Samavasaran

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text on Samavasaran:

The text, titled "Samavasaran" by Ramanlal C. Shah, discusses the concept of Samavasaran, a divine assembly and preaching platform created by celestial beings for Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual teachers) during their sermons.

What is Samavasaran?

• Meaning of the Word: The term "Samavasaran" has various meanings, including "gathering," "meeting," "assembly," "collection," and "group." It can also refer to "arrival," "congregation of philosophers," "religious discourse," and "discussion of scriptures." In Jainism, it's a technical term used for the preaching ground or the assembly of beings gathered to hear a Tirthankara.
• Origin of the Concept: The word is derived from "samavasrut," meaning where multiple perspectives or viewpoints gather. It signifies a place where beings of all kinds come together.
• Spiritual Significance: Samavasaran is a subject of faith. Those who rely solely on logic and observable reality find it difficult to comprehend. However, those who engage in scriptural study to understand eternal truths can grasp the inner meaning of the miraculous Samavasaran. The text notes that even during the Tirthankara's physical presence, misguided individuals could not enter the Samavasaran. Therefore, it's not surprising that modern individuals lacking such faith are uninterested.

The Creation of Samavasaran:

• Trigger: When a soul attains Kevalgyan (omniscience) and the Tirthankar-naming karma ripens, Indra's (celestial rulers) thrones shake. They realize the soul has become a Tirthankara and, with their retinues, arrive at the Tirthankara's location to create the Samavasaran.
• Eight Pratiharyas (Emblems of Authority/Splendor): The Samavasaran is adorned with eight specific symbols of glory:
  1. Ashoka Tree
  2. Shower of Flowers
  3. Divine Sound (Divya Dhwani)
  4. Yak-tail Fans (Chamar)
  5. Throne (Simhasana)
  6. Halo (Bhamandal)
  7. Divine Drum (Dundubhi)
  8. Three Umbrellas (Chattra)
• Celestial Construction: The creation of Samavasaran is a grand celestial project.
  • Vayukumar deities first purify a one-yojan area of land, removing debris and thorns.
  • Meghakumar deities sprinkle fragrant water to settle dust and spread aroma.
  • Deities presiding over six seasons cause the growth of five-colored flowers.
  • Vyanter deities construct a raised platform, one and a quarter Kosh high, studded with gold and jewels.
  • This is followed by further platforms and ramparts made of precious stones, with numerous steps. The description details the dimensions and construction of three concentric ramparts (gadhs), each adorned with gates and filled with various beautiful elements like gardens, dance halls, temples, reservoirs, flags, flower gardens, decorative pillars, idols, auspicious symbols, incense burners, and pots.
• Seating Arrangements:
  • The first rampart's platform is for vehicles.
  • The second rampart's platform accommodates animals like lions, tigers, goats, deer, and peacocks.
  • The third rampart's platform is for humans and celestial beings.

The Central Structure and the Tirthankara:

• Ashoka Tree: Above the third rampart, in the center, stands an Ashoka tree, twelve times taller than the Tirthankara's body, adorned with flowers, flags, and umbrellas.
• Thrones: At the base of the Ashoka tree, deities create four golden, jewel-studded thrones with footrests for the Tirthankara to preach in the four directions.
• Entrance: The Tirthankara enters at sunrise, walking on golden lotuses, and is greeted with triumphant roars by the deities.
• Seating of the Congregation:
  • North-East: Ganadharas (chief disciples), then Kevalis, then Manya-paryavaya-gyanis, Avadhi-gyanis, Chaturdasha-purvadharas, and other monks take their seats after circumambulating the Tirthankara three times.
  • South-East: Kalpvasi female deities and nuns stand behind the monks.
  • South-West: Bhawanpati, Jyotishi, and Vyanter deities and their consorts take their positions.
  • North-West: Bhawanpati, Jyotishi, and Vyanter deities occupy their designated places.
  • North-East: Vaimanik deities and human men and women are seated.
  • Facing the Tirthankara: Sixty-four Indras stand with folded hands.

Miraculous Aspects of Samavasaran:

• Harmony: In the Samavasaran, all beings, regardless of species or past enmities, forget their natural animosity. Tigers and goats, or mice and cats, sit together peacefully.
• Infinite Capacity: Although the Samavasaran area is only one yojana, it accommodates millions of deities, humans, and animals without any crowding or discomfort. This is considered a miracle of the Tirthankara.
• Four Forms: The Tirthankara appears in four identical forms in the four directions, creating the illusion of being present in front of every individual.
• Divine Sound (Divya Dhwani): The Tirthankara's preaching is a "Divya Dhwani," a divine sound characterized by thirty-five qualities. It is so profound that all beings understand it in their own languages. The preaching is delivered in specific ragas (musical modes), making it melodious and nectar-like. Deities enhance this with their instruments. The sound can be heard up to one yojana away, bringing immense joy and peace. The preaching is said to alleviate the suffering of worldly existence and can lead many beings to liberation in that very lifetime.

Details about the Ashoka Tree and Chaitya Trees:

• Ashoka Tree in Samavasaran: The Ashoka tree in the Samavasaran is always present, providing shade and adorned with all seasons' flowers, umbrellas, flags, etc.
• Chaitya Trees: Each Tirthankara attains Kevalgyan under or near a specific tree, which is then called a Chaitya Tree. The text lists the Chaitya Trees for all 24 Tirthankaras, starting with Rishabhdev and ending with Mahavir Swami.
• Circumambulation: After entering the Samavasaran, the Tirthankara circumambulates the Ashoka tree (and thus the Chaitya tree) three times before taking their seat on the eastern throne.

Four Manifestations and Meditation:

• Three Copies: The Tirthankara sits on the eastern throne, while deities create three perfect replicas of the Tirthankara, including the throne and footrest, in the other three directions. These replicas are indistinguishable from the actual Tirthankara.
• Quadri-faced Aspect: Due to the divine arrangements, the Tirthankara appears quadri-faced, yet each individual perceives only one face directly in front of them.
• Samavasaran Meditation: Meditating on the four-faced form of the Tirthankara in the Samavasaran is considered highly beneficial for karmic purification, especially for removing obstacles.

Observing the Samavasaran:

• Limited Perception: Misguided and unborn souls (Abhavya Jivas) can only perceive the outer structures of the Samavasaran and are mesmerized. They cannot see the Tirthankara. Doubtful, irreligious, or those with perverted dispositions are also unable to see the Tirthankara; their eyes are blinded by the radiant light of the Samavasaran.
• True Seekers: Beings with genuine curiosity and earnest questions find their doubts resolved simply by witnessing the Tirthankara or hearing their discourse.

Samavasaran Vrat (Vow):

• The text mentions the "Samavasaran Vrat," a vow of fasting on the fourteenth day of the bright and dark fortnights of each month, totaling twenty-four days a year, dedicated to Samavasaran. During this vow, a specific mantra is recited thrice daily.

In conclusion, the text provides a detailed and reverent description of the Samavasaran, highlighting its spiritual significance, celestial construction, miraculous attributes, and the profound nature of the Tirthankara's preaching, emphasizing its importance in Jain philosophy and practice.