Highlights the mastery of senses as the key to spiritual progress. It emphasizes the importance of detachment from sensory pleasures, the avoidance of attachment and aversion, and the development of equanimity towards pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
Chapter 17 (Bindu Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Defines true knowledge as that which leads to liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death. It draws parallels between healing physical ailments and overcoming karmic bondage, emphasizing the need for knowledge and practice.
Chapter 18 (Varishva Krishna Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Contrasts the lives of those who indulge in sin with those who live virtuously. It explains how sinful actions lead to suffering and entanglement in the cycle of rebirth, while a life free from sin leads to ultimate peace and liberation.
Chapter 19 (Aryan Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advocates for adopting noble conduct, associating with virtuous people, and abandoning bad company. It defines true nobility (Arya) in terms of knowledge, faith, and character, urging readers to follow the path of righteousness.
Chapter 20 (Utkalvad Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Critiques various heterodox philosophical views that deny the existence of the soul, karma, or the afterlife. It refutes materialistic and nihilistic philosophies, emphasizing the eternal nature of the soul and the law of karma. The commentary notes that this chapter might represent a non-Arhat perspective, according to some scholars.
Chapter 21 (Gathapati Putra Tarun Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge. It contrasts a life of ignorance with one illuminated by wisdom, highlighting how knowledge leads to liberation from suffering and attachment. The chapter underscores the perils of ignorance and its role in perpetuating the cycle of suffering.
Chapter 22 (Daggabhali Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the destructive power of women and the need for detachment from them. It also touches upon the importance of controlling desires and understanding the consequences of actions, using analogies to illustrate these points.
Chapter 23 (Ram Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Describes the path to liberation through knowledge, right perception, and righteous conduct (Gyan, Darshan, Charitra). It emphasizes overcoming karmic bondage and achieving the eternal state of Siddha.
Chapter 24 (Harigiri Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Reflects on the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the inevitability of suffering. It stresses the importance of detachment, discrimination between the real and the unreal, and adherence to the teachings of the omniscient beings to attain liberation.
Chapter 25 (Ambada Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the principles of asceticism, control over senses, and the pursuit of pure food and conduct. It contrasts the disciplined life of a Muni with the misguided practices of those who seek worldly gain through spiritual pretense. The chapter emphasizes the importance of overcoming desires and maintaining spiritual purity.
Chapter 26 (Matanga Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Focuses on the concept of a true Brahmin, defining it not by birth but by virtuous conduct, detachment, and compassion. It uses the metaphor of farming to explain spiritual cultivation, where the soul is the field, tapasya the seed, and compassion the bullocks.
Chapter 27 (Vartak Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advises monks to avoid excessive attachment to worldly possessions and relationships, as these can lead to karmic bondage and suffering. It stresses the importance of detachment, self-control, and focusing on spiritual goals.
Chapter 28 (Adarak Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Exposes the detrimental effects of the four cardinal vices: anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It highlights how these vices lead to repeated suffering in the cycle of birth and death. The chapter advocates for their eradication and the practice of virtuous conduct.
Chapter 29 (Vardhman Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the importance of controlling the senses and preventing the influx of karma. It emphasizes that by remaining vigilant and detached from sensory pleasures, one can break the cycle of karmic accumulation and attain liberation.
Chapter 30 (Vayu Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Reaffirms the law of karma, stating that actions have consequences, and the soul reaps the fruits of its deeds. It uses analogies of seeds and trees to illustrate how karma perpetuates the cycle of happiness and suffering.
Chapter 31 (Parshva Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Explains the Jain cosmology and the nature of the soul and its movement. It elaborates on the concepts of Lok (universe) and Gati (movement) of the soul and matter, emphasizing that karma influences the soul's journey through different states of existence.
Chapter 32 (Pinga Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advocates for spiritual farming, where the soul is the field, tapasya the seed, and compassion the bullocks. It highlights that this spiritual practice leads to ultimate liberation for all castes.
Chapter 33 (Maha Shal Putra Arun Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the manifestation of wisdom and foolishness through speech and actions. It stresses the importance of associating with virtuous individuals and avoiding the company of the wicked, as good company fosters spiritual growth.
Chapter 34 (Shigiri Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Focuses on the importance of forbearance and equanimity when dealing with ignorant individuals. It advises the wise to remain patient and compassionate, even when subjected to harsh words or actions, recognizing the inherent limitations of ignorance.
Chapter 35 (Adalak Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Reemphasizes the destructive nature of the four cardinal vices (anger, pride, deceit, and greed) and their role in perpetuating suffering. It calls for their eradication and the adoption of a pure and virtuous life.
Chapter 36 (Vitt Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Explores the connection between various forms of suffering and their karmic origins. It highlights that attachment to worldly pleasures, even those that seem beneficial, ultimately leads to suffering. The chapter emphasizes the importance of non-violence and compassion.
Chapter 37 (Shri Giri Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Critiques various creation myths and philosophical viewpoints, ultimately upholding the eternal and unchanging nature of the universe and the soul within the Jain framework.
Chapter 38 (Shathi Putra Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Discusses the nature of happiness and suffering in relation to sensory experiences and desires. It stresses that true happiness comes from inner peace and detachment, not from external gratifications. The chapter emphasizes the teachings of the Jinas and the importance of following their path.
Chapter 39 (Sanjaya Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Promotes the practice of non-action in sinful deeds and the diligent pursuit of virtuous actions. It advises confession and self-reflection for any unintentional transgressions, emphasizing sincerity in spiritual practice.
Chapter 40 (Dipayan Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advocates for overcoming desires (ichha) by cultivating non-desire (anichha). It explains how unchecked desires lead to suffering and attachment, hindering spiritual progress.
Chapter 41 (Indranaga Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Criticizes those who perform austerities for worldly recognition or personal gain, labeling their practices as impure and their lives as compromised. It stresses the importance of genuine spiritual devotion and detachment.
Chapter 42 (Soma Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Advises seekers to avoid the desire for more than what is needed and to remain sinless, re-emphasizing the principle of non-attachment.
Chapter 43 (Yama Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Defines true greatness as remaining unaffected by gain or loss, comparing such individuals to Indra among the gods.
Chapter 44 (Varuna Arhat Rishi Bhashit): States that one who is free from the pain of attachment and aversion makes correct judgments.
Chapter 45 (Veema Arhat Rishi Bhashit): Contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures with the eternal path of virtue. It warns against the allure of sensual gratification, which leads to suffering and rebirth. The chapter reiterates the consequences of sinful actions and the importance of righteous conduct.

Overall Significance:

The "Rishi Bhashit Sutra" is a valuable repository of ancient Indian wisdom, offering profound ethical and spiritual guidance from a Jain perspective. Its unique inclusion of diverse philosophical viewpoints underscores the Jain principle of Anekantavada, promoting a holistic understanding of truth and reality. The text serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, emphasizing self-discipline, detachment, compassion, and the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering.