Salaka Purush Part 2

The book "Salaka Purush Part 2" by Ratanchand Bharilla, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, is the second volume of a series based on the Adi Purana by Acharya Jinsen. It comprehensively details the lives and teachings of 23 Tirthankaras, from Tirthankara Ajitnath to Tirthankara Mahavir, along with the nature of Chakravarti status and the characteristics of Balabhadra, Narayan, and Pratinarayan.

The book begins with an introduction explaining the fourfold division of Jain scriptures (Anuyogas) and emphasizes the importance of Prathamanuyoga for beginners, highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism and the need for tempered passions to understand its teachings. The author addresses potential discrepancies between scriptural accounts and modern scientific understanding, suggesting that the core purpose of the narratives, focused on moral and ethical teachings, should be prioritized.

The text then delves into the detailed biographies of each of the 23 Tirthankaras, presenting their lives from previous births, their birth events, royal coronations, renunciations, spiritual enlightenment, teachings, and eventual liberation. Key events and characteristics of each Tirthankara are highlighted, often drawing parallels between their past lives and their Tirthankara persona.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining fundamental Jain ethical principles, particularly the "Ashta Mulgunas" (eight root virtues) for householders, emphasizing the avoidance of intoxicants, meat, honey, and five types of figs, as well as the importance of abstaining from the seven deadly sins and avoiding night meals. The author meticulously cites various Jain scriptures and Acharyas to support the significance and variations in the interpretation of these vows.

The text also provides extensive details about the concept of Chakravarthi (Universal Monarchs), their reign, their fourteen celestial jewels (Ratnas), nine treasures (Nidhis), and the elaborate nature of their retinue and powers. It explains the lineage and characteristics of Balabhadra, Narayan, and Pratinarayan figures within the Jain cosmology, noting their roles in upholding righteousness and their eventual destinies.

The book emphasizes the philosophical depth of Jainism, focusing on principles like self-reliance, the independence of substances (Dravya), the correct understanding of causality (Nimitta-Upadana), and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) through self-realization. The teachings of the Tirthankaras are presented as guiding principles for achieving spiritual upliftment.

Throughout the narratives, the author underscores the importance of right faith (Samyakdarshan), right knowledge (Samyakgyan), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra) as the path to liberation. The biographies serve as illustrative examples of the consequences of actions and the power of spiritual discipline.

Finally, the book concludes with an epilogue that reiterates the core message of seeking inner peace through self-realization and following the path of non-violence, detachment, and spiritual discipline, as exemplified by the lives of the Salaka Purushas. The author encourages readers to imbibe these teachings and strive for their own spiritual welfare.